332nd Fighter Group

The USAAC's Tuskegee Experiment, designed to prove that African-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft, ironically resulted in the creation of one of the USAAF's elite units.
Crewed by highly-educated and exceptionally motivated men, the 99th Fighter Squadron, led by Col Benjamin O. Davis (later joined by the 100th, 301st, and 302nd FS to form the 332nd Fighter Group), first flew ground attack missions in P-40s in North Africa and participated in the destruction and surrender of Pantelleria, off Sicily. Later, after the unit was equipped with P-51 Mustangs, the 'Redtails' began flying escort missions deep into Germany.
The unit scoreboard boasted 111 aerial kills (including several Me 262 jets), 150 strafing victories, 950 vehicles and railway rolling stock destroyed, and the sinking of a German destroyer by war's end. The group were both feared and respected by the Germans, who called them the "Schwartze Voglemenschen" (Black Birdmen), and revered by others as the "Black Red-tail Angels", partly because of their distinct red-tailed aircraft, and partly because they never lost a bomber under escort to enemy attack (a feat which was unmatched by any other USAAF fighter group in World War II). The pilots of the 332nd FG attribute their success to the discipline instilled by Col Davis, who is reputed to have told them, 'If you lose a bomber, don't bother to come back.'
This book will reveal the true story of the unit who rose above discrimination to achieve elite status.

Chris Bucholtz, illustrated by Jim Laurier, Mark Postlethwaite

"Aviation Elite Unit books are a departure from the usual Aircraft of the Aces ... and focus on units and their histories instead of specific planes and fronts. The Tuskegee book discusses the humble beginnings of the first all "Negro" fighter squadron despite the discrimination common at that time. Air war enthusiasts will find [this book] enjoyable and interesting to read ... the color plates are invaluable references when painting [P-51]aircrafts." - Michael Koznarsky, "Historical Miniature Gamer "(Issue 11)
"Over in England, Osprey just keeps cranking out high-quality aviation books under the editorship of Tony Holmes... [This book is in] Osprey's Aviation Elite Units series and features the usual blend of concise text, good quality black and white photos, and numerous color profiles... [This volume] on the all-black 332nd Fighter Group gives a good look into the formation of the outfit and how it trained for combat... There are lots of good photos and stories of the Group in action... recommended." -Jim Larsen, "Mustangs International
"."..covers a Tuskegee Experiment designed to prove that Afro-Americans were not capable of flying combat aircraft: an experiment which created one of aviation's top units... Their saga comes to life, here." -"Midwest Book Review"