| Topgun: An American Story Contributor(s): Pedersen, Dan (Author), Meskimen, Jim (Read by) |
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ISBN: 1549178792 ISBN-13: 9781549178795 Publisher: Hachette Books OUR PRICE: $81.89 Product Type: Compact Disc - Other Formats Published: March 2019 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Military - Aviation - History | Military - Strategy - History | Military - United States |
| Dewey: B |
| Physical Information: 1.2" H x 6.7" W x 6.1" (0.75 lbs) |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Southeast Asian - Chronological Period - 1950-1999 - Chronological Period - 21st Century |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, aka TOPGUN, the founder of the program shares the untold story of how he and eight other young pilots revolutionized the art of aerial combat and created the center for excellence and incubator of leadership that thrives to this day.When American fighter jets were being downed at a horrifying and unprecedented rate during the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy turned to a young lieutenant colonel, Dan Pedersen, to figure out a way to reverse their dark fortune. On a shoestring budget and with little support, Pedersen picked eight of the finest pilots to help train a new generation to bend jets like the Phantom F-4 to their will and learn how to dogfight all over again.Now, the Fighter Weapons School's founder, the man who was picked to lead it at the start, from Miramar to Area 51 to the war in Vietnam, tells the inside story. Pedersen established a legacy that was built by him and his Original Eight and carried on for six decades by some of America's greatest leaders. The book is a heartfelt personal testimony to an elite community of innovators and disruptors who stand as an inspiration to all. |
Contributor Bio(s): Pedersen, Dan: - Dan Pedersen entered the U.S. Navy in 1953. He was the senior officer in the group of nine men who formed the Navy's legendary TOPGUN program at Naval Air Station Miramar in March 1969. He served in combat during the Vietnam War, with a flying cruise on USS Hancock (CVA-19) and three on USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He retired as a captain, having accumulated 6,100 flight hours and 1,005 carrier landings while flying 39 types of aircraft. He lives with his wife outside San Diego.Meskimen, Jim: - Jim Meskimen is a stage, film, and television actor who has appeared in many well-known movies and television shows. He acted in Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon for director Ron Howard, both of which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars. His television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Lie to Me, Criminal Minds, and Parks and Recreation. He is also a painter, award-winning audiobook narrator, and audiobook director for Galaxy Audio. |