Race of Aces

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

By: John R. Bruning

Narrated by: Brian Troxell

Length: 16 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

"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)

Great story, great history.

I was unaware of this epic Fighter Ace competition. Dick Bong was a name I'd never heard of before this book. I'm glad this book is available so that his an all the efforts of the WWII veterans don't get forgotten.

Outstanding

This listen was one of my favorites the narrator kept me riveted and eager to hear the next part of the Ace race!

Great WWII US Army Air Force Pacific air war story

Of all the books I have read regarding WWII, this is probably the best telling of the US Army Air Force air war in the Pacific. I learned a lot of information never before revealed in many of the books I have read. The details recounted in the book make it obvious the author did a tremendous amount of research to be able to provide so many instances of the air battles the Army air crews waged against the Japanese, plus the things they went through on a daily basis. This book lets you get to know the pilots and many of the air-to-air actions that resulted in their flying prowess and notoriety. These were very brave men. It does a great job telling their exploits; a very exciting narrative with lots of action on almost every page. The book recounts the story about the top air victory pilots who flew the P-38 Lightning, P-39 Airacobra, P-41 Warhawk, and P-47 Thunderbolt, the Lightning being the best overall fighter that the Army made available in the Pacific theater. Some of the pilots flew several of the aforementioned planes as the better planes became more available. These pilots and ground crews went through such tremendously difficult conditions while stationed at many different islands as the US progressed across the Pacific. Some pilots took great risks just to score that one more kill, often unnecessarily resulting in their demise--while reading you are thinking to yourself, why are you doing this when you know better. The narrator does a pretty good job but I thought he had too many pauses while reading that probably weren't intended by the author. Great book. Cannot give too high a recommendation.

Great stuff!

What a great historical book! The author did an amazing job making it read like a novel.

Fantastic, transports the reader to another time and place

A wonderful masterpiece from Mr. Bruning. This was packed with an enormous amount of detail and presented extremely well. Mr. Bruning really paints a wonderful piece full of detail and emotions, I found myself truly invested in all the lives that were profiled as well as there spouses and family. A truly incredible story that I am so happy was brought to light through this fantastic work.

Great job to everyone who contributed to this, job well done.

Eric

INTERESTING

Didn't know much of this aspect of the South West Pacifoc area in WW2 - interesting.

learned a lot

I thought I new this story from previous books but found out they had lots of things wrong. For example Bong's score and death. Highly recommend.

OUTSTANDING...

I've been a fan of WW-2 aviation for decades. Incredible attention to detail, character development and the story practically wrote itself.
well done top to bottom.

Great Book About WII Heros

The story is incredible! Grateful for men of such good character. Very impressionable and should be taught in high school history classes.

Outstanding read!

I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook. The author did a great job of imagery and character development. One of the best books have have read about the air war in the Southwest Pacific.