The Wingmen

The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams

By: Adam Lazarus

Narrated by: Barry Abrams

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

It was 1953, the Korean War in full throttle, when two men—already experts in their fields—crossed the fabled 38th Parallel into Communist airspace aboard matching Panther jets. John Glenn was an ambitious operations officer with fifty-nine World War II combat missions under his belt. His wingman was Ted Williams, the two-time American League Triple Crown winner who, at the pinnacle of his career, was inexplicably recalled to active service in the United States Marine Corps. Together, the affable flier and the notoriously tempestuous left fielder soared into North Korea, creating a death-defying bond. Although, over the next half century, their contrasting lives were challenged by exhilarating highs and devastating lows, that bond would endure.

Through unpublished letters, unit diaries, declassified military records, manuscripts, and new and illuminating interviews, The Wingmen reveals an epic and intimate portrait of two heroes—larger-than-life and yet ineffably human, ordinary men who accomplished the extraordinary. At its heart, this was a conflicted friendship that found commonality in mutual respect. Now, author Adam Lazaraus sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter in these legends' lives—as singular individuals, inspiring patriots, and eventually, however improbable, profoundly close friends.

©2023 Adam Lazarus, LLC (P)2023 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Two American Heroes

Loved learning more about these 2 great men, the Korean War, baseball and the space program.

Review

A good listen and we’ll read. John Glenn was quite a guy. I recommend it.

The Right Stuff

I’ve read other books about both John Glenn and Ted Williams, but this book detailed parts of these men’s lives that were not well known to me. I like the parallel biography format, and the book is well-written and well-narrated. And a great story of two men of different backgrounds, politics, faith, and temperament who still respected and cared about each other—an important message for our times. P.s. (brag) I was at the Wang Center with my mom and dad that night in 1988 and got to shake John Glenn’s hand once!

Interesting Spotlight on Two American Icons' Lives

I found this book very interesting. It delivers deep detail about the lives of two "heroes" of mid-century America. These men were legends. Adam Lazarus provides an in-depth look into each man's life and what makes him tick. He helps us understand their life intersections and their fondness for each other.

To me, the most surprising aspect of the book was Ted Williams and the two wars. I thought he was a patriot who eagerly enlisted when his country called. The author presents a very different picture. Ted was reluctant to leave baseball for World War Two. He thought that his reserve status would keep him out of Korea and was surprised and angry to learn that he would be called to active duty again.

All jumbled up

While the story is good, it is hard to follow because the author jumps back and forth in time. It is a chronological mess which detracts from the overall quality of the book.

The coincidental relationship

The opposites attract respectful relationships Williams and Glenn had .
The biggest new news was that Kennedy quietly grounded Glenn for probably political purposes

Story of 2 Great USMC Pilots

The story of two great American heroes. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about John Glenn and Ted Williams. You had me at Marine pilots!

Two narcissist find each other

Two superficial biographies in one book. They didn’t seem like likable characters. The author was too credulous.

No story. Only lifetime statistics

Could not finish the book. Endless facts on statistics for two very good men. Poor narration.