Overview

"From the Prairie to the Pacific is the story of one man's journey from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of U.S. Navy jet fighters and ultimately Captain of a flagship aircraft carrier. Gil Rud flew combat missions over Vietnam in A-7 Corsair II aircraft before taking command of his own squadron. His success as a Naval aviator led to the ultimate reward - ""Boss"" of the world-famous Blue Angels aerobatic display team, overseeing their successful transition to the F/A-18 Hornet. Gil Rud reflects on his experiences and emotions as a husband and father as well as a pilot and an ""officer and a gentleman."" His stories of triumph and tragedy, from nights on the flight deck to nights on the town and the loss of close friends, reveal deep feelings, great insight and a wonderful sense of humor, as well as meticulous attention to detail."

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9781958407004

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Reviews

...a remarkable memoir that chronicles the journey of a young man from rural North Dakota to the cockpits of Navy jets and eventually to the bridge of the carrier, USS Constellation. Gil has also managed to capture the essence of the Naval Aviator during one of the most transitional times in the history of the United States Navy. With superb attention to detail, he takes the reader through three tumultuous decades of peace, war and stunning technological advances... From the Prairie to the Pacific is an intimate conversation between two friends over a beer. -John F. Schork, Capt. (U.S.N. Ret.) Author of more than 10 novels and former A-6 Intruder pilot From Vietnam combat to the Blue Angels to commanding America's Flagship, Captain Gil Rud has lived life to the full, a life of rollicking fun and increased responsibility. You'll laugh at his antics in college, flight school, and combat squadrons and ponder lessons in human nature and the treatment of others he offers in each chapter. This fun book is honest, insightful, and unforgettable... strap in! -Kevin Miller Author of the Raven One trilogy From farm boy to naval aviator to Blue Angel and carrier captain, Gil Rud's life is a fun, funny, moving, and exciting adventure! A must-read! -Nicholas A. Veronico Author of Hidden Warbirds: The Epic Stories of Finding, Recovering, and Rebuilding WWII's Lost Aircraft

Author Information

"Gil Rud grew up on a small farm in North Dakota ten miles from the nearest town. He attended a one-room country school where one teacher taught all eight grades. His high school only had a total of 100 students, which did afford him, as a self-described mediocre athlete, the opportunity to play football, basketball, baseball, and track. He attended North Dakota State University, graduating with a B.S. in Agricultural Economics. His intention was to take over the family farm, but the Vietnam War and advice from his father derailed that career path. He was always amazed by the skill of the local crop dusters and flying in general, which led to him earning a private pilot license while still a college student. Although the Air Force was not interested in hiring him with his non-technical background, the Navy jumped at the opportunity to pick up a potential student pilot with some prior experience. This memoir details his improbable journey from a hell-raising, immature, adventure-seeking wild man, all the way to the Flight Leader of the ""Blue Angels"" and eventual command of an aircraft carrier. Gil is a great example of living the American Dream."

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