Officers in Flight Suits

Author: John Darrell Sherwood
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 0814781101
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 270

Book Description
The United States Air Force fought as a truly independent service for the first time during the Korean War. As a result, the fighter pilots reigned supreme. In Korea, American air power was challenged by the most advanced fighter of the time -- the Soviet MiG-15 -- and ruled the skies in many celebrated aerial battles. In addition, however, they destroyed virtually every major town and city in North Korea, demolished its entire crop irrigation system, and killed close to one million civilians. Korea, then, is the perfect laboratory for studying the culture of fighter pilots, a culture based on self-confidence and risk-taking, one which has promoted what John Darrell Sherwood calls "flight suit attitude." In Officers in Flight Suits, Sherwood explores the flight suit officer's life, drawing on memoirs, diaries, letters, novels, unit records, and personal papers as well as interviews with over fifty veterans who served in the Air Force in Korea. From their training to dramatic encounters during battle, from their socio-economic backgrounds to the flight suit culture they developed, Sherwood investigates every dimension of these pilots' lives. The book provides an illuminating portrait of fighter pilot culture, demonstrating how this culture affected their performance in battle and their attitudes toward others, particularly women, in their off-duty activities - Jacket flap.

Officers in Flight Suits

Author: John Darrell Sherwood
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fighter pilots
Languages : en
Pages : 337

Book Description

In the Shadow of the Greatest Generation

Author: Melinda L. Pash
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479847283
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 350

Book Description
Largely overshadowed by World War II’s “greatest generation” and the more vocal veterans of the Vietnam era, Korean War veterans remain relatively invisible in the narratives of both war and its aftermath. Yet, just as the beaches of Normandy and the jungles of Vietnam worked profound changes on conflict participants, the Korean Peninsula chipped away at the beliefs, physical and mental well-being, and fortitude of Americans completing wartime tours of duty there. Upon returning home, Korean War veterans struggled with home front attitudes toward the war, faced employment and family dilemmas, and wrestled with readjustment. Not unlike other wars, Korea proved a formative and defining influence on the men and women stationed in theater, on their loved ones, and in some measure on American culture. In the Shadow of the Greatest Generation not only gives voice to those Americans who served in the “forgotten war” but chronicles the larger personal and collective consequences of waging war the American way.

Brassey's Air Combat Reader

Author: Philip Handleman
Publisher: Potomac Books, Inc.
ISBN: 1574887521
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 354

Book Description
The acclaimed anthology with contributions from best-selling authors Walter J. Boyne, Eddie Rickenbacker, and Robert Mason

There I Wuz

Author: James A. White III M.D.
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 1665712457
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 338

Book Description
“There I Wuz” refers to being in flight somewhere in the sky or perhaps in an otherwise routine situation when something unforeseen happened. It was the way aviators started their most gripping stories. Flight surgeons are privy to many such stories and “Doc” White relates the scary situations and tales of funny, tragic and intriguing events from inside naval aviation. He highlights what it was like to live and work on an aircraft carrier during the Viet Nam conflict and the cold war. He writes from the perspective of a Navy Flight Surgeon, a physician and a medical officer. The narrative describes all the complexities of flight operations, how everything functions and coordinates ...... and the psychology of those who make it happen. Join the author as he looks back at an incredible life in the Navy filled with medical tales, aviation adventures, and highs and lows. The narrative is personal, entertaining and interesting on many levels. “Great read, unusual in that Navy Flight Surgeons seldom comment on life on the carriers. Superbly written ... another perspective of Navy Life at sea and a doctor’s wonderful memoirs.” – Warm Regards, Captain Dan A. Pedersen (USN, Retired), Founder of the “TOPGUN” Navy Fighter Weapons School in 1969 and Skipper of USS Ranger (CV-61) in 1982. “These recollections are familiar to me at different times and places...and are a treasured memory. Readers will find this book most interesting while greatly admiring the dedication, expertise and service of a Flight Surgeon.” – Mike Bristow, Naval Aviator, Experienced A-7 Pilot with over 200 Carrier Landings. “.... thoroughly enjoyed reading...I could relate to a number of the stories... other aviators will be struck with memories.” – Tom Petillo, U.S. Naval Academy ’66, Naval Aviator, Fellow Mediterranean Sailor. “There I Wuz” paints a candid picture of a flight surgeon’s naval career and experiences on an aircraft carrier. This insider provides fascinating stories of life in a carrier “city” and insights as to what makes Top Gun pilots tick. Throughout, the author’s humor is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.” – David R. Sobel, Medical Defense Attorney and Award-Winning Playwright.

The MATS Flyer

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Aeronautics
Languages : en
Pages : 32

Book Description

Tiger Check

Author: Steven A. Fino
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421423278
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 449

Book Description
"The fielding of automated flight controls and weapons systems in fighter aircraft from 1950 to 1980 challenged the significance ascribed to several of the pilots' historical skillsets, such as superb hand-eye coordination--required for aggressive stick-and-rudder maneuvering--and perfect eyesight and crack marksmanship--required for long-range visual detection and destruction of the enemy. Highly automated systems would, proponents argued, simplify the pilot's tasks while increasing his lethality in the air, thereby opening fighter aviation to broader segments of the population. However, these new systems often required new, unique skills, which the pilots struggled to identify and develop. Moreover, the challenges that accompanied these technologies were not restricted to individual fighter cockpits, but rather extended across the pilots' tactical formations, altering the social norms that had governed the fighter pilot profession since its establishment. In the end, the skills that made a fighter pilot great in 1980 bore little resemblance to those of even thirty years prior, despite the precepts embedded within the "myth of the fighter pilot." As such, this history illuminates the rich interaction between human and machine that often accompanies automation in the workplace. It is broadly applicable to other enterprises confronting increased automation, from remotely piloted aviation to Google cars. It should appeal to those interested in the history of technology and automation, as well as the general population of military aviation enthusiasts."--Provided by publisher.

Puttin' on Airs

Author: Benton L. Bradberry
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452076375
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 545

Book Description
Horatio Alger wrote wildly popular dime novels in the mid to late 1800s about poor boys making good. The theme was always the same; that through honesty, hard work, strong determination,and perseverance, the American Dream could be realized regardless of his beginnings in life. Puttin on Airs is the authors own story of himself as a poor boy who made good against the odds, a story which could have been written by Horatio Alger. The author describes his life growing up in rural Louisiana as one often children of uneducated parents, under conditions of spirit crushing poverty. He escaped this life by joining the Navy at age 17. Within 5 years time he became an offi cer and aviator and went on to complete a 21 year Navy career. In time he obtained a university degree (with honors), the only member of his family to even attend college. Only 2 of the 10 children even graduated from high school, himself and a sister. Join the Navy and see the world, the recruiting poster said, and see the world, he did. He has been on 6 continents and in over 40 countries. He was also on the front line of the Cold War from near its beginning to near its end, which included a year in Viet Nam as a helicopter pilot. As a helicopter pilot, he also helped retrieve the astronauts from the sea after their return to earth. With the same determination and grit that propelled him in his Navy career, he entered private business after retiring from the Navy, which has made him a wealthy man. This well written book should be an inspiration to anyone who enjoys a good rags to riches story.

Mess Night Traditions

Author: Charles J. Gibowicz
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1425984460
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 290

Book Description
This book is about the military Sea Service Mess Night, the Sea Services consisting of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. Mess Nights are traditional, time-honored events going back to at least the 18th Century. Formal military dining has historically been a way to communicate, to celebrate special events and a way to promote unity and camaraderie. The Mess Night, although a military formation and a formal event, is also a great deal of fun. Some of today's protocol and script is not exactly matching the past. Today's Mess Night is a bit more regimented and programmed but basically reflects all that was included in the old days and also reflects some of procedures used during the days of sail. This book is written because there are no books on Mess Nights, this is a first. Like many Sea Service customs and traditions, this custom has been handed down from generation to generation unwritten. Scripts and instructions were not necessary as Mess dinners were common. The British Navy can claim a continuous, unbroken tradition and they are basically the providers of the American tradition. They host Mess dinners much more frequently than the Americans do and the entire Navy traditionally celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. Americans have no set celebration and also have fewer Mess Nights. Many officers are not even aware of Mess Nights. This is because of several factors covered in the book. Hopefully, this book will stimulate greater interest in this important event. As the alcohol rule for ships rule has been loosened, it is particularly hopeful that shipboard Mess Nights can again become an event. It would be most appropriate to celebrate the event for which the ship is named or to begin the tradition of celebrating Navy Day or other famous event such as those listed in this book.

All Hands

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 748

Book Description