America's Few

Using the stories of Gregory “Pappy” Boyington and Joseph “Smokey Joe” Foss, two top-scoring fighter aces, this fascinating book explores US Marine Corps aviation over the South Pacific.  America’s Few delves into the history of US Marine Corps aviation in World War II, following the feats of the Corps’ top-scoring aces in the skies over Guadalcanal. Marine Corps aviation began in 1915, functioning as a self-contained expeditionary force. During the interwar period, the support of USMC amphibious operations became a key element of Marine aviation doctrine, and the small force gradually grew. But in December 1941 came the rude awakening. Within hours of Pearl Harbor, heroic Marine aviators were battling the Japanese over Wake Island.

Through parallel stories of two top-scoring fighter aces, as well as many other Marine aces, acclaimed aviation historian Bill Yenne, examines the development of US Marine Corps aviation in the South Pacific.

Written by Bill Yenne. Published by Osprey Publishing, 2022. Hardcover with Dust Jacket, 352 pages.