P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Ninth and Fifteenth Air Forces
This book charts the story of the lesser known aces who flew the mighty Republic aircraft as a tactical fighter-bomber with the Ninth Air Force, rather than as a long-range escort.
It also details the exploits of the Mediterranean-based 325th FG, which was the only P-47 group within the strategic Fifteenth Air Force. Thunderbolt aces within the Ninth Air Force, particularly, were rare, despite some 15 groups flying the fighter.
Supporting troops on the ground rather than searching out aerial foes, was the name of the game for the men of the Ninth. However, with the Luftwaffe often opposing such sorties through to April 1945, more than 20 pilots had the opportunity to score five or more kills and 'make ace'.
Jerry Scutts has worked in the field of aviation publishing since the late 1960s, writing over 40 books that have covered a broad spectrum of subject matter ranging from US Navy floatplane fighters in World War 2 to the exploits of the USAF's Phantom IIs over Vietnam. His first book for Osprey Publishing was in 1977, and he has been a regular contributor to Osprey's Aircraft of the Aces series since its inception in 1994.
An airbrush artist with years of experience, Chris Davey has become Osprey Publishing's principal illustrator of RAF aircraft, having produced the profiles for over a dozen books since 1994. His work for Osprey includes Aircraft of the Aces 27 and 30, and Combat AIrcraft 14 and 19. He is particularly adept at 'big' aircraft like the Halifax and Sunderland.