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The Last Fighter Pilot: The True Story of the Final Combat Mission of World War II Hardcover – Illustrated, July 31, 2017
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The New York Post calls The Last Fighter Pilot a "must-read" book.
From April to August of 1945, Captain Jerry Yellin and a small group of fellow fighter pilots flew dangerous bombing and strafe missions out of Iwo Jima over Japan. Even days after America dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima on August 6 and Nagasaki on August 9, the pilots continued to fly. Though Japan had suffered unimaginable devastation, the emperor still refused to surrender.
Bestselling author Don Brown (Treason) sits down with Yelllin, now ninety-three years old, to tell the incredible true story of the final combat mission of World War II. Nine days after Hiroshima, on the morning of August 14th, Yellin and his wingman 1st Lieutenant Phillip Schlamberg took off from Iwo Jima to bomb Tokyo. By the time Yellin returned to Iwo Jima, the war was officially over—but his young friend Schlamberg would never get to hear the news. The Last Fighter Pilot is a harrowing first-person account of war from one of America's last living World War II veterans.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherRegnery History
- Publication dateJuly 31, 2017
- Dimensions5.8 x 0.9 x 7.5 inches
- ISBN-101621575063
- ISBN-13978-1621575061
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a fascinating read that provides an amazing account of a time in world history, helping to tie together historical events. Moreover, the book is well written and easy to read, with customers appreciating its authenticity and emotional depth.
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Customers find the book's story engaging and fascinating, with one customer noting its short, compelling chapters.
"...The Last Fighter Pilot is the thrilling story covering a part of Captain Jerry Yellin's time in the war from March - August 1945--V-J Day...." Read more
"Interesting. Helped to tie together historical events of the Pacific Theatre of WWII...." Read more
"...I found this book to be a valuable addition to the many WWII books I possess. I recommend it for you to read. Jack B. Walters..." Read more
"Really enjoyed this story. It was very well told, with a great deal of emotion and honor...." Read more
Customers find the book informative and well-researched, providing an amazing account of World War II history and helping to tie together historical events.
"Interesting. Helped to tie together historical events of the Pacific Theatre of WWII...." Read more
"...He enjoyed the way it was written, he enjoyed the way the author edited the facts that he presented, and he said he blew through it in a matter of..." Read more
"Clear and detailed insight into the airmen of the US Army Air Corps. A very well written story of honor, bravery and guts by the greatest generation...." Read more
"...It provides an educational view of an era between the advent of the atomic bomb and the actual end to the Pacific WWII...." Read more
Customers find the book well written and easy to read, with one customer noting its memoir style.
"...He told me this is the best one he’s ever read. He enjoyed the way it was written, he enjoyed the way the author edited the facts that he presented,..." Read more
"Really enjoyed this story. It was very well told, with a great deal of emotion and honor...." Read more
"...A very well written story of honor, bravery and guts by the greatest generation. A very good read." Read more
"...the Pacific WWII. An excellent read by those who lived through it. For additional info on..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's emotional content, describing it as invigorating and filled with passion.
"...Page after page reveals heroic acts and brave deaths. I was elated with the wins and found myself close to tears at the losses...." Read more
"Really enjoyed this story. It was very well told, with a great deal of emotion and honor...." Read more
"...had to tell their story, and he does it with great respect and much passion." Read more
"A lot of death, a lot of tragedy and everything in this book was written with a certain poise that you understand the events through men like Jerry..." Read more
Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, with one review noting its realistic portrayal of World War II combat.
"...story that the reader has to continue to remember is a TRUE story, not fiction...." Read more
"very real and factual. I did not know to could count ground kill as part of the ace rating. Interesting" Read more
"Not many can review WWII from his perspective. Realistic view of his peers, command decisions & the enemy he faced...." Read more
"A true and amazing story of the sacrifices made by our young men in World War II..." Read more
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History through the person who lived it.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2017Everyone with the slightest interest in the Pacific battles of WWII should read this book. Anyone who wants to support our WWII veterans should read this book.
The Last Fighter Pilot is already a National Bestseller and the NY Post is declaring it a must-read book. I'm totally with them on that call.
The Last Fighter Pilot is the thrilling story covering a part of Captain Jerry Yellin's time in the war from March - August 1945--V-J Day. Having already felt the depth of Captain Yellin's experiences by reading Of War & Weddings, I expected that emotional connection to play a large role in his collaboration with author Don Brown.
It did.
I read this book on a road trip to Washington, DC to witness a Veteran V-J day tribute. It was hard not to read the entire book out loud to my husband. It’s an adventure story that the reader has to continue to remember is a TRUE story, not fiction.
There are many historical facts that I didn’t know—some wickedly awful like that there were Japanese who killed POWs and ate them—sharing that cannibalism with other units like others might share steaks. That was horrifying.
Another fact was the sheer number of B-29s (300) and Mustangs (over 100) that attacked Japan on April 7, 1945. I can’t imagine what the onslaught of that sort of power looked like to those below.
Page after page reveals heroic acts and brave deaths. I was elated with the wins and found myself close to tears at the losses.
Don’t hesitate—pick up this book and delve in. You won’t be disappointed.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2017Interesting. Helped to tie together historical events of the Pacific Theatre of WWII. I guess I did not fully realize the extent to which fighter planes attacked mainland Japan and the number of losses of our pilots and planes in that effort. I had always assumed that the fighter jockeys were there to protect the bombers from enemy fighters, as of course they did. But, was not aware of the attacks by fighters on the Japan mainland. Every book helps to fill the incomplete details associated with WWII. At the time, I was a child and was aware of the personal losses by neighboring families of their lost sons. I was aware of the shortages of consumer goods. I too gathered tin foil and cans for the effort, and worked in the liberty garden at home. The toils and sufferings of war on the personal front of our fighting forces was not so evident, except for the sorrow next door.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2021I gave this book to my dad for Father’s Day. He is a big history buff, and World War II is his favorite subject. He has read hundreds of World War II books. He told me this is the best one he’s ever read. He enjoyed the way it was written, he enjoyed the way the author edited the facts that he presented, and he said he blew through it in a matter of hours and was sad when he finished. Highly recommend for readers interested in the topic.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2018This is a small book. I finished reading in one day. It covers the last six months of the war with Japan from the perspective of a young American fighter pilot. His final training was in Hawaii. Even here he lost friends who died while training. His squadron was shipped out to Iwo Jima. When he flew onto the airfield, which was in the shadow of Mt. Suribachi, it had not been conquered yet. They dug fox holes to protect themselves from Mortar and rifle fire. For the first few weeks their mission was to bomb and strafe enemy positions at either end of the Island.
Their primary purpose was to escort B-29’s as they bombed Japan. Many of these missions are described in the book.
The reason this book is important is that he and his wing man were sent out on a bombing and staffing mission August 14, five days after the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The Japanese had not surrendered. There was a code word issued (UTAH) to recall the planes should a surrender be announced. In actual fact the message was sent out, but Jerry didn’t receive it so they carried on with their mission. As they were flying away from the airfield they had attacked, when Jerry came out of cloud cover, his wingman was not there. His name was Phil Schlamberg. He became the last casualty of the war. He had had a premonition that morning. Jerry tried to replace him but he insisted on going.
I found this book to be a valuable addition to the many WWII books I possess. I recommend it for you to read.
Jack B. Walters
October 6, 2018
- Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2020Really enjoyed this story. It was very well told, with a great deal of emotion and honor. This is clearly, one of them as stories that for years, has "flown under the radar". The dedication and sacrifice the men displayed in the worst of times, is a lesson for all of us. I am always on awe of these men who without any regard for their own personal safety or aspirations, have willingly, and in many, many, occasions, paid the ultimate price. Thank You Dr your service
Top reviews from other countries
Cliff HarveyReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 20175.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Great story, well written, loved the book..!
Christopher J. LittleReviewed in Canada on November 19, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Book Review
Really enjoyed this book. Love history. Very easy read and found it very interesting.
CrusaderReviewed in Australia on June 9, 20214.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Gave a good insight into what was going on at the end of WW11 and with the persons involved. Worth a read.
Mason RalphReviewed in Canada on January 7, 20214.0 out of 5 stars Ok
Ok
Ronald BoilyReviewed in Canada on July 10, 20205.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating story about some very brave men
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is very well written.









