Fighter Group

The 352nd “Blue-Nosed Bastards” in World War II

By: Lt. Col. Jay A. Stout

Narrated by: Donald Corren

Jay A. Stout breaks new ground in World War II history with this gripping account of one of the war’s most highly decorated American fighter groups. Stout combines the storytelling gifts and careful research for a seasoned historian with the combat experience of a former fighter pilot to tell the remarkable story of the 352nd Fighter Group. This isn’t just the story of a single fighter group; it’s the story of how the United States won the air war over Europe.

©2012 Jay A. Stout (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Ok story

While not top in the category of WW2 air war books, it does have some good features. In particular, the author delves into the many daily nitnoid activities that warfighters experience beyond dog fights ( for example, the hazards of using urination tubes, yikes). Great narration.

Well,researched and well told.

Not only tells the story of one fighter group. but really tells the story of the air war in Western Europe the last year and a half of the war.

Treasure trove of info from big dramatic happenings to the day to day mundane.

The historical work to write this book was beyond amazing

Though this book is long. The time listening to it went way too quickly. The information and stories of the 382nd in this book made me feel like I was part of these amazing pilots and soldiers lives. The loss of life so real, but the tenacity and love of country even more real. I can’t say enough good things about this book. I feel personally that this should be taught in a history class for all.

We forget all that was and who were sacrificed for what we have today.

Stout

LT COL Stout does another outstanding job with this book (his 303rd BG book is great too). The 352nd was a proud and audacious group of airmen and Stout brings that to light. His research on the Germans is extremely insightful.

Detailed...but bouncy

Very good book overall and a good listen. It covers a lot of technical details of the aircraft, but not so detailed that it is not understandable from a non-mechanics perspective. Its bouncy, meaning it is not chronological. While it starts that way, subsequent chapters will bounce you from 1942 to 1944 and back again. I had to rewind portions when I couldn't figure out why we had jumped backwards in time.