On Heroic Wings: Stories of the Distinguished Flying Cross

Barry A. Lanman; Laura M. Wendling

ISBN 10: 0615520243 / ISBN 13: 9780615520247

Published by The Distinguished Flying Cross Society, 2012

May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0615520243I4N00

Synopsis:

From the “Greatest Generation” flying propeller-driven fighter planes during World War II, to the male and female pilots maneuvering sophisticated jet aircraft over the skies of Iraq and Afghanistan, military aviators have captured a special place in the hearts and minds of Americans. While the vast majority of these aviators has demonstrated extraordinary honor, only the best and most courageous are awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. The Distinguished Flying Cross was created by an Act of Congress in 1926. Under the initial Act, along with military aviators and crew, a select group of civilians received the Distinguished Flying Cross for aerial achievement. Shortly thereafter, Congress modified the medal criteria to focus specifically on actions involving heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. DFCs have been awarded prior to and during World War II, Korea, Vietnam and on to the present. The Distinguished Flying Cross has also been awarded to military aviators and/or their crew for civilian rescues during emergencies and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The Foreword for On Heroic Wings was written by President Bush (41) and the introduction was written by aviator and astronaut Jim Lovell; both are recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Thirty-two major accounts and over 180 vignettes are included in the book along with 311 photographs. While the authors frame each narrative using historical background and context, the stories are predominately told in the first-person words of the hero. Thus, the humanity of their courageous acts is accurately heard and the reader is compelled to interact with the thought processes of the DFC recipient. A comprehensive effort was also made to include the five military services, a wide range of aircraft, and various aspects of diversity.

Bibliographic Details

Title: On Heroic Wings: Stories of the ...
Publisher: The Distinguished Flying Cross Society
Publication Date: 2012
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket