Hell's Angels

The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II

De: Jay A. Stout

Narrado por: Robertson Dean

The true story of World War 2’s legendary Hell’s Angels—the 8th Air Force’s 303rd Bomb Group.

Although the United States declared war against Germany in December 1941, a successful assault on Nazi-occupied Europe could not happen until Germany’s industrial and military might were crippled. The first target was the Luftwaffe—the most powerful and battle-hardened air force in the world. The United States Army Air Forces joined with Great Britain’s already-engaged Royal Air Force to launch a strategic air campaign that ultimately brought the Luftwaffe to its knees. One of the standout units of this campaign was the legendary 303rd Bomb Group—Hell’s Angels.

This is the 303rd’s story, as told by the men who made it what it was. Taking their name from their B-17 of the same name, they became one of the most distinguished and important air combat units in history. The dramatic and terrible air battles they fought against Germany ultimately changed the course of the war.

©2015 Jay A. Stout (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[An] epic tale of the World War II aerial campaign over Europe...Hell's Angels is a gripping and awe-inspiring book.”—Nathaniel Fick, author of One Bullet Away

“It's all there—the boredom, the devotion, the horror and even the humor in an industrial war fought on a global scale that we'll never see again. Unit histories just do not get any better.”—Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind and Forgotten Fifteenth.

“Jay Stout is a triple-threat aviation historian—an experienced combat aviator, a meticulous researcher and a compelling story teller. His uncanny eye for authentic detail allows Hell’s Angels to be the incredible story of the 303rd Bomb Group and the bombing campaign that crippled Nazi Germany. Stout makes a hard-ridden topic seem fresh and new again. Highly recommended.”—Walter J. Boyne, Author/Historian

Captivating

When the story begins, it seems like a dry retelling of stats and missions, but then Mr. Stout, through Robertson Dean’s engaging storytelling, begins to flesh out the true story. The personalities take shape, the fear is real, as is the death and destruction, the weather is felt rather than read! Just captivating, through-and-through! Worth the time!

I can't believe they did this!

I just learned that Jimmy Stewart's first film after returning home from the air war over Europe was It's a Wonderful Life. I learned that just as I was finishing Hell's Angels. With our current understanding of PTSD, it's a wonder to me how any of the airmen who went up mission after mission could come back and build so much of the nation we enjoy today. The book was as relentless as the combat. Because of it I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Greatest Generation.

well researched

few remember the sacrifice of the AAF During WW II. Even fewer realize that more airmen died in WW II than ground troops. this book is well researched and documented.

A good listen.

A chronicle of events the war as relayed by the people whom participated. As such the story is often fragmented and difficult to follow hence the four star rating I give it. I still consider this a worthy listen just to hear the various stories of the men who fought.

great book

I wasn't sure about this book when I started listening to it. It would be easy for a book.like this to be boring.
I found that this book was very fascinating. I enjoyed hearing about the crews and mechanics as well as the B17

awesome book

awesome book that you must and listen to. amazing story that will leave you in awe

303rd BG, men like no other

A very informative writing. I listened to it because my great-uncle was the TG on the B-17G Henn's Revenge" when it was shot down April 10, 1945. very glad I did

These bad asses killed a lot of Nazis!

And there are very, very few people on planet earth that I look up more than men and women who killed Nazis.

Hero's every one of them.

Narrative was very good. it takes thru their experience highs and lows. very detailed and complete. just the right lenght.

I wish I could have read this sooner

My father was a R waist gunner on Warewolf with Oxrider and on Yankee Doodle Dandy with O'Connor he completed 25 missions. I knew Van R White and was saddened to hear of his passing in May. Many of the names mentioned in the book were familiar but I didn't know them. Anyone is lucky to return from a war but to hear of the many things like the cold and youth of the 303rd among many other things and I realize my father was indeed blessed to have returned home to marry and have children. I didn't realize just how fortunate he was when he bailed out to come home alive. My only regret in getting this book now is that my father has passed and I cannot discuss it with him. This is a very enlightening story.