Dogfight over Tokyo: The Final Air Battle of the Pacific and the Last Four Men to Die in World War II

On August 15, 1945, Air Group 88 carried out the final air mission of World War II, but four American pilots were shot down during a ferocious attack by twenty Japanese planes. Historian John Wukovits tells the story of these pilots and crew through their eyes in his book, Dogfight over Tokyo, which is written in the same riveting, edge-of-your-seat style as his previous books.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Hachette Books

When Billy Hobbs and his fellow Hellcat aviators from Air Group 88 took off from the venerable Navy carrier USS Yorktown early on the morning of August 15, 1945, they had no idea they were about to carry out the final air mission of World War II. Two hours later, Yorktown received word from Admiral Nimitz that the war had ended and that all offensive operations should cease. As they were turning back, twenty Japanese planes suddenly dove from the sky above them and began a ferocious attack. Four American pilots never returned--men who had lifted off from the carrier in wartime but were shot down during peacetime.

Drawing on participant letters, diaries, and interviews, newspaper and radio accounts, and previously untapped archival records, historian and prolific author of acclaimed Pacific theater books, including Tin Can Titans and Hell from the Heavens, John Wukovits tells the story of Air Group 88's pilots and crew through their eyes.

Dogfight over Tokyo is written in the same riveting, edge-of-your-seat style that has made Wukovits's previous books so successful. This is a stirring, one-of-a-kind tale of naval encounters and the last dogfight of the war--a story that is both inspirational and tragic.

The men of Air Group 88 were a diverse group, drawn from different backgrounds and experiences. Some had served in the Navy for years, while others were newly enlisted and had only recently begun their flight training. They were a tight-knit group, with a strong sense of camaraderie and loyalty to one another.

As they flew their Hellcats off the Yorktown, they knew that they were part of a historic mission. They were flying to Japan to support the ground troops who were preparing to invade the island nation. They knew that their mission was risky, but they also knew that it was necessary to ensure the success of the Allied forces.

As they approached Japan, they were greeted by a fierce anti-aircraft fire. The Japanese had been preparing for the Allied invasion for months, and they had amassed a large number of aircraft and anti-aircraft guns. The Hellcats were heavily armed, but they were no match for the Japanese firepower.

Despite the danger, the pilots of Air Group 88 remained calm and focused. They flew their planes with skill and precision, engaging the Japanese in fierce dogfights. They were determined to protect their fellow soldiers on the ground and to ensure that the Japanese would not be able to invade Japan.

However, the dogfights were not without their casualties. Four American pilots never returned from their mission. They were shot down by Japanese anti-aircraft guns or by Japanese fighter planes. Their families and loved ones were left to grieve their loss.

Despite the tragedy, the pilots of Air Group 88 remained proud of their service. They knew that they had played a vital role in the success of the Allied forces and that their sacrifice had not been in vain. They continued to fly their planes and to serve their country, even after the end of World War II.

In conclusion, Dogfight over Tokyo is a powerful and inspiring tale of the pilots and crew of Air Group 88. It is a story of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made during World War II. The men of Air Group 88 were a diverse group, drawn from different backgrounds and experiences, but they were united by a common goal: to protect their fellow soldiers and to ensure the success of the Allied forces. Their story is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and it is a reminder of the importance of never forgetting the sacrifices that were made in the name of freedom and democracy.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780306922039