Fairwing--Brazil

From early December 1941 through much of 1945, many U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Air Force and Army personnel served at joint Brazilian-U.S. bases in the coastal cities of Brazil and on two islands in the Atlantic Narrows between that country and Africa. The U.S. Fourth Fleet, based in Recife, Brazil, and its Fleet Air Wing 16, based at several coastal cities, were there to wage war on Axis Power submarines, surface raiders, and blockade runners. The U-Boats and armed raiders were sinking Allied ships at an alarming rate. The blockade runners were carrying vital war materials to the Axis Powers. This compilation of anecdotes, photographs, and maps is presented to provide the reader with a perspective on the experiences of U.S. service personnel who were lucky enough to serve in Brazil. It is hoped that the commentary on the history of Brazil and its people will inspire greater interest in that country and the realization of its importance in the future of South America and the entire western hemisphere.