Sortie - A Bibliography of American Combat Aviation Unit Histories of WWII

Author: John Lambert
Publisher: Phalanx MN
Edition: First
Cover: Soft
ISBN: 0-9625860-6-4
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Synopsis: John Lambert's exhaustive bibliographic work serves as the definitive reference guide for researchers, historians, and enthusiasts seeking information about American combat aviation unit histories from World War II. This comprehensive compilation represents years of meticulous research, cataloging hundreds of published and unpublished works that document the service records of fighter, bomber, transport, and reconnaissance units that served during the conflict. Lambert systematically organizes materials by unit type, theater of operations, and chronological order, providing researchers with multiple access points to locate relevant sources. The work includes both official military histories and privately published memoirs, squadron newsletters, and reunion publications that preserve unit traditions and individual stories. The author provides detailed bibliographic information for each entry, including publication details, page counts, availability status, and brief content descriptions that help researchers evaluate sources before accessing them. Lambert's work covers units from all major commands, including the Army Air Forces, Naval Aviation, and Marine Corps aviation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of American air power during the war. The bibliography includes rare and hard-to-find publications, many produced in limited quantities by veterans' organizations or private publishers, making this compilation invaluable for serious researchers. The author provides cross-references and index systems that allow users to locate information about specific aircraft types, geographical areas, or time periods covered by various unit histories. Lambert includes annotations that highlight particularly significant or well-documented unit histories, helping researchers prioritize their investigation efforts. The work serves as a finding aid for archival collections, noting where original documents and photographs used in various publications might be located for further research. The bibliography covers the full spectrum of aviation operations, from strategic bombing campaigns in Europe to fighter operations in the Pacific, ensuring broad coverage of the American aviation war effort. Lambert includes information about unit patches, insignia, and other identifying materials documented in various publications, valuable for collectors and military historians. The work addresses both active duty and reserve units, including National Guard aviation units that were federalized for wartime service. The author provides guidance on evaluating source reliability and suggests complementary research materials that enhance understanding of specific units or operations. This comprehensive bibliography serves as an essential starting point for any serious research into American World War II aviation history, providing the foundation for more detailed investigation into specific units, operations, or individuals. Lambert's meticulous work preserves access to a vast body of historical literature that documents the courage, sacrifice, and achievement of American combat aviators during the war.

Sortie - A Bibliography of American Combat Aviation Unit Histories of WWII, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.