B-26 "Flak-Bait": The Only American Aircraft to Survive 200 Bombing Missions during the Second World War

The book "Flak-Bait: The Definitive History of the Most Accomplished American Bomber of the Second World War" is a detailed account of the US Army Air Force Martin B-26 Marauder bomber named "Flak-Bait" and its remarkable 201 combat missions during World War II. The author's interest in the aircraft began over 20 years ago when he saw its nose section on display at the National Air & Space Museum. The book includes day-by-day accounts of the missions, crew lists, flight routes, and weapons dropped, as well as comments made by the crews during post-mission debriefings. It also features a special photo section showcasing the current restoration display of "Flak-Bait" at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington, DC.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 18 October 2022
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd

The United States Army Air Force's Martin B-26 Marauder bomber, known as "Flak-Bait," completed an incredible 201 combat missions over the skies of Europe during World War II. This remarkable feat made it the highest mission scorer of any Allied medium or heavy bomber. The author has had a special interest in the B-26, particularly those of the 387th Bomb Group, for many years. It was during his first visit to the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC, over 20 years ago, where "Flak-Bait's" nose section was on display, that he became interested in the aircraft's illustrious career.

To provide a comprehensive account of "Flak-Bait's" missions, the author has relied on official World War II-era records, including day-by-day accounts of the missions it flew, crew lists, flight routes, and weapons dropped. These records capture every detail of the aircraft's combat service, including any comments made by the various crews during their post-mission debriefings. A special photo section showcases the current restoration display of "Flak-Bait" at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Washington, DC, providing a visual glimpse into the aircraft's past.

This book goes beyond correcting previously held perceptions about the aircraft and its missions. It is the most definitive account of any single World War II aircraft's combat career ever published. The author's deep passion for the B-26 and his meticulous research have resulted in a captivating and informative book that will appeal to aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the Second World War.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780764363436