The first few American volunteers flew Spitfires with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Many more joined their ranks, often posing as "Canadians", eventually forming three Eagle squadrons who earned a fierce fighting reputation. When the United States entered the war the Eagle fighter sections were issued with Spitfires and eventually transferred to the Eighth Air Force. In just two years of service with the USAAF, 22 pilots claimed five or more victories flying the Spitfire, whilst a further two dozen aces claimed part of their total flying them, a testament to their skill and success at the controls of this legendary warbird. Discover the experiences of a variety of American aces in their own words through first-hand accounts, interviews and combat reports, in a thrilling read that transports the reader from the Battle of Britain to the deserts of North Africa to Fortress Europe itself. “It provides the usual content of these Aces books, with a detailed description of Griffon Spitfire operations, illustrated with a huge selection of photographs of not just the aircraft, but also the men who flew them.” ― Scale Aircraft Modeling (July 2008) “Author Andrew Thompson does a fine job of telling this little-known story about US Spitfire aces... A book that I found to be a superb read and a great reference. I'm sure you will as well.” ― Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (October 2007) “Andrew Thomas' American Spitfire Aces of World War II surveys the first Spitfire volunteers and the development of units which began flying Spitfires to gain fame during the ear and joins others in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series...” ― California Bookwatch (December 2007) Andrew Thomas is one of Britain's leading RAF researchers, having published numerous articles and books on the subject, as well as readily assisting other authors. Having joined the RAF to fly straight from school, he has maintained his enthusiastic interest in the history and development of his Service throughout his career. He has previously published six volumes on British and Commonwealth Aces in the renowned Osprey series. Mark Postlethwaite was born in Leicestershire in 1964 and has developed a lifelong passion for aviation history. He first worked as a photographer before turning his attention solely to artwork, and is now highly regarded in his field for the quality and accuracy of his work. He became the youngest elected member of the Guild of Aviation Artists in 1991. Mark is a valued Osprey artist and has contributed to more than 100 of its books. Used Book in Good Condition