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The AAF in the Invasion of Southern France: An Interim Report [Wings at War No. 1]

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Price: $5.00

Item Number: L0181

The AAF in the Invasion of Southern France: An Interim Report [Wings at War No. 1]

This work tells how the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces, under the command of Lt. Gen. Ira Eaker, supported the Allied airborne and amphibious assault designed to undercut German defenses in Occupied France. In this invasion—the fourth major one in three months—American air power overwhelmed the meager enemy forces and diverted attention from the north, helping to topple German control in Vichy. Air operations persistently found, fixed, and fought occupying German forces, preventing their orderly withdrawal, greatly easing the way for Allied invasion forces.

Originally published shortly after key air campaigns, the Wings at War series captured the spirit and tone of America's World War II experience. Eyewitness accounts of Army Air Forces' aviators and details from the official histories enlivened the story behind each of six important AAF operations.

Originally published in 1945 by Headquarters, Army Air Forces, Office of Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence, Washington, D.C., as a soft cover booklet measuring 6 × 9.25 inches.

This is the edition reprinted in 1992 by the Center for Air Force History, Washington, D.C., as part of the 50th Anniversary of World War II commemorations. Other than a slightly redesigned front cover and title page, this was a facsimile reprint of the original booklet.

Military Reference Library #L181

Available as a PDF file (31 MB) from Merriam Press
High quality scan of every page of the original work
Not available for downloading
Will be shipped by mail on a CDR disc
- Shipment by first class mail to U.S. customers and airmail to foreign customers
- PDF files on CDR discs are sent separately from printed books
- No extra charge for shipping CDRs but the regular small order/shipping charges apply

Contents

Foreword
The Invasion of Southern France
- Pre-Invasion Situation
- Intention
- Planning
- Build-Up
  - Supplies—Corsica
  - Airdrome Construction—Corsica
  - Signals
Operations
- Operations During the Second Week
Air Operations
- German Air Force
- Interdiction
- Movement to France
- Anti-Radar Attacks
- Troop Carrier
The Airborne Operation
- Organization
  - Airborne Elements
  - Troop Carrier Elements
  - Concentration of Units
- Planning
- Pre-Operation Planning
- The Operation
- Ground Activities
- Statistics
- Summary
Mapping and Reconnaissance
The Air Command Post Afloat
- Control of TAC/R and Fighter-Bomber Missions
- Furnishing Information on Movements and Status of Aircraft
- Stand-by for Fighter Direction
  - Filter
    - Naval Radar Guard Net
    - Ground Control Intercept Reporting
    - Track Broadcast
- Control of Defensive Patrols
Summary of MASAF Operations
- Communications