Zemke's Wolf Pack

by Hub Zemke and Roger A. Freeman

Book Overview

Description: The story of Hub Zemke and the elite 56th Fighter Group over WWII Europe. Signed in ink by Four Aces: Zemke, 56th FG; J. Johnson, 61st FS; Quirk, 62nd FS; and Mahurin, 63rd FS. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 051757330X
• ISBN13: 9780517573303
• Release Date: September 1989
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Fighter Pilot's - and Commander's - Compelling Story

When I was at the Air Command and Staff College in '92, one of our greatest treats came when a guest speaker stopped in to tell us about his or her involvement in the military or the political realm. Some were brilliant, some were snoozers, and some we would have gladly booed off stage (had that been an option!) But most very openly gave us their version of the "unvarnished truth", due to the school's policy of non-attribution. Simply put, the policy meant that we were allowed to listen and ask questions, but never directly quote the speakers. This led some folks to be shockingly candid in their comments, and admit to some things you would be astonished to read in a newspaper. "Hub" Zemke proved to be a standout among the standouts. A warrior to his very soul, he wouldn't dream of apologizing for his part in the war, and still carried strong feelings about the German people in his heart. I don't know if he would thrive in today's Air Force, but he was absolutely the right person, in the right place, at the right time. A lot of fighter pilots survived the war because if Zemke's leadership and training. Needless to say, he left me thoroughly impressed, and I carried away an autographed copy of his book that I cherish to this day. So I may be a bit biased in my review. Still, being as open-minded and dispassionate as I can be, I have to rate this as an excellent book. Zemke was an active player in the European Air War from the early days of America's involvement, and stayed on flight ops until his Mustang disintegrated over Germany while on a B-24 escort mission in Oct '44. The Germans captured him, and he spent the last part of the war in Stalag Luft I. Along the way, he participated in many of the major operations, and met many of the influential figures, of the time. Roger Freeman, who actually wrote the book based on Zemke's narrative, does an exceptional job of telling the story. Freeman gives you a feel for the man's prickly personality, while sparing you from the full force of his somewhat volatile temper. He gives you a wide-open window into a 1940s fighter squadron (and group), filled with vibrant first-hand details. Because Zemke was a fast rising star, you get more of a big picture perspective than the average fighter pilot could possibly give. If you are a history buff, especially a WWII aficionado, then clear your calendar because you'll have a hard time putting this book down once you've started. There are several good first-hand accounts of the air war in Europe. This easily belongs on anyone's top three list; I'd call it the best. Highly, highly recommended.

AN EXCELLENT WW 2 AVIATION BOOK...........

FREEMAN, OR SHOULD I SAY COLONEL ZEMKE, HAS WRITTEN A SUPERB RECOLLECTION OF THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ONE OF AMERICA'S GREAT MILITARY AVIATORS AND LEADERS. A GREAT SOURCE FOR UNDERSTANDING U.S ARMY AIR FORCE OPERATIONS OVER EUROPE, IT ALSO DETAILS COL. ZEMKE'S EXPERIENCES IN THE PRE-WAR AIR CORPS, HIS TRAINING MISSION TO RUSSIA TO TEACH THEIR PILOTS ABOUT THE P-40,AND HIS TAKING OVER THE REINS OF THE 56th FIGHTER GROUP,THE HIGHEST SCORING IN EUROPE. THE BOOK IS FILLED WITH MANY FASCINATING CHARACTERS, PARTICULARLY FROM THE 56th,AS WELL AS MANY ADVENTURES. A MUST HAVE FOR THE WW 2 AVIATION BUFF !!!!!!!!

A true American Hero, "Hub" Zemke tells true stories of WWII

A great book about the young men who served in the 56th Fighter Group in the European theater of the second world war. "Hub" Zemke tells the true stories of his life and command in the air war against the German Luftwaffe. Capturing reading with excellent historical information included.