Document created: 20 August 02
Air & Space Power Journal - Fall 2002

Attack of the Airacobras: Soviet Aces, American P-39s, and the Air War against Germany by Dmitriy Loza. Translated and edited by James F. Gebhardt. University Press of Kansas (http:// www.kansaspress.ku.edu), 2501 West 15th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66049-3905, 2001, 392 pages, $34.95 (hardcover).

Few history buffs know that the United States supplied war materiel in quantity to the Soviet Union during World War II. Dmitriy Loza now brings to light the story of Bell P-39 Airacobras on the Russian front. The author points out that the Soviets, unlike the Western Allies, employed this aircraft as a fighter-interceptor. The Soviet air force used P-39s until the end of the war, and Loza carries the narrative through the campaigns in south Russia and the final push across Poland into Germany. The book reveals the Soviets’ considerable organizational innovation and initiative, something that was long thought uncharacteristic of their military services. Attack of the Airacobras is most valuable as a unit-level glimpse into the air war on the eastern front. The enterprising history buff as well as the airpower enthusiast will find the story rewarding.

Dr. Matthew R. Schwonek
Maxwell AFB, Alabama

Disclaimer

The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University. They do not reflect the official position of the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, the United States Air Force or the Air University.