The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang,
the World War II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made
D-Day possible
**
****"Aviation buffs will cheer this high-flying saga."--Publishers
Weekly - "[A] fascinating book about passion and
innovation."--Walter Isaacson - "An essential book for those who
appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking
understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major
contribution."--E. J. Dionne, Jr.****
**
When the P-51 Mustang began tearing across European skies in early 1944,
the Allies had been losing the air war for years. Staggering numbers of
bomber crews, both British and American, had been shot down and killed
thanks to the Luftwaffe's superior fighter force. Not only did the air
war appear grim, but any landing of troops in France was impossible
while German fighters hunted overhead. But behind the scenes, a team of
visionaries had begun to design a bold new type of airplane, one that
could outrun and outmaneuver Germany's best.
*
Wings of War* is the incredible true story of the P-51 Mustang fighter
and the unlikely crew of designers, engineers, test pilots, and army
officers who brought it from the drafting table to the skies over World
War II. This is hardly a straightforward tale of building an
airplane--for years, the team was stymied by corruption within the
defense industry and stonewalled by the Army Air Forces, who failed to
understand the Mustang's potential. But when squadrons of Mustangs were
finally unleashed over Hitler's empire, the Luftwaffe was decimated
within months, clearing the skies for D-Day. A compelling,
character-focused narrative replete with innovation, determination, and
bravery, Wings of War is the never-before-told story of the airplane
that truly changed the course of World War II.
