Target Berlin by Jeffrey L. Ethell and Alfred Price, Signed by Author and 8 Pilots, Later Printing, 1989

Ethel, Jeffrey L., Price, Alfred. Target Berlin, Mission 250: 6 March 1944. London: Arms and Armor, 1989. Later printing. Signed by Ethel and 8 WWII pilots. Original publishers dust jacket and hardcover boards, new archival slipcase. 

Presented is a later signed printing of Target Berlin, Mission 250: 6 March 1944 by Jeffrey L. Ethell and Alfred Price. Target Berlin was first published in 1981; this book is a later British edition, published by Arms and Armour in London in 1989. A gripping account of the infamous March 6, 1944 daylight raid of Berlin, this well researched book is made more collectible by the original signatures of 8 WWII pilots who flew on that day and the signature of author Jeffrey L. Ethell. The book is presented in the publisher illustrated dust jacket and hardcover boards, with a new archival slipcase.  

On March 6th, 1944 the Americans launched their first large-scale daylight raid on Berlin. Sixty-nine heavy bombers and eleven escort fighters failed to return from the mission, the highest number in any raid mounted by the 8th Air Force. This account of the mission is a compelling, skillfully researched, minute-by-minute description. Authors Ethell and Price examined the events from the perspective of both sides, drawing on material from over 160 USAAF personnel, Luftwaffe pilots, civilians and German flak gunners. The gripping narrative also sheds light on what it was like to be in Berlin as the bombs began to fall. Target Berlin captures the excitement and drama of the operation, describing a mission plagued by misfortune, strong defenses, and bad luck. 

This book is signed and inscribed by one author, Jeffery Ethell, on the title page. The inscription reads, “To Bob- All the best- Jeff Ethell” in black, felt-tipped ink. Also on the title page are six signatures from WWII Pilots. At top left is the signature of Hal Sterns. The pencil inscription reads “To Bob, From Hal Stearns, Who lived thru the Terror of the Day, ‘Good Luck.’” Hal Stearns was a top turret gunner of the B-17 “Rubber Check” who bailed out of a downed plane and was captured by Nazi interrogators. At top right is a signature of Edgar Woodward, a B-17 pilot for the 100th Bomb Group. The signature reads “Edgar Woodward, 100th BG” in black felt-tipped pen. At middle left is a pencil signature, “Robert Shoens 100th Bomb Group”. Shoens pilotted the B-17 “Our Gal Sal” and took part in the raid. Heinz Knocke, a Luftwaffe flying ace, signed at the middle, in black ink. At middle right, Harry Crosby wrote “To Bob, best wishes, Harry Crosby” in black ink. Crosby was a B-17 navigator, who wrote the book A Wing and a Prayer. Tommy Hayes signed the title page at bottom right, “To Bob- my best wishes, Tommy Hayes” in black ballpoint ink. Hayes was deputy commander of the 357th Fighter Group, who offered flying cover for the B-24 bombers to Berlin. 

The book is illustrated throughout with black and white photographs. Fighter ace Arval Roberson signed to the side of one photograph. The signature reads "Arval J. Roberson" in black ballpoint ink. Roberson was part of the 357th Fighter Group, the first P-51 Mustang Group in the Eighth Air Force.  Similarly, Colonel Hubert “Hub” Zemke signed and inscribed his photograph in the book. The inscription reads, “To Bob Kolvachik, Here’s to flying. It made my life! May it be of interest to you. Hub Zemke, Col. USAF” in black ballpoint ink. Zemke, a famous Ace, led the P-47s of the 56th Fighter Group, nicknamed “Zemke’s Wolfpack” during the action on March 6th. Pilots of the 56th Fighter Group produced more “aces” than any other USAAF group in history. 

This is a riveting, well researched book, made even more desirable with eight signatures of those who lived through the day. 

CONDITION:

Original illustrated dust jacket, with light wear. Small splits and tears along the top and spine have been repaired. Dust jacket now protected by new Mylar. Original hardcover boards, in very good condition. Pages clean and without toning. Illustrated with black and white photographs throughout. Book is signed and inscribed, in various inks, pencils, and colors, on the full title page and two interior photograph pages. Presented with a new archival slipcase. 

Book Dimensions: 9 1/2" H x 6 1/2" W x 1" D. Slipcase Dimensions: 9 7/8" H x 6 5/8" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.