Beyond Mach 3: A Pilot’s Journey Through The U-2 and SR-71 (1950 to 1970) A Memoir

by Buddy Brown

Immerse yourself in sky-high adventure and the unwavering bravery of a legendary pilot who broke barriers faster than the speed of sound.Have you ever wondered what it takes to fly a plane faster than the earth rotates?

Or what it's like to snap a photo that could change the course of history?

Meet a hero whose life was a thrilling ride through danger, discovery, and devotion.

As a young man, Col. Buddy Brown would stand at the edge of the airport in Bakersfield, California, dreaming of the skies as he watched planes take off and land.

Through countless challenges and pivotal moments, from selling his beloved hot rod for flight school to becoming a Colonel in the Air Force, he became a testament to perseverance and passion.

He is an inspiration to all who hear his story – and it’s time for you to be captivated by his journey.

This is an invitation into the cockpit to witness history firsthand. Feel the thrill of breaking the sound barrier and the warmth of stories shared between generations.

Inside, you will

The transformation of a young pilot into a legend of the skies, flying some of the most advanced aircraft of the timeA gripping account of a U-2 mission gone awry, where survival hung by a thread – with tension-filled moments that tested Col. Brown's resolve and skill as a pilotInsights into the Cuban Missile Crisis from the sky, revealing how critical aerial photos can sway global politics – a perspective on the event that you won't find in history books!Personal accounts of sacrifice and longing and the cost of serving at the frontier of human achievement – get to know the man behind the medalsThe anticipation and heartbreak of being on the cusp of the first SR-71 Blackbird flight, only to face a last-minute abortA legacy of resilience passed down through generations – his life is proof of the enduring spirit of those who dare to reach for the skiesA decorated career highlighted by prestigious awards – each medal weaves a narrative of unmatched dedication and a lifetime of serviceA touching tribute that captures the essence of a life lived at full throttle – because all heroes are also fathers, grandfathers, and friendsAnd so much more…

This memoir breaks through the clouds of the ordinary, offering insights that are as relevant today as they were decades ago.

It’s not just for aviation and military enthusiasts but for anyone moved by individuals who shape the world.

So, are you ready to soar high to the clouds, where courage meets legacy?

Explore the vast skies of human potential through an inspiring piece of history, heartache, and heroism. Scroll up and click "Add to Cart" right now!

Genres: Aviation, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Military Fiction, History

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 4, 2024

Reviews

[Lori C. Puente · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Stuff

Buddy Brown was “The Right Stuff!” The requisite good looks, athleticism, humor, courage, tenacity, and an American patriot. He was a friend and colleague of my father’s in the SR-71 program and one of 12 extraordinary men who flew both the U2 and the SR-71. Reading his memoir gave me insight into all that went into their missions in a very personal way. It wasn’t all glamor and cool, though it was all that and more. It was mentally and physically exhausting. They all loved to fly, but as you will discover, there was a lot going on in the high altitude cockpits besides flying. Buddy said that failing the mission was worse than being shot down. That as a reconnaissance pilot, you were always at war, whether during peacetime or wartime. "The stakes were too high to make a mistake given that reconnaissance is crucial to understanding the intentions of hostile governments.” Bed-Check Charlie, ricksaw races, claustrophobia, celestial navigation, Pogos, sunburns and moon suits, dippsy doodle, the boomerang caper, and the loss of friends and colleagues. From the war in Korea, Viet Nam, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Cold War, Buddy takes you on his ride of a lifetime. If you are a Habu Brat, as we kids whose parents worked in and around the SR program from Burbank to Beale to Kadena, like to call ourselves, you will love this book. If you are a fan, you will love this book. If you are just curious about it all and what the fuss is about, you will love this book. If you’re a relative or friend of those who serve and understand the unique stress their family's endure, you will love this book. Well done Scott! Thanks for taking the time to get it out there for all of us to enjoy. - Lori Hudson Puente

[Russ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little conflicted about how to rate this book. Because I know it was constructed by the subject's son, from notes and journal entries and such left by his dad. So the material the son was given was all there was to make a book out of. And it was an entertaining book!

Could definitely use some editing, there were repeated stories and sentences, incorrect facts and terms, some weird writing styles (like switching tense from first person to third person), stuff that is pretty normal when writing a letter home or keeping a diary, but stuff that could have been edited without changing the meaning (or violating the subject's intent).

I really wish there was more about the SR-71 flights, but as mentioned, the son only had so much to work with.

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought/read this book because I worked for Buddy Brown at SAC HQ in the Strategic Reconnaissance Center (SRC). I attended his retirement from the Air Force at SRC in 1983. The book is pretty good, as far as it goes. It covers the various flying assignments and goes into detail about the mission planning, flying, pranks and space suits. But, it contains some detailed errors that a flyer would know, e.g. controlled airspace ends at 60,000 feet, not 70.000 feet as once quoted. Overall, a good summary of a flyers life.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible story

This book could use some editing.
It is an incredible story and I was not ready for it to end. It felt like Colonel Brown was telling me his story.
If you enjoy military history or Air Force History, you should enjoy this book! (Thanks to my brother who gifted this to me!)

[Steven P. Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This book was very informative and an interesting read. I've always loved airplanes, got my A & P in technical school, got my pilot license and flew 150's, 172's, and a couple of Pipers, and spent almost 40 years at Boeing\Spirit artist tens before retiring a few years ago. Very easy and interesting reading in this book!

[melvillebarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The black bird

I was a boom operator and still after all
these years remember that huge black beautiful aircraft moving into refueling position behind our tanker. Steady as a rock. What great pilots they all were.

[Carl Purpura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An American hero, read it.

The book title only begins this story. His Memoir will grip you. I spent 26 years in the air force working on aircraft. This book gave me a huge respect for pilots that I didn't have until now.

[Robert Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I generally have a difficult time reading books about AF (I'm retired Army). But I wanted to read this one due to the topic. Was always interested in the spy planes, even saw a U2 in Rein Mein once, was very mysterious. But, about the book, was a good read, story was interesting and not too much technobabble, but enough to keep the reader engaged. I would recommend this to others that are interested in recon. Good Read.

[John M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick read about an impressive military and flying career. There are many great stories, even some about fun nights out in Japan and Vietnam. I only wish there were more stories and accounts of the SR-71 portion of flying career, but still very interesting.

[John C. Low · Rating 5 out of 5]

A frustrated Chaplain who Dreams of the Skies

This somewhat technical narrative was infused with personal rememberances that brought us into the skies and into the cockpits. Sighs of envy. God Bless You Brother.

[William R Kessinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

If you love fast flyers this is a great read. I having been in both the air force and later flew in the army and was in VN really enjoyed his career.

[Richard A Lambing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Even if it only talks about recon platforms.

[Jen&Jude Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond Mach 3

Very interesting book on the difficulties and detailed procedures required to fly a spy plane like the SR72. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Randy Harrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read

[Mark Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a very quick read that is interesting and enjoyable, but it comes off a bit robotic. Straight to the point, cut and dry.

[corinne reinford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome insights

This book is a must read for anyone who has been blessed to watch and work around the best flying machines in the world. It was great to hear from an Pilot what it was like to fly these machines.