A detailed account of the unique battles in which a fighter not designed for the intercept role managed to inflict heavy damage on opposing bombers, due to ideal conditions, good tactics and determined pilots.

In reviewing reports of air combat from Spain, China and the early stages of the war in Europe, the US Army Air Corps called for heavier armor and armament for its bomber fleet, including the addition of a tail turret. While Japan tried to counter with their own heavy fighters, their inability to produce them in any number meant that they were forced to face the bomber threat with the nimble, but under-armed Ki-43 "Oscar". While severely outgunned, the Japanese learned to use their greater maneuverability to exploit the small weakness in bomber defenses.

This book tells the story of the clash in the skies over the Pacific, as the Japanese fought desperately against the coming tide of the American bomber offensive.

Edward M. Young received his BA in Political Science from Harvard University and his MA from the University of Washington. Prior to his retirement to Seattle, Washington, he was a banker and financial analyst with assignments in New York, London, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. He is the author of several books for Osprey including Combat Aircraft 87: B-24 Liberator Units of the CBI.

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives in New Hampshire. He attended Paier School of Art in Hamden, Connecticut, from 1974 to 1978, and since graduating with Honors, he has been working professionally in the field of Fine Art and Illustration. He has been commissioned to paint for the US Air Force and has aviation paintings on permanent display at the Pentagon. Jim completed the three-views, armament views, field of fire diagrams and Engaging the Enemy artwork for this volume.

Gareth Hector is a digital artist of international standing as well as an aviation history enthusiast. Gareth completed the battlescene and cover artworks for this volume.