Silent Wings: The Saga of the U.S. Army and Marine Combat Glider Pilots During World War II - Hardcover

Devlin, Gerard M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0312724608 ISBN 13: 9780312724603

Publisher: St Martins Pr, 1985

Synopsis

Describes the use of gliders in air and land battles and discusses the development of American military glider planes

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

An impressive achievement in research and narrative skill, this is a comprehensive history of the U.S. WW II glider warfare in the Mediterranean theater, Europe, Burma and the Pacific. The men who flew these flimsy crates risked their lives by virtually crash-landing their heavily laden craft behind enemy lines, often doubling as infantrymen on landing. The missions were dangerous, and the volume is filled with tense survival and rescue stories as well as descriptions of large-scale disasters. Devlin (Paratrooper) works into the engrossing drama much information about the technical evolution of glider aeronautics and tactical problems, as well as quality-control snags with various defense contractors. The book includes more than 100 photos of glider pilots, their craft (plus British, German and Japanese gliders) and rare wartime scenes. An unusual World War II history about unsung heroes. Military Book Club selection. November 19
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

The combat glider, developed in 1940, was obsolete by 1945. Employed by the American, British, and German armies, these huge powerless craft were flown by pilots trained to deliberately crash land their machines and deliver troops, heavy equipment, and supplies behind enemy lines. Some 14,000 gliders were constructed, almost all of which were destroyed in action. Devlin covers glider operations in Sicily, northwest Europe, Burma, and the Pacific, as well as the development of gliders, their procurement, and the training of the glider pilots. His work includes a great deal of new material and many photographs never before published. A treat for all World War II history buffs, this is essential for military history collections. Stanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: St Martins Pr
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 0312724608
• ISBN 13: 9780312724603
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 410