Tag: B-17 Flying Fortress

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Project X and the American Aerial Defense of Java, 1941–1942

Coming soon from Texas A&M University Press and authors William H. Bartsch and Edward M. Rogers is Desperate Gambit: Project X and the American Aerial Defense of Java, 1941–1942, which reveals the untold story of how the Army Air Forces sent some eighty B-17 Flying Fortresses nearly 7,000 miles to Java to oppose the Japanese invasion.

In the dark days of World War II, just after Pearl Harbor, Japanese forces were moving almost at will across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. With his troops besieged in the Philippines and his bomber and fighter squadrons decimated, General MacArthur pressured the US War Department to provide urgent help, particularly for replacements for the B-17 bombers devastated in the December 8 attack on Clark Field. President Roosevelt committed to send a large force of heavy bombers and their crews to the Philippines, a reinforcement plan code named “Project X.” Continue reading Project X and the American Aerial Defense of Java, 1941–1942

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New Book Reveals How Far Gen. B.L. Montgomery Went to Get a B‑17

Coming soon from Pen and Sword and author Zita Ballinger Fletcher is Monty’s Flying Fortress, the full story documenting the lengths General Bernard Law Montgomery was willing to go to win a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber aircraft for his travel security.

In 1943, Monty made a daring wager with American leadership to win a Fortress as a prize in exchange for victories in North Africa. Monty’s quest for the Fortress would see him defy official channels and fight a series of bloody battles across Tunisia with ruthless precision. A motley assortment of young American aviators from diverse walks of life were destined to join Monty in his B-17 as his crew. Most had never traveled outside the United States. All had already distinguished themselves for heroism in combat. None expected to be assigned this unusual duty. An unlikely bond formed between Montgomery and his US crewmen. American aviators who served with Monty would recall their adventures with him as among their most memorable wartime experiences. After the war, the true story of the Fortress and the transatlantic friendship it brought about was forgotten amid political backbiting and jealousy from other Allied commanders.

Now published for the first time in one volume is the full story of Montgomery and the American airmen who protected him during the war, previously lost to history, with details about the furious conquest Montgomery staked on winning the Fortress and biographical details about the intrepid US aviators who accompanied him.

The 224 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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New Book Details How Assembly Ships Ensured Successful Bombing Raids in WW2

MMPBooks is slated to release Jacek Jackiewicz’s Assembly Ships of the Mighty Eight, which “is a detailed exploration of the specialized aircraft used during World War II to help organize and assemble bomber formations.”

This book delves into the vital role these assembly ships played in ensuring successful bombing missions by the US Eighth Air Force. Featuring meticulously researched text and a rich collection of period photographs, the book also includes color profiles by Jacek Jackiewicz, offering a comprehensive visual representation of these unique aircraft.

The 184 page paperback title is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for January 8, 2026.

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