Customer Reviews

From the Cockpit: Coming of Age in the Korean War

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I highly recommend this book to anyone who really wants to know what it was like for someone in the Korean War. It is easy to read and you feel like you are right there with him. Excellent!

In "From the Cockpit" Tex Atkinson paints a vivid portrait of his life, with the focus on his youth spent as a Navy attack pilot in Korea. Atkinson discusses his biographical background in a flowing and interesting manner which serves to put the aviation component in a better perspective than if he had simply told about his flying adventures. The Korean War is sadly overlooked today, overshadowed by the victory of World War Two, and the tragedy of Vietnam. Korea was a conflict never really resolved: it took thousands of lives and ended exactly where it started with no net gain for either side. Unfortunately the lack of decisive victory in the 1950's is causing ever more dire situations on the peninsula today.

Tex Atkinson details his aviation career, and focuses on his stint flying F4U Corsairs and AD (A-1) Skyraiders, mostly the latter. As a pilot I have always felt the Corsair was the most graceful aircraft of its era (possibly of all time), and had heard that it was a wonderful aircraft to fly, although unforgiving especially at low speeds. Mr. Atkinson reinforces those preconceptions and vividly conveys the challenge of flying the Corsair, and especially of bringing it aboard the carrier. In contrast I always viewed the Skyraider as a brute force aircraft; unglamorous, but tough. In that regard Mr. Atkinson reinforced my impressions of the aircraft as a tough and capable aircraft, but also showed its true endearing qualities, notably the excellent powered flight controls, stability as a bomber, and stable landing characteristics. For this enlightenment I am grateful.

The book is easy to read, but often thought provoking, especially as he discusses the relationships he had (and has) with his squadron mates, relationships that left permanent impacts on him, despite their frequent sad brevity. Korea is an important war to study: there was much valor on display, and the decisions and mistakes made between 1950 and 1953 continue to shape the world today. For those unfamiliar with the air war over Korea, this is a great place to start. Thank you for your service, Tex!

A damn fine read! It's just like he's sitting by the grill smelling steaks and sipping martini's as he spins his tales of yesteryears!

Tex Atkinson does a wonderful job of telling not only of his experiences in the Korean War, but he also paints a very nice picture of his life leading up to the war. i could not put this book down. Bravo Tex Atkinson!