What do you think?
Rate this book
Tail-End Charley: Stories from an American fighter pilot in World War II
On his nineteenth birthday, James E. Brown tries to fake to his flight instructor that he has flown before. On his twenty-first birthday, Brown is on his way home after logging eighty-five missions in a P-47 fighter over Italy, France, and Germany.
Brown’s stories surrounding his training and combat experiences in World War II reveal brushes with death, continuous peril and, ultimately, a coming of age for a young man whose freshman year in college becomes instead a heroic engagement with one of the fiercest enemies his country has ever encountered.
Ever dutiful to the mother who tells him to “write it down, Jamie,” Brown notes his experiences in the journal she provides and adds detail later to deliver a firsthand account of life as a pilot in the final months of combat within the European Theater.
Serving as Tail-End Charley – the last man out – in most of the missions he flew, Brown’s job was to record results for the interrogation officers afterward. But Brown offers much more insight in this memoir. Follow his triumphs and travails with colleagues who become lifelong compatriots during an indelible period in American history.
Brown’s stories surrounding his training and combat experiences in World War II reveal brushes with death, continuous peril and, ultimately, a coming of age for a young man whose freshman year in college becomes instead a heroic engagement with one of the fiercest enemies his country has ever encountered.
Ever dutiful to the mother who tells him to “write it down, Jamie,” Brown notes his experiences in the journal she provides and adds detail later to deliver a firsthand account of life as a pilot in the final months of combat within the European Theater.
Serving as Tail-End Charley – the last man out – in most of the missions he flew, Brown’s job was to record results for the interrogation officers afterward. But Brown offers much more insight in this memoir. Follow his triumphs and travails with colleagues who become lifelong compatriots during an indelible period in American history.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2017
244 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 29, 2025
The impetus for TAIL-END CHARLEY: Stories from an American fighter pilot in World War II came from James E. Brown's mother, who urged him to buy a journal when he was an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) and "write it down, Jamie" (i.e., write about his wartime experiences). And in that respect, he has written a compelling personal account about his USAAF experiences that evokes the tensions, hopes, joys and fears that comes from learning to fly - from the basic trainer aircraft to one of the most advanced fighters in the U.S. arsenal, the P-47 Thunderbolt.
Brown would go on to Italy in November 1944, where he served with the 27th Fighter Group, flying perilous ground attack missions against the Germans in Italy and later over Germany itself. Pilots in the 27th Fighter Group were required to fly 100 combat missions before being rotated home to the U.S. for rest and reassignment. In Brown's case, he flew 85 combat missions against a variety of targets until May 8th, 1945 when the Germans surrendered, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. He would return home to Kansas, where he had met the woman of his dreams shortly before joining the USAAF in 1942, and marry her in 1946. He would go on to earn a Bachelor's degree, as well as a graduate degree, and teach English on the high school and collegiate levels for 39 years.
The book also has photos featuring Brown, several of his squadron mates, and his beloved wife Jean. I recommend Tail-End Charley (the term refers to the last position in a formation held by a pilot in a squadron that is regarded is highly risky in a combat situation - a position that Brown was put in during most of his wartime service) for anyone interested in getting a personal perspective of what the Second World War was like for those who experienced it.
Brown would go on to Italy in November 1944, where he served with the 27th Fighter Group, flying perilous ground attack missions against the Germans in Italy and later over Germany itself. Pilots in the 27th Fighter Group were required to fly 100 combat missions before being rotated home to the U.S. for rest and reassignment. In Brown's case, he flew 85 combat missions against a variety of targets until May 8th, 1945 when the Germans surrendered, bringing an end to the Second World War in Europe. He would return home to Kansas, where he had met the woman of his dreams shortly before joining the USAAF in 1942, and marry her in 1946. He would go on to earn a Bachelor's degree, as well as a graduate degree, and teach English on the high school and collegiate levels for 39 years.
The book also has photos featuring Brown, several of his squadron mates, and his beloved wife Jean. I recommend Tail-End Charley (the term refers to the last position in a formation held by a pilot in a squadron that is regarded is highly risky in a combat situation - a position that Brown was put in during most of his wartime service) for anyone interested in getting a personal perspective of what the Second World War was like for those who experienced it.
July 7, 2022
Heart warming true to the point by a person who was there full time.
Being ww2 nut reading about this group of jug pilot's was great. From J.E. Brown you felt the goog and the bad. Being a vet myself I found myself thinking on the guys I service with. No we weren't pilot's or combat soldiers but we arrive together. Its story like this make you remember those good friends. Thank you Mr. Brown.
Being ww2 nut reading about this group of jug pilot's was great. From J.E. Brown you felt the goog and the bad. Being a vet myself I found myself thinking on the guys I service with. No we weren't pilot's or combat soldiers but we arrive together. Its story like this make you remember those good friends. Thank you Mr. Brown.
July 14, 2017
An engaging WW2 story of the way it really was......
An interesting true story of on of the greatest generation. I could not put this book down from beginning to end!
An interesting true story of on of the greatest generation. I could not put this book down from beginning to end!
February 28, 2021
Survivor
Well written even though based on log books—the dialog was believable and gave his comrades a personality and hue, and the action felt authentic and truthful. I was born in 1942 and often at the side of my father, who was a high school teacher in the Midwest in his middle forties during the war. His students would come to see him after they returned from WWII, and I would listen to the stories of where they had been and what they had encountered. I have no doubts I have been filling in all the gaps I could by reading the personal and military military history over the years. TAIL END CHARLIE ranks in the upper echelon of those who could narrate their fears and doubts and attempts to remain human in the midst of the incongruities of the kill or be killed of armed conflict. But what really came through was the love story of a man and his machine in this narrative, the cloned beast termed P-47 Jug and its rider.
Well written even though based on log books—the dialog was believable and gave his comrades a personality and hue, and the action felt authentic and truthful. I was born in 1942 and often at the side of my father, who was a high school teacher in the Midwest in his middle forties during the war. His students would come to see him after they returned from WWII, and I would listen to the stories of where they had been and what they had encountered. I have no doubts I have been filling in all the gaps I could by reading the personal and military military history over the years. TAIL END CHARLIE ranks in the upper echelon of those who could narrate their fears and doubts and attempts to remain human in the midst of the incongruities of the kill or be killed of armed conflict. But what really came through was the love story of a man and his machine in this narrative, the cloned beast termed P-47 Jug and its rider.
February 16, 2023
SUPER fascinating book / journal of a WWII Army pilot. Brown's mother gave him a journal before he headed off to train and told him to write down his adventures. With nothing else to do, he kept a diary of all of his flight missions, friendships, leaders, and his own interesting viewpoints as a young boy in a nasty war. Brown starts at the very beginning of the terrifying and competitve process of becoming a young pilot, and later performing bombing missions. It's insane for me to think that these soldiers were mostly young boys, some in their mid-twenties.
I was thoroughly entertained listening to James Brown's experiences. Super clean, easy to follow and interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a bomber pilot.
I was thoroughly entertained listening to James Brown's experiences. Super clean, easy to follow and interesting to get a glimpse into the life of a bomber pilot.
November 21, 2019
This story is based on a daily diary kept by a US pilot who flew P47's in the dying days of the war in Europe. For the diary we have to thank his mum as it was her suggestion. And thank her we should as it is an invaluable record of a period in history and as well as the war experiences, the narrative takes us into the immediate postwar period in middle America with his courtship of Jean, as well as starting a family and building a career. James E Brown writes extremely well. He is friendly, affable and descriptive of what he sees as he flies his 'Bolt' into Germany, mainly on ground attack raids. No wonder he writes so well as he later became an English teacher and it shows.
September 21, 2017
Love of flying, increasing skill and courage
Jim brown rice from his memoirs his diary on each and every mission all 85 of them. During the course of his early interest in flying on to joining the service and watching his friendships grow and his confidence increase it was a very interesting book for those are interested in flying and not right of passage that was done by so many. Well written, gym has a gentle humor and a great appreciation for the people that he served and that makes for some good stories and an entertaining book.
Jim brown rice from his memoirs his diary on each and every mission all 85 of them. During the course of his early interest in flying on to joining the service and watching his friendships grow and his confidence increase it was a very interesting book for those are interested in flying and not right of passage that was done by so many. Well written, gym has a gentle humor and a great appreciation for the people that he served and that makes for some good stories and an entertaining book.
June 1, 2021
This story resonates with me personally. This is a fine memoir of an American fighter pilot's experience in World War II in Europe. This young man flew the P-47 Republic Thunderbolt. My favorite uncle and only flier in my clan (besides myself) also flew the P-47 in WWII. Since my uncle passed on two years ago, I jumped into this memoir as a chance to understand what my uncle had experienced and the kinds of missions he flew. I've read many WWII fighter-pilot memoirs and this is one of the best. It's also a fine historic document recording one aspect of WWII that is very different from the fighting of troops on the ground, whom the fighter pilots were supporting.
March 6, 2023
I've read some doozies!......But this was one of the bestl
I love military history! True accounts of the daring and greatest
generation!....and the men and their machines! This was a fantastic page turner of one man......his P-47 Thunderbolt.........his 85 missions in ww2......and his journel....which he documents every mission!!! All I can say is READ IT! And thank you James Brown,for your heroic service.......fighting for the freedoms we so sadly take for granted these days. You are missed. John in California.
I love military history! True accounts of the daring and greatest
generation!....and the men and their machines! This was a fantastic page turner of one man......his P-47 Thunderbolt.........his 85 missions in ww2......and his journel....which he documents every mission!!! All I can say is READ IT! And thank you James Brown,for your heroic service.......fighting for the freedoms we so sadly take for granted these days. You are missed. John in California.
June 2, 2017
I stumbled on this one. Books about the men who fought low to the ground in support of the troops are uncommon. It was hard, dangerous work and the casualty rates were high. Never achieving the fame of the aces, they nonetheless made a tremendous contribution to the war effort.
Brown's diary helped him keep it straight and simple. It was a very good book and one that I would recommend.
Brown's diary helped him keep it straight and simple. It was a very good book and one that I would recommend.
December 31, 2017
A compelling, honest story from a member of the "greatest generation".
Remarkable story of an individual who selflessly gave three years of his young life to defend his beliefs, principles and the nation he loved. Particularly appealing for its sincerity. We can never repay these heroes. We can only pay tribute to them.
Remarkable story of an individual who selflessly gave three years of his young life to defend his beliefs, principles and the nation he loved. Particularly appealing for its sincerity. We can never repay these heroes. We can only pay tribute to them.
June 16, 2017
This was a great memoir that was particularly effective because of easy-to-understand but intricate detail in the explanation of the flying/how the planes worked and because of humorous dialog in the re-created story.
July 16, 2017
This is a wonderful book. A page turner! Insightful look at WWII from a fighter pilot's perspective. You see the human side of WWII in this book. I am thankful James E. Brown kept his journal! You will be too!
July 23, 2017
What a great story!! We can thank his mother for giving him the tool, and to him for taking the time to keep the diary up to date during his entire combat tour. Making it a page turner read. Every pilot will sit in the cockpit with him.
July 27, 2017
Felt in his shoes throughput the book.
Had trouble putting the book down. Interesting in its mission to mission delivery. I was involved completely. I'm so glad that he documented his story so thoroughly.
Had trouble putting the book down. Interesting in its mission to mission delivery. I was involved completely. I'm so glad that he documented his story so thoroughly.
August 9, 2017
A tale from The Greatest Generation.
I loved this book. WW2 came to life in this account of a fighter pilot in the European theater. The men who went to Europe truly were The Greatest Generation. We may never see their like again.
I loved this book. WW2 came to life in this account of a fighter pilot in the European theater. The men who went to Europe truly were The Greatest Generation. We may never see their like again.
August 1, 2018
Great Flying Stories
A very well written account of WWII combat flying in the P-47. What it was like to fly in down-low combat, often in terrible weather....a real testament to the great fighter pilots of that time.
A very well written account of WWII combat flying in the P-47. What it was like to fly in down-low combat, often in terrible weather....a real testament to the great fighter pilots of that time.
December 26, 2020
The other "tail-end Charlie."
The other tail end Charlie, was the last bomber in the formation. Great story about he lesser known US fighter, the p_47. Also, this book shed light on the lesser known Italian campaign.
The other tail end Charlie, was the last bomber in the formation. Great story about he lesser known US fighter, the p_47. Also, this book shed light on the lesser known Italian campaign.
December 25, 2021
Excellent book
Wonderfully written by the person who lived this experience. Jim gives a first hand account of what growing up during the depression and then how WWII delayed the lives of a whole generation. This truly was the toughest,roll with the punches generation.
Wonderfully written by the person who lived this experience. Jim gives a first hand account of what growing up during the depression and then how WWII delayed the lives of a whole generation. This truly was the toughest,roll with the punches generation.
March 9, 2025
Another great book on the unsung Airmen in WWII
I throughly enjoyed this book. What a great story from flight school until the end of WWII. I am a history buff and enjoy reading any books on aerial history of WWII.
I’m glad I came across this book.
Nice job JE Brown!
I throughly enjoyed this book. What a great story from flight school until the end of WWII. I am a history buff and enjoy reading any books on aerial history of WWII.
I’m glad I came across this book.
Nice job JE Brown!
November 12, 2017
Unusual WW II Diary elaborated upon years later.
The fascinating method of writing years later about duties imposed on a member of what has been called Americas Greatest Generation.
The fascinating method of writing years later about duties imposed on a member of what has been called Americas Greatest Generation.
November 25, 2017
A memorable nook from a true American hero
I always enjoy reading the stories of these citizen soldiers. Ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in service to their country...
I always enjoy reading the stories of these citizen soldiers. Ordinary guys doing extraordinary things in service to their country...
January 19, 2018
Good but pedestrian
Interesting detail but not sufficient information on then current arms and their application in the air .Tends to the repetitive
Interesting detail but not sufficient information on then current arms and their application in the air .Tends to the repetitive
June 28, 2018
Would have been better if the author didn't summarise each mission just before telling the story of the mission! It was like a spoiler for each mission!!
January 14, 2019
it.
Very compelling first hand stories from a WW 2 fighter pilot. I really enjoyed it. A great tribute to the greatest generation .
Very compelling first hand stories from a WW 2 fighter pilot. I really enjoyed it. A great tribute to the greatest generation .
September 5, 2019
A handsome book
I had thought it was a story about a rear gunner, turned out differently. Well written, without any boasting, the real thing.
I had thought it was a story about a rear gunner, turned out differently. Well written, without any boasting, the real thing.
October 6, 2019
Outstanding point of viewing a P 47 pilot
As I read the book I could put myself in the cockpit of that plane with the way he describes what's happening during his tour of duty.
As I read the book I could put myself in the cockpit of that plane with the way he describes what's happening during his tour of duty.
December 24, 2019
Great detailing of each mission.
I read it daily, enjoying his description of what a fighter pilot's life was like. I would recommend this book.
I read it daily, enjoying his description of what a fighter pilot's life was like. I would recommend this book.
November 19, 2020
This was a VERY GOOD book!
October 22, 2022
A great and interesting book
I liked the way each mission was described. The author is an interesting individual. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
I liked the way each mission was described. The author is an interesting individual. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews