Description
A hell-bent-for-leather fighter pilot, Elwyn G. Righetti remains one of the most elusive, yet compelling, colorful and controversial commanders of World War II. Arriving late to the war, he led the England-based 55th Fighter Group against the Nazis during the closing months of the fight with a no-holds-barred aggressiveness that transformed the group from a middling organization of no reputation into a headline-grabbing team that had to make excuses to no one. Indeed, Righetti's boldness paid off as he quickly achieved ace status and additionally scored more strafing victories
face=Calibri>-27-than any other Eighth Air Force pilot.
However, success came at a high cost in men and machines. Some of Righetti's pilots resented him as a Johnny-come-lately intent on winning a sack of medals at their expense. But most lauded their spirited new commander and his sledgehammer audacity. Indeed, he made his men most famous for 'loco busting', as they put more than six hundred enemy locomotives out of commission
face=Calibri>-170 in just two days!
Ultimately, Righetti's calculated recklessness ran full speed into the odds. His aircraft was hit while strafing an enemy airfield only four days before the 55th flew its last mission. Almost farcically aggressive to the end, he coaxed his crippled fighter through one more firing pass before making a successful crash landing. Immediately, he radioed his men that he was fine and asked that they reassure his family.
Righetti was never heard from again.
Vanished Hero tells the story of this remarkable man and the air war that he and his comrades fought, while examining his possible fate.
About the Author
Veteran fighter pilot and historian Jay A. Stout writes with the authority of someone who knows the terror of combat, the heartbreak of loss and the life-sustaining goodness of love. An award-winning author, he writes with a clarity, empathy and depth of knowledge that fascinates, informs and keeps pages turning.
Reviews
This is an engaging story, told precisely and sympathetically, and it's ideal background if one is considering a build of Righetti's famous Katy-Did (photos are included). * Airfix Model World *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612003955
Author Jay Stout
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
face=Calibri>-27-than any other Eighth Air Force pilot.
However, success came at a high cost in men and machines. Some of Righetti's pilots resented him as a Johnny-come-lately intent on winning a sack of medals at their expense. But most lauded their spirited new commander and his sledgehammer audacity. Indeed, he made his men most famous for 'loco busting', as they put more than six hundred enemy locomotives out of commission
face=Calibri>-170 in just two days!
Ultimately, Righetti's calculated recklessness ran full speed into the odds. His aircraft was hit while strafing an enemy airfield only four days before the 55th flew its last mission. Almost farcically aggressive to the end, he coaxed his crippled fighter through one more firing pass before making a successful crash landing. Immediately, he radioed his men that he was fine and asked that they reassure his family.
Righetti was never heard from again.
Vanished Hero tells the story of this remarkable man and the air war that he and his comrades fought, while examining his possible fate.
About the Author
Veteran fighter pilot and historian Jay A. Stout writes with the authority of someone who knows the terror of combat, the heartbreak of loss and the life-sustaining goodness of love. An award-winning author, he writes with a clarity, empathy and depth of knowledge that fascinates, informs and keeps pages turning.
Reviews
This is an engaging story, told precisely and sympathetically, and it's ideal background if one is considering a build of Righetti's famous Katy-Did (photos are included). * Airfix Model World *
Book Information
ISBN 9781612003955
Author Jay Stout
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Casemate Publishers
Publisher Casemate Publishers
