Through Blue Skies to Hell

America's "Bloody 100th" in the Air War over Germany

by Edward M. Sion

Imprint: Casemate

256 Pages, 6 x 9 in, 16 pages b/w photos

Paperback
9781636244624
May 2024
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$24.95

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Description
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Praise

“...enables the reader better to understand how and why things were the way they were in the skies of Europe in the Second World War. Very readable, surprisingly revealing.” — Aviation News

This book provides a comprehensive look at air war over Europe during the climactic year of World War II, combining firsthand experience with expert analysis. The centerpiece is a mission-by-mission diary of 1st Lieutenant Richard R. Ayesh, bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress, who flew with the 100th Bombardment Group, 13th Combat Wing of the 8th Air Force—the legendary “Bloody 100th.” He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Croix de Guerre and the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, amongst others.

This book follows Ayesh’s progress from his youth during the Great Depression in Wichita, Kansas, which was rapidly becoming the air capital of the nation, to his arrival in England as a Lieutenant in a bomber crew assigned to assault the Third Reich.

Once in Europe, the author provides a look at the principles of American daylight strategic bombing, while relaying the overall military situation on the ground and in the air just after D-Day. This work is uniquely self-contained and covers all aspects of Air War in a clear, concise, yet nontechnical manner. Topics include photo-reconnaissance, munitions and bomb types, aircraft characteristics, fighter and bomber tactics, bomber formations, strategic target selection, radars, countermeasures and counter-counter measures. The unaltered diary of Lt. Ayesh is presented mission-by-mission, punctuated by tragedy and heroism, with explanations and commentary of the significance of events and actions described en route. The result is one of the most frank and exciting works on the air war over Europe to date.

There is no varnishing of words in this book, instead, after Lt. Ayesh is followed on his perilous return home in U-boat infested waters, the book assesses the effectiveness of US strategy in ultimately paralyzing the Nazi war machine. Finally, the complex moral issues raised by area and city bombing are explored with 21st century implications.

“,,,enables the reader better to understand how and why things were the way they were in the skies of Europe in the Second World War. Very readable, surprisingly revealing.” ~Aviation News

“…an interesting and challenging read and a valuable contribution to air war literature.” ~Fighting High

"...delivers a real punch... a fine, straight forward, informative look at the air war over Europe after June 6 1944, with a surprising amount of new perspective on the moral issues of area bombing with implications in the present century. A worthy book about yesterday for today and tomorrow." ~Midwest Book Review

“The combination of personal memoirs dotted in between the facts about the 100th’s missions, plus the evident research skills of the author providing an intelligent analysis of a great many usual aspects of the events surrounding the 8th Air Force in Europe, creates a startling combination of the poignant and the historic.” ~Military Modelling

“…an elaborate study….well worth adding to any collection.” ~Military Modelling

“…an educated critique of the US bomber offensive during the Second World War…. An interesting read well worth taking up…” ~Scale Aviation Modeller International

"... an exceptional work on the Allied bombing campaign during World War II. While drawing on his uncle’s diary for close-in combat experiences, he also provides a scientist’s eye for the true chokepoints of German industry, particularly its synthetic fuel industry. Full of facts, anecdotes and strategic perspective, while following the progress of America’s “Bloody 100th” Bomb Group, Sion has provided a fascinating look at the massive WWII air war--a unique campaign in modern history." ~Stephen Tanner, author of “Afghanistan: A Military History” and “Refuge from the Reich: American Airmen and Switzerland During World War II”

"very readable account…intertwines the deeply personal and day to day minutiae of life on a Mighty 8th bomber base with the pros and cons of daylight missions and US offensive strategy. A chilling read…" ~Flypast

“It's a good introduction to the US WWII air war over Germany. Enjoyed it.” ~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

“[Sion] has gifted us aviation buffs and enthusiasts with a most remarkable account of the air war over Europe during the 1944-1945 year. The result is one of the most vivid memoirs ever written.” ~ARGunners.com