Wings of War
The World War II Fighter Plane That Saved the Allies and the Believers Who Made It Fly
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Wings of War
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Narrated by:
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René Ruiz
About this listen
The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang, the World War II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made D-Day possible
“Aviation buffs will cheer this high-flying saga.”—Publishers Weekly • “[A] fascinating book about passion and innovation.”—Walter Isaacson • “An essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution.”—E. J. Dionne, Jr.
When the P-51 Mustang began tearing across European skies in early 1944, the Allies had been losing the air war for years. Staggering numbers of bomber crews, both British and American, had been shot down and killed thanks to the Luftwaffe’s superior fighter force. Not only did the air war appear grim, but any landing of troops in France was impossible while German fighters hunted overhead. But behind the scenes, a team of visionaries had begun to design a bold new type of airplane, one that could outrun and outmaneuver Germany’s best.
Wings of War is the incredible true story of the P-51 Mustang fighter and the unlikely crew of designers, engineers, test pilots, and army officers who brought it from the drafting table to the skies over World War II. This is hardly a straightforward tale of building an airplane—for years, the team was stymied by corruption within the defense industry and stonewalled by the Army Air Forces, who failed to understand the Mustang’s potential. But when squadrons of Mustangs were finally unleashed over Hitler’s empire, the Luftwaffe was decimated within months, clearing the skies for D-Day. A compelling, character-focused narrative replete with innovation, determination, and bravery, Wings of War is the never-before-told story of the airplane that truly changed the course of World War II.
Critic Reviews
“At a critical moment in World War II, the Allies developed a fast and futuristic warplane known as the P-51 Mustang. In this fascinating book about passion and innovation, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White tell the story of the visionary designer who created it and how the Mustang turned the air war and paved the way for D-Day.” (Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Code Breaker and The Innovators)
“David and Margaret White are gifted story tellers, intrepid reporters, and tireless detectives who find both clues and insights in archives and frayed documents. In telling the story of a fighter plane and its champions, Wings of War also sheds important light on how the allies prevailed in World War II and saved the democratic world. It's an essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution.” (E. J. Dionne Jr., New York Times bestselling author of Our Divided Political Heart)
“In stirring fashion, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White shine a light on a little-known weapon that helped win the war, the P-51B Mustang fighter, and on three bold individuals who contributed to the plane’s success. The authors bring to life the key personnel, decisions, and obstacles that shaped the transformation of the Mustang from conception to wartime reality. This is a must read for those interested in a behind-the-scenes examination of a decisive military weapon.” (John Wukovits, author of Dogfight Over Tokyo and Black Sheep: The Life of Pappy Boyington)