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

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)

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!

Truly Engaging Story

There will never be another event like this in history. These men, the Aces of the South Pacific during WWII, got to live the life only dreamed about by videogame enthusiasts. The book focus on five men, but provides the full backstory of their lives and what they had to endure during the last 3 or 4 years of the war. The backstories of the men are almost as interesting and the events that made them famous. This book is anything but boring, and tells an amazing story.

Excellent book.

It was way more detail than I expected. It was an excellent presented history of this time in the Ace race. Is also a cautionary tale about ambition.

Inspiring yet heartbreaking

Incredible story, describing some very brave, absolutely heroic men, both pilots and ground crew, doing their duty for country, and each other. Also describes a brutal competition that served to focus, yet also pushed some to lose focus, forgetting lessons learned, lapses in prioritization, that would ultimately be their undoing. A must read for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.