Mustang Ace: Memoirs Of A P-51 Fighter Pilot

by Robert J. Goebel

When Bob Goebel left home to join the Army Air Corps in 1942, he was a nineteen years old and a high school graduate. Cadet Goebel worked his way steadily through the Basic, Primary, and Advanced phases of military flight training, and found in himself an aptitude for flight. After graduation from flight school with his new wings and new commission as a 2d Lieutenant, he and his classmates were posted to a fighter squadron defending the Panama Canal. By the spring of 1944 he was on his way tto Italy and the 31st Fighter Group, one of the top fighter outfits of the war. He was also headed for a new aircraft, the legendary P-51 Mustang. After 61 combat missions now Captain Goebel was offcially credited with 11 victories in his Mustang. Returning home in September 1944 he was not yet 21 years old.Goebel's memoir is a classic of combat aviation, giving the reader a true sense of what it was like to fly and fight as a World War II fighter pilot.- Covers stories about the often overlooked 12th AF in Italy- Tales of flying the classic P-51D, America's ultimate piston engined fighterAbout the AuthorFollowing the war Robert J. Goebel attended college on the GI Bill, earning a degree in physics from the University of Wisconsin. Returning to the air force he served on active duty for almost thirty years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1966 after working on the Gemini launch vehicle for NASA. He then worked in the aerospace industry including the Skylab project. Now fully retired he lives in Torrance, California.

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

228 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1991

About the author

Lt. Colonel Robert J. Goebel, USAF

WWII and post-war fighter pilot. Credited with 11 aerial victories during the Second World War. Recipient of the Silver Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross with Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Air Medal with 17 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best Second World War fighter pilot memoirs I’ve ever read. Very comprehensive, well-written and fascinating to read. As a reader, you feel that you are in the cockpit with Goebel as he goes off on a sortie in his P-51 Mustang to engage the Luftwaffe in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best fighter pilot memoir I've read.
It does help that my father was in the same fighter group for part of his time in the Mediterranean theatre air war.

[Patrick Oren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare view into the "greatest generation".

This is a great look into the experience of a member of the greatest generation and how that experience affected him during and, more importantly, after the war. As a fellow fighter pilot and Air Force veteran with no actual combat experience, it was a privilege to read this pilot's narrative of his wartime experiences and be able to have some insight into those experiences and share some of those feelings.

[Brett Bosley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Robert Goebel's combat memoir covers his induction, training, and service years until his somewhat involuntarily discharge. He describes his fights, victories, friendships, and psychological traumas. A very thoughtful man. He doesn't spare you the aeronautical jargon.

FWIW, this copy was autographed by Goebel, which was not in the eBay listing and was a pleasant surprise.

[Heather Galvano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent memoir. I have never been interested in reading anything of this sort...war history/memoirs, about flying...but I recently became interested in learning more about my grandfather's history, who was a pilot during WWII so I came across this and decided to read it. It was very captivating! I highly recommend.

[Terence Lionel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I am very sorry that the author has passed my condolences to his family. This was a great book and the description of flying was awesome. The sons and grandsons have done a great job with this ebook. It was a great read.

[Ben Neufeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have been interested to hear more about the author’s personal life before and after his service. Very little is said about his family life or integration to civilian status post service life. Over all, incredible read and a testament to what to the young men of the 308th achieved.

[Piotr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool stories of an Italian front that usually is not covered in most of the WW2 books or movies.

[Tricia Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done

Greatest generation, as a child these were my hero. Not weak people. A worthy read, worth the time, enjoy. The experience.

[traumatized man · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why? Why though? Why though? Why though why though

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author starts out by telling the reader that he isn't a seasoned writer (or something to that effect). But he does a great job telling his story. I always wished that I had been a military pilot. Reading this story is the next best thing. We learn about all the training he went through and the missions he completed while becoming an ace pilot. The author must have a 'total recall' type memory as he describes his encounters and conversations in detail. To the family of Robert J. Goebel - His service as a WWII pilot and ability to tell his story to others is impressive. Thank you.

[GARY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding autobiographical account by WWII fighter pilot.

Well written and contains great detail for tactics used in aerial combat with the P-51. Shows insight into the interior lives of himself and his comrades. One of the best of its type that I have ever read.

[Peter Warden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A realistic , easy read , of an amazing type of Man.

An realistic, easy read, of an amazing type of Man. It’s easy to forget their huge contribution and our need to respect and appreciate it always!!