Lardas, Mark/Hector, Gareth (Illustr.) Philippines 1941–42

America's disastrous start to the Pacific War

On 7 December 1941, the Japanese attacked not only Pearl Harbour, but also US and Allied bases throughout the Pacific, including the Philippines, the largest overseas territory of the United States. However, this was an air battle that the US had anticipated. The USAAF had reinforced its forces in the Philippines and sent almost a quarter of its available B-17 bombers to the Far Eastern Air Force (FEAF). It also had the Philippine Army Air Corps (PAAC) at its disposal. Aviation historian Mark Lardas explains how, despite all this, the Japanese air forces defeated both the FEAF and the PAAC in a campaign lasting barely a month, gained air superiority and allowed the Imperial Army troops unhindered access to the Philippine coast. Within a week, Japan controlled the airspace over Luzon. Two weeks later, it had air superiority over the entire Philippines. After a month, its control was so complete that the Imperial Army felt secure enough to withdraw its 5th Air Group from the Philippines. While sporadic air battles continued over the next three months, the decision had already been made on 5 January 1942. With numerous original illustrations, 3D diagrams, maps and photos, this book tells the story of how the first air campaign of the Pacific War became a humiliating defeat for the United States.