Phantom Reflections - The Education of an American Fighter Pilot in Vietnam

Although it took place over three decades ago, the Vietnam War, at times, seems to be a scar that will not heal. This memoir/essay details the journey of an extremely eager true believer, a young pilot who couldn't wait to get in the war, and was afraid it would be over before he could participate. Starting in the early sixties, this memoir captures the thoughts and feelings of a somewhat idealistic, young pilot as he seeks adventure, glory and excitement, in what he believes to be a truly worthwhile cause.

The narrative covers Colonel McCarthy's assignment to the F-4 Phantom II fighter, at the time one of the most capable fighter planes available. It details the extensive training necessary to turn him into a fighter pilot, and follows him as he is thrust into the midst of the intense air campaigns over North Vietnam and Laos. The numerous descriptions of toe curling missions give the reader a realistic feeling of what it was like to be in combat, but, more than that, they show how America's longest and most divisive war was perceived by those who were at the very sharpest point of the spear. Unlike many fighter pilot narratives of combat, McCarthy's retrospective account offered him an opportunity to reexamine his past beliefs, and he candidly discusses why they have altered significantly. While the accounts of air combat are riveting by themselves, these reflections prove to be equally fascinating.

A propos de l'auteur

Mike McCarthy (R Michael) was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and graduated from Loretto High School and Lake Superior State University. His career started in the Soo in community and economic development in 1970. He was the former president of the Chippewa County EDC in the late '70s. He is known in the business as a top economic strategist and as a passionate fund-raiser. His fund-raising career got its start in 1988, and he has raised over $375 million conducting a hundred capital campaigns in the United States and Canada. He and his wife, Judy, live in Denver.He is recently spotlighted by the NY Times book review, brings us his third book and his journey through alcoholism right thru to his sobriety, and his fight to keep it.

Détails du produit

• Auteurs: Mike McCarthy, McCarthy Mike
• Edition: Bloomsbury
• Langues: Anglais
• Recommandation d'âge: 7 à 17 ans
• Format d'édition: Livre Relié
• Sortie: 30.12.2006
• EAN: 9780275993276
• ISBN: 978-0-275-99327-6
• Pages: 200
• Poids: 454 g
• Thème: Praeger Security International
• Catégories: Littérature spécialisée > Histoire > Autres; USA, Vietnam, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Military, HISTORY / Military / General, military history, HISTORY / United States / 20th Century, HISTORY / Military / United States, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Aviation & Nautical, Autobiography: historical, political & military, Air forces & warfare, Later 20th century c 1950 to c 1999, United States of America, USA, History of the Americas, Autobiography: historical, political and military, Air forces and warfare, c 1970 to c 1979, Modern warfare, c 1970 to c 1980, Military history: post-WW2 conflicts, Vietnam War, HISTORY / Military / Aviation & Space, HISTORY / Wars & Conflicts / General