Hell's Angels

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

By: Jay A. Stout

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 14 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

“[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

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.

Incredible Stories

This is a amazing book with real life stories and memoirs of the greatest generation of Americans that served in the 303rd.

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.

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.

The greatest generation

Well written and read. Highly recommend, it gives you a view into the air war over Europe and the men that were lost.

Robertson Dean

Loved all the great stories, wonderful listen, I hope to find more like this one.

Not what I hoped for.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I was hoping for engaging stories. What I got was documentary style recounting of events.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I never got attached to any of the chracters or events. Very detached.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Not a fan of the voice or the lack of enthusiasm. Kind of a drone.

Was Hell's Angels worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

Disappointed.

The 8th at it's Finest

This is a wonderful story, full of fact, memories and history as best told by those who lived it.

I did not want it to end....

Good World War II History

I enjoyed this book. It offers a rather intimate history of the 303rd Bomb Group based on correspondence and interviews. It does not offer a broad historical perspective, but rather stories of crews and individuals who went to war and did their duty. Often poignant, the book continually reminds us of the sacrifice these men and their families made to win the war. The book also includes many stories of inspiration. Worth the time.

wonderful

the accounts told in this are trully heart breaking and sad, yet also filled with wonder and inspiration of the human spirit. great book!