Don
I may incur your wrath but fighter pilots have always been an interest of mine.
The other day I was reading a modelling magazine when I found reference to a 39 - 45 pilot from the 4th Fighter Group who were based at Debden. The pilot was Don S Gentile and mention of him reminded me of a book titled '1000 Destroyed' that I once owned.
This leads me to ask US friends two questions
Is the book still in print?
Is there info or book available on Ralph 'Kid' Hofer from Salem, Mo a member of the Group who was lost in action over Budapest in 44
Ralph K Hofer
Started by
David J Jones
, Oct 26 2001 09:21
2 replies to this topic
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#2
Criceto
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- 201 posts
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Posted 26 October 2001 - 17:16
I don't know that there's a book devoted to Hofer, but there's a nice chapter on him in Jim Goodson's "Tumult in the Clouds". Goodson was one of the pilots of the 4th FG, and really knows how to spin a yarn.
The book tells the story of the group by focusing chapter by chapter on the most charismatic pilots in the squadron, Don Blakeslee, Don Gentile, "Deacon" Hively, John Godfrey and Duane "Bee" Beeson. It's a cracking read, if a little romanticised.
Kid Hofer is painted as a maverick pilot, individualistic to the point of recklessness. But his story is told with much fondness. The final passage of the chapter, recounting the scene at base when the Kid didn't come home, has reduced me to tears before now. Goodson suggests that Kid Hofer was accounted for by Erich Hartmann, the ranking ace in the Luftwaffe, credited with 352 decisive combats. Whether this has ever been verified, I do not know, but by all accounts, it would have taken a talented pilot to get the better of Ralph Hofer.
The book tells the story of the group by focusing chapter by chapter on the most charismatic pilots in the squadron, Don Blakeslee, Don Gentile, "Deacon" Hively, John Godfrey and Duane "Bee" Beeson. It's a cracking read, if a little romanticised.
Kid Hofer is painted as a maverick pilot, individualistic to the point of recklessness. But his story is told with much fondness. The final passage of the chapter, recounting the scene at base when the Kid didn't come home, has reduced me to tears before now. Goodson suggests that Kid Hofer was accounted for by Erich Hartmann, the ranking ace in the Luftwaffe, credited with 352 decisive combats. Whether this has ever been verified, I do not know, but by all accounts, it would have taken a talented pilot to get the better of Ralph Hofer.
#3
David J Jones
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- 448 posts
- Joined: August 00
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Posted 26 October 2001 - 18:27
Criceto
Thanks for that info - I will see if I can find a copy of Goodson's book. Also thanks for confirming Erich Hartmann's role in the demise of the Kid.
All but about 6 of his 352 victories were Russians but from what I read about him he was in action over Budapest at the time the Kid was shot down and he was claiming Mustangs destroyed on that day.
I had linked the possibility together in my mind but your post has virtually clinched the fact for me.
Thanks for that info - I will see if I can find a copy of Goodson's book. Also thanks for confirming Erich Hartmann's role in the demise of the Kid.
All but about 6 of his 352 victories were Russians but from what I read about him he was in action over Budapest at the time the Kid was shot down and he was claiming Mustangs destroyed on that day.
I had linked the possibility together in my mind but your post has virtually clinched the fact for me.
