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American Aces against the Kamikaze

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
American Aces against the Kamikaze by Edward M. Young delves into the experiences of American fighter pilots who battled Japanese kamikaze attacks during World War II. The book highlights the bravery, challenges, and tactics of these pilots as they defended Allied naval forces in the Pacific theatre. Through gripping narratives and detailed accounts, readers gain insight into the intense air combats and the strategic significance of these aerial encounters.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by gripping historical narratives and military aviation, especially those keen on World War II's Pacific Theatre. It offers a riveting account of the heroic efforts and strategies employed by American fighter aces combating the kamikaze threat, providing deep insights into their experiences and the dramatic aerial battles they engaged in.

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This illustrated history describes the clashes between the US against the hastily created Kamikaze units of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces, some of the last large scale aerial engagements of the Pacific War.

This illustrated history describes the clashes between the US against the hastily created Kamikaze units of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces, some of the last large scale aerial engagements of the Pacific War.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This illustrated history describes the clashes between the US and the hastily created Kamikaze units of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces, which were some of the last large-scale aerial engagements of the Pacific War.

The Japanese High Command realised that the loss of Okinawa would provide the Americans with a base for the invasion of Japan. In a desperate response, they unleashed the full force of the Special Attack Units, known in the West as the Kamikaze ('Divine Wind'). In a series of mass attacks between April and June 1945, more than 900 Kamikaze aeroplanes were shot down.

Conventional fighters and bombers accompanied the Special Attack Units as escorts and added their own weight to the attacks on the US fleet. During the air battles leading up to the invasion of Okinawa, and those that raged over the island in the following three months, the Japanese lost more than 7,000 aircraft both in the air and on the ground. In the course of the fighting, 67 Navy, 21 Marine, and three USAAF pilots became aces.

As Edward M. Young reveals in American Aces against the Kamikaze, the combat was often uneven. On numerous occasions following these uneven contests, American fighter pilots would return from combat having shot down up to six Japanese aeroplanes during a single mission.

Series: Aircraft of the Aces

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  • American Aces against the Kamikaze
    This illustrated history describes the clashes between the US and the hastily created Kamikaze units of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Air Forces, which were some of the last large-scale aerial engagements of the Pacific War. The Japanese High Command realised that the loss of Okinawa would provide the Americans with a base for the invasion of Japan. In...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

American Aces against the Kamikaze is praised for its engaging recounting of Japan's use of kamikaze pilots during World War II. It is well-received by military and aviation enthusiasts for its detailed exploration, enhanced by vivid colour profiles and evocative archival photos, making it both an informative and visually appealing read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849087452

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 October 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: Illustrated throughout with colour artwork and black and white photos

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Mark Styling
  • Illustrated by Mark Postlethwaite

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 180.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Edward M. Young is a retired financial executive with degrees in Political Science from Harvard University and the University of Washington. During his career he held assignments in New York, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. He has written a number of books and numerous articles on aviation and military history. He is the author of Osprey Campaign series number 136 Meiktila, Warrior series number 141 Merrill’s Marauders and Osprey Combat Aircraft series number 87 - B-24 Liberators of the Tenth and Fourteenth Air Forces. He lives with his wife in Seattle, Washington.

Mark Styling has illustrated many titles for Osprey including Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft and Elite Units series books since 1994. Now based in Bridport, Dorset, he produces accurate illustrations of any chosen aircraft type. He has created some of the best artwork available to Osprey, and his nose art panels are legendary.

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