Inspired to purchase this book after visiting the Aviation wing of the Smithsonian. Over one of the entry ways was a breathtaking painting splendidly capturing a moment of history. This book does the same thing albeit on a smaller scale. Each painting in the book is accompanied by a terse background on the action depicted in the painting. This book does not glorify war--it pulls no punches when detailing the lives lost, the careers derailed and what if any impact on the war effort resulted from that action. Good if you like history and certainly a feast for the eyes if you just like art.