Hargis, Robert. U.S. Naval Aviator, 1941-45.Osprey osprey (ŏs`prē), common name for a bird of prey related to the hawk and the New World vulture and found near water in most parts of the world. , MBI MBI Management Buy-In MBI Moody Bible Institute MBI Mathematical Biosciences Institute MBI Modular Building Institute MBI Mechanical Breakdown Insurance MBI Molecular Biology Institute MBI Maslach Burnout Inventory (psychometrics) Publishing, PO Box 1, Osceola, WI 54020. 2002. 84 pp. Ill. $16.95. We occasionally review examples of Osprey's wide-ranging collection of concise military-oriented publications that deal with many subjects--from military campaigns and their warrior personalities, to aircraft, aces and elite units. This new volume in the "Warrior" series is a ready reference on the Naval Aviator of WW II. The emphasis is on Navy aviators Well-known aviators People largely known for their contributions to the history of aviation While all of these people were pilots (and some still are), many are also noted for contributions in areas such as aircraft design and manufacturing, navigation or , with no mention of Marine or Coast Guard flight crews. The main coverage also features aircraft carrier crews, although there are short sections on other types such as patrol and observation squadrons. Accompanied by photos and artwork showing the men, aircraft and their tactics, this is a good one-volume package with a lot of details on personal equipment and flight gear. The author, a high school history teacher, has a solid general knowledge of the subject, and artist John White has produced illustrations that complement the text. The book includes a two-page presentation of several museums or collections of Naval Aviation Naval aviation is the application of manned military air power by navies. Maritime aviation is the operation of aircraft in a maritime role under the command of land based forces such as RAF Coastal Command or United States Coast Guard. aircraft and memorabilia mem·o·ra·bil·i·a pl.n. 1. Objects valued for their connection with historical events, culture, or entertainment: posters, publicity photographs, and other movie memorabilia. 2. . The photos are pedestrian. I would have liked more detail in the captions, particularly when people are shown, rather than the generalized description the author probably gleaned from the picture. I am surprised he does not identify the pilot in the photo on page 30, who is none other than James Flatley, one of the Navy's most respected squadron commanders. Instead, he labels the picture "a fine study of a fighter pilot." Osprey's books vary considerably in length and price, and this volume is in the middle of the range. It is a good summary of the subject. By Cdr. Peter B. Mersky, USNR USNR abbr. United States Naval Reserve (Ret.) |
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