Wings of War

Praise

“At a critical moment in World War II, the Allies developed a fast and futuristic warplane known as the P-51 Mustang. In this fascinating book about passion and innovation, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White tell the story of the visionary designer who created it and how the Mustang turned the air war and paved the way for D-Day.”—Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Code Breaker and The Innovators

“David and Margaret White are gifted story tellers, intrepid reporters, and tireless detectives who find both clues and insights in archives and frayed documents. In telling the story of a fighter plane and its champions, Wings of War also sheds important light on how the allies prevailed in World War II and saved the democratic world. It’s an essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution.”—E. J. Dionne Jr., New York Times bestselling author of Our Divided Political Heart

“In stirring fashion, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White shine a light on a little-known weapon that helped win the war, the P-51B Mustang fighter, and on three bold individuals who contributed to the plane’s success. The authors bring to life the key personnel, decisions, and obstacles that shaped the transformation of the Mustang from conception to wartime reality. This is a must read for those interested in a behind-the-scenes examination of a decisive military weapon.”—John Wukovits, author of Dogfight Over Tokyo and Black Sheep: The Life of Pappy Boyington

“Wings of War soars, with its concise and engrossing history of the development and deployment of a pivotal plane, an aircraft that would change the outcome of WWII. Authors David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White portray the action that played out in the air and behind the scenes, making for a terrifically intriguing book.”—Booklist

“The authors enrich the technical details with vivid character sketches and dramatic accounts of the Battle of the Bulge…and other campaigns. Aviation buffs will cheer this high-flying saga.”—Publishers Weekly

“These profiles provide new insight and human interest around the development of the iconic Mustang.”—Library Journal

“Most histories of the P-51 are combat histories, focusing on the plane and its pilots in action. The author delivers that but also delves deeply into the fighter’s rocky origins and the struggle to bring the plane to production. The story of Edgar Schmued, the man who designed the P-51 and the later F-86, is fascinating and enriches the understanding of his creation. The tales of many others who brought Schmued’s dream to fruition are also revealed in detail.”—WWII History Magazine