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Thunderbolt!: The Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace
With 28 confirmed kills against the fighter pilots of the Luftwaffe, Robert S. Johnson returned from the European Theater in 1944 as one of the highest-scoring American ace of the war.
When he had first arrived in Europe the combat-wise R.A.F. pilots had said that his Republic P-47C Thunderbolt would be no match for the Luftwaffe’s deadly Focke-Wulf 190’s.
Yet, under the skillful hands of men like Johnson and Gaddy Gabreski, this plane which weighed seven tons, was sixteen feet long, equipped with four .50 calibre guns, and powered by 2,000 horsepower, proved to be one of the deadliest fighter planes of the war.
Over the course of the war Johnson and his comrades of the 56th Fighter Group had shot more enemy planes than any other European Theater. They had shot down 1006 German aircraft at the cost of 128 planes, meaning that they had a ratio of eight to one against the battle-hardened Nazi Luftwaffe.
Johnson’s memoir of this time, Thunderbolt!, co-authored with Martin Caidin, is a brilliant account of his time in France in the cockpit of a remarkable plane, fighting alongside some of the best pilots that ever lived.
Ever page of Thunderbolt! is filled with fascinating details that bring to life what it was like for these young men who risked everything to fight against the Nazis in the skies above northern France and Germany.
Robert S. Johnson was the first USAAF fighter pilot in the European theater to surpass Eddie Rickenbacker’s World War I score of 26 victories. After the war he served for eighteen years as an engineering executive and test pilot for Republic Aviation. He passed away in 1998. Martin Caidin was an American author and an authority on aeronautics and aviation. Caidin was an airplane pilot as well, and bought and restored a 1936 Junkers Ju 52 airplane. Caidin passed away in 1997. Thunderbolt! was first published in 1958.
When he had first arrived in Europe the combat-wise R.A.F. pilots had said that his Republic P-47C Thunderbolt would be no match for the Luftwaffe’s deadly Focke-Wulf 190’s.
Yet, under the skillful hands of men like Johnson and Gaddy Gabreski, this plane which weighed seven tons, was sixteen feet long, equipped with four .50 calibre guns, and powered by 2,000 horsepower, proved to be one of the deadliest fighter planes of the war.
Over the course of the war Johnson and his comrades of the 56th Fighter Group had shot more enemy planes than any other European Theater. They had shot down 1006 German aircraft at the cost of 128 planes, meaning that they had a ratio of eight to one against the battle-hardened Nazi Luftwaffe.
Johnson’s memoir of this time, Thunderbolt!, co-authored with Martin Caidin, is a brilliant account of his time in France in the cockpit of a remarkable plane, fighting alongside some of the best pilots that ever lived.
Ever page of Thunderbolt! is filled with fascinating details that bring to life what it was like for these young men who risked everything to fight against the Nazis in the skies above northern France and Germany.
Robert S. Johnson was the first USAAF fighter pilot in the European theater to surpass Eddie Rickenbacker’s World War I score of 26 victories. After the war he served for eighteen years as an engineering executive and test pilot for Republic Aviation. He passed away in 1998. Martin Caidin was an American author and an authority on aeronautics and aviation. Caidin was an airplane pilot as well, and bought and restored a 1936 Junkers Ju 52 airplane. Caidin passed away in 1997. Thunderbolt! was first published in 1958.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1958
537 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Martin Caidin
192 books80 followersMartin Caidin was a prolific and controversial writer. Most of his work centered around the adventures of pilots and astronauts. A number of his books were notable for their reasonable, realistic predictions of then-futuristic technology.
Caidin's body of work was prolific and varied, ranging from additional speculative/SF novels such as Marooned, which was made into an acclaimed film and considered a harbinger of the Apollo 13 accident, to a novel based upon the character Indiana Jones. He also wrote many non-fiction books about science, aviation and warfare.
Caidin began writing fiction in 1957. In his career he authored more than 50 fiction and nonfiction books as well as more than 1,000 magazine articles. His best-known novel is Cyborg, which was the basis for "The Six Million Dollar Man" franchise. He also wrote numerous works of military history, especially concerning aviation.
In addition to his writing Caidin was a pilot and active in the restoration and flying of older planes.
Caidin's body of work was prolific and varied, ranging from additional speculative/SF novels such as Marooned, which was made into an acclaimed film and considered a harbinger of the Apollo 13 accident, to a novel based upon the character Indiana Jones. He also wrote many non-fiction books about science, aviation and warfare.
Caidin began writing fiction in 1957. In his career he authored more than 50 fiction and nonfiction books as well as more than 1,000 magazine articles. His best-known novel is Cyborg, which was the basis for "The Six Million Dollar Man" franchise. He also wrote numerous works of military history, especially concerning aviation.
In addition to his writing Caidin was a pilot and active in the restoration and flying of older planes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
November 18, 2019
Written with Martin Caidin, author of many Air war books.
And I still have the book from ...1967.
And I still have the book from ...1967.
June 20, 2017
Exciting, action-packed autobiography of a true American hero, America's second-highest scoring air ace (27 or 28 air-to-air kills, depending on which account/assessment is to be believed) in the European Theatre of WWII, co-written (ghost written, possibly?) by the late great military aviation author Martin Caidin.
I first read this book back in 1986 at the tender age of 10 or 11; obviously, I'm able to appreciate it even more now with the advantages of adulthood, college education (B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California), and my own military service (U.S. Air Force) and international travel experience under my belt.
The descriptions of aerial combat and the thrill of flight in general are vividly detailed (in some cases of the former, downright gruesome), and the chapter describing Bob Johnson's ordeal wherein he and his P-47 T-bolt miraculously survived an unbelievable shellacking from Luftwaffe machine guns and cannon is outright harrowing.
The author(s) also pay(s) stirring tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Johnson's fellow aviators in the 56th Fighter Group and the 8th Air Force, including (but certainly not limited to) Francis "Gabby" Gabreski, THE highest-scoring American air ace of the European Theatre.
My only gripe about this Nook Edition is that, while it contains many top-notch photographs and maps from the Aerial Warfare in Europe During World War II illustrations packs, it doesn't contain Bob Johnson's personal photograph collection from the earlier editions (such as the old-school Ballentine Books paperback) of the book.
Great read nonetheless. RIP and God bless, Lt. Col. Robert S. Johnson and Martin Caidin. 'Til Valhalla.
RANDOM STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS:
--p. 89: "Fighter pilots have an expression for a moment of such freedom as a fighter seems to leap away from the earth; they say the ship climbs like a homesick angel." Beautiful analogy.
--p. 124: "....to meet the enemy attack head-on. The *only* way to fight -- strike hard." Amen!
--p. 139: "The silk scarf around my neck isn't a hotrock decoration; without the silk to protect my skin, my neck by now would be raw and bleeding from rubbing against the wool collar of my shirt." Learn something new everyday.
--p. 166: "I received the Purple Heart, the only medal that no one was ever wants and, once it is received, cherishes the most. I hoped I'd never have to add any cluster to that purple ribbon." Haha, enemy marksman's medal!
--p. 173: "....and the fierce desire of our pilots to engage the enemy. A mission completed without battle was an unhappy occasion, indeed." Hooyah!
First squadron in England to score 100 kills!
--p. 226: I thought the FW-190 had .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine guns?
--p. 243: Okay, how soon before his CONUS arrival was Bob Johnson promoted to Major??
--p. 245: "...the dreams had come true." Awesome sauce.
I first read this book back in 1986 at the tender age of 10 or 11; obviously, I'm able to appreciate it even more now with the advantages of adulthood, college education (B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California), and my own military service (U.S. Air Force) and international travel experience under my belt.
The descriptions of aerial combat and the thrill of flight in general are vividly detailed (in some cases of the former, downright gruesome), and the chapter describing Bob Johnson's ordeal wherein he and his P-47 T-bolt miraculously survived an unbelievable shellacking from Luftwaffe machine guns and cannon is outright harrowing.
The author(s) also pay(s) stirring tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Johnson's fellow aviators in the 56th Fighter Group and the 8th Air Force, including (but certainly not limited to) Francis "Gabby" Gabreski, THE highest-scoring American air ace of the European Theatre.
My only gripe about this Nook Edition is that, while it contains many top-notch photographs and maps from the Aerial Warfare in Europe During World War II illustrations packs, it doesn't contain Bob Johnson's personal photograph collection from the earlier editions (such as the old-school Ballentine Books paperback) of the book.
Great read nonetheless. RIP and God bless, Lt. Col. Robert S. Johnson and Martin Caidin. 'Til Valhalla.
RANDOM STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS:
--p. 89: "Fighter pilots have an expression for a moment of such freedom as a fighter seems to leap away from the earth; they say the ship climbs like a homesick angel." Beautiful analogy.
--p. 124: "....to meet the enemy attack head-on. The *only* way to fight -- strike hard." Amen!
--p. 139: "The silk scarf around my neck isn't a hotrock decoration; without the silk to protect my skin, my neck by now would be raw and bleeding from rubbing against the wool collar of my shirt." Learn something new everyday.
--p. 166: "I received the Purple Heart, the only medal that no one was ever wants and, once it is received, cherishes the most. I hoped I'd never have to add any cluster to that purple ribbon." Haha, enemy marksman's medal!
--p. 173: "....and the fierce desire of our pilots to engage the enemy. A mission completed without battle was an unhappy occasion, indeed." Hooyah!
First squadron in England to score 100 kills!
--p. 226: I thought the FW-190 had .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine guns?
--p. 243: Okay, how soon before his CONUS arrival was Bob Johnson promoted to Major??
--p. 245: "...the dreams had come true." Awesome sauce.
March 26, 2024
Thunderbolt is a classic military literature. Johnson was a high scoring ace in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Thunderbolt is his autobiography with Martin Caidin's assistance. This book is fantastic in that the reader can see Johnson transform before their eyes.
Johnson starts out as a young boy seeing his first airplanes delight by the idea of flight and ends with him as a combat ace. The book demonstrates how Johnson's first tentative steps in combat and how he slowly transforms into him seeking combat.
Thunderbolt is an easy read and an entertaining read. I would recommend Thunderbolt as well as Anderson's To Fly and Fight and Broughton's Rupert Red Two. This is a must read for anyone interested in US Air Force History.
Johnson starts out as a young boy seeing his first airplanes delight by the idea of flight and ends with him as a combat ace. The book demonstrates how Johnson's first tentative steps in combat and how he slowly transforms into him seeking combat.
Thunderbolt is an easy read and an entertaining read. I would recommend Thunderbolt as well as Anderson's To Fly and Fight and Broughton's Rupert Red Two. This is a must read for anyone interested in US Air Force History.
November 15, 2021
A quick and engaging read
A fantastic read. Very engaging! A little amusing though, if you didn't know better, the book reads like the P47 was the end all be all fighter in the war. High altitude, low altitude, turn & burn or boom & zoom. This book says it can do it all! 😁
A fantastic read. Very engaging! A little amusing though, if you didn't know better, the book reads like the P47 was the end all be all fighter in the war. High altitude, low altitude, turn & burn or boom & zoom. This book says it can do it all! 😁
October 3, 2021
Good personal memoir. Great accounts of action and technical details on the P-47C. Certainly an interesting pilot.
January 18, 2012
While a 'classic' of WWII aviation biography genre, and written by a leading Euro theatre Ace, in my opinion (having read countless from the era) the book did not 'hook' me as others have but was a solid reading bio. Still it comes from a large name flying the same missions with other giants as Gerald Johnson, Hub Zemke, Francis Gabrezki, Bud Mahurin, and names that in the era on the fighter pilot 'rockstar' publicity short list.
It does have one of the wildest stories of survival in a crippled plane - the seminal tale of the survivability of the P-47 Thunderbolt - who through thick and thin brought its men home by unbridled power and infamous durability. The more you read the bios, the more you'll hear universal agreement on that attribute if the bird, leading to a Mustang/Thunderbolt ace author of another biography to comment about his own experiences he knew he wouldn't have survived if he'd been in a Mustang at a time or two before he rode one.
Personally, I found the experiences of latter pilots more interesting - though they had far less press than the aces of this book's era of mid- WWII, but perhaps my average rating of the book is more of a comment on breadth of experiences which were not afforded the fine Mr. Johnson in his era of almost exclusive bomber escort missions, and that reality of timing prevented the book from being as enthralling as some others.
Now it is time to read Gabreski's book to hear the other side of Johnson's tales...
It does have one of the wildest stories of survival in a crippled plane - the seminal tale of the survivability of the P-47 Thunderbolt - who through thick and thin brought its men home by unbridled power and infamous durability. The more you read the bios, the more you'll hear universal agreement on that attribute if the bird, leading to a Mustang/Thunderbolt ace author of another biography to comment about his own experiences he knew he wouldn't have survived if he'd been in a Mustang at a time or two before he rode one.
Personally, I found the experiences of latter pilots more interesting - though they had far less press than the aces of this book's era of mid- WWII, but perhaps my average rating of the book is more of a comment on breadth of experiences which were not afforded the fine Mr. Johnson in his era of almost exclusive bomber escort missions, and that reality of timing prevented the book from being as enthralling as some others.
Now it is time to read Gabreski's book to hear the other side of Johnson's tales...
September 22, 2011
Thunderbolt!, an autobiographical story of Robert S. Johnson, the first United States Army Air Forces WWII fighter pilot in the European theater to surpass Eddie Rickenbacker's WWI score of 26 victories.
Johnson was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of an automobile mechanic. He first became interested in airplanes when he was eight years old.
His father took them to Post Field at Fort Sill to see a United States Army Air Corps barnstorming team, "The Three Musketeers."
The air show captured the imagination of young Johnson, who could not stop dreaming of airplanes and flying, and eventually an Oklahoma boy’s dream became an American hero’s story.
Thunderbolt! will propel you though the skies above Europe, chasing fate with great courage, at several hundred miles per hour.
Every Oklahoman should read this book. Every American should read this book.
Johnson was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, the son of an automobile mechanic. He first became interested in airplanes when he was eight years old.
That was on a morning in the summer of 1928, in the town of Lawton, Oklahoma. My dad shouted for the kids to pile into the car.
His father took them to Post Field at Fort Sill to see a United States Army Air Corps barnstorming team, "The Three Musketeers."
There were three of them. Each with double wings and a whirling propeller flashing in the bright Oklahoma sun. I first saw them as they rolled on their backs, arcing over to inverted flight…
The air show captured the imagination of young Johnson, who could not stop dreaming of airplanes and flying, and eventually an Oklahoma boy’s dream became an American hero’s story.
Thunderbolt! will propel you though the skies above Europe, chasing fate with great courage, at several hundred miles per hour.
Every Oklahoman should read this book. Every American should read this book.
July 16, 2012
Another of Martin Caidin's creative non-fiction "auto-biographies", his most well known being Samuari, the book is very good history. Robert Johnson was reputedly unhappy about a lot of the license taken by Caidin in the book, but Caidin had the talent to turn basic truth into something a bit more readable by dipping into his very substantial knowledge of WWII aviation history. The result is a very entertaining book that does no damage although one might think that Johnson was flying in slow motion as he saw so much going on and in such detail...but that is the Caidin influence. I have read this book several times in my life and have enjoyed it each time. As it is history, it is timeless. You gain an significant insight into US fighter operations in WWII.
July 24, 2018
Superb narrative of a P-47 ace!
I'm a Navy pilot and WWII history buff. I've read MANY accounts of WWII fighter pilots. This is one of the best. The author shot down 28 Germans and was the second biggest scoring P-47 ace behind Gabreski. He was on several missions that my father was on as a B-17 pilot (notably the Munster mission of 10 Oct 44). I couldn't help but think that I probably owe my very existence to P-47 pilots such as Robert Johnson. This guy was a cold blooded kraut killer! A great American.
I'm a Navy pilot and WWII history buff. I've read MANY accounts of WWII fighter pilots. This is one of the best. The author shot down 28 Germans and was the second biggest scoring P-47 ace behind Gabreski. He was on several missions that my father was on as a B-17 pilot (notably the Munster mission of 10 Oct 44). I couldn't help but think that I probably owe my very existence to P-47 pilots such as Robert Johnson. This guy was a cold blooded kraut killer! A great American.
January 15, 2012
A very good memoir of World War II aerial combat in the skies over Fortress Europe. Robert Johnson was fortunate indeed that Alexander P. Seversky designed such a tough and dependable warplain for his adopted country; e.g the incident in which he hunkered down in the well armored cockpit of his crippled P-47 while a German pilot expended ALL of his cannon and machine gun ammunition into it, without forcing the Thunderbolt down, and then saluted Johnson for his good fortune.
February 20, 2010
I read and enjoyed several WWII era stories when I was middle school age. I'll never forget the scene in this one where the enemy pilot riddled the Thunderbolt with bullets, came up alongside to look at Johnson in the cockpit, three times, before finally waving off and leaving Johnson to take the completely disabled Thunderbolt home for landing. With my sorry memory of books and movies, it says a lot that I remember the scene and my enjoyment of this book.
July 5, 2020
A worthwhile read, especially for airplane buffs
A fairly well-written account of one of America‘s heroes from military aviation‘s Golden Age of aerial combat, featuring blow-by-blow recollections of derring-do in the skies over Europe during World War II. It takes the reader from Johnson‘s boyhood dream of flying through his triumphant return stateside as the top US air ace in the European Theater of the war. In keeping with the distancing effect that is inherent in the machine-mediated nature of aerial combat itself, this memoir — with one notable exception —- avoids a gory depiction of the carnage that inevitably results from war, notwithstanding that dogfighting victories are labeled “kills.” I suppose one could say that the emphasis is far more on the glory than on the gory in this account. [Note: the book could’ve benefited from a little bit tighter editing & proofreading.]
BTW, as a member of the storied Tuskegee Airmen, my late father flew the same aircraft over Europe during WWII — the P-47 Thunderbolt — that was flown by Johnson. Due to its size, its extremely powerful engine, its heavy armament (eight 50-caliber machine guns embedded in its wings), and its astounding ability to bring its pilot safely home despite massive enemy-inflicted damage to its engine and/or airframe, the Thunderbolt was affectionately nicknamed “Jug” — short for “Juggernaut” — by those who flew her.
I recall my dad once saying that during a training flight, he put his P-47 into a steep dive over a body of water and triggered all eight of the machine guns at once, just to see how it would feel. He said the recoil from the guns was so intense, he could’ve sworn that this very large fighter plane was about to back up in mid-air!
A fairly well-written account of one of America‘s heroes from military aviation‘s Golden Age of aerial combat, featuring blow-by-blow recollections of derring-do in the skies over Europe during World War II. It takes the reader from Johnson‘s boyhood dream of flying through his triumphant return stateside as the top US air ace in the European Theater of the war. In keeping with the distancing effect that is inherent in the machine-mediated nature of aerial combat itself, this memoir — with one notable exception —- avoids a gory depiction of the carnage that inevitably results from war, notwithstanding that dogfighting victories are labeled “kills.” I suppose one could say that the emphasis is far more on the glory than on the gory in this account. [Note: the book could’ve benefited from a little bit tighter editing & proofreading.]
BTW, as a member of the storied Tuskegee Airmen, my late father flew the same aircraft over Europe during WWII — the P-47 Thunderbolt — that was flown by Johnson. Due to its size, its extremely powerful engine, its heavy armament (eight 50-caliber machine guns embedded in its wings), and its astounding ability to bring its pilot safely home despite massive enemy-inflicted damage to its engine and/or airframe, the Thunderbolt was affectionately nicknamed “Jug” — short for “Juggernaut” — by those who flew her.
I recall my dad once saying that during a training flight, he put his P-47 into a steep dive over a body of water and triggered all eight of the machine guns at once, just to see how it would feel. He said the recoil from the guns was so intense, he could’ve sworn that this very large fighter plane was about to back up in mid-air!
July 5, 2023
Being one of the top aces of the USAAF flying over Europe, Bob Johnson does a great job describing the experiences of the US fighter pilots during WWII. He takes us along from the moment he fell in love with aircraft and flying to the moment his tour has been finished and he's back in the US. The US being almost a completely different world from the UK.
He describes the air war in great detail and you feel the tension and stress when the Luftwaffe succeeds in breaking into the bomber boxes to wreak havoc. But also the relief when the 'Little friends' succeed in breaking up the German attackers heading for the 'Big friends'. He comes close to bailing out of his stricken aircraft several times and he had also the experience of being unable to escape from an almost unflyable P-47. But the Thunderbolt, being a rugged beast, stayed aloft and brought him home safely.
There is humor in the pages, but also stress and sadness, losing a bunch of guys to the Luftwaffe or flak. These men had to rely on each other each and every day, so they became a close knit group. Losing familair and trusted faces hits hard.
Liked it!
He describes the air war in great detail and you feel the tension and stress when the Luftwaffe succeeds in breaking into the bomber boxes to wreak havoc. But also the relief when the 'Little friends' succeed in breaking up the German attackers heading for the 'Big friends'. He comes close to bailing out of his stricken aircraft several times and he had also the experience of being unable to escape from an almost unflyable P-47. But the Thunderbolt, being a rugged beast, stayed aloft and brought him home safely.
There is humor in the pages, but also stress and sadness, losing a bunch of guys to the Luftwaffe or flak. These men had to rely on each other each and every day, so they became a close knit group. Losing familair and trusted faces hits hard.
Liked it!
March 21, 2021
An excellent account of one man's experience of the air war over Europe in that mid to latter stages of World War Two. I read this because I'd heard of Robert S. Johnson, one of the USAAF's highest scoring fighter pilots of the war, as well as generally being a fan of Martin Caidin's work, both fiction and non-fiction. Anybody who is a bit sensitive to such things might be a tad offended by the seemingly arrogant "sporting" attitude and approach that Johnson and his colleagues had to their fighting, and the joy that they generally got from their victories. I'm not offended in the least, because the story told in this book demonstrates very well the mindset that these chaps had to have to simply be able to fly the sorties and engage an enemy in combat. They were young men put under an immense amount of pressure, such that I can scarcely even imagine, and they coped as best they could. This story is an excellent insight into this pivotal part of our history.
December 18, 2019
Book I’ll remember forever
I first read Robert Johnson’s book as a school kid. My tattered paperback copy gave out many years ago. Now at 74 I still remember his school age level narrative that thrilled me with flying. Now, however, I recognize the cities in Europe having visited most. Rouen, to Johnson an air battle, to me the site of Jeanne d’Arc’s flaming death. The Luftwaffe pilots he often disparages - was one of them Siegfried Fehrman, my first cousin once removed, who survived the war and whose wife and children I have met through my journeys? It was due in no small part to Bob Johnson’s book that I was inspired to take an assignment in Europe where I could witness the devastation of war. Yet I also thought of the long missions they made in the 40’s as I covered the distances in minutes. A book to treasure.
I first read Robert Johnson’s book as a school kid. My tattered paperback copy gave out many years ago. Now at 74 I still remember his school age level narrative that thrilled me with flying. Now, however, I recognize the cities in Europe having visited most. Rouen, to Johnson an air battle, to me the site of Jeanne d’Arc’s flaming death. The Luftwaffe pilots he often disparages - was one of them Siegfried Fehrman, my first cousin once removed, who survived the war and whose wife and children I have met through my journeys? It was due in no small part to Bob Johnson’s book that I was inspired to take an assignment in Europe where I could witness the devastation of war. Yet I also thought of the long missions they made in the 40’s as I covered the distances in minutes. A book to treasure.
January 5, 2018
Yes, indeed, an extraordinary story...and one well-told.
I like the way the book humanizes the author by recounting experiences of his childhood and youth, his early love of flying, his enlistment and flight training, people who influenced him, opinions of the various airplanes he flew, and ultimately his introduction to the powerful Thunderbolt fighter plane. Apparently he kept a diary, because his accounts of numerous air battles, friends lost, and victories won are incredibly detailed. I particularly absorbed his descriptions of the tactical maneuvers he made during combat and how he handled the cockpit controls. He permitted me to fly vicariously with him. All and all, and excellent read from start to finish.
I like the way the book humanizes the author by recounting experiences of his childhood and youth, his early love of flying, his enlistment and flight training, people who influenced him, opinions of the various airplanes he flew, and ultimately his introduction to the powerful Thunderbolt fighter plane. Apparently he kept a diary, because his accounts of numerous air battles, friends lost, and victories won are incredibly detailed. I particularly absorbed his descriptions of the tactical maneuvers he made during combat and how he handled the cockpit controls. He permitted me to fly vicariously with him. All and all, and excellent read from start to finish.
November 23, 2018
Interesting story of a Thunderbolt pilot
This is one pilot's story of his flying career in the early days of WW II. The book begins with his time as a youth growing up during the Depression in OK and culminates with his career as a fighter pilot. The book, written years later, in places gives vivid descriptions of aerial combat. However, other aerial situations are a bit terse and there is little description of how time was spent when not in combat. The book ends without an epilogue to describe what became of the men who the author flew with or what happened to the author himself. The book suffers from a number of typographical errors as well but does not seriously detract from the story. If possible, I would have given this 3.5 stars.
This is one pilot's story of his flying career in the early days of WW II. The book begins with his time as a youth growing up during the Depression in OK and culminates with his career as a fighter pilot. The book, written years later, in places gives vivid descriptions of aerial combat. However, other aerial situations are a bit terse and there is little description of how time was spent when not in combat. The book ends without an epilogue to describe what became of the men who the author flew with or what happened to the author himself. The book suffers from a number of typographical errors as well but does not seriously detract from the story. If possible, I would have given this 3.5 stars.
September 26, 2021
One of those "first I did this then I did that" biographies, which is a shame, badly written and obviously based on a war diary but without using much in the way of actual dates. I have read a lot of books written by pilots and aircrew in various types of combat / war related situations and this one is not very good. It does not grip the reader and whilst there are the odd interesting few pages the narative is very "third party looking on" whilst good writers actually place you in the cockpit.
Anyway just my opinion but I woud not recommend it as a read especially for those interested in the subject. It gives no real evaluation of the P-47 BTW and as far as could be ascertained Mr Johnson few no other fighter regularly (although he did eval a Spitfire).
Anyway just my opinion but I woud not recommend it as a read especially for those interested in the subject. It gives no real evaluation of the P-47 BTW and as far as could be ascertained Mr Johnson few no other fighter regularly (although he did eval a Spitfire).
July 16, 2022
I wish I had found this earlier
Before I did F4 RTU at 56TFW & later went to WWII 56FG reunions with my father. Listening the 56FG guys sharing their memories, I could not miss how little many things in the professional life of a fighter pilot had not changed much in 30 years. Since then, I have regretted not recording those conversations to share with my and future wing men. This book captures the thrust of the stories of those who lived them. One of the main things captured in this book is the courage and fortitude needed to strap the fighter to your ass every day after losing wing men & friends on nearly every mission . Their valor inspires all us who followed them.
Before I did F4 RTU at 56TFW & later went to WWII 56FG reunions with my father. Listening the 56FG guys sharing their memories, I could not miss how little many things in the professional life of a fighter pilot had not changed much in 30 years. Since then, I have regretted not recording those conversations to share with my and future wing men. This book captures the thrust of the stories of those who lived them. One of the main things captured in this book is the courage and fortitude needed to strap the fighter to your ass every day after losing wing men & friends on nearly every mission . Their valor inspires all us who followed them.
March 30, 2020
A hero tells his story
I have read many books about the men and machinery that fought in the air in WW II. This book tells the whole story of Bob Johnson from youngster on the ground looking up, to young ace returning home safely from the war. I was able to read and feel this story in an easy to understand narrative that tells what happened. I learned about the fliers and their ground support, and got informed about the remarkable P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane. This is why I chose this book. In summary I feel fulfilled and informed. And, thankful to be able to read about our country's winning that war.
I have read many books about the men and machinery that fought in the air in WW II. This book tells the whole story of Bob Johnson from youngster on the ground looking up, to young ace returning home safely from the war. I was able to read and feel this story in an easy to understand narrative that tells what happened. I learned about the fliers and their ground support, and got informed about the remarkable P-47 Thunderbolt fighter plane. This is why I chose this book. In summary I feel fulfilled and informed. And, thankful to be able to read about our country's winning that war.
August 22, 2017
I to would say what a extraordinary story.
I really enjoyed this book, it held my attention through out the book. I enjoy a good yarn and this is well told story about courage of not just one man but a whole group of people, the American fighting man in the Army Air force during the biggest war of them all.
I hope that the present generation could really read this book and get feel for what it was to be in the Army in World War 2.
A good read that I would recommend to any reader.
Don Lallier.
I really enjoyed this book, it held my attention through out the book. I enjoy a good yarn and this is well told story about courage of not just one man but a whole group of people, the American fighting man in the Army Air force during the biggest war of them all.
I hope that the present generation could really read this book and get feel for what it was to be in the Army in World War 2.
A good read that I would recommend to any reader.
Don Lallier.
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November 29, 2019Memoirs of a fighter pilot
This first person account of aspirations, training, and action of a P-47 figher pilot in the ETO carries the reader with him into the challenges, fears, and triumphs of battle. An ace of aces, Robert Johnson shares the challenges, the disappointments, the excitement of aerial combat for young men during WWII. Guided by a confident sense of fighting in a just cause and patriotic duty, he never doubted himself or his mission. A marvelous read for any patriotic.
This first person account of aspirations, training, and action of a P-47 figher pilot in the ETO carries the reader with him into the challenges, fears, and triumphs of battle. An ace of aces, Robert Johnson shares the challenges, the disappointments, the excitement of aerial combat for young men during WWII. Guided by a confident sense of fighting in a just cause and patriotic duty, he never doubted himself or his mission. A marvelous read for any patriotic.
July 8, 2020
Overall a great story of one of the great World War II aces. As with many Caidin books a little too much colorful with descriptions of things. Tells of most of his missions including some incredible ones where he survived thanks to his rugged P-47. It is an encouraging thing to think of and remember the soldier and aviators of that era and the horrors and suffering they went through only to turn around and do it again the next day. I know there are plenty of individuals today who can do the same but many people do not even fathom what our parents and grandparents did.
November 27, 2022
slow Developing, But Good Finish
The story really picks up once the author gets overseas and begins seeing some action. Given that Johnson flew with legendary aces like Gabby Gabreski, I would have enjoyed more stories and anecdotes about those pilots in action. More of that and less about growing up, etc (It could’ve been done easily without missing anything important).
One thing I have a better appreciation for is the number of Luftwaffe fighters that the escorts encountered. Seems like the escorts were outnumbered much of the time. Respect!
The story really picks up once the author gets overseas and begins seeing some action. Given that Johnson flew with legendary aces like Gabby Gabreski, I would have enjoyed more stories and anecdotes about those pilots in action. More of that and less about growing up, etc (It could’ve been done easily without missing anything important).
One thing I have a better appreciation for is the number of Luftwaffe fighters that the escorts encountered. Seems like the escorts were outnumbered much of the time. Respect!
July 6, 2017
A truly exciting and moving read.
The story of Major Robert Johnson's metamorphosis from a young innocent small town boy into a brave courageous fighter pilot doing what he had dreamed of doing and finishing his tour as one of the most successful and decorated pilots in WWII is truly extraordinary. I was riveted to every page of this book and flew as his wingman to the last page.
The story of Major Robert Johnson's metamorphosis from a young innocent small town boy into a brave courageous fighter pilot doing what he had dreamed of doing and finishing his tour as one of the most successful and decorated pilots in WWII is truly extraordinary. I was riveted to every page of this book and flew as his wingman to the last page.
November 20, 2017
First hand account of the struggle in Europe
I was born in 1938. By the time I was 7 or 8 the Mustang and the Corsair
were the personification of the perfect fighting machines and the men who flew them were my heros. Now I have a better understanding of the part the brave men who flew the " Jugs" did to help preserve our society. A well written page turner. Recommend highly to anyone interested in this important period in our history.
I was born in 1938. By the time I was 7 or 8 the Mustang and the Corsair
were the personification of the perfect fighting machines and the men who flew them were my heros. Now I have a better understanding of the part the brave men who flew the " Jugs" did to help preserve our society. A well written page turner. Recommend highly to anyone interested in this important period in our history.
January 28, 2018
An exceptional aviation autobiography
Originally written in 1958 fourteen years after returning home from battle in Europe. His memory vivid, you feel yourself in the cockpit as Robert Johnson joined the fighter war in early 1943 and returned home 18 months later as the leading ace in the ETO.
This book is one of the exception of the genre. If you like WWII aviation history, your enjoy this.
Originally written in 1958 fourteen years after returning home from battle in Europe. His memory vivid, you feel yourself in the cockpit as Robert Johnson joined the fighter war in early 1943 and returned home 18 months later as the leading ace in the ETO.
This book is one of the exception of the genre. If you like WWII aviation history, your enjoy this.
January 14, 2020
Great Story
I'm glad this book was converted to digital format so it can live on forever. Because Johnson was a fighter pilot, he was a different kind of warrior than the other historical accounts I've read of this bloody war. Him and his ilk were itching to get into the fight. But his and the others in his group showed great courage in over coming the experience of the German fighter pilots.
The air war over Europe was a brutal contest. Johnson's story confirms this.
I'm glad this book was converted to digital format so it can live on forever. Because Johnson was a fighter pilot, he was a different kind of warrior than the other historical accounts I've read of this bloody war. Him and his ilk were itching to get into the fight. But his and the others in his group showed great courage in over coming the experience of the German fighter pilots.
The air war over Europe was a brutal contest. Johnson's story confirms this.
September 20, 2020
Great WWll story of one mans dream, courage, and love he felt for his fellow pilots!
His description of the planes, how his dream came about, the courage fighter pilots demonstrate is wonderful. He is humble about his success, giving much praise to other pilots, ground crews, and the instructors he had. I highly recommend this book to any war enthusiast, or anyone that has ever dreamed about flying a fighter plane in combat- Amazing
His description of the planes, how his dream came about, the courage fighter pilots demonstrate is wonderful. He is humble about his success, giving much praise to other pilots, ground crews, and the instructors he had. I highly recommend this book to any war enthusiast, or anyone that has ever dreamed about flying a fighter plane in combat- Amazing
March 2, 2018
The pilot’s DREAM!
This is a book that any pilot (or anyone who ever dreamed of being a pilot) will love. The author describes exactly what is like to take the steps necessary to win your wings. He then had the rare privilege to achieve his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. My flying career was spent in cargo planes, but I was thrilled with whole book.
This is a book that any pilot (or anyone who ever dreamed of being a pilot) will love. The author describes exactly what is like to take the steps necessary to win your wings. He then had the rare privilege to achieve his dream of becoming a fighter pilot. My flying career was spent in cargo planes, but I was thrilled with whole book.
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