This diary focuses intensely on Col. Samuel Russ Harris’ life within his own 499th Bomb Group and his relationship with the 73rd Bomb Wing’s operations. The first section of the book is an intimate portrait of war. To provide a context of the B-29 war against Japan, the second half of the text details how the 73rd Bomb Wing was engaged in the war against Japan. Together, the two parts provide a well-rounded portrait of America—and one American—at war.

Col. Samuel Russ Harris, Jr., served as commander of one of the first B-29 Heavy Bombardment Groups to reach the Marinas Islands in 1944. For his courageous service, he received 11 awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit award and the National Defense Service Medal.

Robert A. Mann is a former member of the United States Air Force, and enjoyed a long career in the aerospace industry. The author of five books, he lives in Pahrump, Nevada.

Samuel Russ Harris, Jr.

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 267
Bibliographic Info: 41 photos, appendices, notes, glossary, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2011
pISBN: 978-0-7864-6297-1
eISBN: 978-0-7864-8491-1
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vi
Preface by Robbie Harris      1
Introduction      3
Glossary      9
Biography      13
The B-29 Superfortress: The Weapon      17
Getting Ready      21

The Diary      37

Appendix A. Planes Test-Flown by Lieutenant Samuel Harris      229
Appendix B. 499th Bomb Group Deployment Roster      231
Appendix C. Radio “Q” Codes      237
Notes      239
Bibliography      245
Index      247