Overview

With a total of forty victories, Oswald Boelcke was Germany's first ace in World War I--and a century later he remains a towering figure in the history of air warfare, renowned for his character, inspirational leadership, organizational genius, development of air-to-air tactics, and impact on aerial doctrine. Paving the way for modern air forces across the world with his pioneering strategies, Boelcke had a dramatic effect on his contemporaries. The famed Red Baron's mentor, instructor, squadron commander, and friend, he exerted a tremendous influence upon the German air force. He was one of the first pilots to be awarded the famous Pour le Mérite, commonly recognized as the ""Blue Max."" All of this was achieved after overcoming medical obstacles in childhood and later life with willpower and determination. Boelcke even gained the admiration of his enemies: After his tragic death in a midair collision, Britain's Royal Flying Corps dropped a wreath on his funeral, and several of his captured foes sent another wreath from their German prison camp. His name and legacy live on, as seen in the Luftwaffe's designation of the Tactical Air Force Wing 31 ""Boelcke."" This definitive biography reveals his importance as a fighter pilot who set the standard in military aviation.

Full Product Details

9781665201704

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Brigadier General R. G. Head, a graduate of the USAF Academy, was one of the first fighter pilots in Vietnam and flew over 325 combat missions during his military career. This earned him the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and thirteen Air Medals. He also commanded the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the Philippines and when promoted to brigadier general served in Italy as deputy commander of 5 ATAF and the Air Staff. Oswald Boelcke is R. G.'s first book. Brigadier General R. G. Head, a graduate of the USAF Academy, was one of the first fighter pilots in Vietnam and flew over 325 combat missions during his military career. This earned him the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and thirteen Air Medals. He also commanded the 90th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the Philippines and when promoted to brigadier general served in Italy as deputy commander of 5 ATAF and the Air Staff. Oswald Boelcke is R. G.'s first book. David de Vries can be seen in a number of feature films, including The Founder, The Accountant, Captain America: Civil War, and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk. On television, his credits include House of Cards, Nashville, Halt and Catch Fire, the National Geographic film Killing Reagan, and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks for HBO. As a veteran stage actor, David appeared as Lumiere in Disney's Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, as Dr. Dillamond in the Los Angeles and Chicago companies of Wicked, and in hundreds of shows in regional theaters throughout the country. He is an Audie and Odyssey Award-winning narrator for his performance in Pam Munoz Ryan's Echo and has voiced over 100 titles in every genre, including his Audie Award-nominated performance of the 2011 Caldecott winner A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available