Wings of Fury

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 28 APR 1997

Vietnam veteran Wilcox (Scream of Eagles) begins this narrative with the confession that his original military ambition was to be a pilot; after failing the selection test for unknown reasons, he became a U.S. Air Force information officer instead. Over the years, he has retained his love of flying and his great admiration for the men in those G-suits. Some would argue that American fighter pilots--such as those accused of misbehavior at the Tailhook convention--are imbued with excessive machismo, but Wilcox also makes the strong case that these talented, arrogant, athletic men are an integral part of our nation's defense. Comparing elite fighter pilots to professional all-star athletes--only "more mature"--Wilcox introduces readers to an impressive lineup of some of the country's best fighter pilots. Dale Snodgrass is a Navy aviator so skilled at aerial maneuvers that his colleagues have nicknamed him "Golden Arm," in reference to how a fighter jock controls his aircraft through foot and hand movements. Snodgrass reveals one of the basic characteristics of men of his profession: "A fighter pilot is a hunter." His personal adventure tale ushers in those of other fighter pilots whose exploits include flying beneath civilian bridges and playing high-stakes pranks while airborne, as well as performing astounding feats in warfare. In many cases, the pilots are allowed to speak in their own words, but with Wilcox ever hovering in the background to moderate their boasts and certify their veracity. In the end, it seems perfectly reasonable to agree with Wilcox's assessment of these men who, he says, loathe war but want it as their crucible: "We need such people in this society." Photos not seen by PW.