Fogg In The Cockpit: Howard Fogg-Master Railroad Artist, World War II Fighter Pilot

Fogg in the Cockpit: Howard Fogg-Master Railroad Artist, World War II Fighter Pilot

Review"Howard Fogg is one of those rare people who managed to keep a diary whilst engaged in fighting during WWII. It's "witting testimony" of the highest calibre, and a most welcome addition to the library of reminiscences. Add to this the amazing talent of Fogg as an artist, and you have a most fascinating read." - Books Monthly UK"As an ex fighter pilot I read the book with great anticipation and was rewarded with a gem." ~ Rene Burtner, Squadron Leader, 359th Fighter Group, 369th Fighter Squadron"Fogg's uncensored insights into the day-to-day routine of a typical fighter pilot offer an informative perspective... The historical summaries and morale reports provide a point of view on a grander scale." ~ Lt. Col. Steve Ellis, USAFR (Ret.), Docent, Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington.Renowned for decades as the world's foremost railroad artist, Howard Fogg's career spanned half a century and some twelve hundred paintings.However, while his art has been welcomed for decades, few of his enthusiasts have been aware of his prior career, as a fighter pilot in the U.S. 8th Air Force during World War II. Fortunately Fogg left behind a detailed diary of his experiences, which illuminate this brief but exciting aspect of his life at the controls of P-47 Thunderbolts and P-51 Mustangs.Articulate and insightful, his diary offers a frank and fascinating glimpse into the life of a fighter pilot, both in the sky and in wartime England. Written during 1943 and 1944 it offers a confidential perspective of life as a "flyboy," during which Howard flew 76 combat missions and was awarded the Air Medal with three clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with one cluster.Presented in its entirety, with supplementary material by Richard and Janet Fogg, and supporting illustrations from Fogg himself, including satirical cartoons, military and railroad artwork, Fogg in the Cockpit paints with a broad brush, from the smallest details of a pilot's day-to-day existence. to air combat, and the strategic and political decisions that influenced the course of the war.About the AuthorA New Jersey native, Richard Fogg was raised in Colorado after the family moved to Boulder in 1955. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in English Literature and, inspired by his father's service, served in the U.S. Air force for four years, including a year in Vietnam. Janet Fogg was also raised in Colorado, after her family moved from Illinois. Janet's focus on writing began when she was CFO and Managing Principal of OZ Architecture, one of Colorado's largest architectural firms. Fifteen writing awards later she resigned from OZ to follow the yellow brick road, and ten months after that signed a contract for Soliloquy, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit winner. She has previously served as Vice-President of Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and as their Published Author Liaison.