PACIFIC SWEEP: The 5th and 13th Fighter Commands in World War II by William N. Hess. GOOD First Edition unstated hardcover, 1974. The history began in tragedy with a handful of pilots flying obsolete aircraft in an effort to stop the Japanese onslaught in the Philippines in 1941-42. Following the fall of the Philippines, the surviving men and machines were evacuated to Australia, where they put up a gallant aerial defense of that continent and New Guinea. It was a deadly series of battles fought over vast stretches of ocean and over little-known islands in the Pacific island campaign. What they lacked in men, machines, and comforts, they made up for in skill, ingenuity, and sheer guts. This is their history through interviews, official records, and personal diaries. Includes firsthand accounts on flying the P-38, P-40 and P-47 in combat, a reprint of the instructional booklet on combat tactics that was distributed to all new pilots assigned to the South Pacific Theater, and a complete list of all 5th and 13th fighter aces and their victories. Collectible.

GOOD First Edition unstated hardcover, gently read with pages and deckled (ragged) edges very clean and unmarked. Binding tight. Hardboards show light fading at top and bottom edges with abrasions to bottom edges. Age-toned jacket shows considerable damage as scanned with light scuffing and several closed tears at edges front and back. Not a remainder. Not price clipped. 5.75" x 8.5." Vintage photos, appendices, and text. 278 pgs.