Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 30 : P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Ninth and Fifteenth Air Forces

When the Ninth Air Force was reorganised in England on 16 October 1943, plans were well advanced for an invasion of Europe. The force, which would conduct tactical operations in support of one of the greatest military operations in history, had had an antecedent in North Africa, but the 'new' Ninth was built almost entirely from scratch. It would be composed to a large extent of new combat fighter groups which would arrive in England, pending deployment in an undertaking that still lay months ahead. The follow-on book to Osprey Aircraft of the Aces 24 - P-47 Thunderbolt Aces of the Eighth Air Force, 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'. Text by Jerry Scutts with illustrations by Chris Davey.

Contents

• Introduction
• Escorts and Dive-Bombing
• Invasion Support
• Southern Front
• Continental Sweep
• Ardennes Surprise
• End Run
• Appendices