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Whitey: The Story of Rear Admiral E. L. Feightner, A Navy Fighter Ace
Whitey is the first complete biography of one of the last surviving World War II U.S. Navy aces, and one of the Navy's most respected officers of any period. Following a typical American, mid-western boyhood, Whitey Feightner was in the vanguard of the huge group of young men thrust into World War II. Upon receiving his commission and his gold wings, he was assigned to a fighter squadron in the Pacific and soon found himself flying with the likes of Jimmy Flatley and Butch O'Hare, two leaders who imparted their own brand of flying skill and leadership to the young ensign. He flew through many of the war's most hectic and dangerous campaigns, such as Guadalcanal and the Marianas, gaining nine official kills. There were times he should not have returned from a mission, but his own skill and positive outlook helped him make it through all the dangers.
After the war, Whitey became a member of the Regular Navy and was assigned to several of the Navy's most secret and action-filled projects at Patuxent River, Maryland. He flew and helped develop legendary fighters like the F7U Cutlass, F9F Banshee, and Cougar and the attack aircraft AD Skyraider as they joined the fleet, and was one of only two men who flew the radical F7U Cutlass in Blue Angels colors.
Returning to the fleet in command of a squadron, and later of an air group, he continued to develop fighter tactics. In between tours at sea, he served in the Pentagon dealing with all the personalities and political turmoil of the time while trying to bring naval aviation into the future. Working with such luminaries as Hyman Rickover and Elmo Zumwalt was not for the feint-hearted, and even Whitey did not come away unscathed. Yet, through it all, he retained the affable demeanor that characterized this rare and highly skilled naval aviator. His life story could serve as a model for any young aviator to follow.
After the war, Whitey became a member of the Regular Navy and was assigned to several of the Navy's most secret and action-filled projects at Patuxent River, Maryland. He flew and helped develop legendary fighters like the F7U Cutlass, F9F Banshee, and Cougar and the attack aircraft AD Skyraider as they joined the fleet, and was one of only two men who flew the radical F7U Cutlass in Blue Angels colors.
Returning to the fleet in command of a squadron, and later of an air group, he continued to develop fighter tactics. In between tours at sea, he served in the Pentagon dealing with all the personalities and political turmoil of the time while trying to bring naval aviation into the future. Working with such luminaries as Hyman Rickover and Elmo Zumwalt was not for the feint-hearted, and even Whitey did not come away unscathed. Yet, through it all, he retained the affable demeanor that characterized this rare and highly skilled naval aviator. His life story could serve as a model for any young aviator to follow.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2014
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March 18, 2022
An incredible story from a different time.
This is an amazing story of Admiral "Whitey" Feightner's amazing life. It starts with his childhood and how he became interested in flying and joined the Navy, and then went on to a very successful career. His combat flying exploits are very exciting: combinations of skill, teamwork, and yes luck saw him through situations where his survival seemed unlikely. After the war he continued to experience these situations as he flew new aircraft that were flawed, and he also continued to provide valuable leadership in the Navy. Author Mersky takes a no-nonsense approach dealing with a large volume of material, so this is a fast read, packed with action, technical details, and personal insights on the man's life. If you like aviation -- or simply great stories -- you will enjoy this one!
This is an amazing story of Admiral "Whitey" Feightner's amazing life. It starts with his childhood and how he became interested in flying and joined the Navy, and then went on to a very successful career. His combat flying exploits are very exciting: combinations of skill, teamwork, and yes luck saw him through situations where his survival seemed unlikely. After the war he continued to experience these situations as he flew new aircraft that were flawed, and he also continued to provide valuable leadership in the Navy. Author Mersky takes a no-nonsense approach dealing with a large volume of material, so this is a fast read, packed with action, technical details, and personal insights on the man's life. If you like aviation -- or simply great stories -- you will enjoy this one!
Displaying 1 of 1 review