Description

Harvest of the Grim Reapers Volume I is the sixth hardcover book in the Eagles Over the Pacific series. With roots dating back to the air war over France in World War I, the 3rd Bomb Group (3rd BG) would pioneer the low-level air attack strategy used in the Pacific Theater in World War II. In 1939, the unit was split up: half the personnel would make up the new 27th Bomb Group (27th BG) that would help defend the Philippines, while the rest would remain in the U.S. for additional training. The two units would reunite in Australia in March 1942, after two dozen 27th pilots escaped the maelstrom of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Bolstered by three score new pilots, and later, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) co-pilots and gunners, their first major combat operation was the Royce Raid, a surprise attack against the Japanese in the heart of the Philippine Islands.

Forced to adapt to an unpredictable supply line, the 3rd Bomb Group flew A-24 dive-bombers, A-20 strafer-bombers they modified themselves, and B-25 Mitchell medium bombers acquired from the Dutch Air Force. Major Paul I. “Pappy” Gunn, a future legend of the 3rd Bomb Group, was instrumental in the development of the A-20 strafer model that changed the way air units attacked the Japanese. In 1942, they bombed Japanese bases in New Guinea including Lae, Salamaua, and Buna, often without fighter cover. Often intercepted by the famous Tainan Kokutai, a Japanese Navy Air Group at its peak prowess and included many top Japanese fighter pilots. Aircrews downed in New Guinea often survived incredible feats of escape and evasion before returning to Allied territory. Every aspect of the group’s history is told to the fullest extent of what information is available in archival sources, diary entries, and veteran interviews.

Written by Lawrence J. Hickey, working in tandem with distinguished historian Edward M. Rogers, the story of the 27th Bomb Group and 3rd Bomb Group from inception until the end of 1942. Accompanying the narrative are more than 700 photos, four comprehensive appendices, two spectacular color paintings, and 20 detailed color profiles by aviation artist Jack Fellows. Spanning 528 pages, this volume is an unparalleled tale of bravery, innovation, and hardship that forms an important record of America’s early air war in the Pacific Theater.

Reviews

“Harvest of the Grim Reapers is unsurpassed when it comes to providing a thorough, engaging history of the 3rd Bombardment Group and the ill-fated, short-lived 27th Bombardment Group. And the authors never allow readers to forget that every mission, every victory, and every loss involved young airmen far from home. This is a terrific book with a huge amount of appeal for anyone interested in the air war in the Pacific.”
–Bill Stone, Stone & Stone Second World War Books

“The survivors of the 3rd and 27th Bomb Groups and their families will be justifiably proud of the story told. The book tells a story of bravery, heroism, and innovation during a time of great hardship.”
–Air & Space Power History, Winter 2022 Edition