United States Marine Corps Aircraft Since 1913

My Grandfather was a U.S. Marine pilot who died in service to his country in 1941. Much of his history was lost to our family. I found this book very helpful as I was educating myself on aviation history and the types of aircraft my grandfather flew during his service. Thank you for the effort and dedication this comprehensive book required demanded.

A great reference book about the US Marine Corps aircraft

Great accuracy !

The USMC has been a service that has, at times, almost disappeared as politicians wrestled with the thought that perhaps they were not needed and that the money for the service could be better spent elsewhere. This was especially the case after WWI, but involved Corps leadership was able to convince congress that the service was not only worth the money, but much more useful than any of the other services in dealing with situations prominent during these years.It did not take the USMC long to realize that aircraft were a valuable addition to the service in terms of how they were able to enhance the mission. In addition to scouting and supporting ground troops, it could also quickly evacuate seriously wounded men and bring in reinforcements in terms of light equipment much faster than ground transportation.For the most part, Marine aviation has been a service that has had little major input as to exactly what equipment in terms of aircraft, that they would be using. Often it was provided aircraft as an afterthought or even required to use those that had already been determined to be obsolescent by the Navy.It was WWII and Korea that pretty much changed that. It was during these conflicts that the USMC was able to have input as to what sort of aircraft were best suited to their mission. This became even more the case during Vietnam and eventually, there were aircraft built specifically for the needs of the Corps. The Harrier and A-4M Skyhawk are primary examples, though there are others.In this book, E.R. Johson covers every aircraft used or even tested by Marine aviation. Thanks to the excellent three-view line drawings of Lloyd S. Jones and a superb selection of period photos, we now have, under one volume, a full history of the aircraft operated by the Marine Corps. It is not a quick read but you will be truly impressed at the depth of the information and the vast number of unusual types that fall within the scope of the book.This, like their previous volumes are 'must have' books that are sure to be referenced over and over again. Well worth the cover price and one you very much need to have on your shelves.

Buddy Johnson is to be congratulated for his latest effort, United States Marine Corps Aircraft Since 1913. This softcover, 580 page volume includes every aircraft type flown by the Marines since the inception of their aviation arm. The book is comprised of three main sections as you will read below. The entire book is made up of short histories of each type of aircraft used by the USMC. There is at least on photo of each type of aircraft and a three view drawing. The text for each aircraft begins with specifications and performance data, followed by the history of that type of aircraft in USMC serviceThe first section covers fixed wing tactical aircraft. This begins with the AB-2 of 1913 and finishes with the F-35B Lightning II. Obscure and prototype aircraft are also included.The second major section covers fixed wing transport, trainer and utility aircraft. beginning with the Curtis JN-4 and finishing with the Cessna UC-35C.The final major section covers rotary wing aircraft. This section covers all rotary wing aircraft from the Pitcarin XOP-1 of the 1930s through theMV-22 Osprey currently in service.The eight appendices of this book are excellent. They cover Unmanned Aerial Systems, Aviation-Related Ships, Aviation Installations, Aircraft Squadrons and Aircraft Assignments, Aviation Unit Organization, Organization of Expeditionary and Amphibious Operations, Aircraft Weapons and Tactics, and Aircraft Designations, Terms and Abbreviations. These appendices are very useful for historian and enthusiast alike.The three-view drawings in this book have been rendered by the legendary Lloyd S. Jones and the not-so legendary Richard S. Dann.Overall, this book is a great reference for anyone wishing to know more about Marine Corps aviation. Highly recommended