Major James S. Miller knew his posting of the 231st Composite Squadron based at Gonteega, Liberia in the Spring of 1943 was to be his only command opportunity. Only the intervention by higher authorities friendly to Miller made such a posting possible. Disaster, alcohol, divorce and hard luck had been Miller's wingmen for some time. First impressions of his new command appeared to offer no recourse; derelict aircraft, a run down airstrip, impossibly young and inexperienced personnel, as well as a command structure already prejudiced against him. Still, Miller makes up his mind to make the best of the situation and soon whips his small band of airmen and base personnel into shape.
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Oberstleutnant Axel Voss is Germany's leading ace. Posted to the Eastern Front, Voss fights with a ruthless, blood thirsty style that is insatiable. His only love is to fly and the hunt, killing is his mistress. Yet despite his ability in the air, his ego and arrogance causes too many problems for the Luftwaffe high command. As a result he is transferred to a far away non-combatant area to protect a top secret installation. Here the fighter aircraft are in pristine condition, but not flown. Here the secrecy of the base and its purpose is its defense. This is nothing short of exile to Axel Voss.
It is by chance that Miller and Voss meet in the skies above their supposed quiet theater of war. Voss finds his war and presses the attack against the bewildered American squadron commanded by Miller. Miller fights Voss as well as a disbelieving high command when he requests help. Miller eventually derives the location of the secret installation. The two aces then lock in a merciless battle, Miller in his patched together aircraft, Voss in his top of the line machines.
The review of this Book prepared by Michael Shinavier
