"THOSE NEVER-TO-BE-FORGOTTEN TIMES WHEN OUR NATION PULLED TOGETHER AS A WHOLE": INSCRIBED BY FLYING ACE DONALD BLAKESLEE

ETHELL, Jeffrey L. and FRY, Garry L. Escort to Berlin: The 4th Fighter Group in World War II. New York: Arco, (1980). Octavo, original red cloth, original dust jacket. $200.

First edition of a detailed, illustrated history of the legendary WWII Air Force unit, inscribed by ace Donald Blakeslee on the half title: "Robert - / Best wishes / Cheers!! / Don Blakeslee / 10 Aug. '92."

This account of the 4th Fighter Group of the 8th Air Force in World War II includes day-by-day flight orders and reports along with "exhaustive statistical and technical information" to provide "one of the most complete records of any air combat unit ever published" (Arco). All information "was first generation; nothing was based on previously published accounts" according to the authors. The text is abundantly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs. Bookplate of Robert C. Burlingame. In addition to the inscription on the half title, Blakeslee also signed at his photo.

Book with rubbing to one spine edge; minor rubbing to extremities of price-clipped dust jacket. A near-fine signed copy.