Osprey Aviation Elite 10 : 359th Fighter Group

Nicknamed the 'Unicorns', the 359th FG was one of the last groups to arrive in the UK for service in the ETO with the Eighth Air Force. First seeing action on 13 December 1943, the group initially flew bomber escort sweeps in P-47s, before converting to the ubiquitous P-51 in March/April 1944. Based at East Wretham, in Norfolk, throughout its time in the ETO, the 359th was credited with the destruction of 351 enemy aircraft destroyed between December 1943 and May 1945. Although not one of the highest scoring units in-theatre, the 359th FG's Ray Wetmore was the leading USAAF ace during 1945, and its tally of trains destroyed (one of the most hazardous jobs in the ETO) was better than most fighter groups in the UK. The exploits of all 12 aces created by the group are detailed, along with the most significant missions flown. This book also discusses the various markings worn by the group's three squadrons, the 368th, 369th and 370th FSs. Text by Jack H. Smith with illustrations by Tom Tullis.