Douglas DC-3 and C-47 in Latin American Military Service Book Review

By David L. Veres

Review

It’s hard to overstate the historical significance of the DC-3 and its military variants.

Douglas’ pioneering design revolutionized world air transport. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called it one of four Allied assets “most vital to our success” in World War II.

Now Dan Hagedorn and Mario Overall expertly examine the Douglas DC-3 and C-47 in Latin American Military Service – Crécy’s handsome hardback available in North America from Specialty Press

Sumptuously seasoned with hundreds of B&W and color photos, the masterful medley surveys its subject in jaw-dropping depth.

No stone remains unturned in this amazing effort. Painstakingly researched, the comprehensive, country-by-country compendium spans 21 chapters and 344 pages:

• United States Service in Latin America
• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Sections detail aircraft acquisitions, delivery, service, and fates. Political, social, and economic notes also augment commentary. And chapters conclude with tables recapping serials, variants, and operational notes.

Only certain Mexican examples elude the authors’ quest for comprehensive coverage of their legendary subject.

But pity that that upper-right image on page 22 wasn’t reproduced “in colour”, as the caption claims. And too bad that authors lack a shot of FAN 208 with under-wing rockets.

Quibbles both! I simply couldn’t put this book down. Looking for unique and colorful model projects? You’ll find them here.

Rabidly recommended!

My sincere thanks to Specialty Press for this review sample!