Thunderbolt!: An Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace (Aviation History Series) [Paperback]

Robert S. Johnson (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 308 pages
• Publisher: Honoribus Pr (September 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885354053
• ISBN-13: 978-1885354051
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Life before the P51 Mustang, December 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Thunderbolt!: An Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace (Aviation History Series) (Paperback)

I happened to read this book while in elementary school decades ago, always remembered it, and finally got around to buying it and reading it again, it made that much impact on me. Johnson's story does get a bit slow at times, but it does tell one what kind of person became a fighter pilot and ace in WWII. Considering that they were really kids, it's impressive how technical and professional these pilots were, how they persevered even when it was boring, hopeless, or terrifying. The P47 itself fascinates me, and this book will tell one why. The later P51 is everyone's sweetheart, but the P47 (and a few others) did the dirty work and made it possible. Johnson's story when his plane got shot up beyond belief and he limped home is an incredible story about both P47's and Johnson. To me, this is a "must read" book by someone who was there, much like Adolf Galland's books. Future generations shouldn't forget any of this, but it's also good reading, fascinating stuff.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars THUNDERBOLT, December 23, 1999

By 

Gregory Pierce, President 8th AFHS, WS (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Thunderbolt!: An Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace (Aviation History Series) (Paperback)

THUNDERBOLT provided me a chance to sit in the cockpit of a P-47 in the ETO. Cpt. Robert "Bob" Johnson walks you through his young childhood, love of flying and the motivation to be the best while other pilots in the 56th FG had real doubts about the new pilot. He will talk to you about techniques, chance encounters with the enemy and almost being killed. If you enjoy WWII history with the 8th AF in Europe you will find it hard to put this great book down. We have lost a great pilot and man at his recent passing.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars INCREDIBLE book!, March 31, 2000

By 

Tracy Saulino "Tracy & the Clumber Spaniels" (in the gorgeous Pacific NorthWET) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thunderbolt!: An Extraordinary Story of a World War II Ace (Aviation History Series) (Paperback)

This is a great book - terrifically written and carries the story very very well. I regret everytime I have had to put it down, even for a few moments. Any interest in flying, WWII, the BigBadUgly Thunderbolt, or first-person narratives - this is for you.