Fortress Againest the Sun - The B-17 Flying Fortress in the Pacific

Author: Gene Salecker
Publisher: Combined Books PN
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 1-58097-049-4
Pacific

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Synopsis: Gene Salecker's specialized study examines the operational employment of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress bombers in the Pacific theater, documenting how this famous aircraft adapted to conditions and missions significantly different from its better-known role in the European strategic bombing campaign. The work addresses a relatively neglected aspect of Pacific air operations, examining how B-17 units operating from bases in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines contributed to Allied victory despite facing unique challenges including extreme operating distances, tropical maintenance conditions, and Japanese fighter opposition specifically configured to counter heavy bomber attacks. Salecker's narrative begins with the pre-war deployment of B-17s to the Philippines, examining how these early bombers represented American hopes for deterring Japanese aggression while acknowledging the limited numbers and obsolete equipment available for Pacific defense. The author documents the devastating losses suffered during the initial Japanese attacks, analyzing how the destruction of most Pacific-based B-17s during the war's first weeks forced a complete reconstruction of American heavy bomber capabilities in the theater. The work provides detailed analysis of the logistical challenges facing B-17 operations in the Pacific, examining how extreme distances between bases and targets required modifications to standard operating procedures developed for European conditions. Salecker documents the adaptation of B-17 tactics for Pacific conditions, including low-level attacks against shipping targets, precision bombing of Japanese airfields, and long-range reconnaissance missions that exploited the bomber's exceptional range and defensive capabilities. The narrative includes comprehensive examination of specific B-17 units operating in the Pacific, documenting their movement between bases as Allied forces advanced toward Japan while analyzing how unit capabilities evolved through combat experience. The author addresses the technical challenges of maintaining complex aircraft under tropical conditions, examining how humidity, corrosion, and limited spare parts availability affected operational readiness throughout the campaign. Central to the work is the detailed analysis of B-17 combat effectiveness against Japanese targets, examining both successful operations and missions that failed to achieve their objectives due to weather, navigation difficulties, or enemy interference. Salecker provides balanced assessment of the B-17's role in Pacific operations, acknowledging both the aircraft's significant contributions and its limitations compared to aircraft specifically designed for Pacific conditions like the B-24 Liberator and later B-29 Superfortress. The work includes examination of Japanese responses to B-17 attacks, documenting how enemy fighters and anti-aircraft defenses adapted to counter American bombing tactics while analyzing the effectiveness of different defensive measures. The narrative addresses the human dimension of Pacific B-17 operations, examining how aircrew members coped with extended missions over water, primitive base conditions, and the constant threat of mechanical failure far from emergency landing options. Salecker documents the transition of Pacific heavy bomber operations to B-24 and B-29 aircraft, examining how the B-17's role evolved as newer aircraft with greater range and payload capacity became available for Pacific operations. The work concludes with analysis of the B-17's overall contribution to Pacific victory, examining how its early availability and proven reliability provided crucial capabilities during the war's most critical phase when few alternatives existed. This specialized study serves as both aircraft history and operational analysis, providing detailed insights into how a European-designed bomber adapted to Pacific conditions while contributing to Allied victory in humanity's most widespread conflict.

Fortress Againest the Sun - The B-17 Flying Fortress in the Pacific, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.