The main point in favor of this book is the large number of illustrations and pictures. The author has certainly done the research and has complied a very large number of historical photographs.

Beyond that however, I found I simply skimmed very long parts of this book. It begins with a promising narrative on the formation of the Tuskegee Airmen and the people and work involved to make it happen in what was obviously a very oppressive environment. Once the squadron heads off to the front however, the book turns into a very long bullet by bullet recounting of each and every truck, bridge, and enemy aircraft encountered. The squadron moves from mundane patrols in the most obsolete aircraft to bomber escort in the famous P51 fighters, but very little is revealed about what was going on behind the scenes, who was working in their favor and who not. We are given only a couple of 'because of their record' paragraphs to introduce the upgrade to each more advanced fighter.

I was perhaps most disappointed to not get a good deal more background on the famous Red Tails who escorted bombers. We are treated to many pictures and a section of wonderful full color illustrations of each of the squadron P51's. But the historical record presented is again limited to a day by day recount of strafing runs and technical descriptions of dogfights. What I was really wishing to see was interview recollections from the pilots and, just as important, the airmen in the bombers they were escorting.

The subject of discrimination is discussed a good deal during the opening chapter about the formation of the group, but later, is seems to shrink to the occasional mention of a compliant over a segregated area in a post movie tent. I wanted to know what really happened. Who's attitudes where changed and who's where not and for that reason, I did not feel satisfied with this book as anything more than something to thumb through.

So, to summarize - Technical recap of the specifics of air combat by the group A+. Historical narrative about the group and its place in time and history C-.

Book Review for 332nd Fighter Squad: Tuskegee Airmen

The book, 332nd Fighter Squad received an average five star rating from most critiques, however I would give it a four and a half (rounding to five). It was a beautifully written story, filled with straight facts, showing vast initiative. I believe that the story, by itself, was deserving of a five-star rating. The quality of the artwork however, was questionable. Taking a first look at this book, caused a feeling of dubiousness. It is an intimidating looking book, with such small font pressed so tightly together. Plus the words only take up half of the page, making it seem so curtailed. In fact, in only a few more years, I might not be able to read this book.

Of course, making the book with 14 font, double spacing, and full-page would have cost the author more money, but in the long run, it would have made him more famous and sold more copies.
Though this is not entirely his fault. He may not have had a say in the matter. I know some of the publishers these days are so pushy. They get everything the way that they want it. And they want it cheap. Even if the cheapest way isn't necessarily the best financial move, they have to go that route.
This book is packed with interesting, relevant information . Chris Bucholtz is a great writer. For I would find it hard to find all of this information on the Tuskegee airmen. He made this topic interesting. You are glued to your seat with this book.
I can understand how much Chris Bucholtz enjoys aviation. When you like aviation that much, artwork seems to not matter at all. I applaud Chris on his wonderfully written book, and I strongly encourage him to keep up the amazing work. I expect great things from him.


Jonathan McNeill

Before I even finished the 1st chapter of this book I was well impressed by the exploits of these men even as they were in training for combat missions in Europe(40 Tuskegee graduates,I learned actually went to the Pacific as aerial spotters which I'm now very eager to learn about as well.). I had previously thought myself somewhat familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen,this book instantly proved me wrong.Reading about the accomplishments of these intrepid men literally sent shivers down my spine. I was deeply affected by the numbers of them who met tragic ends, both during and after the war. Very few,it seemed,were actually shot down and they never lost an aircraft under their escort to enemy fighters.
The book approaches the subject in a no-nonsense textbook-like method which takes you right into the action, even before members' deployments. It provides numerous,if brief statements on individual missions and members' personalities and it accounts various engagements,accidents,victories,bail-outs,downed pilot rescues and E&E's(escape and evasions).It also touches on members' post-war accomplishments.This book crams an incredible amount of information into a space of just over 120 pages and is rich with photographs and detailed color illustrations of aircraft and insignia. The only additional information I would have liked to have seen would be appendices devoted to KIA's and awards.
I am now eager to learn more about these gallant men who trully serve as shining examples of great Americans who ignored adversity and perservered. I'd be grateful if I could be half the man that is any given member of this squadron.

Before I even finished the 1st chapter of this book I was well impressed by the exploits of these men even as they were in training for combat missions in Europe(40 Tuskegee graduates,I learned actually went to the Pacific). I had previously thought myself somewhat familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen,this book instantly proved me wrong.Reading about the accomplishments of these intrepid men literally sent shivers down my spine. I was deeply affected by the numbers of them who met tragic ends, both during and after the war. Very few,it seemed,were actually shot down.
The book approaches the subject in a no-nonsense textbook-like method which takes you right into the action, even before members' deployments. It provides numerous,if brief statements on individual missions and members' personalities and it accounts various engagements,accidents,victories,bail-outs,downed pilot rescues and E&E's(escape and evasions).It also touches on members' post-war accomplishments.This book crams an incredible amount of information into a space of just over 120 pages and is rich with photographs and detailed color illustrations of aircraft and insignia. The only additional information I would have liked to have seen would be appendices devoted to KIA's and awards.
I am now eager to learn more about these gallant men who trully serve as shining examples of great Americans who ignored adversity and perservered. I'd be grateful if I could be half the man that is any given member of this squadron.

Always readable and well illustrated, Osprey books provide details and specifics in one volume that satisfy the beginner or the specialist. This Elite volume is not different. Good anecdotes, statistics, and model markings/liveries that are complete. Outstanding buy.

Chris Bucholtz's 332ND FIGHTER GROUP - TUSKEGEE AIRMEN adds to the 'Aviation Elite Units' series and covers a Tuskegee Experiment designed to prove that Afro-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft: an experiment which created one of aviation's top units. The group proved victorious, sink a German naval vessel, and was feared and respected by the Germans. Their saga comes to life, here.

My husband said this was the most comprehensive book he has ever seen on the Tuskegee Airmen. It actually has paint scheme illustrations that allow you to see many versions of the planes. Thanks for the publication!

The black airmen who comprised the 332nd Fighter Group fought two enemies in World War II - Axis fliers and bigoted American military commanders who believed blacks were only fit for menial tasks. That the "Red Tails" not only survived but thrived reflects greatly on men who served in the group and especially on its lone wartime commander, Benjamin O. Davis. The story of the 332nd's two-front war is told in this excellent Osprey 'Aviation Elite Units' volume by Chris Bucholtz.

The racism that was rampant in America was reflected in the top American leadership, SecWar Stimson stating that Negroes did not possess leadership abilities. If not for the efforts of President Roosevelt and his wife, blacks may indeed have been relegated to staffing mess halls in World War II.

Eventually the all-black 99th FS, commanded by Capt. Davis, was formed and entered combat in the MTO in June 1943 flying P-40s. Attached to the 33rd FG, the 99th turned in a commendable performance yet 33rd FG CO William Momyer & higher 12th AF commanders actively schemed against the unit and even misrepresented its achievements in official documents. Davis was forced to return stateside and testify before a Congressional committee. Following a comprehensive investigation of all MTO P-40 units, Davis and his squadron were vindicated. The 99th was later transferred to the 15th AF and joined into the all-black 332nd FG. Known as the "Red-Tails," the 332nd, equipped with P-51s and led by now-Col. Davis, ran up an outstanding record on bomber escort missions, claims being made that the Group never lost a bomber to enemy action while under their care. By war's end the Tuskegee Airmen had racked up over 400 e/a destroyed including 119 air kills, and earned a DUC. Almost 100 black airmen became POWs or were KIA.

Author Chris Bucholtz' narrative is a finely balanced effort showcasing the Group's aerial combats - and fighter bomber missions - while underscoring the dogged determination of Davis & Co. to prove that black airmen were equal to the task. Unlike other 'Aviation Elite Unit' books which basically relate the combat history of a unit, this volume also gives you a glimpse of the social history of the times these men lived in. Over 100 black and white photographs and eight pages of top-notch Jim Laurier color profiles compliment the text.

All in all, a fascinating, exciting chronicle of some very brave, determined men and their tough-as-nails commander.