One Foot On the Ground, A Pilot's Memoirs of Aviators And Aviation By Paul Roxin

This book review was originally published by the US Review of Books and appears as is seen on their website. It is about early aviators during World War II and speaks to the Greatest Generation. If you are looking for a gift for men over 70 or for any WWII buff, this is a good read.

"we recalled the wonderful memories of a bygone era, when individual valor, integrity, and camaraderie stood for something. Sandy had it all, but for all of us who knew him, it just wasn't for long enough."

Roxin attempts to record the antics and courage of many early pilots, who tested their metal before and during World War II. Part history, part memoir, Roxin successfully opens our eyes to a shrinking generation, whose surviving members are now mostly in their 90s. He is generous in his acknowledgement of women and their contributions to not only flying, but to the war effort.

Roxin's small dossiers on his fellow pilots and friends give you just enough information to warm you to these early daredevils and at the same time leaves you wanting to know more. This is the mark of a good storyteller. His insights make you wonder at the recklessness of some early pilots, like David Taschman, who had to abort a mission, but decided to drop his payload on an enemy train he and his crew flew over on their way back to Italy. He missed, but the train was derailed. It reveals a time when pilots literally flew by the seat of their pants.

While Rosin focuses on the day-to-day heroes of aviation, he also includes some little known stories of famous aviators like Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Stewart and Tyrone Power. Who knew Rochester, New York was such an important center for early flight training companies? Many firms like American Airlines, USAir and Gannett Newspapers got their start in this area. The naming of O'Hare International Airport after a World War II hero is sure to pique the reader's interest to know more about the men and women, who were the foundation of not only the United States Air Force, but the aviation industry as a whole.