Hell's Angels

The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II

By: Jay A. Stout

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

The true story of World War 2’s legendary Hell’s Angels—the 8th Air Force’s 303rd Bomb Group.

Although the United States declared war against Germany in December 1941, a successful assault on Nazi-occupied Europe could not happen until Germany’s industrial and military might were crippled. The first target was the Luftwaffe—the most powerful and battle-hardened air force in the world. The United States Army Air Forces joined with Great Britain’s already-engaged Royal Air Force to launch a strategic air campaign that ultimately brought the Luftwaffe to its knees. One of the standout units of this campaign was the legendary 303rd Bomb Group—Hell’s Angels.

This is the 303rd’s story, as told by the men who made it what it was. Taking their name from their B-17 of the same name, they became one of the most distinguished and important air combat units in history. The dramatic and terrible air battles they fought against Germany ultimately changed the course of the war.

Critic reviews

Praise for Hell’s Angels

“[An] epic tale of the World War II aerial campaign over Europe...Hell's Angels is a gripping and awe-inspiring book.”—Nathaniel Fick, author of One Bullet Away

“It's all there—the boredom, the devotion, the horror and even the humor in an industrial war fought on a global scale that we'll never see again. Unit histories just do not get any better.”—Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind and Forgotten Fifteenth.

“Jay Stout is a triple-threat aviation historian—an experienced combat aviator, a meticulous researcher and a compelling story teller. His uncanny eye for authentic detail allows Hell’s Angels to be the incredible story of the 303rd Bomb Group and the bombing campaign that crippled Nazi Germany. Stout makes a hard-ridden topic seem fresh and new again. Highly recommended.”—Walter J. Boyne, Author/Historian

“Jay Stout’s reputation as a hard-hitting, authoritative, yet easy-to-read aviation author is upheld with this book. Readers looking for new insights and material will not be disappointed. Highly recommended.”—Donald Caldwell, author of JG 26: Top Guns of the Luftwaffe

“A well-researched, beautifully written, and deeply evocative paean to the 303rd Heavy Bombardment Group—and all the young American heavy-bomber crewmen who, from 1942 to 1945, went out, facing a high probability of death or imprisonment, to grind the German industrial base to dust.”—Eric Hammel, Author of The Road to Big Week

“Jay Stout has done a masterful job. The life and death struggles are told using the mission records, personal writings and experiences of one of the Eighth Air Force's most successful bombardment groups. All who wish a complete understanding of the role played by the Eighth Air Force and the strategic bombing of Germany should read this book.”—Keith Ferris, Artist and Military Aviation Historian

Not what I hoped for.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I was hoping for engaging stories. What I got was documentary style recounting of events.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I never got attached to any of the chracters or events. Very detached.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Not a fan of the voice or the lack of enthusiasm. Kind of a drone.

Was Hell's Angels worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

Disappointed.

The 8th at it's Finest

This is a wonderful story, full of fact, memories and history as best told by those who lived it.

I did not want it to end....

Amazing legacy

My grandfather was KIA and flew w the 303rd. Proud of his service! Grateful to have this history to learn about what he did

Thank you

Thank you for your service and sacrifice to the country. God bless you and your families.

Good World War II History

I enjoyed this book. It offers a rather intimate history of the 303rd Bomb Group based on correspondence and interviews. It does not offer a broad historical perspective, but rather stories of crews and individuals who went to war and did their duty. Often poignant, the book continually reminds us of the sacrifice these men and their families made to win the war. The book also includes many stories of inspiration. Worth the time.