Jayhawk: Love, Loss, Liberation, and Terror Over the Pacific

The vivid story of Philippine-born George Cooper, who flew 74 missions over the Pacific. Born in the Philippines to an American father and a Filipina mother, George Cooper was one of the few surviving veteran pilots who saw action over such fearsome targets as Rabaul and Wewak. Not just another flag-waving story of air combat, Jayhawk describes the war as it really was—a conflict with far-reaching tentacles that gripped and tore at not only the combatants, but also their families, friends and the way they lived their lives. Stout examines the story of Cooper’s growing up in gentle and idyllic pre-war Manila and how he grew to be the man he was. Stout reviews Cooper’s journey to the United States and his unlikely entry into the United States Army Air Forces. Trained as a B-25 pilot, Cooper was assigned to the iconic 345th Bomb Group and flew strafing missions that shredded the enemy, but likewise put himself and his comrades in grave danger. A husband and father, Cooper was pulled two ways by the call of duty and his obligation to his wife and daughter. And always on his mind was the family he left behind in the Philippines who were in thrall to the Japanese. Table of Contents Prologue Introduction Early Life Going to America He's in the Army Now Occupied and Interned Bomber Pilot Getting "Over There" Introduction to Combat Transition to Low-Level Strafing Wewak, Rabaul, and other Actions First Combat Tour Completed The Philippines Stateside Duty Death of a Childhood Friend Return to the Pacific Rescue at Santos Tomas Reunification Last Combat Occupation Duty Epilogue Endnotes Bibliography Index
ASIN: 1612008836
VSKU: RDV.1612008836.VG
Condition: Very Good
Author/Artist:Stout, Jay A.|Cooper, George L
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This book is in excellent condition. There may be minimal writing on the inside cover or cover page. Cover image on the book may vary from photo. Ships out quickly in a secure plastic mailer.