BOOKS and PRINT on the B-24

The B-24 Liberator - Famous Aircraft Series, by Steve Birdsall

This book is not only an excellent source of information on the Liberator, but includes numerous first-hand accounts from the men that flew the B-24, in all theaters. This book contains the recollections of Robert Carlin of the 456th, and is excerpted for this site (See Carlin). Published by Arco Publishing, Inc., 1968.

Log of the Liberators, by Steve Birdsall

Here is another book from Mr. Birdsall, this one providing detailed descriptions of numerous missions performed by the Liberator and her crews. From its inception through production, its use in every theater of the war, to its combat record in the history of the war, this book covers the B-24 and the men that flew it with passion and determination. Published by Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1973.

15th Air Force Combat Markings, by E. A. Munday

This very rare and hard to find publication goes into excruciating detail on the markings of all combat aircraft in the 15th Air Force. A valuable resource for the historian or modeller. A Beaumont Publication, printed by Clarke, Doble and Brendon, Ltd., England. No date given, but estimated about 1960-65.

The 15th Over Italy, AAF Publications

Here's an exceptional look at Italy through the eyes of the Fifteenth Air Force. Published in 1947, it has a feel of immediacy to it and rightly so given the date. Numerous photos of monuments, historical places, ancient ruins - and modern ruins too, as a result of war. This is a great visual recollection of the mark the 15th made on Italy - and Europe.

The B-24 Liberator - A Pictorial History, by Alan G. Blue

You would be hard pressed to find a more thoroughly researched book on the history and use of the Liberator than Mr. Blue's book. The pictures alone tell an astounding tale of incredible production, tremendous mission successes, and heartbreaking tragedies. A brief synopsis of all Bomb Groups using the Liberator is given as well. Charles Scribner and Sons, New York, 1975.

Liberator: America's Global Bomber, by Alwyn T. Lloyd

This large format, hardcover book is packed with details and information on the Liberator. In fact, it is considered one of the best sources of information available on the Liberator and is used by many authors and historians as a reference. Out of print but still occasionally available at auction or though specialty book stores, it is an exceptional work that no Liberator admirer should be without. Hardcover, 1.25" x 11.5" x 9.25"
Published by Pictorial Histories Publishing Co. Inc.; (April 1994) ISBN: 092952182X

The B-24 / PB4Y-1 In Combat: The World's Greatest Bomber, by Rhodes Arnold

With assistance from Alan Blue (see above) and Bob Beittling, Mr. Arnold has assembled a book that consists of mission recollections from numerous veterans, photos not to be seen elsewhere, and a very thorough listing of ship names and ship losses. Rather rare and very intriguing at many points. A section called "Mission Improbable" covers in detail the rescue of a B-24 from the Indian Air Force and its return to the States for display at the Pima Air Museum. (See related photo, bottom of page). Pima Paisano Publications, no date, but apparently around 1971.

Ad Lib: Flying the B-24 Liberator in World War II, by William Carigan

Here's a very interesting book that is a cross between a history of the aircrews and a guide to actually flying the B-24. Bill Carigan was a co-pilot in the 15th Air Force, and completed 50 missions before returning home in January, 1945. He remained in the Air Force after the war and became a Lt. Col., finally retiring in 1965. There was obviously a lot of time put into this book, and while it draws heavily on the flight manuals from the period, it also has a lot of sidebar information that can only come from experience. Published in 1988 by Sunflower University press, Manhattan, KS.

Consolidated B-24 Liberator; American Bomber Aircraft Vol 1, by John M. and Donna Campbell

This enormous book is dedicated almost exclusively to photographs of the B-24, from all theaters of the war and beyond. Over 650 photos are in its pages. It is obviously well researched and contains information I have not seen elsewhere - but there is not a single photo of a 456th aircraft to be found in it. A glaring oversight in an otherwise welcome addition to anyone's collection. The jacket art of two Libs from the 375th BS of the 308th BG being attacked by Japanese Tojos is exceptional. Published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., Atglen, PA, 1993. Library of Congress Catalog Number 92-62298.

B-24 Liberator At War, by Roger Freeman

With extensive text and photographs Mr. Freeman tells the entire story of the Liberator, from concept to the end of its service career. While many of the photos have been seen elsewhere, a few are published here for the first and only time. There are many individual stories and tales included, and considerable time is spent on the intricacies of the aircraft. There's even a section devoted to aircraft painted with shark's teeth. Mr. Freeman is a noted wartime and warplane historian. Published by Ian Allen, Ltd., Shepperton, Surrey, England - Distributed in the US by Motorbooks International, Osceola, WI. ISBN 0 7110 1264 4

Jaws Over Europe - B-24 Bombers in World War II, by Ursel P. Harvell

This rare, large-format paperback book is the collection of photgraphs taken by the author while aboard Liberators of the Eighth Air Force. Mr. Harvell pioneered many aspects of aerial photography and showcases his work in this book. There is remarkable coverage of the destruction wreaked on Germany and considerable attention paid to the daylight bombing effort, as well as a lot of personal homage to the flying and fighting men with which Mr. Harvell flew. No publisher or date of publication is given, but it appears to be from the early 1960's.

B-24 Liberator: Combat and Development History of the Liberator and Privateer, by Frederick A. Johnsen

Here is yet another lavishly illustrated and well written account of the B-24's history. The extensive use of color photographs make this large paperback well worth having. Using many stories from original sources and a chronology of the accomplishments of the B-24 as a tool that won the war, Mr. Johnsen has done a fine job of detailing the Liberator's many and varied incarnations. The sections on nose art and the mechanical problems the Liberator had are especially worth a look. Published by Motorbooks International, 1993.

Bombers in Blue, by Frederick A. Johnsen

No, they don't have anything to do with the 456th or even the 15th Air Force, other than the use of the Liberator as a weapon. But this book provides good insight into the use of the B-24 by the Navy - known as the PB4Y-1. There's extensive coverage of the single tail variant, the PB4Y-2 as well. This 32 page booklet touches on both the Pacific and Atalntic use of the Liberator against Axis ports, ships and subs. Published in 1979 by Bomber Books, Tacoma, WA.

Liberator Album: B-24s of the Second Air Division, by Mike Bailey

This book is here simply because if anyone is interested in Liberators, this is a must see. A huge book filled with photos and drawings from Mike Bailey and Tony North, the passion of the author for the Liberator is readily apparent. Having grown up while the American 8th Air Force had bases near his home, Mr. Bailey has dedicated a tremendous amount of time to telling the story of the Second Air Division in photos and text. 1998, Midland Publishing, England.

B-24 Liberator In Action, Aircraft No. 21 (1975, Steve Birdsall)

B-24 Liberator In Action, Aircraft No. 80 (1987, Larry Davis)

These "in action" books are mainstays of serious modelers the world over. Numerous photos and sketches, pictures and drawings, including color side views, illustrate nearly every aspect of the Liberator. Included is everything from the prototype to the XB-41 Gunship. The Liberator is one of the few aircraft to have two of these books devoted to it. Both from Squadron/Signal Publications, Carrollton, TX.

B-24 Liberator Units of the Fifteenth Air Force, by Robert F. Dorr

Here is a very good book that fills in many gaps on the use of Liberators in the Fifteenth. With many quotes and great use of photos this book reads well, consistently focused on the B-24 and its missions from Italy. The 30 color side views of the Liberator are exceptional and provide a rare glimpse of the numerous tail markings and camouflage in use at the time. The lone rendering of a 456th ship is well done but is unfortunately inaccurate (and now Corgi has released a die cast of this inaccurately portrayed 456th aircraft). Nonetheless, Bob Dorr's work is a very worthwhile resource on the B-24 in the Fifteenth Air Force, and an essential reference. Write Bob at RobertDorr@aol.com (Osprey Publishing, Ltd, 2000) ISBN 1-84176-081-1.

B-24 Nose Art Name Directory, by Wallace R. Forman

A tremendous resource for any B-24 enthusiast, this book contains listings of hundreds and hundreds of B-24s as named by their crews, and includes the bomb group and squadron where possible. The section on the 456th is not as extensive as that on this site, but was used as a resource to help complete our list. Published by Specialty Press, North Branch, MN, 1996; ISBN 1-58007-003-5.

LIBERANDOS HISTORY BOOK - ONCE AGAIN IN PRINT

The 376^th Heavy Bombardment Group’s History Book has been reprinted and is now available for a limited time. This book will be a First Edition, Second Printing. There are 642 pages that includes detailed information on the 451 missions flown by the 376th, along with war stories, statistics and pictures covering the period from the day of it’s inception to the end of WWII.

We are now accepting firm orders with check attached in the amount of $60.00 plus plus $6.50 S and H per book, payable to Richard Miller 376 Book Fund.

Send to: Richard H. Miller, 613 Carsonia Ave., Reading, PA 19606-1213

Please state clearly the ship to address if different from your address and the number of books you are ordering. Should you have any questions, contact me by E-Mail at Libermill(at)aol.com. (Replace the (at) with the @ symbol).

Bomber Legends Magazine

The aviation enthusiast, historian, active-duty military, and veteran will find this magazine to be captivating and informative. Bomber Legends Magazine is dedicated to providing a venue for World War II bomber aircrews, ground support personnel, and factory-workers to share their experiences, and preserve military aviation history for future generations. Bomber aircrews include pilots, gunners, navigators, bombardiers, flight engineers, radio operators, and others.

Bibliography Section Links:

BOOKS, Page 1: 456th Bomb Group

Bibliography Main Page

BOOKS, Page 3: Personal Memoirs

BOOKS, Page 4: Strategy, Missions and History

TAPES: B-24, USAAF, et al

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Created 8/28/01 RJF

Last Edited 10/15/2006 RJF