Description
Book SynopsisRenowned 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, as he engaged in direct combat with the Luftwaffe at the controls of a P-47 Thunderbolt.
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 and 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.
Trade ReviewFirst-hand account of railroad artist Howard Fogg’s World War II service” * Model Railroader Magazine *
Howard Fogg is one of those rare people who managed to keep a diary whilst engaged in fighting during the second world war. It's "witting testimony" of the highest calibre, and a most welcome addition to the library of reminiscences of this most recent world conflict. Add to this the genuine and amazing talent of Fogg as an artist, and you have a most fascinating read - the appendix of beautiful colour paintings by Fogg is a welcome addendum. A remarkable book indeed. * www.booksmonthly.co.uk *
As an ex fighter pilot I read the book with great anticipation and was rewarded with a gem. * Rene Burtner, 359th Fighter Group Association *
…a firsthand look at his fascinating wartime career…presents a hidden side of one of the 20th century's great artistic geniuses. * Railroad Model Craftsman Dispatcher's Report *
Howard Fogg was one talented individual. Not only was he America’s premier railroad artist, but he dropped his palette and brush to become a fighter pilot in WWII… a very detailed diary chronicling his wartime experiences… * WWII History *
