Bully Able Leader: The Story of a Fighter-Bomber Pilot in the Korean War

by George G. Loving

This USAF pilot’s memoir “masterfully describes the progress of the war . . . [and] superbly chronicles the many close-support and interdiction missions.” —Air & Space Power Journal    This action-packed account by an American pilot and squadron commander in the Korean War reveals just what it was like to fly the F-80 Shooting Star against MiGs and ground targets. Using the radio call sign of “Bully Able Leader,” Lieutenant General George G. Loving flew 112 combat missions in five major campaigns from 1950–1951.  This well-written, first-hand account of life in the cockpit of a USAF fighter jet will appeal to aviation enthusiasts and military history buffs alike.   “Valuable insights of the flying environment that earmarked this first war of extensive use of jet combat aircraft.” —Col. Joe McCue, USAF (Ret.), Air Power History

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2011

About the author

Lt. General George Gilmer Loving, Jr., USAF

Reviews

[PenWarrior · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valuable reminiscence of a fighter-bomber squadron commander from the Korean War. It was the author's second reminiscence, first one presented his exploits in the Second World War. It exceeds many reminiscences on its accuracy and historical value, since the author conducted some historical research among primary records to refresh his memory and strengthen the accuracy and value of his memory. Albeit for many readers, the air war over Korea is a duel between F-86 Sabres and MiG-15s over the MiG Alley, in fact that war was rather the fighter-bombers war because of their intensive activity and importance, which far exceeds the fighter vs fighter duels. This book tells the figher-bombers story from a very experienced Squadron commander's point of view. Highly recommended!

[Steve Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

Interesting follow up to the author's WW2 memoir. Gives a perspective not frequently heard from: a pilot doing ground attack and interdiction rather than tangling with MIGs over Mig Alley. Definitely recommend.

[Relstuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loving was a P-51 ace in WWII. Sent back to the US to train other pilots. He wrote another book about that experience and just brushes over it here. Here, he talks about post WWII Air Force and getting a permanent commission. Interestingly, he does not discuss the change from Army Air Corps into the separate department of the Air Force. He spent some time in Japan as the P-51 changed to F-51 and then volunteering to go in for the Korean war conflict.

Interesting switch from pursuit/fighters into the F-80 jet fighter bomber with a focus on the close Air Support (CAS) mission. US Air Force killed tens of thousands of communist forces in the Koran conflict as well as knocking out tanks, trains, and lots of trucks. He does discuss using Napalm and how effective it was against tanks and enemy trenches. Besides flying over 100 combat mission he commanded a F-80 squadron. Not only does he discuss his experience in the Korean conflict but after the conflict as he continued to make rank and was able to get his bachelors degree and eventually command 5th AF.

Recommend for those interested in CAS, Korean war conflict, or the F-80 in action.