A comprehensive look at the air war over Europe during the climactic year of World War II, combining firsthand experience with expert analysis. Built around the diary of 1st Lieutenant Richard R. Ayesh, bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress with the "Bloody 100th," this work is uniquely self-contained, explaining all aspects of the air war waged from bases in England against the Third Reich in a clear, concise, yet nontechnical manner. Raised in Wichita, Kansas, during the Great Depression, Ayesh flew with the 100th Bombardment Group, 13th Combat Wing of the 8th Air Force. His unaltered diary is presented mission by mission, punctuated by tragedy and heroism, with explanations of and commentary on the significance of events and actions described en route. The result is one of the most frank and exciting works on the air war over Europe to date.