Roger A. Freeman

Roger A. Freeman (May 11, 1928 -- October 7,2005) was an English farmer who became a noted aero-historian specializing in 8th Air Force operations in World War II. His 1970 book "Mighty Eighth" is still considered the definitive popular history.

He was born and raised on a farm in Essex which became part of the base for the 56th Fighter Group and their activity spurred his interest in aviation. After the war he continued to operate the family farm until the mid-60's when he began to research and write about the 8th AF. In time, he came to write a series of books with the help of many veterans who shared their experiences with him; many with rare color photographs never seen by the general public. These photographs were eventually formed into a book unto itself.

Freeman died from the complications of cancer in October 2005 at the age of 77. The Roger A. Freeman Eighth Air Force Research Center - Library and Archive was dedicated at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Georgia in 2007.

He also wrote the book 'American Air Museum Duxford' in 2001, ISBN 1-85780-119-9. The museum is part of the Imperial War Museum, Duxford.