Fogg in the Cockpit

“Articulate and insightful.. offers a frank and fascinating glimpse into the life of a fighter pilot, both in the sky and in wartime England…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…"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.” ~Books Monthly

’…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

“…the story of well known railroad artist Howard Fogg’s career as a captain in the US 8th Air Force 359th Fighter group in WWII…based upon the detailed diary which Fogg maintained to record his combat experiences…” ~Railfan Magazine

“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

“Fogg’s uncensored insights into the day-to-day routine of a typical fighter pilot offer an informative perspective. To provide some historical context for the layperson, the Foggs briefly interject significant events elsewhere in the world. The historical summaries and morale reports provide a point of view on a grander scale….While Fogg’s accounts will be of interest to students of World War II fighter operations, railroad enthusiasts should be especially pleased… After the war, Fogg emerged as one of the nation’s premier railroad artists...” ~Lt. Col. Steve Ellis, USAFR (Ret.), Docent, Museum of Flight, Seattle, Washington. Spring 2012 Air Power History, the Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation.

“…provided a personal perspective on a war that was often written so facelessly….Memoirs and diaries, by definition, could not be considered works of history, but books such as Fogg in the Cockpit contained valuable insight on the reactions and thoughts of individuals who lived through and experienced the war, providing us the little pieces of hints that, collectively, told of how and why history was shaped.” ~World War II Database

“…a fascinating window into the world of an American fighter pilot in Britain in 1944, and is of interest even if you aren't interested in Fogg the artist (those who are will be pleased with the inclusion of a section of color plates of his paintings).” ~HistoryOfWar.org

“As an ex fighter pilot I read the book with great anticipation and was rewarded with a gem. The time, places, events, and routines in the diary were those shared by all fighter pilots and they rekindle lost memories as well as enhance memories fading through time. First impression of England – the beauty of the countryside – quaintness of the villages – fortitude of the British people – the weather – sinus – blackouts – bicycles – air raids – buzz bombs – V2s – card games – billiards – briefings – missions – periods of dullness – perils of strafing – sports – hobbies – parties – leaves in London, Scotland – Flak Home – Me109s – Fw190s – Me262s – Me163s are there to be relived along with the lack of glory in war and the little time for mourning.Richard and Janet Fogg have provided well chosen information connecting the individual pilot’s activities and those of the Group to the overall war effort. References to military terms are explained and timely news items are mentioned regarding the progress of the war around the world. Howard’s lifelong love affair with trains and his art work combine for a very successful career as a railroad artist and we enjoy some examples of his beautiful watercolors and oils in the appendix.” ~Rene Burtner, 369th Fighter Squadron Leader, 359th Fighter Group