The Jagged Edge of Duty: A Fighter Pilot's World War II

by Robert L. Richardson

Overview

On the very first day of the invasion of Sicily, three months into his combat career, Allan Knepper flew his P-38 Lightning fighter in a squadron sent out to sweep the island and interdict German ground targets. Retreating German infantry unexpectedly pounded the American flyers. Knepper was one of two shot down; he was never found. Knepper’s story is the story-in-microcosm of thousands of American fighter pilots in World War II.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780811739603
Publisher:	Stackpole Books
Publication date:	09/15/2020
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.70(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Robert Richardson lives in Spokane, Washington. This is his first book.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction x

Chapter 1 Gump 1

Chapter 2 Squadron Organization 12

Chapter 3 Two Flyers for the Fray 31

Chapter 4 America with No Choice Left 86

Chapter 5 Meet the Group 104

Chapter 6 Meet the Pilots 149

Chapter 7 Bomber Escort 179

Chapter 8 Losses Mount and the Mission to Palermo 206

Chapter 9 The P-38 Fighter Interceptor 222

Chapter 10 Attacks on Sardinia 233

Chapter 11 When Things Go Wrong 249

Chapter 12 Bombs at Their Fingertips 260

Chapter 13 Approaching Air Rule 275

Chapter 14 Aftermath 299

Chapter 15 The Search for Allan Knepper 325

Chapter 16 After Combat 336

Epilogue 360

Notes 363

Index 385