Midway Magic: An Oral History of America's Legendary Aircraft Carrier

by Scott McGaugh

Throughout its 47-year career, the USS Midway sailed at the center of almost every international crisis and conflict in the latter half of the 20th century. Its crew set new standards of naval aviation. A captured German V-2 rocket was launched off the carrier in 1947, marking the dawn of naval missile warfare. Midway taught the Navy how to fly among the icebergs during sub-Arctic winter air operations off the coast of Greenland. Time and again, Midway rescued thousands of refugees on its humanitarian missions. During an odyssey that spanned the end of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the Cold War, detente, and even Desert Storm, Midway answered every call, both military and peacekeeping. Based on more than 300 interviews with Midway sailors who served aboard America's longest serving carrier between 1945 and 1992, readers of Midway Magic join the crew, experiencing these historic accomplishments alongside the men who were there.

Genres: History, War

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

I'm proud to be a New York Times bestselling author of nonfiction battlefield heroes you would like to have over for dinner. My latest book, INTO THE FIRESTORM. The true story of anonymous American and British aircrews who flew a defenseless commercial airliner on combat missions into enemy territory through fountains of enemy fire, only hours ahead of every major invasion across Europe. With no hope of surprise, on missions that delivered tens of thousands of paratroopers and glider infantry across Europe and tons of supplies over the Himalayas. A brotherhood as tight as a fraternity, fueled only by courage across a wartime network spanning 180,000 square miles. “If you ain’t got bullets, you gotta have guts,” became their mantra, “never shirking our duty” their legacy.

Reviews

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good stories. Definitely needs an editor.

[Carri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased a copy of this book from the Midway's gift shop during a trip to San Diego in Oct 2011. I enjoyed this book a great deal once a adjusted to the flow of the story. The book tells the story of the Midway through anecdotes shared by those whose lives crossed its path. The story flow feels as like a series of conversations that flow through the craft. I am interested in reading more about this carrier and the folks who served upon her.

[Alan Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

The included oral histories made this a very interesting book. The Midway affected many people in addition to protecting our freedom. One page of Statistics-General facts provides data showing how large the carrier is and what the logistics were to keep it and its staff going. Very good book. Nice to have finished it just before remembering Pearl Harbor Day.