US Fighter Ace Legends of WWII

US Fighter Ace Legends is a collection of then-and-now photographic portraits of six men who achieved the legendary status of fighter ace in the second world war. 


These are the knights of the 20th century and their shining horses were Mustangs, Thunderbolts, Corsairs, Lightnings and Hellcats.


The pilots are: Colonel Bud Anderson, Colonel Art Jeffrey, Dr Kelly Gross, Commander Bill Hardy, Colonel Dean Caswell, and Lieutenant Commander Billy Watts.


If you could have seen what they saw, you would have seen what some of the greatest warriors in history have seen and been witness to some of the greatest battles of all time. Including the air war over Europe and the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.


This 58 page book includes short profiles about the pilots with an emphasis on their wartime experiences. Each pilot has a before and after photo in which it is clear they are the same person even though the two images were taken more than 60 years apart.  The photo-rich book also includes other photos from the war and contemporary images.


I am extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to include these American legends in my work on WWII pilots. Speaking to them was a fascinating experience for me. Sadly there will come a time in the not too distant future when they will no longer be with us. This is one of the reasons I was driven to capture their photos and interviews while it was still possible.  These images are an irreplaceable part of American aviation history, a small part, but one that I hope will kindle interest in those who know nothing of the subject and tweak the curiosity of those who do.