AMERICAN GLIDER PILOTS IN THE INVASION OF SICILY: Twenty-Six Airmen and Two Fateful Nights in July 1943

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Details how glider pilots played a key role in the U.S. Army Airborne Doctrine in World War II. These servicemen faced an especially daunting challenge: deliver heavy equipment, troops, and medical supplies behind well-fortified enemy lines in nonpowered, slow-moving aircraft made of fabric, plywood, and metal tubing. Draws on official United States Army Air Forces microfilm records, operational records in the National Archives, photographs from both collections, and many personal accounts. Contains 68 photos.