Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks

"Every now and then a book appears that is obviously the result of someone's obsession and they and their supporters have poured their heart and soul into producing it. Combine that with an under-published yet charismatic subject - a 9th Air Force fighter group - and an incredible collection of photographs, and you are looking at a winner, a 'must have' book. I rarely buy books unseen but I gambled on this one - and won!"

– Chris Thomas (Noted aviation historian and author of the 2nd Tactical Air Force series)

Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks - 365th Fighter-Bomber Group in Words, Pictures and Illustrations - Softbound.

By Don Barnes, John Crump & Roy Sutherland

Ninth Air Force P-47 units have been long overlooked, despite their significant contribution to victory in WWII. Their war was close to the ground, dive-bombing and strafing in support of the US Army at the Normandy landings, and in the race across France, Belgium and Germany. "Thunderbolts of the Hell Hawks" is a new book offering a personal view of one of the most decorated and effective P-47 units in the Ninth Air Force. This rich visual account of the 365th Fighter-Bomber Group, the "Hell Hawks", is presented in 320 pages with over 500 photos, most published for the first time. The book also features 98 thoroughly researched and detailed color profiles of their Thunderbolts, illustrated by Don Barnes. All but three of the aircraft profiled have languished in obscurity for the past 65 years, brought to light for the first time here.

Published with full cooperation of the 365th FG Association, and with the kind help of the men and families who shared memories and personal photo albums, this book is a testament to their strength, courage and sacrifice helping bring an end to the war in Europe. Don Barnes, John Crump and Roy Sutherland interviewed and befriended over 20 surviving pilots from the 365th FG. Maps, charts and photos of surviving artifacts illustrate the very detailed, almost day-to-day record of the Hell Hawks’ missions. Additionally, more than 100 sidebars, many written by the men of the 365th, themselves, give life and humanity to the story. This unique book offers an extraordinarily personal and illustrative portrait of the lives of P-47 pilots.

Inspired by the excellent book "Hell Hawks" by Bob Dorr and Tom Jones, this book is a companion piece, providing much additional information and a rich visual picture of the 365th during the last year of the war in Europe.

320 pages