The untold stories of Americans who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WW II

Within American RCAF Warriors are seventy five selected biographies of the American warriors who donned the uniform of a foreign nation during wartime, to realize their dream … to fly!

American RCAF Warriors by Tom Walsh
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About The Book

Recruitment Poster for the RCAF in World War II

They voluntarily enlisted in the RCAF in WW II prior to America’s entry into the conflict. Because of age, marital status or education, they were unable to meet the stringent pre-war American military flying service entry requirements.

Their dream was to fly and that is the principal reason more than 8,000 made the trek north to Canada.

 

Many American and Canadian youth of the day wanted to emulate ‘The Brylcream Boys’, the dashing young airmen flying high performance fighters in combat. 

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Am in awe of your research and attention to detail.

G. Cruickshank

Tom has done a terrific job assembling these histories in a very interesting style and format--well worth it for any aficionado's collection of RCAF and BCATP history!

P. Nelson

Amazing stories of such brave men. Appreciate the research you’ve done Tom to document the service of these men.

Nicholas A. Veronico – Author and Managing Editor of Air Classics Magazine

Tom reminds us in a personal, most informative way that Canadians were supported early in the war effort by thousands of Americans who were under no obligation to do so. They were either rejected or not eligible to serve in the USAAF at the time, but were determined to help defeat the growing Nazi movement. Canadians and Americans alike will appreciate the tales of bravery and sacrifice of neighbours helping neighbours in their hour of need.

T. Scott

Absolutely brilliant stories of a portion of our history that is, at least on this side of the border, are almost completely forgotten.

M. Woods

Tom Walsh has crafted a very fine account of several US citizens who joined the Royal Canadian Air Force prior to the US entry into the war. His research into the lives and motivations of these men has been meticulous. Walsh describes the background of these men and details their enlistment and training in the service of Canada. He provides details of their service in the RCAF and continues their stories after their separation from the Canadian air force. He makes good use of photographs to enhance his stories. I look forward to subsequent volumes and the stories of additional warriors who, for the most part, wore the uniforms of two countries during World War II.

G. Potter

Lots of great stories of forgotten or unknown heros in the Air War of WWII. Duane Willard Beeson made his way to the war in Europe through Canada to the Eagle Squadrons and then into the USAAF 4th Fighter Group. Became the co-first ace of the Group with Roy Evans (another american). When Duane first came to the Group he was ordered to take an overhauled Spitfire up for flight and test fire its guns. Having not seen any action, he flew across the channel and tested them on German trucks next to a coastal gun emplacement and return fire peppered his aircraft. When he returned to Debden, he explained to his superiors that no precise order had been given as to where he was supposed to test the guns!! One of many gems in this book! Don't miss out.

Mike Hanxleden
Allied Warbirds and Pilots of WW II:  Book Collectors Corner
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About the author

Author Thomas Walsh, headshot

Tom Walsh has been interested in World War II aviation history all his life. For over forty years, he worked as a producer and consultant in the North American air show industry.

Now retired, he spends his free time researching and writing the untold stories of some of the 8,864 Americans who served part or all of their Air Force careers in the RCAF in World War II.

Tom Walsh