Wake Island Pilot: A World War II Memoir

Description

Within hours of the attack on Pearl Harbour, the Japanese struck the small U.S. garrison on Wake Island. As his squadron's engineering officer, Marine pilot John F. Kinney used all his ingenuity to oversee the repair of damaged planes when he was not in the air fighting the Japanese. His gallant efforts helped the defenders hold out for an incredible two weeks. Kinney's remarkable story includes his escape from a Japanese POW camp in China and his service during the Korean War.

"General Kinney's firsthand account of his unique experiences in World War II is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of the chair. From the heroic defense of Wake Island to the horrible years as a prisoner of the Japanese and the spine-tingling account of his escape that was three years in the making, Kinney provides new insights and perspectives into the war in the Pacific." --Brig. Gen. Philip D. Caine, USAF (Ret.), author of SPITFIRES, THUNDERBOLTS, AND WARM BEER: AN AMERICAN FIGHTER PILOT OVER EUROPE "General Kinney s firsthand account of his unique experiences in World War II is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of the chair. From the heroic defense of Wake Island to the horrible years as a prisoner of the Japanese and the spine-tingling account of his escape that was three years in the making, Kinney provides new insights and perspectives into the war in the Pacific." "Throughout his well-told story, Kinney describes the traits that make a leader, a pilot, and an engineer. His autobiography is one of drive, determination, intestinal fortitude, and will. World War II was won by heroes like John Kinney." "John Kinney s actions at Wake Island epitomized the American flair for improvisation that was such a notable contribution in the early days of World War II. His exciting story is well worth reading."