This was an enjoyable look at the short life and storied career of America's top fighter ace, Richard Bong. Growing up on a Wisconsin farm, the seven-year-old Richard one day spotted President Calvin Coolidge's mail plane making its way overhead to his summer White House and immediately set his sights on becoming a pilot. Author Don Keith's focus is on that journey, and the military career it led to, but he also offers information about the P-38 Lightning airplane that Bong flew as well as the air war strategy being pursued by Bong's commander, General George Churchill Kenney. Be aware that this is not a nuanced biography--Keith is very clearly Team Bong and this book is a paean to him and his career which presents a fairly simplistic view of Bong's true motivations in the race to become America's top ace. Still, "Richard Bong" is a pleasant read for military history buffs and it's hard to argue with giving Bong the full hero's treatment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Caliber/Penguin Random House for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

I have read a fair amount on Richard Bong, including several books, but this one is by far the best. Anyone who likes a good war story that will keep them on the edges of their seats will love this one.

A truly inspirational novel about the top American fighter pilot during WW2. The heroism and values he demonstrated while serving his country is a great story for today. The hardships were unbelievable, yet he went up each time to protect his country. His life is one all should read and know about!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.