Officers, the fighter pilots of the P-40's, would come and go. They would be transferred, wounded or killed but the ground crews lived on and stayed the same.  The ground crews maintained the airplanes and kept them in perfect condition.  However, none of the pilots would trade places with the ground crews.  Abner, fresh from an Oregon farm tells his story from being a farm boy to becoming a P-40 Warhawk pilot in World War II. This book has a five star rating.
 

"Dead Reckoning" is the autobiography of an Oregon farm boy who became a fighter pilot ace. Our chapter appears to have few members who were fighter pilots. Our concentration seems to be of bomber people and the heavier the better. Yet where would the bombers be without the protection of our "little friends"?

Remember the horrific casualty rates when the fighters did not have the range to provide protection deep inside enemy territory? Many members do.

Author Alan K Abner who flew with the 357th Fighter Group of the 8th was credited with 50 missions . He tells of blazing action over the Bulge, the Battle for Berlin and countless other engagements. He even saw the advent of the jet age when the dread ME262 made its appearance.

Abner say the fighter planes of WW2 had much more in common with the pilots of Spads and Fokkers than they would with the jet pilots of today. Jet jockeys rarely have to fly by the seat of their pants Rickenbacker and Von Richtofen could sit down and have a fine gab fest over foaming bier with Bong, Gentile and Yeager.They would be all but lost talking to the fighter pilots of today in their elaborate flight suits who speak of flitting at speeds rarely dreamed of in earlier times except in science fiction.

Isn't it amazing that some who never sat in a jet cockpit call others who have flown jet fighters "dumb"! Family wealth and powerful relatives don't help when you are up there alone.

You'll enjoy "Dead Reckoning". The title comes from the practice of finding one's way by visual landmarks. This is not a new book but my Massachusetts library had no trouble getting it for me and yours shouldn't either.

This review is another indication that the doors of the AFHS are always to new members. Come on! Tighten your chin straps and get cleared for take-off! Adventure and God knows what else awaits you over the Rhine. Crewmen on the 17's and 24's are anxious to see you if not quite as anxious as they were in the old days when having you in company might well mean the difference between living and dying.