Double Ace

The Life of Robert Lee Scott Jr., Pilot, Hero, and Teller of Tall Tales

De: Robert Coram

Narrado por: Barry Press

Robert Lee Scott was larger than life. A decorated Eagle Scout who barely graduated from high school, the young man from Macon, Georgia, with an oversize personality used dogged determination to achieve his childhood dream of becoming a famed fighter pilot.

First capturing national attention during World War II, Scott, a West Point graduate, flew missions in China alongside the legendary "Flying Tigers", where his reckless courage and victories against the enemy made headlines. Upon returning home, Scott's memoir, God Is My Co-Pilot, became an instant best seller and a successful film. Later in life, Scott traveled the entire length of China's Great Wall and helped found Georgia's Museum of Aviation.

Yet Scott's life was not without difficulty. His single-minded pursuit of greatness was offset by bouts of depression, and his brashness placed him at odds with superior officers. What wealth he gained, he squandered, and his numerous public affairs destroyed his relationships with his wife and child.

Backed by meticulous research, Double Ace brings Scott's uniquely American character to life and captures his fascinating exploits as a national hero alongside his frustrating foibles.

©2016 Robert Coram (P)2016 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A provocative, deftly written, and superbly documented biography that is highly recommended for military historians and aviation specialists, general readers, and all libraries." ( Library Journal)

Great story of a self-centered narcist.

Good read, very interesting life but his story makes it very hard to like the man. A lifetime of self-centered motives mixed with a healthy dose narcissism, pretty much sums him up. The book makes you feel very sorry for his wife and daughter, I always muse how these character's find humility towards the end of their lives when alone and reaping what they've sown. His accomplishment's though admirable are nothing spectacular in a war that produced countless double & triple aces without the BS spewing bravado of this guy.

Are All Heroes Bums?

Greg 'Pappy' Boyington once said "Show me a hero, I'll prove he's a bum". And so it goes for Gen. Robert Lee Scott, a hero in war, and lacking in other aspects of his life. Not unlike anyone else, now that I think about it.

I used to visit The Museum of Aviation often and see Scott's car in his dedicated parking space. I thought about seeking him out but never did, and now I regret that. However, I would have been seeing the Used Car Salesman side of Scott, the personality he used in public. And that would have been fine with me. Scott was a hell of pilot, a warrior, a patriot, and a fallible human being.

And like Scott, Gen Hap Arnold was revealed to be less than desirable, hating Chennault and Scott despite their accomplishments. Even great thinkers, even in a world war, can be venal. petty and capricious. Again, all too human.

The book was an eye opener, well written, and balanced between the great and not so great in telling Scott's biography.

Great Book

Like most pilots alive today, I grew up I having read God is my copilot. This book started off and I was concerned that it might be a hit piece on Robert Scott. It turns out that it is a very evenhanded an absolutely wonderful book. It will give you an insight into Scott’s life and who he really was. I’m absolutely certain you’ll enjoy this book. Hap Arnold, LTC CA ANG USAF Retired -Phantom Pilot

Tiger Fan

The book paints a real view of RLS with accomplishments and faults. His life comes full circle as all hero's who survive to become a hero; finds he cant escape the effects of aging. I enjoyed the back story of the Original Flying Tigers. lots of rich information.

Wonderful!

A great listen that made my heart grow and my eyes wet. A very passionate story.

An American Hero in full

For those of us who love God is my Copilot, it is wonderful to know more about the life of General Scott, and it is refreshing to see a hero treated so evenhandedly. Wonderful read!

Wild Ride

This is a great book if you remember watching God Is My Co-Pilot on a black and white Tv. Unfortunately the narrator makes every Southern speaker sound like Jubilation T Cornpone. It bothered me greatly.

sad story

Is there anything you would change about this book?

more flying

Would you recommend Double Ace to your friends? Why or why not?

no, too much of an emotional crowbar

What does Barry Press bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

nothing

Could you see Double Ace being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I suppose

Any additional comments?

Leave out the last half, almost as bad a train wreck as Howard Hughes in later life