Flying a Phantom RF-4C reconnaissance jet amidst air combat--the remarkable technical details, the mission, the derring-do--and the 19 nonflying hours a day: All this told in a gripping series of vignettes by a former pilot of a U.S. Air Force photo reconnaissance jet stationed at an airbase in Udorn, Thailand, during the Vietnam conflict. Formation flying, night photo missions, confrontations with B-52s, the Officer's Club and shows at Udorn, AAA fire, SAM missiles, the "Hanoi Hilton," GIs being killed by their own side--all this and more form a work of literature quite unlike any other emerging from Southeast Asia.

A New York Times essayist shares her journey from a self-destructive college student to a devoted family woman and teacher while illuminating the importance of trusting in a higher power and being truthful about life's challenges.

The Supermarine Swift was rushed into service with the RAF during 1954 to become Britain's first second-generation jet fighter. In this role it was not deemed a success and has been burdened with a bad reputation since that time. It was eventually replaced by the famous Hawker Hunter that had been extensively delayed because of teething troubles. This book covers the development and operational history of a vital aircraft that is a part of aviation legend.