MiG Killers of Yankee Station

Flight Journal, Feb 2005 by Thompson, Warren E

MiG Killers of Yankee Station by Michael O'Connor; New Past Press, P.O. Box 558, Friendship, WI 53934; www.newpastpress.com; $50.

This first-class, hard-bound, "coffee-table" book is definitely for anyone who's interested in Navy fighter pilots' aerial duels with Soviet MiGs over North Vietnam. This book is crammed with personal accounts by U.S. pilots who waged war against Soviet pilots from the decks of aircraft carriers off the coast of Vietnam. These memorable, exciting accounts are profusely illustrated with outstanding photography and many realistic, full-color artworks of the aircraft in action.

The interviews put you squarely in the cockpit and in the middle of the action. The Navy had two air-superiority dog-fighters working off the carriers: the F-8 Crusader and the F-4 Phantom. They were on par with anything that was thrown at them by the MiG-17 and MiG-21 pilots. Naval aviators always seemed to have an advantage over the Soviets because of their outstanding training and dedication.

There were many facets to the Vietnam War's air action, and this book covers the Navy's role well. Add it to your library.

-Warren E Thompson