Only Barrett Tillman, dean of Naval aviation historians, could have created a readable reference book of this nature. This first-ever chronology of VF squadrons describes their history, deployments, battle highlights, commanders, aces, losses, and aircraft. Twenty-five lush appendices supply further information including shoot-down claims, biographies of 12 famous aces, and a list of 371 Naval fighter aces, aces in a day, and top scoring squadrons.
Barrett Tillman (b. 1948) was born into a NE Oregon ranching family and developed an early interest in aviation history. He learned to fly as a teenager, was first published at age 15, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a journalism degree in 1971. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, book publisher, and magazine editor, but has been self employed all but seven years since graduating from college. Though best known for his histories of US naval aviation, he also has published six novels plus short stories, and has sold a screenplay.
Tillman continues writing nonfiction books and has written more than 550 articles in the US and abroad. He frequently appears as a commentator on TV documentaries in addition to his speaking appearances. The recipient of six writing awards, he lives with his wife in Arizona.
Tillman's web site and blog are found at www.btillman.com.
