IHRA – International Historical Research Associate’s 5th Air Force Series
I am not at all certain what I expected before my copy of Warpath Across the Pacific arrived at my doorstep, but today I find myself wholly unqualified to review IHRA’s commanding series Eagles Over the Pacific. This tome concerning the 345th Bomb Group is the highest quality of research I have ever had the pleasure to read.
Lawrence J. Hickey has created a masterpiece account of history accompanied by the artistic talent of Art Director, Jack Fellows. The Preface, written by Col. Maurice J. Eppstein, USAF Ret., delivers an impact of reality depicting life for the 498th,499th, 500th & 501st squadrons and so many others during the Pacific War.
Warpath Across the Pacific takes the readers from the establishment of the 345th, into their rigorous training and throughout their deployment. One is carried across the massive ocean to see the bases and examine each aircraft. You will eventually realize that you have come to know each crew as they prepare, experience and carry out each mission as it is described in striking detail. Then, with bated breath, you await each of their return.
The numerous maps and aircraft profiles, by Steve W. Ferguson, keep the reader orientated while being engulfed in the events, seeing their successes and feeling the pain of their losses. Countless photographs from worldwide historians and private collections are included to correspond to the information at hand. Nose-art is visible cover to cover as well as artistic illustrations of the B-25’s flown by these young, valiant men. Each airman is mentioned, the bomb squadrons profiled and the book has a special section for those killed and missing.
I find it difficult to accurately describe how greatly impressed I am by this series as each page is turned. I have never acquired a volume I value more or recommend so highly. Reading Warpath Across the Pacific was not a way to learn history, but a way to experience it!
This 5th edition even includes new material concerning the Japanese side of the war.
I thank the members of the IHRA for paying such attention to detail, for their dedication, patriotism and expertise.
Therefore, it is with the utmost confidence that I recommend these other editions of the series…
# 2 – Revenge of the Red Raiders –
An equal effort of historical importance concerning the 22nd Bombardment Group/5th Air Force. The same attention to detail as they bring the reader from the airfields of America to the SW Pacific skies.
# 3 – Rampage of the Roarin’ 20’s –
The life and wartime of the 312th Bombardment Group/5th Air Force follows in the same style and professional manner. Read and imagine these young men in their P-40 Warhawks and later, the Douglas A-20 Havoc aircraft.
# 4 – Ken’s Men Against the Empire – Vol. 1 –
This project by the IHRA, contains the history of the 43rd Bombardment Group, generated such an abundance of material that it was necessary to create two volumes rather than omit any information. With the early war and the B-17 era, and then re-equipping with B-24’s for this young, but growing unit.
This edition holds the detailed and accurate missions of the most highly decorated crew in U.S. history, Zeamer’s “Eager Beavers.” You can start your journey with these squadrons as they progress through the Pacific and witness it as never before. Should you have any doubt about their research from U.S. training bases – through New Guinea, the Netherlands Indies, the Philippines, Indochina and Japan – a reblog 0f their own post will show, (rather than tell), you how expertly each record is handled.
As Lawrence Hickey stated in his Introduction: “This, then, is the story of the ‘Air Apaches.'”
To locate the IHRA blog – Please Click Here!
To purchase any volume from the IHRA, click HERE!
Click on images to enlarge.
###################################################################################
Farewell Salutes –
William Cather – Birmingham, AL; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 501st “Black Panthers”/345th, Capt.
Glenn Doolittle – San Antonio, TX; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 435th Bombardment Group, Silver Star, Col.
Lester Gurden – Owosso, MI; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, SSgt., radio technician
William Hammock – Columbus, OH; US Army Air Corps, WWII
Bruce Hanson – Nampa, IA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, B-25 pilot
Erwin Johnson – New Orleans, LA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, 27th Bomb Group, A-20 air mechanic, POW
Gerald Levin – Baltimore, MD; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO
William Michels – Alexandria, VA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, Engineer Corps
Louis Mori – Ronoke Rapid, NC; US Army Air Corps, WWII, PTO, 674th Artillery/11th Airborne Division
Harold Peterson – Boston, MA; US Army Air Corps, WWII, ETO, radioman
####################################################################################https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/rrr-cover.jpg
Posted on August 22, 2016, in Book Reviews, Current News, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 1940's, Book Review, History, Military, Military History, Pacific, Pacific War, USA, veterans, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 51 Comments.
! I have only just found your wonderful site; do you have any of his stories included in your blog?
LikeLiked by 1 person
None of the stories included here are directly from the IHRA except the re-blogs. Some are similar. I mention the 5th Air Force quite often, especially since they were often operating close or with my father’s area. Is there something in particular you might be looking for? One of us might be able to be of assistance.
LikeLike
! oh very welcome
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t put any of my father’s stories on my blog, but will do so in the future. I’m actually thinking of starting a WWII Facebook page. People could put their links there. I’ll let you know if I do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not into FB, but i do believe there are many WWII pages about it. I would be very happy to read them, should you do so.
LikeLike
My father was in the 8th Air Force, stationed in England, and flew on B-24 Liberators. He wrote about his experiences and visited many airports and airshows and reunions later in life. It’s good to see these stories live on.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have only just found your wonderful site; do you have any of his stories included in your blog? Feel free to include them here. Not only do I enjoy the first-hand accounts, but the readers here are great! They discuss between themselves (not just me, I can get boring and repetitious) and include what they know, even if it is not the Pacific. This was a world-wide war and that means everyone was affected by it in some way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on quirkywritingcorner.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for reblogging, this entire series is the result of hard work and meticulous research by the IHRA. I included links so other readers could benefit from them as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review of a non review gp, you certainly got around it well, you piqued my interest from the start, another on my list for my librarian, sounds like it goes into detail, and detail is what captivates the reader that wants to see inside our past military history.
Great post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Itemized detail like you wouldn’t believe, Ian. You will really enjoy this one!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a very wonderful review
thank you for sharing
Happy wednesday
Kisses
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. My main problem was finding the right words to explain just how great these are!
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh very welcome
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review
LikeLike
Thank you. This series deserves more!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great review. I will have to check out the series. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please do, Otto! You won’t be disappointed!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Very promising, Not much is in the media on this matter and it’s mostly hear say.
By this you have put some order and truth to the disorder we seemed to have learned.
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
IHRA has done that. This series covers a part of the war that so few ever knew about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on KCJones.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Penny. I can honestly say,this series has no competition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My research for the current novel-in-progress included a bit on the B-25’s very important role in the Pacific. But it was the Marine version, the PBJ, that my uncle flew during the last two years of the Pacific war that got included in the manuscript. Great aircraft in either version and devastatingly effective.
LikeLiked by 3 people
As far as I know there are still about 20-25 B-25’s still flying out there today! A grand old lady she is! The B-25H-5 was the base model for the PBJ. Thanks for stopping in Mike.
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a wonderful review you have written there. It really tells everyone just how good this book is. Excellent, well done.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you, John. I was definitely out of my league trying to explain just how much is incorporated in these volumes. Makes me wish I was an English major in school, instead of science.
LikeLike
GP, I have commented, but it awaiting moderation, due to a link.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Got it, Pete and I greatly appreciate you taking the time to get me that link!!
LikeLike
“I find it difficult to accurately describe how greatly impressed I am by this series as each page is turned. I have never acquired a volume I value more or recommend so highly. Reading Warpath Across the Pacific was not a way to learn history, but a way to experience it!”
Wow. Thank you for such high praise! We are very excited to read that you enjoyed the book so much. No doubt it has enriched your knowledge of the events in the Pacific Theater. Great post!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, the subject matter is very close to my heart. Who knows, one day on New Guinea or the P.I., my father looked up to see these crews flying overhead!! With all your work, you certainly deserved much more!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have done a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredible review about Warpath Across the Pacific! Your excitement comes through! The photos are amazing! Have a great week, GP! 💛 Christine
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad I got my point across, without sounding phony, because there is certainly no exaggeration in my review!! Thanks for reading today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been following IHRA’s post on how they put these books together. The time and effort they put into the detail is incredible. I can certainly believe they are truly excellent books. Thanks for sharing your review with us.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ll be reblogging one of those posts this Wednesday so people don’t get the idea that I’m exaggerating here with my praise. Truly remarkable accomplishments, everyone of them!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Totally agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This does look great. I’ve shared it with my Tweeple.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’m glad, Jacqui, the research involved here is astronomical!
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
Definitely Adding this to my WW2 “TO READ” List. So many great books this year.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You’ll be amazed, Steven! I know my mouth had to drop as I went through it!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff indeed, GP. I love the nose art on those aircraft. Here is a good link for more of the same!
http://www.airplanenoseart.com/world-war-ii-airplane-nose-art.htm
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fantastic, Pete! I just might use these one day for a separate post! The nose art sure showing the creativity and imagination of the men, eh?
Have a great evening, GP.
LikeLike
We try to cram as much nose art as possible into each book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great work!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
These look like good research sources.
LikeLiked by 3 people
You will not find anything more complete.
LikeLike
Marvelous post, GP. Extra great work on the images. Have a marvelous Monday. Hugs
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, I was really out of my league here!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly couldn’t tell. More hugs
LikeLiked by 1 person
I appreciate that.
LikeLike