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Thirty-Five Missions Over Japan
B-29 pilot 1st Lt. Philip D. Webster’s just-published WW2 memoirs, “Thirty-Five Missions Over Japan.” Read first-hand accounts of training and piloting B-17s and B-29s, Webster’s thrilling missions between Saipan and Japan, and the P-51s and P-47s out of Iwo Jima that flew alongside. Written from notes made in 1944/1945, stored undisturbed in an Army-issue briefcase for over 60 years. Drawn from vivid memory and written during the seven and a half hour flights back home after missions--notes about the fighters they had to contend with, planes shot down, flak encountered and damage done. This book puts you in the pilot's seat during one thrilling mission after another.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2019
185 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2021
Interesting WWI8 Yarn
Very interesting story regarding the famous B-29 heavy bomber that had real engine problems throughout it’s existence. Wonder why? Author should have related the horrors captured B-29 crews endured in Japanese . POW camps though. Some used for human Ginny pigs on rifle ranges, and the entire crew who was leisurely dissected at a teaching hospital one after the other while strapped and gagged on hospital operating gurneys! Wounded aircrew were denied any medical treatment as punishment, I guess...Flying 35 missions over Japan knowing what was done to captured aircrews had to take unbelievable courage. This officer, today, would have at least The Air Cross for the 2,000 Lb. bomb he had to jettison on a 6” catwalk at 28,000 feet! The silver star for guiding the damaged B-29 home 1,500 miles in fog and rain, flying back from Tokyo on 2 engines to Iow Jima and more!
Very interesting story regarding the famous B-29 heavy bomber that had real engine problems throughout it’s existence. Wonder why? Author should have related the horrors captured B-29 crews endured in Japanese . POW camps though. Some used for human Ginny pigs on rifle ranges, and the entire crew who was leisurely dissected at a teaching hospital one after the other while strapped and gagged on hospital operating gurneys! Wounded aircrew were denied any medical treatment as punishment, I guess...Flying 35 missions over Japan knowing what was done to captured aircrews had to take unbelievable courage. This officer, today, would have at least The Air Cross for the 2,000 Lb. bomb he had to jettison on a 6” catwalk at 28,000 feet! The silver star for guiding the damaged B-29 home 1,500 miles in fog and rain, flying back from Tokyo on 2 engines to Iow Jima and more!
August 12, 2022
Interesting, but.......!
Events were interesting to follow. The writing was not very polished. Also seemed to have gaps in his data. He only mentioned and praised the arrival of the P-51's once. The heavy losses to take Iwo Jima was part of a strategic plan to to build airfields to bring in the Mustang's to protect the B-29's. In other theaters of the Pacific, the 5th Air Force was destroying Jap fighters faster than they could be built. Their best pilots were also being lost and their new inexperienced pilots were no match for P-51 pilots. In 1945, the Allies had gained air superiority over Japan. Kamikaze flying became their best defense.The P-51's typically provided cover for wounded B-29's and if they ditched, would circle to prevent enemy aircraft from straffing them while floating in rafts. If enough fuel, would stay till one of the rescue subs arrived. A bit more praise to our fighter pilots who risked their lives to save theirs was in order.
Events were interesting to follow. The writing was not very polished. Also seemed to have gaps in his data. He only mentioned and praised the arrival of the P-51's once. The heavy losses to take Iwo Jima was part of a strategic plan to to build airfields to bring in the Mustang's to protect the B-29's. In other theaters of the Pacific, the 5th Air Force was destroying Jap fighters faster than they could be built. Their best pilots were also being lost and their new inexperienced pilots were no match for P-51 pilots. In 1945, the Allies had gained air superiority over Japan. Kamikaze flying became their best defense.The P-51's typically provided cover for wounded B-29's and if they ditched, would circle to prevent enemy aircraft from straffing them while floating in rafts. If enough fuel, would stay till one of the rescue subs arrived. A bit more praise to our fighter pilots who risked their lives to save theirs was in order.
December 26, 2022
Important historical work, easy read
This is a small book, made from a wartime diary, sandwiched between some autobiographical writings. It is a first-person account of the bombings of Japan in WWII, for which the author was a B-29 pilot. Of particular interest to me was the account of multiple bombings and strafing of the B-29 base on Saipan, by Japanese warplanes based on Iwo Jima prior to its invasion and capture by U.S. Marines. Of late there has been some posturing by revisionist historians who have put forth the idea that invading Iwo was unnecessary and a make-work venture constructed by wicked unfeeling Admirals and Marine glory seekers. After reading this book I feel I understand much better just why the capture of Bloody Iwo was deemed necessary at the time. A must-read for historians of the era.
This is a small book, made from a wartime diary, sandwiched between some autobiographical writings. It is a first-person account of the bombings of Japan in WWII, for which the author was a B-29 pilot. Of particular interest to me was the account of multiple bombings and strafing of the B-29 base on Saipan, by Japanese warplanes based on Iwo Jima prior to its invasion and capture by U.S. Marines. Of late there has been some posturing by revisionist historians who have put forth the idea that invading Iwo was unnecessary and a make-work venture constructed by wicked unfeeling Admirals and Marine glory seekers. After reading this book I feel I understand much better just why the capture of Bloody Iwo was deemed necessary at the time. A must-read for historians of the era.
October 15, 2022
Learning more of the B-29
There isn't much on the Billy Mitchell. Group. My father was part of this group, and since the fire in St. Louis in 1970s much documentation were destroyed by the fir or water damages. So glad to find this book. It help ties in to what stories I heard at the 468th reunions. Very interesting reading and invite of how hardship the pilots
and crew endured. Love see more books on 468th and all wings. Dad worked on the Norton bomb site.
There isn't much on the Billy Mitchell. Group. My father was part of this group, and since the fire in St. Louis in 1970s much documentation were destroyed by the fir or water damages. So glad to find this book. It help ties in to what stories I heard at the 468th reunions. Very interesting reading and invite of how hardship the pilots
and crew endured. Love see more books on 468th and all wings. Dad worked on the Norton bomb site.
March 10, 2023
interesting but difficult follow at time.
The events were interesting but on numerous occasions author would begin describing an events as if indicating more to follow then switch to a topic totally unrelated. Errors in content P-51 is a fighter not a bomber. Some of the Bonn loads towards the end mentioned seemed large. Some loads with lighter bomb s were described “heavier” than others
Overall author was an excellent pilot and gave up much of his youth for us.
The events were interesting but on numerous occasions author would begin describing an events as if indicating more to follow then switch to a topic totally unrelated. Errors in content P-51 is a fighter not a bomber. Some of the Bonn loads towards the end mentioned seemed large. Some loads with lighter bomb s were described “heavier” than others
Overall author was an excellent pilot and gave up much of his youth for us.
July 30, 2022
I had NO idea the B-29 losses were so very severe in the Pacific theatre of war during WW II. I also am always astounded how young men in those days KNEW they were probably going to die and still gloriously volunteered to fly those BFF's. Thank God for them as we all might be speaking Japanese or German otherwise.
October 28, 2022
we owe much to these brave men
This book gives an idea of the terror that they faced as they did their jobs under intense flak, Japanese fighters ramming planes, and just plain breakdowns with little chance of rescue if they had to ditch in the vast Pacific. I never knew that the B29 aircraft faced so much opposition and that so many crews and planes were lost.
This book gives an idea of the terror that they faced as they did their jobs under intense flak, Japanese fighters ramming planes, and just plain breakdowns with little chance of rescue if they had to ditch in the vast Pacific. I never knew that the B29 aircraft faced so much opposition and that so many crews and planes were lost.
June 11, 2021
My Review
This was Avery enlightening book. I had no idea of the losses endured during B29 bombing flights over Japan. It was exciting to read of the exploits of the B29 bombing crews.
This was Avery enlightening book. I had no idea of the losses endured during B29 bombing flights over Japan. It was exciting to read of the exploits of the B29 bombing crews.
April 24, 2022
Great story
The author takes you through his life and through his training to be a pilot and on to the B 29 and his combat missions.. The book will hold your attention from the beginning to the very end.
The author takes you through his life and through his training to be a pilot and on to the B 29 and his combat missions.. The book will hold your attention from the beginning to the very end.
May 5, 2022
Well-written first-person viewpoint on the B-29 war. Author survived in tough situations, and fortunately is telling about his experiences. So lucky to have found this book. Good detail on the planes and flying/crewing challenges, as well as his feelings before, during, and after missions.
February 18, 2021
Told from the heart
I love these kind of books. To hear events as they actually happened and from the people who lived them
I love these kind of books. To hear events as they actually happened and from the people who lived them
March 6, 2021
Great story
Fast moving and detailed experience. A great read of bravery action. Good details and sooty telling, a quick exciting read
Fast moving and detailed experience. A great read of bravery action. Good details and sooty telling, a quick exciting read
March 6, 2021
B-29 over Japan
True narrative of B-29 missions over Japan. I didn’t realize how dangerous these bombing raids were. You had to be brave.
True narrative of B-29 missions over Japan. I didn’t realize how dangerous these bombing raids were. You had to be brave.
December 2, 2021
Mission to mission of theB29 war over Japan
Almost day by day reporting of life for a B29 pilot and his fellow team mates during the last months of WW II.
Almost day by day reporting of life for a B29 pilot and his fellow team mates during the last months of WW II.
December 11, 2021
Such a nice guy!,
What an enjoyable story, so glad I picked this book. He was no angel but a hell of a pilot!
What an enjoyable story, so glad I picked this book. He was no angel but a hell of a pilot!
January 31, 2022
Fantastic memoir, a must read for anyone interested in the pacific war, and specially the B-29 raids over Japan! Wonderful and very informative!
April 13, 2024
Historically great
Great book and historical story. Great to read the human side of war time combat and hardships our bomber crews endured
Great book and historical story. Great to read the human side of war time combat and hardships our bomber crews endured
August 14, 2022
This is a first-person account by Philip Webster, a B-29 bomber pilot flying missions over Japan in World War II. The book was largely compiled from notes he made on the return legs of the 12+ hour long missions. It's those contemporaneous notes of the mission that make it more appealing, knowing that the descriptions weren't compiled from memory long after the events. The notes and journals he had made during wartime were left unexamined for over 60 years.
The book is a matter-of-fact accounting of Webster's life leading up to his wartime service and of his service and missions he flew. It's not introspective, but tells in a straightforward manner the story of one man's service who did what he was asked to do during the war. Many men doing what Webster did lost their lives or suffered horrific injury. Webster's book helps preserve the memory of all those who served.
The book was a quick read. I read it as part of reading other books on the Pacific bomber war and the B-29. Unless one has other knowledge of the applicable war history, this book on its own isn't going to provide that background. It does discuss the overall war and decisions around the campaign of bombing Japan, but it's primarily a personal memoir focusing on one man's experience.
The book is a matter-of-fact accounting of Webster's life leading up to his wartime service and of his service and missions he flew. It's not introspective, but tells in a straightforward manner the story of one man's service who did what he was asked to do during the war. Many men doing what Webster did lost their lives or suffered horrific injury. Webster's book helps preserve the memory of all those who served.
The book was a quick read. I read it as part of reading other books on the Pacific bomber war and the B-29. Unless one has other knowledge of the applicable war history, this book on its own isn't going to provide that background. It does discuss the overall war and decisions around the campaign of bombing Japan, but it's primarily a personal memoir focusing on one man's experience.
July 16, 2017
D-Day...the flag raising at Iwo Jima...the liberation of concentration camps...
These are the types of memories and images that come to mind when one thinks of World War II. The horrific battles, the daring missions, the glorious victories. But the unsung heroes, the forgotten saviors of the war are all too easily overlooked.
Between 1944 and 1945, 1st Lt. Philip Webster flew in 35 missions in the Far East. Composed by his widow, Charlotte Webster, Thirty-Five Missions Over Japan presents Lt. Webster’s never before published notes of those very missions. Through this compilation, readers are given an up close and personal glimpse into every possible aspect of the brave pilot’s service, including everything from the planes he shot down to the conditions in which he flew.
Stored away for more than 60 years, Lt. Webster’s notes take readers on an insightful, enlightening historical journey they won’t like likely forget. Read for yourself and see just how this intrepid hero earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice).
A highly recommended read.
Lauren Fennell
Apex Reviews
These are the types of memories and images that come to mind when one thinks of World War II. The horrific battles, the daring missions, the glorious victories. But the unsung heroes, the forgotten saviors of the war are all too easily overlooked.
Between 1944 and 1945, 1st Lt. Philip Webster flew in 35 missions in the Far East. Composed by his widow, Charlotte Webster, Thirty-Five Missions Over Japan presents Lt. Webster’s never before published notes of those very missions. Through this compilation, readers are given an up close and personal glimpse into every possible aspect of the brave pilot’s service, including everything from the planes he shot down to the conditions in which he flew.
Stored away for more than 60 years, Lt. Webster’s notes take readers on an insightful, enlightening historical journey they won’t like likely forget. Read for yourself and see just how this intrepid hero earned the Distinguished Flying Cross (twice).
A highly recommended read.
Lauren Fennell
Apex Reviews
August 15, 2017
This book is truly a first-rate page-turner. This is the true war diary of young 1st Lt. Phillip Webster as he piloted B-29s between Saipan and Japan during WW2. Webster wrote these memoirs after every mission during 1944 and 1945 and then stowed them away, undisturbed, in his leather Army briefcase for 61 years.
These memoirs are full of descriptions and emotions that put you in the pilot's seat with Webster as he and his crew members narrowly survive mission after mission against Japan's best defensive efforts. There is very little reflection or philosophy in this book; just raw, heart-pounding action.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in combat, flying, WW2, or action genres.
These memoirs are full of descriptions and emotions that put you in the pilot's seat with Webster as he and his crew members narrowly survive mission after mission against Japan's best defensive efforts. There is very little reflection or philosophy in this book; just raw, heart-pounding action.
I recommend this book for anyone interested in combat, flying, WW2, or action genres.
February 8, 2022
A personal account of the author's experiences and insights during WWII. A good read. Photographs give added dimension to his insights and accounts.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews