The Spray and Pray Squadron: 3rd Bomb Squadron, 1st Bomb Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing in World War II

by: Margaret Mills Kincannon (Author)

Publisher: Schiffer Military History

Publication Date: 2024/4/28

Language: English

Print Length: 560 pages

ISBN-10: 0764367897

ISBN-13: 9780764367892

Book Description

This book chronicles exploits of the 3rd Bomb Squadron of Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault’s experimental Chinese-American Composite Wing, in which young men from two nations of different languages, customs, and cultures joined forces to fight a common enemy. At the end of the world’s longest supply line and often limited by shortages that included gasoline and bombs necessary for missions, as well as often-foul weather, they went on to establish an impressive record of successful combat operations. This squadron history reveals details of their B-25 bombing and strafing raids against vital enemy targets—primarily along conduits used to transport supplies and troops—as well as of daily activities that provide an intimate glimpse behind the scenes. Narratives from official records complemented by letters home, personal diaries, interviews, and more than 200 never-before-published photographs make this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of WWII’s most distinctive military organizations.

About the Author

This book chronicles exploits of the 3rd Bomb Squadron of Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault’s experimental Chinese-American Composite Wing, in which young men from two nations of different languages, customs, and cultures joined forces to fight a common enemy. At the end of the world’s longest supply line and often limited by shortages that included gasoline and bombs necessary for missions, as well as often-foul weather, they went on to establish an impressive record of successful combat operations. This squadron history reveals details of their B-25 bombing and strafing raids against vital enemy targets—primarily along conduits used to transport supplies and troops—as well as of daily activities that provide an intimate glimpse behind the scenes. Narratives from official records complemented by letters home, personal diaries, interviews, and more than 200 never-before-published photographs make this a must-read for anyone seeking to understand one of WWII’s most distinctive military organizations.