Marine Air Hardback - 2005

by Dorr, Robert F.

The first fully illustrated oral history of the United States Marine Corps Air Force-the "Flying Leathernecks."

The U.S. Marines generally inspire thoughts of a peerless ground force that has always bravely answered America's call to arms. But the Marines also have an air arm with a tradition every bit as proud and legendary as the ground infantry they support. Now, military historian Robert F. Dorr presents the first fully--llustrated oral history of the Marine Air Wingand gives the "Flying Leathernecks" the recognition they deserve.

When America entered World War I in 1917, the Marine Air Wing had only thirty-five aviators. During World War II, it expanded to sixty-one squadrons--twenty with at least one flying ace--and over 10,000 pilots. Led by men like their top ace, Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, Marine planes ruled the air in the Pacific.

Marine Air is a long-overdue, illustrated history-from WWI to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Filled with the Flying Leathernecks' own words and packed with photographs of the "the few, the proud" of the skies, this is the story of their unwavering commitment to protecting their comrades on the ground-and to defending the country they have never let down-no matter what the odds.