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Iron Eagle : The Turbulent Life of General Curtis LeMay Hardcover – December 9, 1987
- Print length474 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherRandom House Value Publishing
- Publication dateDecember 9, 1987
- Dimensions1.02 x 5.82 x 9.42 inches
- ISBN-100517551888
- ISBN-13978-0517551882
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Editorial Reviews
From Library Journal
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Product details
- Publisher : Random House Value Publishing; First Edition (December 9, 1987)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 474 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0517551888
- ISBN-13 : 978-0517551882
- Item Weight : 2.06 pounds
- Dimensions : 1.02 x 5.82 x 9.42 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #713,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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It then moves into describing LeMay's WW2 service. It's an undeniable hymn, but it is most persuasively argued. I had no idea that the B-29 had such a problematic start. This section was worth 5*.
Unconventionally, the story of the subject's early years was delayed until part 2, almost 200 pages into the book. I approve of this. It was also commendably short in length and also in identifying trivial incidents in that youth and using amateur psychology to extrapolate this to major events in adulthood. This section was worth 4*.
The final 200 pages of the book cover LeMay's career post WW2. There are two principal themes: first, the establishment of SAC and then the final part of LeMay's career in which he was fighting turf wars with the other forces and with DC politicians and bureaucrats. The SAC story is very interesting, although the hero-worship is too conspicuous. I am quite happy to buy into the idea that LeMay did a great job, but just 3* because the hero worship is over the top.
Finally, we have his time as USAF Chief of Staff. The author recognises that LeMay was out of his depth here, but still seems keen to suggest that LeMay was right in his opinions, but ineffective in his advocacy. The Cuba crisis and the Vietnam war are covered with distressing superficiality. Just 2* for this part.
I'm glad I read this, because LeMay was a vitally important figure in the USAF, but the author's hero-worship detracts from my admiration. Even whilst writing this,. I'm tempted to go down to 3*, but the WW2 part of the book really was good, so I shall stick with 4*.

