Calculated Risk: The Extraordinary Life of Jimmy Doolittle-Aviation Pioneer and World War II Hero

Book Description

Famous for leading the Tokyo Raid, America's first strike against Japan in World War II, Jimmy Doolittle lived a remarkable life as an American pilot. This firsthand account by his granddaughter reveals an extraordinary individual—a scientist with a doctorate in aeronautical engineering from MIT, an aviation pioneer who was the first to fly across the United States in less than 24 hours and the first to fly "blind" (using only his plane's instruments), a barnstormer well known for aerobatics, a popular racing pilot who won every major air race at least once, recipient of both the Congressional Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom, a four-star general, and commander of the 8th, 12th, and 15th Air Forces. This memoir provides insights into the public and private world of Jimmy Doolittle and his family and sheds light on the drives and motivation's of one of America's most influential and ambitious aviators.

Customer Reviews:

Must Read.......2006-11-01

I can sum this up in a very short space. This is a well written book that not only gives an insight into General Jimmy Doolittle's contributions to our nation and the world, but also into his family and his wife's contributions on the home front during WWII. As far as I am concerned, no history class should be taught without this book as required reading.

Calculated Risk:.......2006-03-02

This book was purchased for my son who is interested in WWII planes and fliers, and since I was a civilian during WWII and lived through that era, this book was definitely to be read (especially after watching Life and Times on our local KCET station and the granddaughter was interviewed regarding this book). Both of us enjoyed reading the life of this remarkable man and it was a must for his growing library.

The behind the scenes of this famous American hero........2005-05-28

This book is about the family life of Jimmy Doolittle written by his granddaughter. It's touching in every aspect of what a family goes through over the years. After reading this book you will understand why his biography is titled " I Could Never Be So Lucky Again" by CV Glines, and why he is known as "The Master of Calculated Risk."

Average customer rating:

A well done recent dpiction of the Track for Naval Avation
Son who is in Primary now
A MUST READ for anyone interest in or wanting to become a Naval Aviator!
A good synopsis of steps to becoming an active pilot
Great book on Naval Aviation

To Be a U.S. Naval Aviator (To Be A)
Jay A. Stout
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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To Be a U.S. Air Force Pilot (To Be A)
Hammer from Above: Marine Air Combat Over Iraq
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ASIN: 0760321639

Book Description

For anyone with the will to become a U.S. naval aviator, the future begins now. Marine fighter pilot and combat veteran Jay Stout shows us just what it takes to be a U.S. naval aviator in the twenty-first century, conducting us through every step of training as these dedicated, everyday heroes prepare for tomorrows threats while taking the fight to the enemy today. Throughout, Stout offers behind-the-scenes perspectives on the community of naval aviators, with profiles of the men and women who fly naval aircraft, of celebrated naval aviators, and of important figures in the history of naval aviation.

Customer Reviews:

A well done recent dpiction of the Track for Naval Avation.......2007-01-08

This is a well-done, picture book that takes you from the commissioning process (Academy, ROTC, OCS) to API and then through the different pipelines to the wings of gold. Seems most of the primary pictures came from Whiting, and the advanced portion is a little heavy on the Jet Syllabus- many pictures from Kingsville (written by a Jet Pilot) Overall a great picture view of the different phases of training. Makes a great gift for the family of a Naval Aviator for them to understand and see some of what takes place

Son who is in Primary now.......2006-08-30

Outstanding book that accurately depicts with excellent pictures and graphics. My son is undergoing the training now and we gave him the book for a while to assimmilate the information as well.

A MUST READ for anyone interest in or wanting to become a Naval Aviator!.......2006-08-21

This book is written by a Naval Aviator in layman's terms and provides an excellent source for information about and/or becoming a Naval Aviator. Each of the Navy "pipeline's" is discussed and illustrated with great photography.

A good synopsis of steps to becoming an active pilot.......2006-07-05

For someone who is considering trying to join the navy as a pilot, I found this book very informative. It walks the reader from basic training up to joining the fleet at sea. It is filled with great pictures and plenty of details.

Great book on Naval Aviation.......2005-12-16

Being a current flight instructor in the Naval Aviation Training Command I can atest that Jay Stout's book "tells it like it is." It is an accurate, informative and interesting tour of what a young man or woman goes through from the day they show up to begin training, through the awarding of the coveted "Wings of Gold". Clearly written, technically correct and well illustrated, Jay has authored the authoritative primer for anyone considering or interested in becoming a Naval Aviator. A must read!!

Average customer rating:

Pass on This One!
Great book
Good info

To Be a U.S. Air Force Pilot (To Be A)
Henry M. Holden
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Eye of the Viper: The Making of an F-16 Pilot
Air Force Officer's Guide
Military Flight Aptitude Tests, 6/e (Arco Military Test Tutor)
To Be a U.S. Naval Aviator (To Be A)
American Fighter Pilot

ASIN: 0760317917

Book Description

To Be A U.S. Air Force Pilot details every step of training for those with the skill and daring to 'cross into the blue' as an elite U.S. Air Force pilot. The book will trace the growth of aspiring young recruits, starting with grueling physical and mental tests, early flight training on high-tech flight simulators, moving onward and upward until they are finally ready to push the outer envelope to Mach II in state-of-the-art fighter aircraft. Thanks to a cadre of highly motivated, highly skilled, and dedicated men and women of the United States Air Force, the United States enters the uncertain landscape of the 21st century with the most powerful, swift, and flexible military force the world has ever seen.

Customer Reviews:

Pass on This One!.......2006-08-21

I purchased this book after reading the "To Be a Naval Aviator" book hoping it would be as good as the other book but I was disppointed. The pictures are good, however, the lengths the authors go to cater to political correctness spoil its content. Instead of covering the process to become a USAF pilot, the book pretty much summerizes the efforts of this branch of the military to promote diversity in pilot training.

If you desire to get a good perspective on military pilot training, read the Naval Aviator book from the same series. It is written by a Naval Aviator in layman's terms and describes the process from start to finish in each of the Navy's avaition "pipelines".

Great book.......2006-03-16

A great book for anyone interested in becoming a pilot. It tells you all the training you will need to go through and the difficulty of becoming a pilot. It has great pictures too.

Good info.......2005-09-13

Great insight into what it takes to be a US Air Force Pilot.

Nickel On The Grass: Reflections of a U.S. Air Force Pilot

Average customer rating:

Nikel on the Grass: Reflections of a U.S. Air Force Pilot
From The Inside - A Combat Pilot

Nickel On The Grass: Reflections of a U.S. Air Force Pilot
Philip "Hands" Handley Colonel USAF (Ret)
Manufacturer: iUniverse, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Light on the Star
Palace Cobra: A Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam Air War
Night Owl Fighter Pilot
Bury Us Upside Down: The Misty Pilots and the Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Roger Ball!: The Odyssey of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith Navy Fighter Pilot

ASIN: 0595397352

Book Description

Nickel On The Grass is a series of vignettes that capture the life of an extraordinary aviator, fighter pilot and leader, Colonel Phil Handley. In a career that spanned 26 years Â“HandsÂ” earned a reputation as an exceptional pilot and leader in war and peace. I do not know anybody who served with him who does not admire him for his dedication, integrity and courage.

The central theme of the stories he relates is that the fraternity of true fighter pilots is made up of men who share a love of adventure, have exceptional flying skills, are willing to risk all rather than admit defeat and believe earning the respect of their peers is their greatest accomplishment. The really good ones possess a sixth sense about people and machines that gives them an edge over mere mortals in the air and on the ground. This is a book about a man who lived most of the stories and counts among his friends and acquaintances the central characters in the others. It has been my privilege to have been his friend and fellow fighter pilot for the past 30 years.

General Ron Fogleman, USAF, Ret.
Chief of Staff, USAF, 1994Â-1997

Customer Reviews:

Nikel on the Grass: Reflections of a U.S. Air Force Pilot.......2007-07-18

Book arrived within a few days and was in the condition that it was described or better, very happy with there service.

From The Inside - A Combat Pilot.......2007-01-15

A Look from the inside at the life of a Military Pilot (In Combat).
Highly recomended for anyone who has not been there. Not needed for those who have....

Glen Edwards: The Diary of a Bomber Pilot

Average customer rating:

A fascinating portrait of an American hero.
A pilot's read!
Well researched. Well told
Can't stop reading!

Glen Edwards: The Diary of a Bomber Pilot
FORD DANIEL
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Product Description

[use existing Kirkus review]

Customer Reviews:

A fascinating portrait of an American hero........1999-01-16

This book is nothing short of captivating. The author provides brief explanatory narratives to connect entries from Edwards' diaries, beginning with flight training, then combat in North Africa, and the early post-war years in America.

Just ferrying his airplane from the States to North Africa was a big adventure, considering the rather primitive nature of navigation aids and weather forecasts in that era.

Combat in Africa and Italy is described in detail, some of it surprising. For example, a military advance had a down side. Moving forward to a newly captured air field meant that the American aviators were subjected to more ground attacks by German aircraft.

The second half of the book covers the early post-war years, when American factories were building new airplanes almost faster than the Air Force could flight test them. Many exotic, one-of-a-kind vehicles are described here.

To some extent, the reader has a sense of foreboding at this point, knowing that this story is destined to end as unhappily as the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Yet this knowledge serves to accentuate the daily events described here.

There are many memorable tidbits in this book, such as tales of a man who actually intimidated Chuck Yeager!

Glen Edwards is portrayed in these pages as so heroic, embodying so many virtues, yet so modest and unassuming. This is someone you would want to know and to spend time with. Through this book, you can.

A pilot's read!.......1999-01-13

A superb book about Glen Edwards. I thoroughly enjoyed and empathized with his career. The pace was like reading a literary version of Ravel's "Bolero" with the crescendo building to the final flight. The description of the crash was wrenching, superb.

A pilot's read! Bravo Zulu!

Paul M. (USN Ret.)

Well researched. Well told.......1998-11-11

"The amount of reseach Ford wove into Glen Edwards: The Diary of a Bomber Pilot" is remarkable. The result is a wonderfully readable tale of one man's contribution to freedom and flight. Nice to 'know" such a man as Edwards and to have Ford, a historian/author who brought him back to life."

Can't stop reading!.......1998-10-30

I can't put this book on Glen Edwards down! God, I hope he makes it thru North Africa because I think I've fallen in love with him. What a can-do kinda guy. So positive -- capturing the essence of each place so well.

Customer Reviews:

FACA : The Cold War.......2007-06-13

The best chapters in ths book are a fascinating insight into the problems of flying and operating aircraft at the cutting edge of technology, and very well worth reading. It must be admitted that a few chapters are little more than a recital of the pilot's notes or very sketchy, but generally this book is a very interesting read.
David Smith

Flying American Combat Aircraft: fascinating.......2005-09-07

For pilots, this is fascinating: almost a "how to" manual on flying some exciting aircraft, with capabilities, idiosyncrasies, nuances, design shortcomings, the lot. The writing style varies a lot (each chapter/aircraft has a different experienced pilot/author) but overall it's a fascinating read.

Pucker Factor 10: Memoir of a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam

Average customer rating:

Ratings from a woman
Introduction to U.S. helicopter warfare in South-Vietnam
Excellent Read
A Must Read
War story from a human angle

Pucker Factor 10: Memoir of a U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam
James Joyce
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786415576

Book Description

"In 1963…there was no way I could have known, sitting in a classroom on that beautiful campus in Ohio, that by raising my hand I would be going to war in Vietnam and that I would see things, hear things and do things that most people cannot imagine."—James Joyce.

The author was drawn into the United States Army through ROTC, and went through training to fly helicopters in combat over Vietnam. His experiences are notable because he flew both Huey "Slicks" and Huey "Gunships": the former on defense as he flew troops into battle, and the latter on offense as he took the battle to the enemy. Through this book, the author relives his experiences flying and fighting, with special attention given to his and other pilots' day-to-day lives—such as the smoke bombing of Disneyland, the nickname given to a United States Army-sponsored compound for prostitution. Some of the pilots Joyce served with survived the war and went on to have careers with commercial airlines, and many were killed.

Customer Reviews:

Ratings from a woman .......2007-02-09

As a woman reader I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned so much in this book, about flying, Vietnam, rats (UGH) I knew it was hard over there but didn't really realize some of the hardships till I read this book. The author's writing is very easy to understand, you don't need a dictionary beside you, and the humour was great. You got some really good laughs and some sadness also. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Introduction to U.S. helicopter warfare in South-Vietnam.......2007-01-10

Should you consider reading only one book about the U.S. helicopter pilots in South-Vietnam that bravely fought almost 40 years ago, then, "Pucker Factor 10" is the best choice.
Mr. James Joyce there flew the two most used types: "slicks" and "gunships" thus covering two major aspects of the tactical helicopter warfare successfully used in SEA. This is what this book tells you.

Excellent Read.......2006-05-16

I had to choose a war memoir for a term paper this semester in my english class...and I was very happy that I chose to read Pucker Factor 10. The book is very enlightening, and an interesting read. I found myself always WANTING to read more. James Joyce is a wonderful writer and he reveals emotions and specifics of war that you dont even realize. I highly suggest this book to everyone. I normally dont read memoirs like this but after reading his I want to read more!

A Must Read.......2005-11-19

James Joyce has written a truly excellent book. Mr. Joyce has successfully included every human emotion possible. His real life experiences are a combination of both desperate hours and uplifting moments, with a side of unmistakable humor. I would recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in the Vietnam era. Definately a MUST READ.

War story from a human angle.......2003-07-23

I'm not normally a reader of non-fiction war stories, especially in first person, but "Pucker Factor 10" caught my attention from the beginning all the way to the very end. Joyce brings the reader into the realm of realism, from family history, personal apprehensions, his somewhat inadvertant role as a helicopter pilot during the heat of battle, his impressions of soldiers and his humanity toward the enemy which brings chills to the reader. Meanwhile, just when I least expected, I found myself belly laughing his wit. This book is a must for anyone who enjoys true-to-lie accounts of how it was in the air trenches.

Average customer rating:

Social and economic background
Well written, entertaining, and informative anthology of U.S. fighter aces.
The real deal

Fighter Aces of the U.S.A.
Raymond F. Toliver , and Trevor J. Constable
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764303481

Book Description

Fighter Aces of the U.S.A. is the most complete, full-spectrum book ever published on American fighter aces, and includes dozens of aces' combat accounts, plus capsule biographies. Evolution of aircraft, tactics and armament is seen through the eyes of the 1400 elite Americans who earned the coveted title "Ace." Comprehensive revisions and updates to this new edition include the most complete statistics of American aces ever published, and is fully current to date of publication. Authoritative and compelling narrative also presents eyebrow-raising facts on enemy aces who fought Americans in all wars and theatres. Lists include names and scores, plus intriguing data on Soviet Air Force aces who battled USAF aces over Korea. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of photos, this book is a must reference for every historian and "buff's" bookshelf., over 850 b/w photographs, 9" x 12"

Customer Reviews:

Social and economic background.......2007-01-15

Some of the people who review the Fighter Aces of the Luftwaffe by Raymond Toliver stated that the author did not put more personel information and background information about the German fighter aces and giving them cult status. I can state that the author did not do the same with many of our American aces in this book. Overall, the book does not give the social and economic background of the aces. We do not know how many of our aces came from working class, poor class, upper middle class and rich class. We do not know whether many of the aces were arrogant snobs who alienated and/or hated by their fellow pilots despite the fact that being in combat creates comradeship in a military outfit plus they were not fit to command a squadron or a fighter group. I enjoy the pictures with the aces wearing their medals.

Well written, entertaining, and informative anthology of U.S. fighter aces........2006-08-14

This is the 1979 HC edition by renowned aviation authors Col. Toliver (who piloted the colorful "Triple Zilch" F-100 Super Sabre) and Constable. There are 400 fact filled pages organized into 12 Chapters, ace lists, and index.

The introductory chapter, "The Making of a Fighter Ace" provides some insight into the "right stuff" required for a pilot to become an ace. Next, the aces from WWI , WWII (separate chapters for USAAF-Pacific, USAAF-Europe, Navy, and Marine Corps.), Korea, Vietnam, and Enemy aces are covered.

Chapters 2-11 start with brief background info. about the specific conflict and theater of operations. Then we get to the main substance of this book with many exciting first person narratives/combat reports from the aces themselves. The reader also gets some good first hand accounts of how U.S. aircrafts matched up against the enemy, e.g. P-51 vs. Bf-109, Corsair vs. Zero, F-86 vs. MiG-15, F-4 vs. MiG-21, etc.

Almost all U.S. aces are here:
WWI:Rickenbacker, Lufbery, et al.
WWII: Bong, Flying Tigers: Hill, Rector & Howard, 56th's Zemke & Gabreski, 4th's Gentile & Godfrey, Preddy, Meyer, "Pappy" Boyington, Foss, Carl, McCampbell, Kepford, et al.
Korea: McConnell, Jabara, Fernandez, Fischer, et al.
Vietnam: Ritchie, Debellevue, Driscoll, and "Duke" Cunningham.

Although most of the pages are devoted to better known aces, all aces with 5 or more aerial victories are listed in the very informative "Ace Lists" for fun referencing: including Aces of AVG, Americans who became aces while flying with the RAF in WWII, aces in two wars (WWII and Korea), etc. Also included are Top aces lists of other nations from WWI, Spanish Civil War, and WWII.

Overall: A very comprehensive, fun to read, and good reference book. A worthwhile addition to any aviation historian, hobbyist, or fighter combat enthustiast's library!

The real deal.......2006-05-24

This book is a fantastic first-person recounting of battle in the air. I first read this book when I was a teenager aspiring to become a navy pilot. As a former naval aviator, this book is even more interesting to me now, many years after I first read it. If you like military non-fiction, this book is for you.

An Eagle's Flight : A Biography of Brigadier General Ernest K. Warburton, U.S. Air Force

Average customer rating:

An Eagle's Flight : A Biography of Brigadier General Ernest K. Warburton, U.S. Air Force
James P. Coyne
Manufacturer: Dorrance Pub Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0805955852

Average customer rating:

Dustoff
True American Hero
An Excellent Book
A Story about a true Hero.
First time I ever got chills from a paperback...

Dustoff: The Memoir of an Army Aviator
Michael Novosel
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0891416986
Release Date: 1999-10-04

Book Description

Too short, too old...this son of Croatian immigrants is more than enough of an American to become a hero.

Customer Reviews:

Dustoff.......2006-09-18

An outstanding account of what happened in the war zone. A must read!

True American Hero.......2005-12-22

Dustoff is rare look at a rare breed of man. Mike Novosel is a true American hero and his account of his military life make a great read. I wish our country had a few more men like Mike Novosel.

An Excellent Book.......2004-04-19

Mr. Novosel isn't a professional writer. Therefore, his book doesn't read like some Hollywood glamour novel. However, his book is one of the best accounts of a real soldier doing his job. After meeting Mr. Novosel, I realized that his book reads almost as if he is there recalling the experiences to you personally. I was captivated from the first page, finding it difficult to find a stopping point (okay, I'll read just one more chapter). For anyone interested in military related books, medevac crews or a great memoir, this is a must-read. Well worth a hard cover for your collection.

A Story about a true Hero........2003-12-29

This book is about a true American Hero. Starting before World War 2, this book covers the life and career of one of the bravest men I have ever read about. This is a man who not only risked his life time and time again to selflessly save the wounded in Vietnam, but did not expect any special gratitude or treatment for it. This is a well written and engrossing tale about a man who served more than any man would be expected to, but signed up for two tours of Vietnam as a emergency evacuation pilot. Although I know it doesn't count for much, I hope Mr. Novosel reads this review to realize how much respect I have for him, and the men who served with him.

First time I ever got chills from a paperback..........2003-06-19

I picked this book up on a sale rack while waiting for a flight. After sitting down with it, I put it down for a total of maybe 5 minutes from cover to cover, and that was out of sheer necessity.

For having led such an amazing life, the author has such an easy, flowing writing style that you get the impression he were relaying the entire account over a few beers at some smoky enlisted club. Even more striking is the level of modesty with which Novosel recalls his time, a rarity in the military as anyone who's been in knows! Thankfully missing is melodrama and hollywood, which leaves the real excitement to stand for itself.

All in all a fantastic read. You don't meet people like this guy every day (if ever!). I can't recommend this book enough.

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