For professional aviators and aviation buffs alike, this biography brings to life the legendary aircraft that scored the highest kill ratio of any U.S. fighter aircraft in the Vietnam War.
The book is filled with authentic recreations of Crusader-MiG fights and vivid descriptions of the people and events that are part of the F-8 story. As the Navy's first supersonic aircraft, the Crusader holds an honored spot in carrier flying.
Tillman recalls the years of frustration and experimentation spent in refining the aircraft and its gunnery system, and then takes the reader through key actions in Vietnam where seasoned pilots handled their"rambunctious steeds" with scarcely a glance in the cockpit.
Author Biography
Barrett Tillman (b. 1948) was born into an Oregon ranching family and developed an early interest in aviation history. He learned to fly as a teenager, was first published at age 15, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a journalism degree. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, book publisher, and magazine editor, but has been self employed all but seven years since graduating from college. Though best known for his histories of US naval aviation, he also has published six novels plus short stories. He frequently appears as a commentator on TV documentaries in addition to his speaking appearances. He is recipient of six writing awards.
