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An Ace of the Eighth: An American Fighter Pilot's Air War in Europe
FOR A FIGHTER PILOT IN THE MIGHTY EIGHTH, DEATH WAS ALWAYS A HEARTBEAT AWAY.
When the skies of Europe blazed with the fiercest air battles in history, fighter pilots like Norman “Bud” Fortier were in the thick of it, flying four hundred miles an hour at thirty thousand feet, dodging flak and dueling with Nazi aces. In their role as “escorts” to Flying Fortresses and Liberators, the fighter squadrons’ ability to blast enemy aircraft from the sky was key to the success of pinpoint bombing raids on German oil refineries, communication and supply lines, and other crucial targets.
Flying in formation with the bomber stream, Fortier and the rest of his squadron helped develop dive-bombing and strafing tactics for the Thunderbolts and Mustangs. As the war progressed, fighter squadrons began to carry out their own bombing missions. From blasting V-1 missile sites along France’s “rocket coast” and the hell-torn action of D day to the critical attacks on the Ruhr Valley and massive daylight raids on German industrial targets, Fortier was part of the Allies’ bitter struggle to bring the Nazi war machine to a halt. In describing his own hundred-plus missions and by including the accounts of fellow fighter pilots, Fortier recaptures the excitement and fiery terror of the world’s most dangerous cat-and-mouse game.
From the Paperback edition.
When the skies of Europe blazed with the fiercest air battles in history, fighter pilots like Norman “Bud” Fortier were in the thick of it, flying four hundred miles an hour at thirty thousand feet, dodging flak and dueling with Nazi aces. In their role as “escorts” to Flying Fortresses and Liberators, the fighter squadrons’ ability to blast enemy aircraft from the sky was key to the success of pinpoint bombing raids on German oil refineries, communication and supply lines, and other crucial targets.
Flying in formation with the bomber stream, Fortier and the rest of his squadron helped develop dive-bombing and strafing tactics for the Thunderbolts and Mustangs. As the war progressed, fighter squadrons began to carry out their own bombing missions. From blasting V-1 missile sites along France’s “rocket coast” and the hell-torn action of D day to the critical attacks on the Ruhr Valley and massive daylight raids on German industrial targets, Fortier was part of the Allies’ bitter struggle to bring the Nazi war machine to a halt. In describing his own hundred-plus missions and by including the accounts of fellow fighter pilots, Fortier recaptures the excitement and fiery terror of the world’s most dangerous cat-and-mouse game.
From the Paperback edition.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 29, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 5, 2018
I have always liked stories about WW II, especially fighter pilots. This one was different in that it was almost a daily journal of the time one pilot spent from his first day of training through the end of the war. Interesting, factual, and personal. It is a very good education on what the air war over Europe was about.
September 5, 2022
Just finished reading Mr. Fortier's book (my fifth grade teacher at Horne Street School in the 70s). So many thoughts raced through my mind as I read his story-- courage, humility, sacrifice, modesty, duty, selflessness, and honor. This book is history...without gratuitous bravado. We knew he was a hero as he led our class in song on the piano every morning, but we really had no idea...
November 1, 2025
Well Done!
It was great to read about the everyday activities of a fighter pilot in World War II. It is still hard for me to believe that so many average guys stepped up to the plate like that. Truly the greatest generation.
It was great to read about the everyday activities of a fighter pilot in World War II. It is still hard for me to believe that so many average guys stepped up to the plate like that. Truly the greatest generation.
August 23, 2013
A True Story and Riveting Account
Major Fortier is definitely a hero and an Ace. He flew over 100 missions and risked his life while carrying out heroic deeds in combat. This book is most definitely a riveting account of how courageous 19 and 20-year-old young men were in going head to head with Nazi Germany pilots. I believe this book will produce the powerful feelings and strong images of just how much was given to secure our freedom from tyranny. I salute the Major and all the brave men and women who fought for us. I want to take this opportunity to thank Norman "Bud" Fortier for service and dedication to our country. A job well done, kind sir! I salute you...
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
Major Fortier is definitely a hero and an Ace. He flew over 100 missions and risked his life while carrying out heroic deeds in combat. This book is most definitely a riveting account of how courageous 19 and 20-year-old young men were in going head to head with Nazi Germany pilots. I believe this book will produce the powerful feelings and strong images of just how much was given to secure our freedom from tyranny. I salute the Major and all the brave men and women who fought for us. I want to take this opportunity to thank Norman "Bud" Fortier for service and dedication to our country. A job well done, kind sir! I salute you...
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
February 1, 2015
This is the first person account of WWII fighter pilot Bud Fortier, providing dates and details of his two tours over Europe, and I recommend anyone desiring detailed knowledge of what that was like to read this one. He describes the training, the trip to England, his tours, his friendships, his mistakes, and even a prank which jeopardized his career prospects and his life. Basic tactics of air combat are discussed, including fuel management, improving technologies as the war progressed, life in England during The Blitz, and the difference between flying bombers and pursuit aircraft. Descriptions of German tactics, aircraft and their characteristics, and adjustments in strategy the Nazis were forced to make at different stages demonstrate for the reader the challenges Bud and his comrades faced.
Yet, through all the historical information, the author manages to introduce the reader to the men he served with, describing his admiration and respect for them both as pilots and men, and his on and off- duty interactions with them brings to light just how young, playful, and human these men were while serving their nation in armed conflict.
To date, my favorite literary account of WWII aviation combat, because it provides the individual human element the excellent books of Stephen Ambrose lacked.
Yet, through all the historical information, the author manages to introduce the reader to the men he served with, describing his admiration and respect for them both as pilots and men, and his on and off- duty interactions with them brings to light just how young, playful, and human these men were while serving their nation in armed conflict.
To date, my favorite literary account of WWII aviation combat, because it provides the individual human element the excellent books of Stephen Ambrose lacked.
May 5, 2016
Norman "Bud" Fortier tells of his exploits in the skies over Europe flying P-47's and P-51's. He gives a quick background on how he began flying when he was 18 and of his stateside training before being sent into combat. A nice quick read as the author keeps the book moving at a nice pace by breaking chapters down into the months he spent overseas. Worth a read if your interested in the air war over Europe.
October 7, 2008
A very excellent book, written as both an historical account and a re-telling.
It has a good feeling of listening to the author talk about his time in the war. Really like you were sitting and listening to him tell it in a comfortable setting, not like a lecture.
Amazing things those men did and went through.
It has a good feeling of listening to the author talk about his time in the war. Really like you were sitting and listening to him tell it in a comfortable setting, not like a lecture.
Amazing things those men did and went through.
December 1, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed this personal account of a WWII fighter pilot's missions and his perceptions of the War. Fortier portrays less of his day-to-day life than I might have enjoyed, but his friendships with fellow pilots and his personal goal to lead missions and protect the bombers pulled me rapidly through the book.
July 6, 2010
Essentially the daily log of a WWII fighter pilot, with a few details thrown in here and there. So, although I generally enjoyed the book, having an interest in the subject matter, much of it was dull and repetitive. But then, such is the reality of modern war; "hours of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror."
February 19, 2011
This book badly needed an editor and a point of view. I'm fascinated by the catastrophe that was the mission of the Eighth Air Force, but even that wasn't enough to keep me reading. Who knew being a fighter pilot was so mundane? This was an ebook bargains and yet one more example of getting what you pay for.
October 22, 2012
I really like this book. I am really into military history and this book takes history to a whole different level. I like how he incomporates his life as well as the men he is flying with. I also like how he incorporates humor into it as well. It is a good book. I would recomend it to any of my friends that like history.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews