Hell's Angels

The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II

By: Jay A. Stout

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

The true story of World War 2’s legendary Hell’s Angels—the 8th Air Force’s 303rd Bomb Group.

Although the United States declared war against Germany in December 1941, a successful assault on Nazi-occupied Europe could not happen until Germany’s industrial and military might were crippled. The first target was the Luftwaffe—the most powerful and battle-hardened air force in the world. The United States Army Air Forces joined with Great Britain’s already-engaged Royal Air Force to launch a strategic air campaign that ultimately brought the Luftwaffe to its knees. One of the standout units of this campaign was the legendary 303rd Bomb Group—Hell’s Angels.

This is the 303rd’s story, as told by the men who made it what it was. Taking their name from their B-17 of the same name, they became one of the most distinguished and important air combat units in history. The dramatic and terrible air battles they fought against Germany ultimately changed the course of the war.

Critic reviews

Praise for Hell’s Angels

“[An] epic tale of the World War II aerial campaign over Europe...Hell's Angels is a gripping and awe-inspiring book.”—Nathaniel Fick, author of One Bullet Away

“It's all there—the boredom, the devotion, the horror and even the humor in an industrial war fought on a global scale that we'll never see again. Unit histories just do not get any better.”—Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind and Forgotten Fifteenth.

“Jay Stout is a triple-threat aviation historian—an experienced combat aviator, a meticulous researcher and a compelling story teller. His uncanny eye for authentic detail allows Hell’s Angels to be the incredible story of the 303rd Bomb Group and the bombing campaign that crippled Nazi Germany. Stout makes a hard-ridden topic seem fresh and new again. Highly recommended.”—Walter J. Boyne, Author/Historian

“Jay Stout’s reputation as a hard-hitting, authoritative, yet easy-to-read aviation author is upheld with this book. Readers looking for new insights and material will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.”—Donald Caldwell, author of JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe

“A well-researched, beautifully written, and deeply evocative paean to the 303rd Heavy Bombardment Group—and all the young American heavy-bomber crewmen who, from 1942 to 1945, went out, facing a high probability of death or imprisonment, to grind the German industrial base to dust.”—Eric Hammel, Author of The Road to Big Week

“Jay Stout has done a masterful job. The life and death struggles are told using the mission records, personal writings and experiences of one of the Eighth Air Force's most successful bombardment groups. All who wish a complete understanding of the role played by the Eighth Air Force and the strategic bombing of Germany should read this book.”—Keith Ferris, Artist and Military Aviation Historian

Captivating

When the story begins, it seems like a dry retelling of stats and missions, but then Mr. Stout, through Robertson Dean’s engaging storytelling, begins to flesh out the true story. The personalities take shape, the fear is real, as is the death and destruction, the weather is felt rather than read! Just captivating, through-and-through! Worth the time!

I can't believe they did this!

I just learned that Jimmy Stewart's first film after returning home from the air war over Europe was It's a Wonderful Life. I learned that just as I was finishing Hell's Angels. With our current understanding of PTSD, it's a wonder to me how any of the airmen who went up mission after mission could come back and build so much of the nation we enjoy today. The book was as relentless as the combat. Because of it I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Greatest Generation.

well researched

few remember the sacrifice of the AAF During WW II. Even fewer realize that more airmen died in WW II than ground troops. this book is well researched and documented.

A good listen.

A chronicle of events the war as relayed by the people whom participated. As such the story is often fragmented and difficult to follow hence the four star rating I give it. I still consider this a worthy listen just to hear the various stories of the men who fought.

great book

I wasn't sure about this book when I started listening to it. It would be easy for a book.like this to be boring.
I found that this book was very fascinating. I enjoyed hearing about the crews and mechanics as well as the B17