Ace in a Day: The Memoir of an Eighth Air Force Fighter Pilot in World War II

Wayne K. Blickenstaff, known as 'Blick', was a stalwart of the 350th Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group based at Goxhill, Metfield and Raydon, England as part of the Eighth Air Force prosecuting the strategic air campaign against Germany. As an original cadre member, he rose steadily through the ranks from a Second Lieutenant Element Leader to Flight Leader, Squadron Operations Officer, Squadron Leader and finally to a Lieutenant Colonel and Group Operations Officer. Flying the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, he completed two tours of operations between 1943 and 1945 encompassing 133 missions and claims of 10 enemy aircraft destroyed in the air. His double 'ace' status included a Me262 jet fighter and the destruction of five aircraft in one mission, giving him rare 'ace in a day' status. Ace in a Day is Blick's honest and gritty personal memoir of his air war in Europe. His vivid writing places you in the cockpit as he and his comrades battle the enemy in the skies or attack ground targets across Europe. His account conveys a true sense of just how dangerous flying World War II fighters, in all weather conditions, really was. It was not just the enemy that could kill you. A moment's inattention, overconfidence or simple mistake could be deadly. As a keen observer of character, Blick's pen portraits of those around him, including many of those who sadly did not survive the war, offer a poignant and deeply moving tribute to those with whom he served. Anyone wanting an understanding of the dynamics of a working fighter squadron at war and the dilemmas faced by those in command should read this book. Supported by an impressive array of original documentation, photographs, and detailed appendices, including Blick's never-before published wartime journal, Ace in a Day provides a unique and valuable insight into the harsh realities of the air war in Europe from one of the 'Mighty Eighth's' top fighter pilots.

About the Author :
Wayne K. Blickenstaff, known as “Blick,” was a stalwart of the 350th Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group based at Goxhill, Metfield and Raydon, England as part of the Eighth Air Force prosecuting the strategic air campaign against Germany in the Second World War. As an original cadre member, he rose steadily through the ranks from a Second Lieutenant Element Leader to Flight Leader, Squadron Operations Officer, Squadron Leader and finally to a Lieutenant Colonel and Group Operations Officer. Graham Cross earned his doctorate in History from the University of Cambridge, and specialises in twentieth century American military, diplomatic and political history. He is a respected expert on the history of the 8th Air Force and is the historian and UK contact for the 353rd Fighter Group.

Review :
Blick’s narrative is so simple, honest, and direct that the reader cannot help but be drawn into the story. His self-deprecating style could be unbelievable if not for the true heroism of his actions. This memoir is a vivid look at the lives of American fighter pilots in the European theatre. The author asserts that life or death in the air was often a matter of luck and shows this through vignettes about his experiences and those of his fellow flyers. The book is well-illustrated with many of the author's photographs, and a set of detailed appendices provides extensive background information. A valued and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library World War II History/Biography collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. [It] also delves into [Blickenstaff's] daily activities when he wasn't flying, which are equally as interesting to get a good picture of life as a US WWII fighter pilot.