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Check Six: A Fighter Pilot Looks Back by Frederick C. Blesse
Fine in Fine jacket, SIGNED with note "Thank you for your service``, Owner's address label inside. Slight shelfware. Author traces his military career from West Point through two years as a jet fighter pilot in the most dangerous game the WAR.
- GenresAviation
Paperback
First published March 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 2, 2022
"Check Six" describes the long career of Frederick C. 'Boots' Blesse in the USAF. He flew over Korea and Vietnam and next went to command several units and squadrons of the USAF.
The flying actions are well described and tense, showing what it was like flying a fighter aircraft in action. But is also shows what a career in the USAF looked like. (I think his career can not be compared to most in the current USAF, due to us living in a different era) He also shares a lot of personal details of his private life, which is often welcome, but some of his experiences sound (at least to me) a bit too much 'Gung ho' to my liking.
Interesting was to read about his experiences at Soesterberg AB, in my country, where Blesse commanded the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron. Unfortunately the base is no longer in operation, but I loved to see the F-15 Eagles there and any visiting aircraft from all over Europe or the US. Great times...
Despite the fact that I still recommend the book as being a good read, I sometimes felt that the author was some kind of 'savior' for the USAF. Once 'Boots' arrived there, all troubles were gone. This was a feeling I could somehow not shake off once I had finished it.
The flying actions are well described and tense, showing what it was like flying a fighter aircraft in action. But is also shows what a career in the USAF looked like. (I think his career can not be compared to most in the current USAF, due to us living in a different era) He also shares a lot of personal details of his private life, which is often welcome, but some of his experiences sound (at least to me) a bit too much 'Gung ho' to my liking.
Interesting was to read about his experiences at Soesterberg AB, in my country, where Blesse commanded the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron. Unfortunately the base is no longer in operation, but I loved to see the F-15 Eagles there and any visiting aircraft from all over Europe or the US. Great times...
Despite the fact that I still recommend the book as being a good read, I sometimes felt that the author was some kind of 'savior' for the USAF. Once 'Boots' arrived there, all troubles were gone. This was a feeling I could somehow not shake off once I had finished it.
January 16, 2024
Great in depth commentator he is not cerebral profound he is not but it does offer insight into an era of aviation from piston engine fighters to the F-111 and pentagon intrigue..... including butting heads and remaining friends with Robin Olds.
April 13, 2024
I enjoyed this but it’s pretty niche. Also just another in the long line of fighter pilots claiming they invented tactics manuals.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews