Compiled from official source documents this book covers the entire period of the USAAF, pre-war and post-war, and throughout World War II, up to the fomation of the independent U.S. Air Force in 1947. Described are many hitherto unknown facts about the USAAF involvement in the worldwide war theaters. This includes information about converting the Eighth Air Force in England to night bombing, because of the horrendous losses being suffered over Germany, and how the timely development of the Merlin-engined P-51 helped to prevent this. Full details are given of the conversion of B-17s to the night bombing role. The book covers the toal subject in chronological order, with chapters covering 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945-1947. All details, and the reasons for the changes, are given for the camouflage colors, camouflage schemes, national insignia, and aircraft markings. A chapter is devoted to a brief description of the combat aircraft distinctive markings evolved by the Eighth Air Force
