Vanished Hero: The Life, War and Mysterious Disappearance of Americas WWII Strafing King

A hell-bent-for-leather fighter pilot, Elwyn G. Righetti remains one of the most unknown, yet compelling, colorful, and controversial commanders of World War II. Arriving late to the war, he led the England-based 55th Fighter Group against the Nazis during the closing months of the fight with a no-holds-barred aggressiveness that transformed the group from a middling organization of no reputation into a headline-grabbing team that had to make excuses to no one. However, success came at a high cost in men and machines. Some of Righetti\’s pilots resented him as a Johnny-come-lately intent on winning a sack of medals at their expense. Ultimately, Righetti\’s calculated recklessness ran full speed into the odds. Program to be followed by a book sale and signing.

Presenter: Jay Stout