The First and the Last [ハードカバー]

Galland started the war with the Condor Legion in Spain and rose to become Germany's General of Fighters. His book is a firsthand account of the Luftwaffe's (and Germany as a whole, for that matter) relentless rise to supremacy and gradual decline to the pit of defeat. Galland's narrative is vivid, at times brilliant, but what is most striking is the incredible--and astoundingly REPETITIVE--ignorance and ineptitude of the German leadership.

Hitler's continued insistence on wasting much-needed aircraft in futile offensives is, even to readers from the Allied nations, frustrating. The same story seems to be repeated over and over again: Galland, through sheer force of will, manages to build up a large force of reserves. His plan is to send them up en masse to wipe out so many Allied bombers that the bombing raids over Germany would have to be postponed until replacement planes can be built and delivered from the U.S.. On the eve of Galland's plan going into action Hitler orders an offensive and the reserves are depleted, forcing Galland to start again from scratch. The story is repeated over and over again, and eventually, Galland resigns his post in disgust and goes on to lead a jet squadron composed of hand picked EXPERTEN, the last of Germany's great fighter aces. Fighting a war they know is lost, they write a poignant final chapter to one of histories bloodiest periods.

Unlike the pilots of the Allied nations, the pilots of the Luftwaffe were forced to do battle until they were maimed or killed. Galland's book gives us a glimpse of the human element of the German side during World War II. The increasing tempo of Allied bombing raids, the dwindling stockpiles of planes, parts, pilots, and fuel, and the exasperation that comes with fighting a losing battle with one hand tied behind your back are told in a no-nonsense manner the reader will appreciate.

Well worth picking up.

What sets this volume apart from many of the later wartime histories is the unique position the author attained,and the descriptions derived from personal contact with many of the leaders of the Third Reich. Galland is analytical--not apologetic--in his comments on the reasons for Germany's loss to the Allies.

If W.W.II history is your "thing" , then this is your book. Other reviewers have criticized the "wooden" writing style,but German is not the easiest language to translate into "literary" English. Put aside your quibble about style and read it for CONTENT and enjoy a view of recent history from one who actually made it. Five stars all the way.