DeForest Press

Marine Wings (Stories of war and peace as written by the pilots)

by  Minnesota Marine Reserve LLC

Reviewed By  Doug Hamilton, IPMS# 21985

MSRP: $29.95 ISBN: 9781-9303-742-56 Website: http://www.deforestpress.com This is an unusual book. Not in the sense that it contains odd information, or weird observations. No, it’s unusual in that it’s been written by a group of former Marine pilots. Not to imply that former Marine pilots can’t write!! It’s just that I don’t have many "group-written" books on my library’s shelves, and this one is something special. It’s obvious from reading the book that these guys are all friends, compatriots, and fellow pilots. After reading it, I had the distinct feeling of having had the opportunity to be hanging out with these guys someplace, with a cup of coffee, or something stronger in hand, and being part of a bull session. The book has a total of 24 contributing authors, all Marine pilots. Belonging to the Minnesota Marine Reserves, these gentlemen were at a social event, when after hearing some of the stories it was decided to put a book together. What we see here is a completed copy of that vision. Covering the period from WW II up until today, the stories collected here are all first rate. The book is divided into four sections, and starts with a preface. The preface explains the group, and how they got together. The second section contains the stories. All are interesting, and told in a way that makes the reader part of the action. Some are stories of combat, while others are non-combat related. Some are of incidents that happened on the ground, many are flight related. Some are funny, and others not. All are interesting, and all are true. The third section I found to be particularly interesting, as it contains short bio’s of all the participating pilots. Pictures from the era of the stories, and a current picture are included. Section four is the appendices. Appendix A contains the names of all known Minnesota Air Reserve Members from 1931 to 1998. Appendix B is a toast composed by, and I assume offered by Lew Fiero, LT Col. USMCR, which is a poignant and fitting tribute to fellow Marine pilots. Appendix C is a flight check list for the F4U Corsair. And Appendix D is an Aeronautical Engineers View of the Corsair, written by Tom Brinkman, noted Aeronautical Engineer, Author and Historian. This section is a condensed version of a book Tom had written a few years ago, and is an invaluable addition to this book as it outlines the characteristics of the Corsair, and aircraft of great importance to the Marine Corps in two wars. A glossary and index complete the work. I enjoyed this book on a few levels. First off, it’s very well written, and contains great stories. Secondly, being a former Marine assigned to a number of aviation units I can see much of the action that takes place in my mind’s eye. And third, most Corsairs were built in Stratford CT, a short distance from my home. So you can see, I have some connections to this subject, in a generally roundabout sort of way!! While not aimed specifically at modelers, this book has a great deal to offer modelers wanting to connect with a Corsair waiting to be built or some other Marine subject. It’s also valuable in that it brings forth stories from a past time that would have been lost without being written down, and that would truly be a shame. I would highly recommend this book to modelers, Marines, and anyone wanting to have a good read!! I offer my thanks to Mr. Tom Brinkman, DeForest Press, and IPMS/USA for supplying this book for review.