TALES OF WAR PILOT (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight) [Hardcover]

KIRKLAND RICHARD C (Author)

Book Description

Series: Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight | Publication Date: February 17, 1999

FROM ONE OF THE NATION’S FIRST ROTOR PILOTS, A BLAZING ACCOUNT OF HIS MOST TOP SECRET, DANGEROUS MISSIONS

Richard Kirkland would never have imagined that anything could compare to tangling with Zeros in life-and-death dogfights over the South Pacific—but that was before he traded his fighter-pilot wings for rotors. It was a move he never regretted, and the riveting experiences he chronicles in War Pilot provide ample reason why. From the first primitive Sikorsky and the sophisticated choppers of Vietnam to flying medevac choppers and saving countless soldiers from certain death in Korea, Kirkland’s firsthand accounts of pilots under fire provide a gripping portrait of not just one American hero, but the many courageous others with whom he flew. . . .

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Lieutenant Richard C. Kirkland flew Lockheed P-38 Lightnings in New Guinea during World War II and Sikorsky rescue helicopters in Korea. In the course of both wars he met celebrities, war heroes and nuclear scientists, as well as a MASH doctor named Hawkeye, whose antics would later be related in a book, film, and television show.

Tales of a War Pilot is not a structured chronology. Kirkland just relates the stories he likes to tell. Four of the book's 11 chapters are narratives gleaned from other fliers, such as a downed fighter pilot who survived in the New Guinea jungles that were teeming with malaria and headhunters...Tales of a War Pilot is recommended for both the aviation enthusiast and anyone interested in the early days of the Cold War -- Kevin Hymel, Military History, October, 1999

Richard C. Kirkland admits that he never would have written his military service memoirs if one of his sons hadn't talked him into it. His book, Tales of a War Pilot, enriches the genre of military literature. As a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during World War II, Kirkland flew Lightning P-38s against the vaunted Japanese Zero. He also escorted heavy bombers, chalking up 103 missions... For sheer excitement, Tales of a War Pilot is unbeatable. -- Associated Press; Norman N. Brown, April 12, 1999

About the Author

Richard C. Kirkland was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, six Air Medals, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. After his military career he was a manager and aerospace executive at Hughes McDonnell Douglas, and HeliSource. His stories have been published in Air Classics and Air & Space/Smithsonian magazine. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian; 2nd printing edition (February 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560988886
• ISBN-13: 978-1560988885
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,660,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tales, conveyed in a relaxed, very readable style!, June 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: TALES OF WAR PILOT (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight) (Hardcover)

I purchased this book out of curiosity as the author's son is a life long friend and recently told me about it. I first purchased a gift copy, to be sent to my father who served with Dick Kirkland, SR. at Stead AFB in the late 50's & early 60's. It was during this time that Dick Jr. and I became friends. Despite a life long friendship with the author's son I never new of his father's historical adventures until we began discussing this book. I purchased my own copy after my father had read his and highly recommended it. I had no preconceptions when I began reading it, but I must admit I was a bit skeptical about a "first full length effort" at the authors stage of life. I needn't have been. It was an exciting read, very comfortable in it's pace with good character development and surprising content. I throughly enjoyed the book and would highly recommend it to any reader interested in the military during the 40's & 50's or, for that matter, practically anyone who enjoys a good historical tale, spiced up with interesting characters and personal experience!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic - Engaging tales, historical insight, great stuff!, July 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: TALES OF WAR PILOT (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight) (Hardcover)

The real world experiences of Richard Kirkland provide a wonderful source of engaging tales. Although most of the stories involve military aviation, the diversity of the subject matter and truly likeable characters in this book go well beyond the field of flight. From detailed accounts of the action of fighter combat in MacArthur's Pacific campaign to compelling stories of unique cultural experiences in Japan, Kirkland brings his characters to life. He has been fortunate to have flown with (and even rescued) some of America's greatest combat pilots. This book is a fantastic opportunity to gain some insight into a not only military aviation, but the life and feelings of pilots in Korea and the Pacific theater of WWII. This book presents a great combination of fun stories, historical insights, and compelling characters.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This is not a history or true memoir, November 3, 2000

By 

John H. Phillips (Williamsville, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TALES OF WAR PILOT (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight) (Hardcover)

The billing for this book is very misleading especially the Smithsonian History of Avaiation Series title. It is historical fiction and not truly a memoir or a personal account. I don't doubt that the piece is generally accurate. Once fiction is injected, however, the reader never knows what is true and what is not. Nothing is mentioned in the description here or on the book jacket that this is the case. I wish I had my money back.