Race of Aces

WWII's Elite Airmen and the Epic Battle to Become the Master of the Sky

De: John R. Bruning

Narrado por: Brian Troxell

The astonishing untold story of the WWII airmen who risked it all in the deadly race to become the greatest American fighter pilot.

In 1942, America's deadliest fighter pilot, or "ace of aces" - the legendary Eddie Rickenbacker - offered a bottle of bourbon to the first US fighter pilot to break his record of 26 enemy planes shot down. Seizing on the challenge to motivate his men, General George Kenney promoted what they would come to call the "race of aces" as a way of boosting the spirits of his war-weary command.

What developed was a wild three-year sprint for fame and glory, and the chance to be called America's greatest fighter pilot. The story has never been told until now.

Based on new research and full of revelations, John Bruning's brilliant, original book tells the story of how five American pilots contended for personal glory in the Pacific while leading Kenney's resurgent air force against the most formidable enemy America ever faced.

The pilots - Richard Bong, Tommy McGuire, Neel Kearby, Charles MacDonald and Gerald Johnson - riveted the nation as they contended for Rickenbacker's crown. As their scores mounted, they transformed themselves from farm boys and aspiring dentists into artists of the modern dogfight.

But as the race reached its climax, some of the pilots began to see how the spotlight warped their sense of duty. They emerged as leaders, beloved by their men as they chose selfless devotion over national accolades.

Teeming with action all across the vast Pacific theater, Race of Aces is a fascinating exploration of the boundary between honorable duty, personal glory, and the complex landscape of the human heart.

"Brings you into the cockpit of the lethal, fast-paced world of fighter pilots.... Fascinating." (Sara Vladic)

"Extraordinary.... a must-read." (US Navy Captain Dan Pedersen)

"A heart-pounding narrative of the courage, sacrifice, and tragedy of America's elite fighter pilots." (James M. Scott)

"Vivid and gripping.... Confirms Bruning's status as the premier war historian of the air." (Saul David)

©2020 John R. Bruning (P)2020 Hachette Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Here is a true story with something for everyone. Love, war, treachery, adventure, and above all an intimate portrait of the made-for-Hollywood life of a man who broke all the rules and remade them to his liking...Bruning shows us a big-hearted man determined to save his family - and a brilliant scientist-pilot who was determined to win the war along the way." (Adam Makos, New York Times best-selling author of A Higher Call and Devotion)

"This is a beautifully told story of a family separated by war, and of an extraordinary father, driven to avenge his family, who by sheer force of character changed the nature of warfare. A superbly told tale of love, honor, courage, and devotion." (Alex Kershaw, New York Times best-selling author of Avenue of Spies)

"Satisfying...Combat aviation buffs will enjoy Bruning's explorations of a little-known history." (Kirkus Reviews)

This is book brings history to life!

I first heard about this book on Facebook from one of my Facebook friends who flys world war two aircraft at air shows. He posted that his friends new book was amazing. Let me tell you it is! The way this book is written brings the ace race to life and the narrator does an amazing job reading it.

Good Pilot Histories, Middling To WeakNarration

Several interesting tales here about Army Air Corps pilots in the Pacific Theater. Most of what I've read is about the Naval campaigns, so a lot of this material is new to me. I've seen other reviews critical of the book's technical details, and maybe that's so, but the meat of it's the pilot stories, and so far as I noticed there's no problem with those.

The reader does a decent job with straight narration, but is rather weak reading dialogue, pausing annoyingly at the 'he saids' and such. In places this becomes extraordinarily grating, but at least it was broken up by enough third person narration to keep me from returning the book.

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would

There are many names and locations to follow but it wasn't excessive. I learned a lot and it has me looking into other things about the war in the South Pacific.

Incredible on a number of levels

The ambition and personal sacrifice, the sacrifice of those waiting at home, the ever changing dynamics of the war, then the aftermath. You'll probably listen to this book more than once.

Amazing WW2 Account

This is is a fantastic book for the WW2 air battle buff. Loads of great first hand accounts and very well spoken. 10/10

Fascinating story of the greatest American aces.

Gripping, detailed story. My only complaint would be some of the dramatized scenes where the author would have no idea of the dialog, but filled in the conversation anyway.

Unique perspectives woven together loosely.

There is much good and comparative information presented about people, places, events. The narrator is very good.
The story does wander at times.
The author is short on certain details pertinent to the event, character, or situation that would give the reader an in-depth understanding of what is happening. For example the title of the book is “Race of Aces”, however the author does not keep a running tally of each pilot’s score. I consider myself a student of military history and this story is somewhat short on detail and heavy on prose.
But overall an interesting read.

Amazing

I can’t believe I didn’t know these stories. This has to be the most complete historical account of the Aces in the Pacific during WWII. It truly tells their story and the level of their sacrifice.

Race of aces

Very interesting. Enjoyed the readers voice. Good historical account of brave fighter pilots in ww 11 and their families. Would make a good movie. Recommded to the audio book fans. Carolyn

Exciting and educational

The stories of the hero’s within this book were incredible. The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing the book to life and expressing every characters dream of becoming the best of the best. I learn a lot about the planes they flew and the environment where they operated too. I really enjoyed it. Excellent!