THE GRIM REAPERS. by Johnston, Stanley - 1943

Philadelphia: Blakiston, 1943. 224 pp, 8 3/8" H. B&w map endpapers, photographs. Stanley Johnston "adds another vivid chapter to his reporting of the war in the Pacific - from the Coral Sea through our victories up to the present. Here we see the war from the cockpits of Fighter Squadron VF-10, graphically nicknamed the Grim Reapers, who were attached to the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise. VF-10 was formed and commanded by Lieutenant Commander James H. Flatley, veteran of the Coral Sea campaign, a skilled flier with a superb mastery of aerial tactics. Included in the squadron were seasoned fighters from the Lexington and Yorktown, as well as raw recruits just out of training school, who were destined to cover themselves with glory. The whole intricate picture of our tactics and strategy in the Pacific comes into clear focus as (he) weaves a chronological account of our naval engagements into his dramatic story of the Reapers. We see how our victory at Midway made control of Guadalcanal essential, how the perfect teamwork of Army, Navy and Marines blased a trail for victory." Previous owner's name in ink at top of free front endpaper, wrinkling at top/bottom of spine, two small bumps to fore-edge of rear board, small bump at top corner of each board, small area of colour fading at bottom of front board, very light browning to edges of text block. Dust jacket has heavy edge wear, chips, tears, creases and old tape repairs on the inside; light soiling; now protected in a mylar sleeve.. Second Printing. Hard Cover. Very Good/Poor.