Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator - The Autobiography of Frank E.Peterson - Hardcover

Peterson, Frank E.; Phelps, J.Alfred

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0891416757 ISBN 13: 9780891416753

Publisher: Presidio Press, 1998

Synopsis

On June 6th, 1950, when Frank Petersen enlisted in the Navy, he had no idea that he was embarking on a career that would cover almost forty years and would push him to the front of the revolution in race relations that continues to sweep the country to this day. The eighteen year old from Kansas was following in the footsteps of innumerable young men before him; join the Navy and see the world. He looked for excitement, adventure, and possessed a yearning to escape the too-familiar confines of pre-Brown-vs-Board-of-Education Topeka. Navy boot camp led to electronics school where he applied for the Navy's aviation cadet program. Against seemingly overwhelming odds, Seaman Apprentice Petersen was accepted. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a 2d Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, becoming the first African American pilot in the history of that elite organization. This was the first of many "firsts" in an exciting and momentous career that included combat in Korea and Vietnam, and ended with Petersen retiring as the first African-American flag officer and to date only three-star general in the history of the United States Marines.

About this title

From the Author:

I am the Co-Author of Into the Tiger's Jaw --
I would like note that working with Lt.Gen. Frank E. Petersen, USMC (Retired), was an uplifting experience. His was the fifth book involving my work that has been published and I cannot recall any previous work that became more of that kind of project neither of us could put down nor forget until the final words were written; the final edits done. What has been unusual here, I think, is that this is the story of a true American patriot -- one come from a segment of America many would have ballyhooed long ago. This is a gentleman who helped the United States Marine Corps to stand up and be counted in the arenas of race relations and social conscience in America. The Corps found what it needed in the persona of Frank E. Petersen from Topeka, KS and he in it. Because of both entities, the United States Marine Corps [and America itself] are better places to be today. As a retired Air Force careerist, some may look askance to hear me say: Semper Fi - Marine! I think I've earned the right after three years of interviews and getting to know an accomplished, talented gentleman -- one Lt. Gen. Frank E. Petersen USMC (Retired).

Synopsis:

Reflects on a military career that began in 1940 and covered three wars.

About this edition

• Publisher: Presidio Press
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0891416757
• ISBN 13: 9780891416753
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 416