The Flying Greek: An Immigrant Fighter Ace's WWII Odyssey with the RAF, USAAF, and French Resistance

by Steve N. Pisanos, Walter Cronkite (Foreword)

Steve N. Pisanos s "The Flying Greek" is both the classic tale of an immigrant s bond with America and an aerial adventure. When young Pisanos arrived in the U.S. in 1938, he worked, studied English, and learned to fly. He earned a private pilot s license in 1941, and soon after Germany invaded Greece, he volunteered for the embattled British Royal Air Force. He served with the 268 and 71 Eagle Squadrons. The 71 Eagle Squadron was one of three Eagle squadrons comprised of U.S. volunteers. In 1942, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen while in London, England. He was the first individual in American history to become a citizen while outside the U.S. border, and his becoming a citizen allowed him to be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces.In riveting detail, Pisanos recounts his combat record, from fighter sweeps and bomber escort missions to dogfighting, flying the Spitfire, the P-47, and the P-51. While flying a P-47 named "Miss Plainfield," he scored his first aerial victory on May 21, 1943. By January 1, 1944, he had become an ace. After his tenth confirmed kill, he crash-landed his P-51 in France and spent six months with the French Resistance, successfully evading capture. Because of his exposure to the French operations, the Air Force could not risk his capture again, so he returned to the U.S. and became a test pilot at Wright Field where he also attended the Air Force s test pilot school.Despite grave danger, Pisanos set aside his pride, fears, and misgivings to help achieve a greater good. "The Flying Greek" is an entertaining and remarkable journey that will interest historians and aviation enthusiasts.

280 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2007

About the author

Colonel Steve N. Pisanos, USAF

Born Spiros Nicholas “Steve” Pisanos.

Royal Air Force and US Army Air Force veteran of World War II (during which he was credited with 10 aerial victories) and US Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.

Recipient of the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak leaf Clusters, the Puple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, American Defense Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 service Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, 1939-45 Star (UK), Air Crew Europe Star (UK), Defence Medal (UK), Distinguished Unit Citation (France), Croix de Guerre (France), and the Legion of Honour (France).

Reviews

[Phrodrick slowed his growing backlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the person, Air Force Col. Steve Pisanos who is the story and who makes Flying Greek worth your time. A classic story of the small town, impoverished (Greek) boy who comes to America, Illegally, builds a life by hard work and then volunteers to go to war; flying first For Brittan, then America and then as a member of the French Resistance. The Flying Greek has it all. Col. Pisanos writes in the plain style often found in the first person history written by warriors. These books are important not for the literature but to appreciate why we must respect our veterans. Recommendation: unfortunately these first person books are a niche market. Col. Pisanos lived well enough and writes well enough to be an example and inspiration to more than just the war history buffs.

From a young age, Spyridon later Steve, Pisanos knew he wanted to fly. The realities of life in depression era Greece was that he lacked the family connections and the money to become a pilot in the Greek Air Force. By way of jumping ship he stole his way into America found minimal work in various parts of the food service industry and by frugality, he bought flying lessons, becoming a pilot in time to volunteer to join the British Royal Airforce (RAF). All of this before Dec 7, 1941 and the US entry into World War II. The rest is not just history but his experiences culled from his well-maintained diary.

As much as his personal success is based on hard work and good decision making, describes the Colonel as an inspiring personal example; it is clear that at many critical points he found good people who knew when to be a friend and when to bend rules. He takes the time to remember these people by name and to express his steadfast gratitude. His honesty makes clear that for him it did ‘take a village’. Shipmates, to employers to ground crew were all integral to his success, not to mention survival. For all these people to be so helpful, one tends to believe that they felt they were giving of themselves to a person who was not wasteful of opportunity or likely to become dependent.

Perhaps part of what Col Pisanos is telling us is that good people will give a break to others. Getting those breaks should be the bases for us to do better and remember. The message most clearly stated by Col Steven N. Pisanos USAF (ret) is his gratitude for the chance to become an American and his pride that he was able to serve his adopted land

[Greg Gudorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply outstanding.

Where there is a will, there is a way. The story of The Flying Greek proves the point and underscores the hope, pride and progress of constantly striving toward a goal yet being adept at accepting change often on faith alone. A wonderfully detailed read that will leave you feeling hopeful and wanting to help others achieve their dreams.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book detailing Pisanos fulfilled desire to become an American and fly military aircraft. The author is deceased, but he had the ability to place the reader inside the cockpit of his aircraft as he fought the Germans, when he was shot down, and the time spend in France with the French Resistance. Fantastic read!

[Edwin Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read. It because I have his signature on a painting I have. I enjoyed the book.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because my dad met the author. He would hang out with a bunch of old Greek men for coffee (my dad was one of them :) ). Interesting, not riveting.