Amazon Battle Colors Category:  History Publisher: Schiffer Military History ISBN-10:  0764319876 Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 128 Copyright: 2006 ISBN-13: 9780764319877 Price: $38.00 (eBook) Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the Eighth Air Force in World War II •Vol. 1: VIII Bomber Command• Relying heavily upon visuals, Battle Colors fills a long standing void in the annals of the Eighth Air Force during World War II. This volume focuses on all forty-eight Bomb Groups comprising the Eighth and features color illustrations depicting the evolution of all fuselage, wing and tail markings assigned to the individual units. Details concerning the proper size, placement, color and configuration of all tactical markings of U.S. Bomber Command are addressed. Group and squadron combat insignia as well as airfield location maps for each unit are also depicted. All bombardment units incorporated within the Eighth are indexed and easily cross-referenced by squadron, group, wing and division assignments. Additionally, all major components comprising the Eighth have been organized into quick reference organizational flow charts that show the actual order-of-battle for the Mighty Eighth. This book is an invaluable tool for anyone with an interest in the history of the U.S. Eighth Air Force in World War II.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
A Fine Book
By Eng Luis A. Tavares on March 15, 2006
Format: Hardcover-Verified Purchase
In this field of heraldry and avaition insignia with so many books already published is difficult to find sometinh new and valuable. It is the case of this book;: the moment I received it I thought it was an important addition to my library.

Not only the graphic aspect is very well done (all the data in color and very well reprodu ced)but the presenation of all the markings and insignia of 8th Air force Bomber Groups and Code letters being very exhaustive. A nice addition is a map with the geographical location of the Groups.

In short , the best book I know in the subject, and well worth its cost.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Primer on 8th Air Force Markings!
By Mike O'Connor TOP 500 REVIEWER on February 10, 2008
Format: Hardcover
Though there have been many books detailing the origins and combat history of the Mighty Eighth, there haven't been any volumes, that I am aware of, that tackled the subject of 8th Air Force markings. This Schiffer book by Robert Watkins addresses that need and it's the answer to a historian's - and modeller's - prayers.

In 127 color-packed pages Watkins illustrates the fuselage, wing and tail markings carried by the 48 bomb groups assigned to the 8th AF, tracing the evolution of those markings from initial assignment to war's end. Each group receives a two-page spread showing group and squadron insignia; side and top aircraft profiles illustrating squadron codes, wing identification symbols and special markings; a brief summary of the unit's combat history; a map showing the group's base; and four-seven photographs and/or drawings - some in color - showing group aircraft and various markings details. Watkins even includes groups that were briefly assigned to the Mighty Eighth such as several B-26 units, the 97th BG, etc.

While not exhaustive, BATTLE COLORS will certainly stand as a basic source on 8th Air Force markings. The illustrations are well done and the accompanying information easy to understand. Mighty Eighth markings were not as standardized as many may think, some groups never using or being assigned squadron codes! Likewise specialized 'one-off' markings appeared in several groups and placement of codes often varied greatly between groups.

All in all, it is a fascinating subject and, at long last, we have a well-illustrated, accessible book that makes sense of it all. BATTLE COLORS should find a place on the bookshelves of all 8th Air Force enthusiasts.

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5.0 out of 5 stars
Shocking good!
By Igors Karpovs on February 2, 2008
Format: Hardcover
R.A. Watkins has done a magnificient and has scrupulously considered all questions, concerning a camouflage, marks, designations of planes, colour schemes. The problem of occurrence and development of a camouflage of military-air forces of the USA is considered in details. The drawings made by means of a computer drawing, accurately transfer colours and shades of symbols of squadrons etc. I strongly recommend the book for military historians, the persons who are taking a great interest in history of the Air Forces of the USA during the Second World War, as well as for modellers.