MiG Alley

The US Air Force in Korea, 1950-53

By: Thomas McKelvey Cleaver

Narrated by: David de Vries

Length: 14 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Of the many myths that emerged following the end of the Korean War, the prevailing one in the West was that of the absolute supremacy of US Air Force pilots and aircraft over their Soviet-supplied opponents. The claims of the 10:1 victory-loss ratio achieved by the US Air Force fighter pilots flying the North American F-86 Sabre against their communist adversaries, amongst other such fabrications, went unchallenged until the end of the Cold War, when Soviet records of the conflict were finally opened.

From that point onwards, a very different story began to emerge. Far from decisive American victories over an unsophisticated opponent, the aerial battles of the Korean War were, at least in the early years, evenly matched affairs, fought to an approximate 1:1 victory-loss ratio. Though the Soviet victories declined over the following years, this had more to do with home politics than American tactics.

In addition to the aerial combat over MiG Alley, this title covers the full range of US Air Force activities over Korea, including the failed strategic bombing campaign and the escalating nuclear threat. Incorporating first-hand accounts from those involved, both US and Soviet, this new history of the US Air Force in Korea reveals the full story of this bitter struggle in the Eastern skies.

©2019 Thomas McKelvey Cleaver (P)2019 Tantor

In the Cockpit!

Wow, this audio book is extremely detailed, don' let that stop you from listening to it. The stories about the pilots and their jets put you in Mig Alley in the early 1950's. I have listened to this audio book multiple times to appreciate the fearless choices made by pilots from both sides of the Korean Conflict. The descriptions of the dog fights make you feel as if you are in the cockpits on both sides. This story is about fighting for freedom. I recommend Mig Alley and hope you enjoy learning the history of the "Forgotten War" as much as I did.

Chronology of historic events

This is a chronology of events, which are sometimes presented as overlapping. As a historical narrative, it’s fine. As a story, it lacks sufficient background and stories of the pilots to bring it to life.
Significant effort is applied to tell how relatively recently released information contradicts claimed wartime successes by all sides during the war.

Well narrated but...

... the dry details of plane numbers and events is disappointing. The initial description of the Korean War and the ending description of the effectiveness of AirPower it's really the only thing of interest to someone who isn't related to or friends with someone who flew in that war. The details of who shot down whom are easily lost on listeners. Yes, there is a little history to be learned but for the most part I do not recommend this book for the Lehman.

very entertaining and educating.

I really enjoyed this book because its a topic barely touched by historians of the Korean War. the men whom developed jet aviation and the brave masters of the sky who flew them. the F-86 is an astounding air craft but so is the MiG fighter jet. here is all the amazing and exciting stories of the worlds first jet vs jet battles and it is an incredible one at that! read this book!

Good Descriptions A Bit Repetitive

Summary given multiple times. A lot of material I had never heard. The perspectives from combatants and leadership were excellent. You will get sick of hearing all SI units converted to imperial.

excellent book

I did not have a real working knowledge of the Korean conflict and this book enlighten me greatly on the air War that occurred in great detail

Dry and Drags

There is plenty of information provided by the author. There really is no story just dry facts

Lots of detail

My dad did 2 tours in Korea as a USN fighter pilot. This book did a good job of explaining the details I did not know. I wish I could get my dad’s opinion of the book, as he has been gone 20 years now.

EmPHASIS on the Wrong SylLAble

Given his numerous mispronunciations or emphasis on the wrong syllable, it is clear that the narrator has spent little time in the fighter community in general or around those serving in Korea in particular. The Republic of Korea Air Force, for one example, is commonly called the “ROKAF”, and is also abbreviated as such. But when spoken, one doesn’t refer to it as the “R-O-K-A-F”. He does this time after time with other terms like A-A-F (instead of saying Australian Air Force), F-I-S (instead of Fighter Interceptor Squadron), etc. No military person would talk like this narrator. After awhile, it’s like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Aviation enthusiasts only I’d say, great book though!

The only reason for the title I’d say is due to the often technical nature of the info contained here. For some people just looking for a good war story, unless you’re familiar with certain aspects of aviation’s and aerial combat you may find yourself lost at times as did my significant other. That’s not for at that it’s not a fantastic war collection of stories but you get my point. I give it 10/10 but I can see how some may not be able to appreciate it in the same way.