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Summary: Get up to speed on WWII aviation history!
Review: This book is a must read for anyone who has an interest in World War II aviation history. The text is thoroughly researched and well-written. The story is true and fascinating. I recommend it highly.
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Summary: Great Tribute to an outstanding American
Review: This book is a tribute to George Preddy and all those who loved flying, their country and gave their all for both. It tells the story of one of our greatest fighter pilots during WWII and at the same time gives an excellent description of a fighter pilot's life during the war. A story of dedication and duty that is missing from today's world. Anyone interested in the history of WWII and the Air Force in particular will enjoy this book. I highly reccomend it!
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Summary: An outstanding look at one of the Nation's aviation heros
Review: This book provides an outstanding look at the career of one of this Nation's top aviation heros of World War II. George Preddy was the United States Army Air Force's top Mustang Ace, scoring 23.83 aerial victories in the P-51 Mustang. In addition to his P-51 victories, Preddy also scored three aerial victories while flying the P-47 Thunderbolt. The book, which was a labor of love for its authors, covers Preddy's short life in detail.Many people who have heard of George Preddy, the great Ace, might be surprised to learn that it was a real struggle and accomplishment for him to even get into military aviation. Through his personal determination Preddy overcame the obstacles that his small stature presented and worked his way into the Air Force. Once this happened, "the rest is history." Authors Noah and Sox utilized official records, family records and diaries, and interviews with many of the "Bluenosers of Bodney" to prepare this outstanding! story of George Preddy's life. Joe Noah, Preddy's cousin, was able to access George's diary, letters, and other family material and gave this book the personal touch that few others could have. Sam Sox has long been interested in the George Preddy story, and played an important role in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina's decision to name a boulevard after the Preddy brothers, both of whom lost their lives in World War II. Additionally, Sam Sox has produced an excellent video covering the life of George Preddy. Along with an interesting narrative, this book is enhanced with over 100 quality photos. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of World War II, and suggest that they add it to their library.
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Summary: An outstanding biography of an aviation hero
Review: This is an interesting story of a young man in World War II. It is detailed and well researched. General John C. Meyer is quoted as saying: "George Preddy was the greatest fighter pilot who ever squinted through a gunsight; he was the complete fighter pilot". The book is also an accounting of the man himself (apart from his war efforts) and his family. It is written by a man who knew George Preddy as a child and looked up to him.
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Summary: An outstanding biography of an aviation hero
Review: This is an interesting story of a young man in World War II. It is detailed and well researched. General John C. Meyer is quoted as saying: "George Preddy was the greatest fighter pilot who ever squinted through a gunsight; he was the complete fighter pilot". The book is also an accounting of the man himself (apart from his war efforts) and his family. It is written by a man who knew George Preddy as a child and looked up to him.
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Summary: The art work for the dust cover sets this volume apart.
Review: Troy White is an aviation artist extraordinaire. He depicts the aerial battle that took place on July 29, 1944 near Merseberg, Germany. George Preddy, leading his squadron, was credited with one Me 109; the 352nd Fighter Group claimed a total of eight enemy fighters. Troy entitled his original oil on canvas painting "American Patrol."
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Summary: An author's thoughts on "Preddy"
Review: When the original edition of this book was published, I wondered why the publisher had chosen the "mini" size that has since become more routine for mainstream books---routine in today's world of consolidation and globalization because the tiny handful of big bookstore chains put such a premium on space. The story of Major George Preddy, who was credited with 23.83 aerial victories at the controls of the P-51 Mustang, warranted larger dimensions, more pages, greater thickness, I thought. Many other aces have become the subject of full-sized biographies while some, like Col. (later, Gen.) J. C. Meyer, who admired Preddy, has not. I became very much aware of the Preddy brothers a decade ago when writing a book on the P-51 Mustang (now out of print). The reader of this book will get first-hand glimpses at George Preddy and brother Bill from a cousin (co-author Noah) who knew Preddy personally. The selection of photos is interesting, since many come from family sources and have not been seen elsewhere. The story of George Preddy and his career makes exciting reading. I probably should have given this volume a couple more stars in my rating, but I'm one of those teachers who never hands out an "A." I cannot imagine anyone with an interest in air combat in World War II not having this book.
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Summary: An author's thoughts on "Preddy"
Review: When the original edition of this book was published, I wondered why the publisher had chosen the "mini" size that has since become more routine for mainstream books---routine in today's world of consolidation and globalization because the tiny handful of big bookstore chains put such a premium on space. The story of Major George Preddy, who was credited with 23.83 aerial victories at the controls of the P-51 Mustang, warranted larger dimensions, more pages, greater thickness, I thought. Many other aces have become the subject of full-sized biographies while some, like Col. (later, Gen.) J. C. Meyer, who admired Preddy, has not. I became very much aware of the Preddy brothers a decade ago when writing a book on the P-51 Mustang (now out of print). The reader of this book will get first-hand glimpses at George Preddy and brother Bill from a cousin (co-author Noah) who knew Preddy personally. The selection of photos is interesting, since many come from family sources and have not been seen elsewhere. The story of George Preddy and his career makes exciting reading. I probably should have given this volume a couple more stars in my rating, but I'm one of those teachers who never hands out an "A." I cannot imagine anyone with an interest in air combat in World War II not having this book.
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Summary: Why book was written.
Review: While serving as an Air Force Officer during the Korean War, I noted an article about my famous cousin, George Preddy, in the Air Force Times which credited him with 25.83 aerial victories rather than 27.5 as given at the end of WWII. So I started research that resulted in a finding that the Air Force had erroneously omitted a victory for which Preddy had been awarded the Silver Star. The finding was published in my first book entitled WINGS GOD GAVE MY SOUL, 1974. In 1978 the Fighter Victory Credits Board corrected their error giving him 26.83 plus five ground victories; the Board had deleted two aerial victories and added one third that Preddy did not claim but should have. One of the two aerial victories deleted could not be justified by my research. In 1991 the second edition of the book was published. The entire effort has been a "labor of love."
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