{"product_id":"9781781554562","title":"Thunderbolt to War - An American Fighter Pilot in England","description":"Thunderbolt to War gives a remarkable insight into the structure and operations of a leading USAAF Fighter Squadron in England during the Second World War, together with personal thoughts and feelings of skilled fighter pilot, Clint Sperry. The 353rd Fighter Group was a rarely celebrated 'workhorse' of Eighth Fighter Command, but names of some of its charismatic leaders still resonate today. The 18-victory ace Walter Beckham and aggressive Glenn E. Duncan were among those who led Clint to war. He and his colleagues faced many frustrating and perilous experiences; encountering enemy fighters and flak and also treacherous weather and mechanical problems in the bloody battles over Europe. To survive was a lottery, but those with previous flying hours before entering service had the advantage of experience. Clint's successes and traumas are highlighted to give a true picture of a fighter pilot's war. He flew 106 missions in the P47 Thunderbolt, was awarded 3 DFCs, and credited with destroying or probably destroying five enemy aircraft as well as many targets on the ground by strafing and bombing.","brand":"Fonthill Media","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47062478520560,"sku":"9781781554562","price":21.84,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781781554562_p0.jpg?v=1763717144","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781781554562","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}