THEY ALSO FLEW PB Paperback - 1998

Media reviews

Military pilots' wings were not always an officers' monopoly. Enlisted men flew before and during WW I. A congressional act of 1926 established a theoretical peacetime quota of enlisted pilots. With national mobilization in 1940, men whose formal educational qualifications fell below those required for commissioning were trained as sergeant pilots. In peace or war, however, enlisted pilots were seen as lacking command authority in too many crucial situations. In 1942 the program was abolished; most of its graduates were commissioned. First-time author Arbon substitutes anecdotes for analysis, describing individual experiences instead of addressing the relationship between technical proficiency and command. He also ignores the contemporary Navy and Marine Corps experience. Despite its shortcomings, this groundbreaking account may spark a comprehensive treatment of its hitherto-forgotten subject. Illustrated. (from Publishers Weekly; Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.)

A collection of anecdotes in the "I remember when . . . " vein tells the story of enlisted pilots in the Army Air Service, itself searching for a place in the nation's military system. The first pilots were certified in 1912, the last in 1942, when all pilots became commissioned officers. Bound together by a common love for flying, enlisted pilots served also as mechanics, crew chiefs, and line chiefs. World War II combat veteran Arbon includes a bibliography and makes generous use of appendixes, but he assumes readers have some acquaintance with early aircraft and aviation history. Recommended for those who served, plus academic libraries developing comprehensive collections on the subject. (from Library Journal; Charles Abshire, Mt. Hood Community Coll. Lib., Gresham, Ore.; Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.)

They Also Flew captures the spirit of these fine pilots who made significant contributions in both peace and war. (Military Review)

An important book. . . . [Lee Arbon has] preserved the record of a heretofore neglected chapter in aviation and American history. They Also Flew is a fascinating account of men who strived to succeed in a profession which largely ignored their existence, and it deserves to be read by anyone interested in military aviation and our national history. (Journal of Southwest Georgia History)

In this unique book, author Lee Arbon traces the legacy of the Army’s enlisted airmen and their contribution to military aviation. (Ron Boydston The Southern Aviator)

[A] groundbreaking account. (Publishers Weekly)

Lee Arbon's book successfully . . . documents the legacy of enlisted pilots . . . who not only had to fight to earn their wings, but also had to repeatedly face a deep, entrenched prejudice. . . . Arbon has created a readable and entertaining record of a proud group of military aviators. (Air Power History)

Painstakingly researched and well written. (Abilene Reporter-News)