Ext. Rare WWII USAAF 462nd Bomb Group, 20th Air Force Unit History "Hellbird War Book"

This is a copy of the extremely rare World War II unit history of the United States Army Air Forces 462nd Bomb Group, 20th Air Force: "Hellbird War Book" by Philip G. Oliver. This copy comes with the original accompanying paperwork from the author and the then-Commanding Officer, Colonel Alfred F. Kalberer. One of the six pages is Kalberer's letter to those interested in remaining with the Army during peacetime: it mentions that the 462nd will be involved in the Atomic Bomb project. Another page is a letter from Oliver. The other paperwork is a synopsis of the Hellbirds' actions from 1943 until the end of the war, along with an extract referring to their Distinguished Unit Citation awarded for participation in the final strikes against Tokyo and Yokohama. The book is dedicated to Colonel Richard H. Carmichael, who was shot down over Japan on August 20, 194Carmichael was the 462nd's first combat casualty. The book has a Combat Section with photographs documenting the devastation of the land targets addressed by the Hellbirds. There is also a roster of all staff and squadron members in the back.

Published 1944.

118 pages plus some blank pages at the end for autographs, etc; approximately 8-3/4" in height and 12-1/2" in width; six additional pages of paperwork, 2 of them double-sided.

Embossed cover, paper.

Glued binding.

Published by Colonel Alfred F. Kalberer Written, designed and produced by Philip G. Oliver.

This is from a WWII USAAF unit history collection that we will be listing more of over the next few months. TRVCIEX-VAEJX14 LGHEX4/14 SGJJX12/14

7 (Very Fine): The book has some light moisture stains throughout; no writing or tears inside. Paperwork is yellowed and has some creasing and tearing at the edges.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.