Authors tell story of WWII pilots

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: June 27, 2008

STAFFORD — A Virginia author is drawing attention to a lesser-known group of pilots that helped America win World War II.

In his new book, “Hell Hawks!” co-author Thomas D. Jones, who lives in Northern Virginia, tells the story of the all-volunteer 365th Fighter Group that formed in 1943, just prior to D-Day.

The airmen who fought as Hell Hawks were all less than 22 years old, according to Jones. He said the pilots played a major support role for the American soldiers on the ground canvassing Europe.

The book tells the story of the first time the fighters saw combat, on June 6, 1944, when they flew support over then Gen. Eisenhower’s ground forces advancing into France and Germany.

The Hell Hawks flew many missions during the war, including attacking enemy gun and communications installations, and fighting in mid-air with some of Germany’s most experienced and deadly fighter pilots, according to the book.

When the Germans surrendered in 1945, the fighters had flown more than 1,200 combat missions, and lost nearly 70 airmen in the fight. Thomas said the battles and constant death during the war allowed the fighters to forge a common bond that is still shared today, more than 60 years later.

Thomas, who was born 10 years after the war ended, did not serve in the conflict.

“When I heard about their story in the ‘70s, I knew that it had the gems of a great story,” said Thomas.

Thomas, who himself has had a successful career in both the Air Force and NASA, said he wanted to tell the story that many have not heard yet.

He said most have seen the stories about the WWII soldiers on the ground, such as “Saving Private Ryan,” but most have not heard about the airmen who suffered similar losses in the skies.

The author points out that the group wasn’t solely made up of pilots, but of ground crews, crew chiefs, mechanics and staff members who slept in tents on muddy ground in the fight against the Nazis.

“They all fought in this unpopular war against the Germans,” said Thomas.

A pilot and former astronaut, Thomas said some of the same camaraderie that he saw during his time serving the U.S. can be seen ten-fold in the more than 50 veterans he interviewed for the book.

“I had the opportunity to go to space because of their sacrifices,” said Thomas.

Thomas flew on four shuttle missions, and led the nine-hour space walk that installed the centerpiece of the International Space Station, the American Destiny
Laboratory.

Jones and co-author Robert Dorr were at Borders in Stafford Marketplace last weekend signing copies of the books.

“I like to talk and get out and share these kinds of stories,” said Thomas.

Dorr, who lives in Oakton, is an Air Force veteran and a retired American Diplomat. He has written more than 60 books, and thousands of magazine articles about the Air Force and it’s aircraft.

During his time in the Air Force Dorr served in the Korean conflict from 1957-1960, and served in the American embassies and consulates until 1989. Dorr was
unable to be reached before press time.

Thomas, who holds a Doctorial degree I planetary sciences, regularly speaks and writes for the Smithsonian Institution.

For more information about Hell Hawks!, visit zenithpress.com.