One rarely puts together the words 'American' and 'Night Fighter Ace' in the same sentence. That is mostly reserved for the Germans, who had to deal with night bombing by the British for nearly five years. However, fighting at night was a specialty that had to be learned by all of the fighting powers to some extent or another. For the British, it was German night raiders and intruders. For the Americans, it was basically night intruders.

It will surprise few that many of America's first night specialists were flying for the RAF or RCAF. These men picked up their skills in Beaufighters and Mosquitos for the most part. Some were quite successful at it, though no American was able to rack up the scores of his German counterpart. In fact, it seems that 7 was about it. Some of these men helped to train the first US night fighter units in Europe who, understandably, flew Beaufighters or Mosquitos as there was little initially available. Later, when the P-61 became operational in Europe just after D-day, that was the main aircraft of choice. Yet still, the Army Air Force's top ace (and there were only five) was only able to claim seven victims.

In the Pacific, things were about the same, though there was no ready supply of experienced pilots. Most of the night kills were by USN and USMC pilots. These men were mostly flying from land bases and most of their victims were Japanese Betty bombers who were flying night intruder or recce missions. The USAAF had but one Pacific night fighting ace and he was flying a P-61. The Navy and Marine aces were generally flying Hellcats, though some pilots had success with the Corsair.

This book covers the full spectrum of US night fighting including the men and aircraft that they flew. In addition to the nice selection of period photographs, there is a substantial color profile section in the center of the book that depict many of the different aircraft types used during the war.

It is a fascinating look into an area that was at one time a specialty, but is now, thanks to technology, something that all fighter pilots have to learn. It is a book that I know you'll enjoy reading and one that will make a great addition to your library.

October 2008

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.