The Caribbean Legion: and its Mercenary Air Forces 1947–1950

Praise for Overall & Hagedorn‘excellent history by Overall and Hagedorn’ – Books Monthly‘This book is highly recommended’ – The Small Air Forces Observer‘meticulously presents the actions undertaken by both countries in the air and on the ground ... unreservedly recommended’ – Midwest Book ReviewFrom the authors of the renowned Latin America @ War series comes a thorough investigation into the history of the Caribbean Legion and the air operations that the sui generis force launched to overthrow Latin America’s post-Second World War dictatorships. The very name Caribbean Legion – or Legión del Caribe – evokes an almost instant reaction from any well-informed interest group, whether political, student, academic, enthusiast or diplomat. But while the Legion has gained nearly legendary status – regionally, and to a lesser extent outside Central America and the Caribbean – it has remained one of those historical anomalies that defies anything approaching complete understanding and comprehension. Indeed, aside from the excellent study by Dr Charles D. Ameringer in his 1996 monograph from Penn State University Press, the Legion has received scant careful examination in the public domain, and perhaps, as an inevitable result, any number of outrageous myths and alternate histories have percolated to the surface since 1951. After a twenty-year research campaign the authors reveal the intricacies of the Legion’s history in order to set the record straight, particularly regarding the air operations launched by this unique force.