346: Flying and Fighting w/ Legendary WW2 Fighter Pilot & Triple Ace, "Bud" Anderson

To Fly and Fight is the gripping autobiography of Colonel Clarence Bud Anderson, a triple ace fighter pilot who served in both World War II and the Vietnam War. The book details his extraordinary career, from his early fascination with aviation to his intense combat experiences. Anderson recounts harrowing dogfights, strategic bombing missions, and the camaraderie he shared with fellow pilots. He also reflects on the psychological toll of war and the importance of resilience. The book offers a unique perspective on the human experience of combat and the evolution of air warfare.

In 'Only Cry for the Living: Memos from Inside the ISIS Battlefield', Hollie McKay provides a gripping narrative of the brutal realities faced by those caught in the midst of ISIS's atrocities. The book delves into the psychological and social impacts of war, offering a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the conflict's effects on both victims and perpetrators.

About Face is a compelling memoir by Colonel David Hackworth, detailing his experiences in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Hackworth's candid account offers a critical perspective on military leadership and policy, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers on the ground. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of combat and its insightful analysis of military strategy and politics. It also provides a personal reflection on the psychological toll of war and the importance of soldier welfare. Hackworth's writing style is direct and engaging, making the book accessible to a wide audience.

Final Spin is a story about Johnny, a young man stuck in a dead-end life, who takes drastic measures to save his brother Arty's laundromat, the one thing that brings Arty happiness. The novel explores themes of love, brotherhood, and sacrifice as Johnny navigates the consequences of his actions.

This book tells the entire incredible life story of General Chuck Yeager, from his childhood to his distinguished career as a test pilot and World War II flying ace. It includes accounts of his do-or-die dogfights over Nazi Europe, his escape after being shot down over occupied France, and the behind-the-scenes story of smashing the sound barrier despite physical injuries. The narrative is enriched by insights from his wife, Glennis, and friends and colleagues who knew him best, highlighting his relentless pursuit of excellence and his defining role in the history of aviation.

Published in 1979, 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe is a seminal work of nonfiction that delves into the lives of the pilots and astronauts involved in the U.S. postwar research with experimental rocket-powered aircraft and the early human spaceflight program, Project Mercury. Wolfe's book is based on extensive research, including interviews with test pilots, astronauts, and their families. It focuses on the bravery, machismo, and the unspoken code of 'the right stuff' that defined these individuals. The book contrasts the Mercury Seven astronauts with other test pilots like Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, highlighting their courage, skills, and the risks they undertook. Wolfe's narrative is characterized by its vivid descriptions and use of literary techniques to evoke the era and the people involved in the early days of American space exploration.