Wings of War

The World War II Fighter Plane That Saved the Allies and the Believers Who Made It Fly

By: David Fairbank White, Margaret Stanback White

Narrated by: René Ruiz

The incredible, untold story behind the rise of the P-51 Mustang, the World War II fighter plane that destroyed the Luftwaffe and made D-Day possible

“Aviation buffs will cheer this high-flying saga.”—Publishers Weekly • “[A] fascinating book about passion and innovation.”—Walter Isaacson • “An essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution.”—E. J. Dionne, Jr.

When the P-51 Mustang began tearing across European skies in early 1944, the Allies had been losing the air war for years. Staggering numbers of bomber crews, both British and American, had been shot down and killed thanks to the Luftwaffe’s superior fighter force. Not only did the air war appear grim, but any landing of troops in France was impossible while German fighters hunted overhead. But behind the scenes, a team of visionaries had begun to design a bold new type of airplane, one that could outrun and outmaneuver Germany’s best.

Wings of War is the incredible true story of the P-51 Mustang fighter and the unlikely crew of designers, engineers, test pilots, and army officers who brought it from the drafting table to the skies over World War II. This is hardly a straightforward tale of building an airplane—for years, the team was stymied by corruption within the defense industry and stonewalled by the Army Air Forces, who failed to understand the Mustang’s potential. But when squadrons of Mustangs were finally unleashed over Hitler’s empire, the Luftwaffe was decimated within months, clearing the skies for D-Day. A compelling, character-focused narrative replete with innovation, determination, and bravery, Wings of War is the never-before-told story of the airplane that truly changed the course of World War II.

©2022 David Fairbank White, Margaret Stanback White (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“At a critical moment in World War II, the Allies developed a fast and futuristic warplane known as the P-51 Mustang. In this fascinating book about passion and innovation, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White tell the story of the visionary designer who created it and how the Mustang turned the air war and paved the way for D-Day.” (Walter Isaacson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Code Breaker and The Innovators)

“David and Margaret White are gifted story tellers, intrepid reporters, and tireless detectives who find both clues and insights in archives and frayed documents. In telling the story of a fighter plane and its champions, Wings of War also sheds important light on how the allies prevailed in World War II and saved the democratic world. It's an essential book for those who appreciate tales of military bravery, and also for all seeking understanding of decision-making under pressure. A major contribution.” (E. J. Dionne Jr., New York Times bestselling author of Our Divided Political Heart)

“In stirring fashion, David Fairbank White and Margaret Stanback White shine a light on a little-known weapon that helped win the war, the P-51B Mustang fighter, and on three bold individuals who contributed to the plane’s success. The authors bring to life the key personnel, decisions, and obstacles that shaped the transformation of the Mustang from conception to wartime reality. This is a must read for those interested in a behind-the-scenes examination of a decisive military weapon.” (John Wukovits, author of Dogfight Over Tokyo and Black Sheep: The Life of Pappy Boyington)

Excellent Story

An excellent account of the engineering and development of the P-51 Mustang and how it finally made it to the front. Great story!

So good I bought it twice

I have this in hard copy, I love this book, listening to the author wax poetry about this aircraft doesn’t get old.

Thrilling

Very well told story. I thoroughly enjoyed the view from the air od World War 2 history.

Though I’ve read / listened to heaps of WWII mat’l….

….that said, I really enjoyed this book. We need a feel good story every so often in a futile attempt to balance out the horrors of that terrible war. Enjoyed the story as well as the narrator. I hope you do as well.

Amazing fighter plane

We’re fortunate a few very determined people in England believed in this airplane and made sure it was produced and deployed to help us win WW2. A fascinating story about how an unseeingly twist of fate can swing for or against your country. I’m glad the P-51 Mustang was on our side during the war!

Another WWII story.

I expected a tail of the birth, launch, and on going issues and corrections to the P51. This is covered but the bulk of the book is another WWII telling

great story of a cool airplane

Good details. Easy to listen to. The pacing keeps you engaged. The combination of character and event driven story was enjoyable.

Excellent book!

Well worth the listen! A ton of information I had no idea about in the development of the P51 Mustang. Excellent narration.

Comprehensive sorry

Very comprehensive and informative history of a fabled aircraft and it’s people and influencers Amazing history

A story of the most influential aircraft in the arsenal of democracy.

It is hard to overstate the influence that the P51 mustang had on the outcome of World War II in the favor of the allies. A nice concise history that highlights several of the early believers personal efforts to advance the aircraft.