Hell's Angels

The True Story of the 303rd Bomb Group in World War II

By: Jay A. Stout

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

The true story of World War 2’s legendary Hell’s Angels—the 8th Air Force’s 303rd Bomb Group.

Although the United States declared war against Germany in December 1941, a successful assault on Nazi-occupied Europe could not happen until Germany’s industrial and military might were crippled. The first target was the Luftwaffe—the most powerful and battle-hardened air force in the world. The United States Army Air Forces joined with Great Britain’s already-engaged Royal Air Force to launch a strategic air campaign that ultimately brought the Luftwaffe to its knees. One of the standout units of this campaign was the legendary 303rd Bomb Group—Hell’s Angels.

This is the 303rd’s story, as told by the men who made it what it was. Taking their name from their B-17 of the same name, they became one of the most distinguished and important air combat units in history. The dramatic and terrible air battles they fought against Germany ultimately changed the course of the war.

©2015 Jay A. Stout (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[An] epic tale of the World War II aerial campaign over Europe...Hell's Angels is a gripping and awe-inspiring book.”—Nathaniel Fick, author of One Bullet Away

“It's all there—the boredom, the devotion, the horror and even the humor in an industrial war fought on a global scale that we'll never see again. Unit histories just do not get any better.”—Barrett Tillman, author of Whirlwind and Forgotten Fifteenth.

“Jay Stout is a triple-threat aviation historian—an experienced combat aviator, a meticulous researcher and a compelling story teller. His uncanny eye for authentic detail allows Hell’s Angels to be the incredible story of the 303rd Bomb Group and the bombing campaign that crippled Nazi Germany. Stout makes a hard-ridden topic seem fresh and new again. Highly recommended.”—Walter J. Boyne, Author/Historian

the real top guns

well I have read alot about the flying men.it take away my breath thinking about how brave they are. all of the men and women inthe 2 world War is outstanding. wish the country was still that way.great book

very excellent book, narration was great overall

absolutely loved the book great stories and a lot of information that you won't find anywhere else highly recommend it

One of greatest wwll books

This is the story of multiple men who fought and died over Europe in WWII.

Great Listen

All around great book that kept me engaged. Narration was perfect. Highly recommend it as it demonstrated the huge sacrifice of the crews.

Hell's Angles

Would you consider the audio edition of Hell's Angels to be better than the print version?

A true account of what it was really like to be in a B-17 crew in the dangerous sky's of Europe. They fought as a team and died as a team while slowly eroding the Nazi industrial complex. A great historical account of the Army Air Force.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hell's Angels?

Unable to choose one over the next. The book rubs the readers nose right into what the air war was like.

Have you listened to any of Robertson Dean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will look for more of Mr. Dean's writings.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

As a former Airman, I had noting but respect for the men that got into those B-17's each day knowing that a large percentage would not return.

Any additional comments?

One of the best overall accounts of the air war I have read.

One of the really great WWII histories.

Would you consider the audio edition of Hell's Angels to be better than the print version?

There are a lot of history books, a lot of WWII history books. Too often now dull, weak stories, lacking substance can appear on the surface to be interesting but they're junk. This is a classic. I've read at least a dozen books on the 8th Air Force and this is fresh, interesting, fills in a lot of gaps.

What did you like best about this story?

By the end of the book Stout has taken the reader through briefing, pre-flight check, take-off, abort landing, flying at altitude to Germany, heavy flak, bailing out, crashing...

Have you listened to any of Robertson Dean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Good reader. Well done.

Any additional comments?

Yes, read about war and never participate in one.

Excellent book!

Excellent book and engaging story. Highly for anyone interested in the air war over Europe during World War II.

The realism of the story

I really enjoyed the narrator. He was very good at descriptions and his overall reading.

Captivating

When the story begins, it seems like a dry retelling of stats and missions, but then Mr. Stout, through Robertson Dean’s engaging storytelling, begins to flesh out the true story. The personalities take shape, the fear is real, as is the death and destruction, the weather is felt rather than read! Just captivating, through-and-through! Worth the time!

I can't believe they did this!

I just learned that Jimmy Stewart's first film after returning home from the air war over Europe was It's a Wonderful Life. I learned that just as I was finishing Hell's Angels. With our current understanding of PTSD, it's a wonder to me how any of the airmen who went up mission after mission could come back and build so much of the nation we enjoy today. The book was as relentless as the combat. Because of it I have a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Greatest Generation.