North American's T-6: A Definitive History of the World's Most Famous Trainer is the book the world's extensive T-6 community has been waiting years to have. Author Dan Hagedorn; Curator for the Museum of Flight in Seattle; Washington; combines his professional documentation skills with rare access to valuable North American archival material to write the definitive book about one of the world's most beloved World War II aircraft. The T-6 served as an advanced trainer for military pilots from more than 80 nations around the world for several decades. In addition to highly detailed documentation of every T-6 variant used by both the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Navy; all foreign T-6s manufactured in America or exported overseas are listed by individual country as well. Of the nearly 16;000 T-6s built; many hundreds are still flying today as prized restored collectibles or airshow performers; giving this book a large potential readership.
#1037108 in Books Ingramcontent 2016-12-16Original language:English 9.00 x .41 x 6.00l; #File Name: 1576385620180 pagesLiberando Reflections of a Reluctant Warrior
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Female PerspectiveBy Deborah N. PalmerI was immediately atttracted to the book as my dad was in the Army Air Corps during WWII although he was stationed in India as a radio operator. These men were members of the greatest generation; the likes of we will probably never see again. I admit that my favorite parts of the book were the details of family and John's love for the beautiful Eleanore. I was struck by the fact that the length of duty in Italy was a little less than five months as the average deployment in the Army of today is 9.4 months. A few of my favorite stories involved the beer coolers the mechanics attached to the B24 so they could have cold beer when the crew returned from a mission. I was also fascinated by the details of the local women (cameriera) who took care of the officer's tent and were so happy to get such a job. They were paid $10 per month for their services; but reaped other benefits in the form of leftovers from the mess hall and some clothing and small gifts for their children. I also learned about the difficulty of flying a B24 and how exhausted the pilots were after their mission. I read of the fear this 23 year old man experienced in his 50 missions and how at such a tender age he had to inspire confidence in his crew; a confidence he did not always feel himself. John Horn was blessed in that he survived the rigors of war and returned to the love of his wife and family and was able to find the beauty in peace. Note: I am personally acquainted with the author as we attended the same foreign language classes. I have entitled the review as "A Female Perspective" in that there is a lot of details for a woman to enjoy even if she didn't have the foggiest idea about the operation of the B24. There are lots of details about the missions and mechanics for the male reader as well.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. A Very Good Book!By John StewartJohn E. Horn has written a fine true story about his father; John H. Horn. The book is written as if his father is telling his own story during the times he was growing up; his training to become the pilot and leader of a B-24 bomber crew and of the experiences he and his crew shared flying fifty tremendously dangerous missions against Nazi Germany's war machine. They flew out of a US Army Air Corps base in Italy against many targets; especially the Ploesti oil fields and refineries. These fields were an absolutely vital source of fuel for the German forces. Thus; there were fiercely defended by Germany and fiercely attacked by our bombers. The author describes the missions very well. Readers interested in the planes will enjoy great descriptions of the workings of the great but difficult B-24 Liberator. The process of readying hundreds of bombers for a mission; getting them off the ground; organizing into attack formations as they climb to altitude; hitting their targets and getting getting back home is just amazing. Those flight crews knew their duty and did it! Oh; yes; this book also contains a sweet love story. You are sure to enjoy John E. Horn's book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Highly recommended...By Orfilio PelaezThe title of this book says it all. This book is about the author's father; who flew 50 bomber missions out of an airbase in Italy against the German war machine. He did it reluctantly but bravely; only wishing to come home in one piece to his family and resume his normal day to day life. The author also has combat air experience; having flown helicopters in the Vietnam conflict; so his research; eye for detail; and singular writing style gives you a bird's eye view into one specific facet of the enormous devastating conflict which was the Second World War.Such a unique account of what these bombing missions entailed should not be missed. It is a thoughtful and even-handed view of the bravery; effort and humanity of the crews involved in the air campaign against the Nazis. After having read this book I understand why these men and women have been referred to as the greatest generation.
