Thomas F. (hardtack) -
An interesting and easy read about the last fighter mission of World War II, as well as the last "official" man killed in that war. (Note: the war continued in other areas of the Pacific after Japan's official surrender, including the Philippines. Combat continued in many areas---southeast Asia, China, Borneo, etc.---for several days and even much longer. Many others died later than Captain Yellin's wingman.) In this book, the author also covers many other aspects related to the last mission, as well as some strategic considerations.
Be aware the author was a bit loose with his statistics, and you should look elsewhere for confirmation of them. Just one example, he has over 6,000 Marines killed during the fighting at Iwo Jima, whereas this was the total for all U.S. personnel from the Marines, Army and Navy. Other statistics may seem extreme, but they are not. For example, the Philippines lost approximately 20% of its population due to the Japanese occupation.
Be aware the author was a bit loose with his statistics, and you should look elsewhere for confirmation of them. Just one example, he has over 6,000 Marines killed during the fighting at Iwo Jima, whereas this was the total for all U.S. personnel from the Marines, Army and Navy. Other statistics may seem extreme, but they are not. For example, the Philippines lost approximately 20% of its population due to the Japanese occupation.
