Gun Camera - World War II: Photography from Allied Fighters and Bombers over Occupied Europe

Rating:
Summary: fasinating
Review: If you are interested in the history of aerial warfair you simpley must have this book. It shows the other side of the the stories of succesful aces. Some pictures do show the last seconds of the lives of maybe 10 to 12 crewmembers how simpley didn't even got a chance to escape. Imagine the panic which goes through the minds of these brave airmen in there often last moments. This book shows the real face of war, no glory just fear, suffering and sadness.

Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable photos of aviation combat
Review: If you love aviation and are interested in World War Two combat, you should not miss this book. I love the history of air combat but I never thought this kind of pictures were avilable. There are lots of picture of aircraft taken the instant of there destruction. Most are still flying straight and level and seem not to be aware they no longer exist as an airplane. One shot shows a bomber with all of the plane in front of the wing gone, but the engines are still running and the men in the rear of the plane probably are only aware of the change because of the 200 mph wind. If you love B-17s, B-25s and other combat aircraft, do not miss this book. I bought me a copy and a copy each for my two best flying buddies.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting and horrifying
Review: This book offers us a glimpse of the brutality of the Air War over Europe from the American perspective. Numerous photos of doomed aircraft with wings sheared off, gas tanks exploding, gaping holes caused by flak that are both spectacular and horrific. One cannot help but to wonder what these men were thinking in their last moments. Overall this is a good book; I think, though, that there aren't enough pictures (some I've seen quite often) to justify the cost, and the text was somewhat sparse and did not offer much in the way of background information.

Rating:
Summary: The Brutality and Horror of War
Review: This book offers us a glimpse of the brutality of the Air War over Europe from the American perspective. Numerous photos of doomed aircraft with wings sheared off, gas tanks exploding, gaping holes caused by flak that are both spectacular and horrific. One cannot help but to wonder what these men were thinking in their last moments. Overall this is a good book; I think, though, that there aren't enough pictures (some I've seen quite often) to justify the cost, and the text was somewhat sparse and did not offer much in the way of background information.

Rating:
Summary: My Cousin's Death
Review: This is an excellent book. The pictures are graphic to the max and bring the viewer as close to the action as is possible. They are guaranteed to bring one's emotions to the surface and are not for the squeamish. I know, because the picture on page 43 of the burning Douglas A-20 Havoc was piloted by my cousin, 1st. Lt. Gordon R. Argyle of Joliet, IL. The plane, Betty Ann II, was new and Gordy had borrowed it from his commanding officer, Major Arthur R. Milow (who had named it after his wife). The plane was hit over Bonnieres, France (not Nazi Germany)May 9, 1944 and crashed in the vicinity of Frevent, France. The photo was taken by a crew member of another Havoc on the raid and may be seen on the 409th Bomb Squadron's website. In addition to Gordy, his navagator-bombadier Lt. Corey, and his gunner, S/Sgt. W. H. Oglesbee, died in the crash. The other gunner, S/Sgt. L. W. Dirikson parachuted to saftey and spent the rest of the war in various prisoner-of-war camps. He died in 1999. Lt. Col. Milow is still alive and living in CA. He's 85. Gordy was a member of the 9th Air Force, 409 Bomb Group (L), 643rd Bomber Squadron. Shortly before our grandmother died she requested that if Gordy's remains were found that they be brought home to Joliet. In keeping with her wishes his remains were taken from the U.S. Military Cemetary in St. Andre, France and buried in Elmhurst Cemetary, Joliet, IL.
I still get a feeling of deep sadness when looking at the picture and realizing that Gordy is alive and in the pilot's seat with God-knows-what going through his mind. What a sacrifice those men made! I hope it is appreciated.