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Harry's War
Harry's War is a well-written, insightful description of how our fighter pilot warriors think, and the challenges they face when they come back down to earth.
Harry's War fully brings to life war in both its literal and metaphorical sense. It explores an air battle that takes place over Iraq along the Iraq-Iranian border.
It doesn't take long before this story has Harry in the middle of a crazy dogfight with four Su-27 Flanker fighter planes in the Iraqi skies. Harry is flying an F-15, which is the inferior craft of the two, but he is the superior pilot, and his skills are pushed to the limit in this life or death battle. The dogfight scene will entertain you better than any other Air Force driven novel you have ever read. You will not be able to stop listening to this book.
But then things change. As the story morphs seamlessly into a new scene, a second war unfolds, which is equally as hard as the one Harry fought in the skies. Heartfelt emotion is now on the table in these closing chapters, as Harry has to deal with demons from his past and fight for his survival in a new and very different future.
"Being a fighter pilot is not just about flying planes!" - Brigadier General James "Bulldog" Rippenger.
This book is not a Top Gun BS story. This is the real deal. And if you're looking for real entertainment from a flyboy's perspective, then Harry's War is a must.
Harry's War fully brings to life war in both its literal and metaphorical sense. It explores an air battle that takes place over Iraq along the Iraq-Iranian border.
It doesn't take long before this story has Harry in the middle of a crazy dogfight with four Su-27 Flanker fighter planes in the Iraqi skies. Harry is flying an F-15, which is the inferior craft of the two, but he is the superior pilot, and his skills are pushed to the limit in this life or death battle. The dogfight scene will entertain you better than any other Air Force driven novel you have ever read. You will not be able to stop listening to this book.
But then things change. As the story morphs seamlessly into a new scene, a second war unfolds, which is equally as hard as the one Harry fought in the skies. Heartfelt emotion is now on the table in these closing chapters, as Harry has to deal with demons from his past and fight for his survival in a new and very different future.
"Being a fighter pilot is not just about flying planes!" - Brigadier General James "Bulldog" Rippenger.
This book is not a Top Gun BS story. This is the real deal. And if you're looking for real entertainment from a flyboy's perspective, then Harry's War is a must.
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First published January 24, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 8, 2018
The author laid out in stunning detail the mechanics that went into flying sorties during the Gulf War. The plot came to life as I became wonderstruck with the Eagle F-15s superior avionics, powerful twin turbo engines, devastating weaponry and blinding speed. Outstanding maneuverability and well planned out evasive actions were the icing on the cake. The main protagonist was well-defined. With twenty-seven years spent in the United States Air Force, I'd say that retired officer Ed Benjamin is more than qualified to write on this stirring subject.
Operation Desert Storm provided the backdrop for this intriguing story. It had lasted only six short months. Perhaps its brief duration was largely do in part to courageous individuals such as Captain Harry Miles, United States Air Force. He lived to fly and became one of two pilots during the war to be credited as a fighter ace. It was the greatest distinction a fighter pilot could receive.
Soaring in the skies over war-torn Iraq in his Eagle F-15, Harry was in his element. His brilliance and daring led him to become one of the most honored airmen in the war against Iraq. By his comrades-in-arms, he was widely acknowledged by his tactical call sign, Scrub. He was a living legend.
The hand of fate was about to step in and drastically change this jet fighter's life. While running a mission, for the first time in his life, Harry was overtaken with a physical ailment that left him gasping for air. He soon lost consciousness and his F-15 went into a deadly spin. When that occurs to a jet aircraft it's usually not recoverable. The only way to survive would be to eject. Harry remained unconscious.
I send my appreciation to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this digital edition in exchange for an unbiased review.
Operation Desert Storm provided the backdrop for this intriguing story. It had lasted only six short months. Perhaps its brief duration was largely do in part to courageous individuals such as Captain Harry Miles, United States Air Force. He lived to fly and became one of two pilots during the war to be credited as a fighter ace. It was the greatest distinction a fighter pilot could receive.
Soaring in the skies over war-torn Iraq in his Eagle F-15, Harry was in his element. His brilliance and daring led him to become one of the most honored airmen in the war against Iraq. By his comrades-in-arms, he was widely acknowledged by his tactical call sign, Scrub. He was a living legend.
The hand of fate was about to step in and drastically change this jet fighter's life. While running a mission, for the first time in his life, Harry was overtaken with a physical ailment that left him gasping for air. He soon lost consciousness and his F-15 went into a deadly spin. When that occurs to a jet aircraft it's usually not recoverable. The only way to survive would be to eject. Harry remained unconscious.
I send my appreciation to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this digital edition in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 5, 2024
Author Ed Benjamin brings us the tale of Harry a fighter pilot turned P.I. Harry's tale begins with a dog fight over Iraq as he is in a flat spin and attempting to get out of it. He eventually dose and then we learn through flashbacks how he started on his road to being a fighter pilot. Harry was a smart kid and as most smart kids where he was picked on but when it came time for him to turn 18 he joined the air forces and worked his way up to being a pilot. Then in the first gulf war he was on patrol when they where attacked. This is a great short story and I highly recommend it to all for that little glimpse into the mind of a fighter pilot. It's easy to see that this story could be turned into a film.
May 14, 2015
Harry's War is a brilliantly written book, Ed Benjamin has obviously heavily researched almost everything there is to know about military aviation.
When first downloading Harry's War I thought to myself here is another war story based in the Middle East, sounds to me like something I had read before but to my surprise I was wrong. Yes the book starts off in Iran but you will see it's not just another story when you read this novel and let your imagination flow.
I found the introduction to some of the planes and systems they use kind of slow but that is mostly because I wasn't familiar with what Ed Benjamin was talking about. Page after page I learnt a little more about military aircrafts, tactics and some of the things that may run through a jet pilots mind whilst in the air.
In all this book is a fascinating read, eye opening plots that keep the reader wanting more and of course the characteristics of Harry keep you entertained the whole book.
When first downloading Harry's War I thought to myself here is another war story based in the Middle East, sounds to me like something I had read before but to my surprise I was wrong. Yes the book starts off in Iran but you will see it's not just another story when you read this novel and let your imagination flow.
I found the introduction to some of the planes and systems they use kind of slow but that is mostly because I wasn't familiar with what Ed Benjamin was talking about. Page after page I learnt a little more about military aircrafts, tactics and some of the things that may run through a jet pilots mind whilst in the air.
In all this book is a fascinating read, eye opening plots that keep the reader wanting more and of course the characteristics of Harry keep you entertained the whole book.
August 20, 2015
A good Read!
As an Air Force veteran, the flying Scenes were very enjoyable. The format the rest of the book was written in was definitely different. Still enjoyable just different!
As an Air Force veteran, the flying Scenes were very enjoyable. The format the rest of the book was written in was definitely different. Still enjoyable just different!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews