To Win the Winter Sky: The Air War over the Ardennes 1944-1945

Rating:
Summary: A master-writer piece of work !
Review: I bought this book in 1995. Mr.Parker wrote an outstanding book that relates the air and ground aspects of the Battle of the Bulge, of course giving enphase to the former. He deals with both American and German air units involved in the operation, placing the action under chapters according to the date of the events (for example, December, 16th, 1994), and makes a high opinion of Ninth Air Force units who really helped to stall the German advance through the Ardennes.

Rating:
Summary: Air action above the Battle of the Bulge
Review: Parker is a dedicated historian. He has researched the records of the USAAF and RAF squadrons, and of the Luftwaffe Staffels involved in the last German offensive of World War II. In TO WIN THE WINTER SKY Parker faithfully reports their many actions. The book is rich with maps and photographs of the planes and personnel whose battles Parker chronicles. The text describes the many difficulties presented by that tough winter, as well as the uncertainties of operating from Belgian bases only a few miles from advancing German divisions. The battle was a brutal slugfest, in the air as on the ground.

I know no better history of the crucial roles played by the air forces throughout the 1944-45 winter battle over the Ardennes. Its detail answers many questions. For instance, I have long wondered whether the new Douglas A-26 Invader had been involved in the Battle of the Bulge. In "Winter Sky," I found my answer. The A-26 was employed by the 409th and, if a caption is correct on p. 274, the 416th Bomber Groups of the 97th Combat Bomb Wing. (I was curious because of my admiration for that great airplane, which went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars.)

My only criticism is that Parker's approach to writing history is almost too thorough for me. Parker sacrifices readability for consistency, being careful to pay attention to all involved squadrons, and the book becomes monotonous as it chronicles so many daily actions, as taken from so many squadron reports. Hence, as a reviewer I am torn between four stars and five. I have decided to rate the book on its contribution to the history of WWII. As such, "Winter Sky" earns top marks.

Rating:
Summary: A book by an american to americans
Review: This book offers very detailed information about american and allied operations, it starts in a very interesting way but the central part of the book is almost impossible to read. And why? Because it's an hipnotic list of allied bombardments and easy air victories, there's no references to german successes, all victories of the german fighter squadrons seem like never had taken place and its pilots were flying ducks. In this very american perspective, and the way in which the writer puts it, the comparison of losses is highly doubtful or incorrect.
Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to your collection and also, that you go investigate and buy more books about the air war in europe to form your oppinion.