Corsair Aces of World War 2 (Osprey Aircraft of the Aces No 8)

Flying the F4F Wildcat early in the Pacific war, pilots were trying to gain the upper hand against the superior Japanese A6M Zero. But their Wildcats lacked speed, rate of climb and maneuverability. But with the new F4U Corsair, pilots found that the F4U was more than a match for Japanese fighters. Corsairs evolved from the early 'bird cage' F4U-1As, to the later F4U-1Ds, these planes struck fear in Japanese pilots who dared go against the 'whistling death'. This book is an early book of Ospreys 'Aircraft of the aces' series. I found the first hand accounts a little heavy in this book. Now, I like first hand accounts from aces, but this book contains 85% first hand accounts and 15% information from the author. The first hand accounts were only from a few aces, so you only get limited variety of information on the aces. I was also a little disappointed that there was not more information on Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, who is one of the most famous USMC aces of the Pacific. Thus 4 stars instead of my usual 5. I like the later Osprey books with balanced information from the author and first hand accounts from aces. I did find that the pictures, color plates of both planes and pilots were well done. If you want to read about Corsair aces about WWII, then buy the book, but you'll have more first hand accounts than information on aces.

Mark Styling brings us the stories of the pilots in their own words. Each section has no less than 2 personal accounts of flying the corsair in combat. This approach I found quite refreshing as the book brings to us a collection of unique perspectives. The book then becomes episodic and may lack continuity for some. The collection of illustrations are second to none. Flicking through and reading the captions on the pictures is almost as enjoyable as reading the whole book again.

Mark Styling and Jerry Scutts have given the air enthusiasts, historians, and Corsair buffs another one in Osprey's "Aircraft of the Aces" series. Like the others, Corsair Aces of World War 2 contains a great deal of information and carefully selected photos. It has the usual collection of excellent illustrations, particularly color prints. This book covers a much overlooked area of aviation history dealing with Corsairs in the Pacific Theater and includes our allies. This book gives these outstanding pilots their due. Perfect for US Navy, US Marine Corps, and Allied Corsair enthusiasts. It is a great book and I recommend it highly. Corsair Aces of World War 2 is well worth having for anyone interested in the exploits of Corsair fighter pilots.