Tells the story of the first and second generations of airmen, soldiers, and politicians from both sides who sought to bomb the enemy into submission. Vansant traces the development of the wildly controversial Strategic Bombing doctrine in the 1920s and 1930s, the early stages of WWII and the dominance of the German Luftwaffe, and the eventual 1942 involvement of the United States' 8th Air Force and its vast fleet of B-17 and B-24 bombers. Explores how industry and science aided the Allied air forces in these violent fights, as both the Americans and British made crucial advancements in air detection and evasion methods. Illustrates the lesser-known perspective of the brave German pilots five miles above the earth who fought not to protect Hitler's Reich, but their homes and families.

Prophets of doom -- The butcher takes command -- The devil around the clock -- Firestorm -- Bogey men & wild boars -- Mean point of imapact -- Little friends -- Big week -- Black heart -- To own the sky -- Der grosse Schlag -- Wasteland -- Epilogue.