The Hostile Sky: A Hellcat Flyer in the World War II [Hardcover]

James W. Vernon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2002

In the summer of 1942 Jim Vernon, a nineteen-year-old college student in Butte, Montana, joined the U.S. Navy's aviation cadet training program and by the spring of 1945 was flying F6F Hellcats from the USS Ticonderoga off of the coast of Japan. This memoir of his years at war provides a carrier pilot's view of the conflict in the Pacific during the final months of the war when the atomic bombs were dropped and Japan capitulated. He gives an up-close-and-personal account of life in a bomber-fighter squadron and the roller-coaster emotions involved in combat sorties over the hostile sea and land.

As a member of VBF-87, Vernon offers a unique glimpse into the past at a time when teenagers matured rapidly as they faced the realities of war. He has recorded his own feelings about meeting the challenges of war, his love of flying, and the camaraderie of his flying mates--both in the air and on liberty--along with the factual details of battle that contribute important dimensions to the overall story of the air war. Added to these stirring memories are his entertaining descriptions of the mobilization and training of carrier pilots and his recounting of the high incidence of non-combat fatalities and the change in the composition of the air group in response to the Kamikaze threat. Such a book not only will appeal to aviators everywhere but also will prove to be a thrilling read for those interested in World War II and air combat.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an engaging read." -- Air & Space Power Journal, Winter 2003

"[A] wealth of detail about the human side of World War II naval aviation. It is well worth reading." -- Air Power History, Winter 2003

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Naval Inst Pr (October 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557508658
• ISBN-13: 978-1557508652
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Training and combat in World War II., May 31, 2005

By 

Kevin M Quigg (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Hostile Sky: A Hellcat Flyer in the World War II (Hardcover)

Vernon was a naval pilot in World War II and flew Hellcats. This story is his experiences during the later part of the conflict. Much of his story concerns his experiences during his training at various naval bases. This experiences relate to the difficulty in learning to fly and qualifying as a naval aviator.
Other expiences such as dating and drinking and playing cards are also related in this time period. The last 40-50 pages dealt with combat experience and how he adjusts to losses through both training and combat.
I enjoyed this read very much, but there are so many books just like his out on the market. There is no unique material in here, just a story of an average man making an adjustment to his life to fight for his nation. Our nation in built upon the sacrifices of young people like him.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I have read on the subject, October 3, 2009

By 

T. Petit (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hostile Sky: A Hellcat Flyer in the World War II (Hardcover)

James Vernon writes his story as it is. It is written through the eyes of a human being without embellishing anything. Being a WWII Navy fighter pilot was not all glamor and fame and I learned a lot reading this book. It is by far one of the best written on the subject and I would read it again in a heart beat. Thank you Mr. Vernon for sharing your experiences with us.