Joe Foss Flying Marine: The Story of his Flying Circus

by Joe Foss

Joe Foss was one of the deadliest Marines to ever sit in the cockpit of a fighter aircraft.
With 26 victories to his name, he became the first pilot to equal Eddie Rickenbacker’s American World War I record.

Foss’ book Joe Foss Flying The Story of his Flying Circus is a remarkable work that demonstrates just how tough life could be for a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater of World War One.
Through the course of the book Foss explains how he became a pilot, despite the fact he was initially deemed too old, why he, and men like him, chose to fight the war in the air and what it was like to engage in dogfights with Japanese pilots.

“His remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions on Guadalcanal.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt, President, United States.

Genres: World War II, Biography, Aviation, Military History, Nonfiction, War, History

109 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1943

Reviews

[Michael]

It's funny how one book can lead to another, then another, etc. First I read a book about my favorite subject, the heroic last stand of Torpedo Squadron Eight at the Battle of Midway in World War II. It was Robert J. Mrazek's "A Dawn Like Thunder: The True Story of Torpedo Squadron Eight." In it, I learned that the survivors of Torpedo Eight flew with the Cactus Air Force (the US pilots fighting on Guadalcanal). This piqued my interest in the Guadalcanal Campaign. So I read "Islands of Destiny: The Solomons Campaign and the Eclipse of the Rising Sun" by John Prados. This book taught me that, while Midway was a temporary setback for them, the Japanese were actually stopped and turned back at Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal came down to whether or not the Americans could hold Henderson Field, one small landing strip on the island. To hold it, it had to be supplied and it could only be supplied by sea and only if the Americans could retain command of the air. Tasked with retaining command of the air on Guadalcanal (or at least depriving the Japanese of it) were the US Marine, Navy and Army pilots flying of the aforementioned Cactus Air Force (the code name for Henderson field was "Cactus" hence the Cactus Air Force name). Armed with this information I read a book by Thomas G. Miller entitled "Cactus Air Force" which details the fight for Henderson field; the daily battles between American and Japanese pilots to command the air above the island. That caused me to re-read "Joe Foss, Flying Marine" written by Joe Foss who flew for several weeks during the Guadalcanal fighting and became an American ace and Medal of Honor winner in the process. I read it in high school and had a new appreciation for the material. I liked the book as it was written in 1943 while the war still raged and the ending was in doubt. It was a very simple thing, written while the details were fresh in Foss' mind. It is kind of unique for a book released during the war as it provides a lot of personal details which I would think would have been censored by the military. It details the near starvation diet they were forced to endure, the daily bombings and nightly shelling of the field and their camping area, the disease, the lack of replacement planes the loss of friends and the valiant stand made by the Marines to keep the Japanese from retaking the field. I would suggest reading all four of the books I've mentioned including Foss' book as they give a first class account of this pivotal World War II American victory in the pacific.

[Alan W. Cassidy]

Great story of Marine Aviators in action on Guadalcanal during WW2.

I liked the first person narrative. Major Foss humbly recounts the exploits of his and his men's victories in the South Pacific. What's special about this book is he gives an account in his own words about a time in America long past.
If you like a good read , about a very perilous time in America's history this book will fulfill that need.

[Alex J Tschirhart]

To our heroes

Being a pilot (not a military pilot) I loved this book very much. The bravery and the sacrifices made by our fighting men is a real inspiration to me. If we would not had the sacrifices made by these young men we would not be the country we are today.

[Vera Werre]

A good easy read. Wanted read this book since I lived in North Dakota when the author was governor of South Dakota.

Interesting to read about the a. The. War. In a. Pacific.

I. Enjoyed this. Book .











Mmm
K!!
Mm!
!!l

[Kevin O'Brien]

Obviously written in his own words

Written as though he were speaking directly to you, this work provides insights that a historian could not. Valuable and intriguing, a lesson in warfare and the individual soldier's role and viewpoint.

[Harold Palmer]

Foss theMarine

I chose this book because I am a Marine as I like stories of World War Two and I admire Joe Foss. He should be remembered also as the Governor and a great citizen . We must never forget those too that gave their lives in order for us to be free.

[Lawrence Wilkerson]

These are the stories my dad told me...

My father was attached to Marine fighter squadron 212 in the Pacific and Joe Foss' manner of story telling really reminds me of the stories he would tell to me. This is a really good read!

[J Leslie Turner]

Jlturner3829@aol.com

I just took the Cure for malaria then I've had for 60 years I didn't realize if there was medication for this I am now 75 years old I just dream of the life I could have had had I been

[Daryl P Spindler]

Great Story From a Hero

Foss endured many hardships while in the South Pacific; losing many friends and living in danger both in the air and on the ground. He tells his story with modesty that was characteristic of him.

[Jeff Dawson]

This is a pretty good read, especially for the time it was written. Structurally, it has a lot to be desired. Content wise it is packed with the information a country still reeling from Pearl Harbor needed. Foss and his Flying Circus let the American public know, the Japanese could and would be defeated. It wouldn’t be easy, but it was possible.
Foss does an excellent job detailing each engagement around Guadalcanal and how our forces fared against their sworn enemy. No fluff. No propaganda. As Joe Friday would say, “just the facts.”
Recommended for any World War Two buff looking for a bird’s eye view of the action in the clouds.

Four stars

[Terrell T Coco]

Good book.

Good read. My Dad fought on Guida Canal and saw some pics he took. The Army had to come in am sure up the Marines. To me this was the turning point of WW ll.

[Lee Kulle]

Joe Foss, Fighter pilot

I found the book enjoyable and an easy read.
I`ve read other books about the air war in the Pacific and Joe Foss was mentioned only briefly.

[Steven Potter]

Guadalcanal marine pilots!

A REAL FIRST PERSON ACCOUNT of the marine Pilots involved in the Guadalcanal campaign....from the pen of a great pilot

[Terence Lionel]

Good Book

It was a great book to read but it badly needed some editing and proofreading. Overall, a good book!!! It needs an update!!

[Daniel B. Crandell]

Good book.

Loved the 1st person narrative. Foss a true American hero, along with all who served on Guadalcanal. If you like WWII history, you will like this book.

[Barbara J. Stepens]

Meat and potatoes for history buffs

Great reading, one can picture the events! Well worth the read!
It is a page turner for any history buff!
!

[joe killough]

Really worth reading.!!

[John E Baum]

Genuine

Good first person account written shortly after Guadalcanal campaign. It is especially interesting reading this after a general history of the naval actions.

[Ray-The-Pilot]

Ok but more of the same.

[Melissa]

Interesting wartime memoir by Marine ace Joe Foss on his experience in the war (so far), mostly while based on Guadalcanal.

[Don Wioskowski]

I thought it was very good writing.
It held my interest all the way through the story

[Monte Lamb]

Joe Foss shot down 26 Japanese planes in 63 days while serving in WWII in Guadalcanal. The book was published during the war and is a short memoir of his life and times while in the service. It is easy to read and sticks to the events and facts while he was there.

[Chris Gager]

So who wrote the book? WS must have been Joe Foss' ghost. Anyway I read about Joe's exploits when I got this book(or one covering the same ground)from the Scholastic Magazine program back in Jr. High. Date read is a guess.

[Linda L. Brand]

The exciting life of a fighter pilot!

Joe Foss is a modest person who became a hero. Many pilots died heroes during World War II. These heroes probably never received recognition for their deeds.

[Del Andrew]

Highly recommended

It's always best to hear it from the person that experienced it. He does a great job of it. Much better than fiction.

[Sandra Brezina]

Most Excellent!

This is one of the best books i have EVER read! Very good details of combat, Joe Foss was a true American hero, and a good man indeed!

[Charles W. Jennings]

Good story worth reading. Example of skill and determination put into action.

[Avis Black]

Joe Foss Flying Marine started out promisingly, but then began to flag.