Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Republic's P-47 Thunderbolt was a WWII monster of a fighter. Fast, well armored, with heavy firepower, it was a nightmare for its lighter opponents. One of America's leading aces of the European theater, Robert Johnson, takes the reader on combat missions where the outcome is always tenuous. Through 1943 and into 1944, the P-47 was our frontline escort fighter until the P-51 arrived, with its longer range capability. But it was the "Jug" that chewed up Hitler's Luftwaffe and led the way to the air superiority that made the Normandy invasion possible.

Major Johnson came out the victor over 28 opponents and his story as told here is one of valor and determination on both sides of this awesome conflict. Highly recommended.

Thunderbolt! was the absolute best book I have read. Why? A good question, it is an extrodinary story of a man and the war that changed the world. This book focuses on world war 2, I am very eager to learn more about the causes and effects of the war, this book helped me learn alot more about fighter planes, and warfare of the U.S and Germany during that time period, (1942-1945) it also had alot of things that you could picture in your mind. "Thunderbolt" is defnitly not for young readers, it has many challinging words, and it was kind of hard to understand. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this book a 10.

Mark

Robert S. Johnson has been one of my heroes since first reading his book in the early 60's. I could never imagine how men like Mr. Johnson, Guy Gibson of the RAF, Saburo Sakai of the Japanese Navy could somehow not only endure but thrive in combat. They are true warriors. Mr. Johnson's recent death, of which I learned reading this review section, really hit me hard.

This book provides wonderful insight into the mind of a top fighter pilot. Robert Johnson lets you know what he was thinking, and what motivated him personally. He also provides a good view of the humor, boredom, and frustration that make up military service, even in the midst of war

As someone who has never been tested in the air...I have nothing but admiration for those who have and excelled. What it must have been like to get up at dawn and know that today might be your last? I can not imagine the strength of character those like Robert Johnson must have had?
This book is fantastic ...the Thunderbolt was a massive airplane and took skill and courage to fly over europe in weather that most pilots today would not even go up in period ...even with all kinds of radar and instruments that are the norm today. Read this book and honor a man to who we owe a huge debt.The book is one of finest written about the subject and you will feel as though you are there in the cockpit living it along with Robert!
I am humbled by the courage of those like Robert and this book brings all that in clear focus!Buy it and you will not put it down!

A great book. It contains one of the most intense aerial combat descriptions I've ever read. It will tire you to read what one Fock-Wolf does to Johnson's Thunderbolt, and his struggle to keep his tattered plane flying.

You can't put it down. Bob Johnson was a true war hero with 28 kills. Sadly he just passed away on Dec27 1998.