Eagle Editions have published the complete story of the training and operations of the 86th FG, Third Air Force and later with the Twelfth Air Force. Written by Steve Luce, a son of one of the group’s pilots Lt. Warren Luce, the new book describes both the men as well as the machines they flew in a comprehensive, fully photographically documented format.

The unit trained in Meridian, Mississippi in 1942 with A-36s. They were first deployed in 1943 to North Africa and later to Italy and Corsica flying the P-47 in the MTO. Early 1945 found the active and effective 86th in France and Germany until war’s end. The book follows one of WWII’s most successful fighter-bomber units through each stage of its career and includes the complete known victory list.

Bringing the story to life are numerous, never-before-told personal accounts of combat and life in the 86th, woven in with the historical text. The new book also includes over 225 photographs from the veterans, most never published before. Along with the photos are 16 profiles of selected colourful A-36s and P-47 Thunderbolts, plus 7 close up views of nose art vividly illustrated by Terry Higgins, and a full color map plus of the unit's operations.

86th Fighter Group in WW2 is available now from Eagle Editions. 8.5" X 11" hardbound, 144 pages - Price $34.95 ISBN 0-9721060-8-1

Eagle Editions Ltd.
P.O. Box 580
Hamilton MT
59840 USA

(406) 363-5415