Pacific Air How Fearless Flyboys, Peerless Aircraft, and Fast Flattops Conquered the Skies in the War with Japan

by Sears, David

• ISBN13: 9780306820786
• ISBN10: 0306820781
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-05-29
• Publisher: Da Capo Press

Summary

In a grand sweeping narrative, Pacific Air tells the inspiring story of how, despite initial disastrous defeats, a generation of young naval aviators challenged and ultimately vanquished a superior Japanese air force and fleet in the Pacific. The instruments of the United States aviators' triumphs were the elegantly designed F4F Wildcat, F6F Hellcat, as well as the lethal TBF Avenger torpedo bomber. With superbly trained U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators at their controls, these planes became the most successful aerial weapons in naval history. A majestic portrait of a proud era from dual perspectives--the inventive minds of young aeronautical engineers and the deadly artistry of even younger combat pilots--Pacific Air brings this important yet underappreciated chapter of World War II vividly to life.

Author Biography

David Sears is a New Jersey-based historian and author. A former U.S. Navy officer with extensive sea duty aboard a destroyer, as well as a Vietnam War veteran, he is the author of three previous books: Such Men As These, At War with the Wind, and The Last Epic Naval Battle. He is the creator and publisher of Courageous Calendars historical calendars which celebrate the lives and legacies of U.S. Navy ships, sailors, and aviators. Visit him online at www.dlsearsbooks.com.

Table of Contents

State of War
The Embattled Farmers	p. 3
My God! What's Happened?	p. 12
Hard Pressed
Prototypes	p. 23
Terminal Velocity	p. 37
Samurai	p. 51
Low Blower	p. 66
A Precarious Honor
Sans Celebration	p. 85
Jimmie and Butch	p. 94
There Is Only One Mistake	p. 110
Scratch Two Flattops	p. 122
A Bag of Gold through a Lonely Forest	p. 138
Return Buster	p. 159
Blue Skies, Green Hell
Get Down to Work	p. 183
It Isn't Good	p. 201
These Have Got Us	p. 218
Attack! Repeat, Attack!	p. 233
The Hop Supreme
You Look Good Out There, Honey	p. 253
Butch May be Down	p. 273
They Will be Knocked Down	p. 292
Missions Beyond Darkness	p. 314
Notes	p. 340
Glossary	p. 350
Appendix: U.S. Navy Pilots and Crews	p. 352
Bibliography	p. 357
Acknowledgments	p. 360
Index	p. 361
Illustrations follow	p. 180
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