Customer Reviews

My Carrier War: The Life and Times of a Naval Aviator in WWII (Hellgate Memories Series)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just finished reading My Carrier War by Norman E.Berg. It is an absorbing and interesting page-turner. Mr. Berg's memories of his WW II experience offer a gripping picture of what it took to be a naval pilot in 1941 and beyond, as well as the human story of a young husband and father who faced combat as leader and participant.

This account offers an in-depth variety of information and illumination, regardless of the interest of any particular reader. It's about learning to fly, about learning to be a naval pilot, about the characteristics of warplanes, about flying from an aircraft carrier, about life at sea, about falling in love, about making a personal life in the midst of war, about separation from your loved ones, about dropping torpedos and divebombing, about comradship, about U.S. strategy in winning the south pacific, and about humanity in a time of war.

Beyond the details, this writer knits the story together in an engaging way. There is no tedium in this book, nor is it a superficial recitation of dry history. It offers a timeless lesson in facing personal challenges and prevailing. The book is interestingly illustrated with photographs and maps. It is a satisfying read.

Capt. Berg tells the true story of patriotisms conflict with his new family life and how he conquered his fears to serve two long flying tours in the Pacific war during the early and darkest hours of the war that affected and changed not only America but the entire world. Berg is one of the "Greatest Generation" and we are lucky to hear his story in his own words spoken from the cockpit of his torpedo bomber . I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting. A Great Story. Eugene A. Olsen, Capt. USMM (ret)

This chronicle is a rich tapestry of war time action woven against a background of a boy's transformation into manhood through duty, love, and acceptance of personal limitations. Norman Berg brings his combat missions alive with gripping vividness of detail. But it is the comparatively economical passges on his subjective experiences that give this book its poignancy. Staying the course in war and sixty years of reflection have added the tincture of a profound sense of fate to this writer's ink. It makes this memoir shine.

My Carrier War: The Life And Times Of A Naval Aviator In WW II is a gripping memoir of Norman E. Berg, who was a pilot-in-training and earned his wings three days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. In addition to recounting harrowing battles, My Carrier War also explores the author's inner conflicts and chronicles a young couple's efforts to balance military duty with commitment and love. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the powerful, evocative text. A memoir so strong it transports the reader back to a time of war, danger, and uncertainty, when the fate of America and the world was at stake, My Carrier War is a very welcome contribution to the growing library of World War II memoirs and autobiographies.

I couldn't put it down. As someone who was born after WWII, I was able to appreciate better the time period where we all went through this difficult period. May we never have to do that again. Thank you Mr. Berg for a well written book and am looking forward to seeing it in movie form.

Capt. Norm Berg's recent WW II memoir; My Carrier War, Hellgate Press, 2001; is the latest in a series of The Greatest Generation's reminders to we youngsters of why they earned that designation.
This book improves on the standard "format" of the "What I Did in the Big One" remembrances by very successfully combining a three track strategy of two concurrent love stories and a separate first person commentary on the action.
The two love stories are personal: the wooing and winning of his wife Jean; and professional; the effort to become a Naval Aviator. The commentary is Capt. Berg's internal thoughts and feelings as they relate to the narrative tracks.
This is not artifice in Capt. Berg's hands; but a thouroughly engrossing and enjoyable trip into one man's growing up.
Highly recommended to all for the lessons learned; and as answers to those of us who grew up asking: "What did you do in the war, Daddy?". I use this book to answer that question of my late father and uncle who were Naval Aviators with their "Carrier Wars"!
Thank you Captain Berg for this truly wonderful Book.

Norm Berg has a story that brings to the reader all the hard work, personal doubts, and triumphs in the making of a top Navy pilot. What's unusual is that he speaks of his fears and uncertainties in both his training and his personal life. Many books reveal only the successes of the era, but Norm reveals his anxieties and weaknesses as well as his determination to overcome them. An honest and welcome addition to anyones WWII book collection.

Accounts written by USN WWII torpedo-bomber aircrew are rare. Luckily in 2001, Hellgate Press released Norman Berg's excellent autobiographical account of his wartime service with two Navy torpecker squadrons entitled MY CARRIER WAR, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A NAVAL AVIATOR IN WWII. Not only does it present a rare, insider's look at a largely-unchronicled segment of the Navy's war in the Pacific, it's also a good read to boot.

Assigned to VGS-28, then-Ensign Berg's first tour involved flying combat hops out of Guadalcanal in a Grumman TBF Avenger in 1943. The following year, now-Lieutenant Berg was reassigned to VT-28 on board USS Monterey. He flew strikes against Guam, Tinian, the Philippines and other targets. During one recce mission, he even downed a Japanese Betty bomber, a rare feat given the lumbering TBM he was piloting. Berg stayed in the Navy after the war, retiring in 1966.

Berg was somewhat unique as he was married fairly early in his Navy career. Thus MY CARRIER WAR details not only his Navy training and combat career but also the stresses and strains of a wartime marriage. Berg also relates the inner doubts and turmoil he - and every other crewman - felt flying combat. The book is illustrated with many photographs and maps.

In short, MY CARRIER WAR is a fast-paced, detailed and insightful account of one man's war. Air combat buffs will enjoy this 'un. Recommended.

****
For what it's worth: Berg flew an Avenger in combat yet the book's cover has a Corsair on it. Color pix of Avengers exist. Did the publishers think the book would sell better with an F4U on the cover rather than a TBF? Curious.

This book was an excellent read. Mr. Berg is very candid about what it was like to be a naval aviator and having a family at the same time. I loved reading it. Thank you for writing it Mr. Berg.