Description

Small, (12mo, just under 7 inched tall) bound in plasticized/heavy card stock covers with white metal spiral comb binding. Original edition, not the modern reprint. 46 pages with 10 fold-out detailed diagrams providing aiming instructions, three silhouettes and a pictorial sketch of a specific enemy German or Japanese fighter highlighting vital target areas such as pilot, fuel tanks, oil tanks, and oxygen systems. This copy published 1 November, 1943 making it the very first Official publication of this gunnery manual prepared by the Army Air Forces Operations Analysis Section and A. A. F. Training Aids Division in collaboration with U. S. Navy and Central Flexible Gunnery Instructors School. Due to its effectiveness it was subsequently adopted and reprinted by other branches (such as the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps), though all of those printings carry later dates. No previous ownership marks. A used copy which shows mild wear and light soiling to covers but has all pages firmly attached and all 10 folding plates at rear intact and with no rips or tears. A nice original copy without previous owner’s attribution, which in itself is unusual for these manuals. Evidence of use includes rear cover extending slightly further than front when book is closed, the result of having been laid out flat as intended when in use. Good+.