Association
Bibliography: BOOKS Page 4
An exceptionally well written accounting of the Allied efforts to destroy the oil fields and refineries in Ploesti, Rumania. This book covers not only the famous Operation Tidal Wave of 1 August 1943, but the subsequent raids as well, and in fine detail. Conversationally written with numerous interviews and substantial documentation. The 456th was one of the groups that hit Ploesti again and again, in a relentless effort to deny the Third Reich this vital oil resource. The cost was high, in lives and aircraft, and the oil was never completely turned off - but for all practical purposes, Ploesti had finally been destroyed. A hardcover book with 224 pages, published by Casemate Publishing; (November 2003) ISBN: 1932033181
From Amazon.com: The legendary low level raid on Ploesti, Rumania by the 376th, 93rd, 44th, 389th and 98th Bomb Groups, is described by author/historian Mike Hill in this new large format, 50th Anniversary book. Never before published photos taken during the raid, many from the original negatives, dramatically show the raid, and give the reader a sense of the intensity of fierce flak, and aerial combat. Mike has interviewed many of the surviving veterans of the mission, giving the story a personal flavor from the unique view-point of the crew members. Also included is a complete listing of the aircraft and crews that flew the mission. Mike Hill also the author of The Desert Rats: The 98th Bomb Group and the August 1943 Ploesti Raid. Hardcover, published by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.; (July 2001) ISBN: 0887405193
This is a huge book that describes the entire campaign of strategic and tactical bombing by the American and British forces during World War II. A detailed analysis of how bombing developed into a key military strategy and what its use meant to the outcome of the war. Published by The MacMillan Company, 1968.
From Fred Riley, 456th Bomb Group Association historian: As a bombardier I found it to be accurate from the bombing standpoint as well as from the Ploesti information. It is published by Presido Press, 31 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94947. It may be available through some libraries but probably the publisher may have to be contacted. (An excellent book with heartfelt detail and comment. Watch for it to pop up on eBay occasionally. Highly recommended - webmaster)
A second book by Leroy Newby goes deep into the details of the fight for Hitler's oil, examining everything about the area, the combatants, the mission and the aftermath. Whereas his "Target Ploesti" book was a first hand account of his own experiences, this book covers the broad human drama of the conflict. It is an excellent resource and very well done, in Mr. Newby's "to the point" style. Published in 1991 by Motorbooks International Publishers, Osceola, WI ISBN 0-87938-494-8
Leon Wolff describes the low level Ploesti mission of 1 August 1943 with grim intensity. He examines virtually every facet of the mission, from planning to execution to fallout, using maps and personal recollections of many of the participants. This is a rare book, not to be missed by the serious historian. Copyrighted in 1957 and published in Great Britain by Longmans, Green and Company, Ltd.
Here is a self-published book by the pilot of "The Sandman", the B-24 that was photographed flying through the smoke and flame of the infamous 1 August 1943 Ploesti raid. Subtitled "An expose on the most infamous raid in US Air Force History!" with a further header page title of "New, never before revealed facts about Ploesti" and "Why the wrong turn by the lead navigator 'In His Own Words' ", this simple format book provides facts and thoughts from someone who was there and survived it all. It includes an interview with Jacob Smart, the mission architect, and the memoirs of Colonel Harold A. Wicklund, mission lead navigator for the 376th bomb group. Very highly recommended reading if you want to hear the story straight from one who was in the Ploesti raid. See this site for more information: www.OperationTidalWave.com
Bibliography Section Links:
BOOKS, Page 1: 456th Bomb Group
BOOKS, Page 2: B-24 and Fifteenth Air Force
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