Basic Airman to General: The Secret War & Other Conflicts: Lessons in Leadership & Life

by John L. Piotrowski

This book covers the remarkable success of a second-generation Polish kid who, at the age of eighteen, enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was one of less than a handful of basic airmen who rose to the rank of four-star general. More importantly, it covers the reincarnation of WW II Air Commandos under the code name of Jungle Jim, as well as US combat air operations from 1961 through 1967 flying obsolete B-26s and the newest jet fighter, the F-4D. Then airman Piotrowski qualified for aviation cadet training and earned his first wings as a navigator and electronic warfare officer (EWO). Following assignments in Korea and Japan, he returned to the United States for pilot training ranking number one in his class and qualifying for jet fighters. He was selected for Project Jungle Jim and became a leading air force expert in conventional weapons and tactics. His flying ability, combat experience, and tactical expertise led to his assignment at the Air Force Top Gun School to instruct air force generals headed for Vietnam on conventional weapons and tactics. Following school and staff assignments, he was selected to command the Fortieth Tactical Group, Aviano, Italy. He led the group for three years, receiving a rating as "Best Wing in the USAF" Following Aviano, he was a special assistant to, and troubleshooter for, General Jones, air force chief. Shortly thereafter, he was selected to build the 552nd AWAC equipped with the E-3A aircraft and bring it to combat status. For his outstanding leadership of the 552nd AWAC Wing he received the prestigious Secretary of the Air Force Zukert Award.

720 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2014

Reviews

[Paul J Clawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

Great inside look at how things really work! The interpersonal descriptions let's the reader look at how he conducts his business.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a bit bias because the book was written by somebody very close to me. That being said, it is an incredible story of a truly inspirational yet humble American hero. A great read!

[paul gore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting memoir. Great details of a long career. Some of the detail is a bit excessive relating to flight ops, ORIs and staff procedures, but it is a well-done book.
Glad to have read it.