This is a short memoir – it seems wrong to call it a story – about how the author went from highly decorated military service in the USAF to being a military writer.

From combat flying, to flying and writing articles for Air Force Magazine, to co-authorship and finally the kick that got him writing his own works about the war he served in, the author has had a varied career. He doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the war, the wasted lives, and his decision to make sure that the political figures in his books are real and quoted accurately.

The writing, and use of language, in the book is very good. In a few short words he paints a picture of the career of a military pilot, from trainee to officer and ‘maturity’, the loss of someone under his command. In the opening paragraphs the author’s love of flight is obvious, and the well-worded introduction shares it with the reader. His own opinions of the Vietnam war come through clearly, and there is an open bitterness towards certain individuals as a result of their actions.

It is an interesting short read, particularly for people considering becoming a writer as it shows how big a role happenstance plays and that writing is work not just fun. Also any fans of his books should probably look this one up. I can’t say I would pay for something this short, but if it is free I’d give it a look.

3 due to short length and a limited audience, not because there is anything wrong with it in the slightest.