“With ‘The Spray and Pray Squadron,’ author Margaret Mills Kincannon has produced one of the most thoroughly researched and highly detailed unit histories of a single air squadron ever published. It’s all here, from the challenges presented by the complex organization of the Chinese-American Composite Wing and the miserable living conditions on remote airbases in India and China to detailed accounts of every mission flown by the squadron during its 15 months in combat during World War II.

“Personal stories of many members of the squadron add color to the account, as do the numerous photos that accompany the text. As the daughter of a ‘Spray and Pray Squadron’ veteran, Margaret has done her father’s memory proud by writing this terrific book.”

— Submitted by Carlton Molesworth, acclaimed author of 15 non-fiction books covering various aspects of WWII aviation, including Wing to Wing: Air Combat in China, 1943-45 (c. 1990)

“Books about the Chinese-American Composite Wing (CACW) are precious few—a rarely covered unit in an oft-overlooked corner of World War II. [Here he explains the CACW's significance in the history of American airpower. ] The Spray and Pray Squadron is about one of the four bomber squadrons in the medium bomb group.

“Margaret Mills Kincannon did an absolutely incredible job collecting every scrap of information on the squadron and collecting tons of photos. Her book is comprehensive and provides intimate detail of a multinational unit at war, detailing combat, but also their day-to-day life and struggles with culture, language barrier, and poor living conditions at the end of the war's longest supply line. No other squadron in the CACW has received this kind of treatment. If you want to understand the CACW, modern security cooperation, or America's relationship with the Republic of China, pick up The Spray and Pray Squadron.”

— Submitted by Daniel Jackson, a US Air Force combat-tested pilot and author of three books about the war in China, including Fallen Tigers: The Fate of America’s Missing Airmen in China During World War II

“I remember years ago when Margaret started researching for this book. My father was part of this squadron and that was how we got in contact. We kept in touch periodically because I was interested in her topic but also because I was intrigued by her drive to do this book. I ordered and began reading. The book is hefty in weight, information, and interest. The research that went into this book encompasses vast amounts of material: books, articles, first-person accounts, letters, photos, and memories of the children and grandchildren of this unit.

“I was surprised at how engaging and easy to read this book is. It is a “tome” yet is so interesting and Margaret writes so well that I never felt like quitting. An important and little-known piece of history . . . as an aside Margaret let me see my father for the person he was as he died when I was very young and had little contact with him.”

— Submitted by the daughter of Maj. Chester M. Conrad, the first of the 3rd Bomb Squadron’s three commanding officers

“Margaret Kincannon shares the untold story of the 3rd Bomb Squadron, 1st Bomb Group, Chinese-American Composite Wing’s combat over China-Burma Theater in World War II. She provides riveting details and photographs of the pilots and support crew that flew the vital missions that helped secure the Allies victory over Japan.

“My uncle was one of those pilots and I am forever grateful that Kincannon took up this task to preserve an important part of World War II history and keep the memory of those who gave their ultimate sacrifice alive for generations to come. Her extensive research has helped fill in the many gaps we had in the story of our uncle and his death as a pilot and member of the Spray and Pray Squad in 1945. His story will not be forgotten. Grab this well researched book and learn more about a little known and not often told story.”

— Submitted by a niece of 2Lt. Barton L. Wherritt, one of six men killed in action on a mission over the Japanese-held airbase at Yichang on May 16, 1945

“The exhaustively researched unit history covers a B-25 squadron in exquisite detail using a mix of official documents and personal interviews. . . . Besides covering just about every mission, the book contains plenty of personal anecdotes that didn’t make it into official history. Base ops, lousy weather, interactions with locals, and more receive extensive attention. [Here he recaps two missions.] The book contains hundreds of photos (I didn’t count them) from personal and official sources. One appendix lists every B-25 flown by the squadron and another appendix offers 120 service records of various personnel. [Here he gives a “double Bravo” to the publisher for “regular font size for excerpts” and for “no typos.”]

“While lengthy for casual readers, air war buffs will find this a thorough and fascinating account of a far-off theater that lacks the coverage of Europe or even other areas of the Pacific. Enjoyed it!”

— Submitted by Russ Lockwood, blogpost, “Historical Book Reviews,” Historical Miniatures Gaming Society, June 15, 2024 (excerpt)

“It is amazing how much research the author did to write this book. Yes, it is heavy, but full of the funny, sad and touching times these guys lived through. My father was in this war (his picure is in the book). I’m so proud all these soldiers finally get recognized and remembered for being patriots. This part of our history and what it took to keep our America safe should be told again. Thank you, Margaret Kincannon!

“I meant to add . . . this would be a wonderful gift to someone on Memorial Day. It is a treasure, especially if you had a relative serving our country during this war.”

(Comments about the book’s weight are in response to another reader’s comment, which stated that he liked the content, although he thought the book was too heavy.)

— Submitted by the daughter of Sgt. Otto W. Hutchinson, a mechanic who served in the 3rd Bomb Squadron