Boasting pilots who had been blooded in the Spanish Civil War,
Jagdgeschwader 53 (JG 53) "Pik As" or "Ace of Spades" achieved great
success in the skies over France and Britain in 1940. It was infamous
among its opponents for the quality and caliber of its aces--men such as
Werner Mölders, Hans-Karl Mayer, and Rolf Pingel. These aces won
numerous Knight's Crosses for their exploits in 1940, credited with 258
victories, with 51 pilots being killed or captured. This study follows
these pilots of JG 53 into battle, telling the stories of their
victories, losses, and ultimate fate.
Containing thirty-six profile illustrations depicting the drastic change
in appearance of their aircraft over time, and complemented by thorough
research, this book is a welcome addition to Osprey's popular Aircraft
of the Aces series.