Overview
A hero's action is always extraordinary because it is so contrary to the basic human instincts of self-preservation and survival. For the fighter Ace, it is often kill or be killed. The men whose images and stories are told in Wings of Valor reflect the courage and determination it takes to get no less than five ""kills"" in aerial combat and return from each mission alive. Some were shot down, captured and later returned home. These men distinguished themselves as Navy, Marines, U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force pilots who had the courage to pursue their enemy with aggression, agility and precision. They have been recognized as elite and special. To fly in combat may seem exciting and noble, but it was also extremely dangerous and deadly. All fighter pilots, regardless of their personal victory tallies, are deserving of great respect and credit for what they endured. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact qualities that separate a good fighter pilot from a great fighter pilot. However, they consist of an indomitable inner spirit and a fierce determination to survive and succeed at any cost, with a measure of opportunity and luck added to the mix. Wings of Valor immortalizes 82 men for their incredible bravery and aerial heroics during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It is the embodiment of the very term Ace. Their images and stories, collected on these pages, are as diverse as America itself. Today, these men will tell you that they are proud Americans who are caretakers of freedom. They have been to the edge and have lived to tell their story.
Full Product Details
Author: Peter Anthony Collier ,
Peter Collier
Publisher: Naval Institute Press
Imprint: Naval Institute Press
Dimensions:
Width: 22.80cm
, Height: 2.20cm
, Length: 30.40cm
Weight: 0.989kg
ISBN: 9781591146414
ISBN 10: 1591146410
Pages: 264
Publication Date: 15 December 2016
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Temporarily unavailable
The supplier advises that this item is temporarily unavailable. It will be ordered for you and placed on backorder. Once it does come back in stock, we will ship it out to you.
Reviews
This inspiring, thrilling book is about American aviator heroes, interviewed in their nineties, as they recount their air to air combat flying, against great odds, over Europe, the Pacific and Korea in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. These young patriots, all in their early twenties, risked their lives to protect our freedoms and lived to tell about it. Beautiful narrative writing and powerfully exquisite photos of the aces. Feel their courage! -DAVID HARTMAN, aviation/space writer
Author Information
Nick Del Calzo is an award-winning photojournalist who produces photographic projects that advance human values. He created and photographed our nation's heroes for the book, Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty. He also photographed and produced The Triumphant Spirit: Portraits & Stories of Holocaust Survivors, which features portraits of then-living survivors of the Holocaust. He lives in Denver, Colorado. Peter Collier is the author of several best-selling dynastic biographies, including The Rockefellers: An American Dynasty; The Kennedys: An American Dream; and The Fords: An American Epic. His most recent books are The Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty, and Choosing Courage: Inspiring Stories of What It Means to Be a Hero. He lives in Nevada City, California.
