Hawkeye

The Enthralling Autobiography of the Top-Scoring Israel Air Force Ace of Aces

By: Brigadier General Giora Even-Epstein

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

For more than 30 years, Giora Even-Epstein flew fighters for the Israel Air Force, achieving recognition as a highly skilled military aviator and the highest-scoring jet-mounted ace with the most num­ber of confirmed victories in the French Mirage. Having overcome numerous hurdles just to learn how to fly, he went on to compile a record of Arab MiGs and Sukhoi kills that bettered any other combat aviators' tally in the entire world.

This fast-moving autobiography details his experiences particularly in the intense conflicts of 1967, the Six Day War, and 1973, the Yom Kippur War. The listener shares the cockpit with him as he describes every action he undertook with 101 and 105 Squadron, including the greatest jet-versus-jet air battle in history with four MiG-21 kills in one engagement. His final score was 17. After his last battle he became commander of the First Jet Squadron, 117, began civilian flying, retrained to command 254 MMR Squadron in the 1982 Lebanon War, and flew the F-16 at the age of 50 before retirement. His story is of one man's unfaltering dedication to his dreams and his country. As the leading jet ace it is one well worth telling and, critically, it can be told in his own words.

©2020 Giora Even-Epstein (P)2021 Tantor

This book made him ten times cooler to me

I remember being a kid watching Dogfights on History Channel. Y'know, back when History Channel was good. Giora Epstein always stuck out to me. One day I decided to look up if he had an Autobiography. and he does, and it's awesome, and you should read it.

A will to win and utter determination to succeed

Never take no for an answer. Gioia's will and determination to fly fighter jets and never give up, no matter what the circumstances is a testament to the character of the man. I have a keen interest in military aviation, and enjoyed the book. It was insightful and gives a small peak into the inner workings of the IAF. His passion for flying fighter jets shines throughout the book.

Great story of a great man.

Great story of a great man and great pilot. Nothing came easy in Giora’s life from the beginning. Giora overcame all adversity and came victorious. A real pilot chaise not another promotion or pay grade, but joy of flying. Giora is the best of the best!

No-frills autobiography

Recommended to all who are interested in air combat.
Vivid descriptions of dogfights, and the personality of Giora Epstein shines through, both his grit and his hunting instinct.
Amazing that he was a paratrooper at first and he had 500 jumps before becoming a fighter pilot!
Obviously this is not a history book, so you need to be familiar with the history of Israel's war and the basics of air combat.
If you are, do not miss this book!

Fantastic read, incredible and interesting life from the Israeli Ace of Aces.

This was a fantastic book, it really paints a detailed picture of General Epstein. From his ups and downs to realizing his dream of flying fighters. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in aviation, military history, or air combat.