MWSA Book Review

The B-24 in China: General Chennault's Secret Weapon in WWII  

Author: A. B. Feuer

Publisher:  Stackpole Military History Series

Reviewer: Rob Ballister--MWSA Board Member

An excellent  book about a little known aspect of WWII

A. B. Feuer partners up with veteran Elmer Haynes, a B-24 pilot in WWII to tell this story about the little known use of radar-equipped B-24's by General Chennault's Fourteenth Air Force in China.  Told mostly through the use of Haynes' diary, the book is told through a first person account of what is was like to fly in the China-Burma-India theater.

Feuer's writing skills add to the raw emotion in Haynes' story, and the combination weaves a gripping and interesting story.  Whether in combat against Japanese shipping or just trying to survive a flight over the "Hump," Haynes' experiences bring the reader with him through the boredom, fear, terror, loss, and camaraderie that was the life of a bomber pilot in the Fourteenth Air Force.  Well-researched and well-written with plenty of personal touches, this book is a sure hit for those who enjoy WWII history or aviation history.

Other titles by A. B. Feuer