Unforgotten Hero tells the captivating life story of Second Lieutenant Jimmy L. Escalle; a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who became missing in action during the Korean War. Growing up in a small farming town in California's San Joaquin Valley during the 1930s and 1940s; Jim was a devoted son; a caring older brother; a talented athlete; and a young man of moral character who always put others first. He started high school as the Second World War was at its peak; and graduated during a time of transition within America and around the world. He had always wanted to fly airplanes someday; and with the introduction of jet propulsion during his high school years; he dreamed of becoming a jet pilot. Called to serve his country after the Korean War began; his dream became a reality when he joined the Air Force and eventually got the opportunity to fly the F-86 Sabre; regarded as the most advanced jet fighter of its time. Soon after arriving in Korea he went on his first missions; which were MiG Alley sweeps. However; since Jim was assigned to a fighter-bomber squadron; the majority of his combat missions were air-to-ground. These were the most dangerous missions. In Korea; more pilots had been killed or listed as MIA due to being shot down by ground fire rather than enemy aircraft. For Jim; this fact was realized only five weeks before the armistice was signed. He paid the ultimate price for freedom when he disappeared while on a combat mission over North Korea and was never seen or heard from again.
#350694 in Books Jack Mayer 2015-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.18 x 5.98l; 1.68 #File Name: 0984111344530 pagesBefore the Court of Heaven
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Everyone enjoyed it more than we expectedBy RRHI recently read this book with a men's book group. Everyone enjoyed it more than we expected. The book starts out with a murder and a trial; all very historical in the Weimar Republic and then transforms into more of a novel with adventure; a love story; suspense and wonderful character development. Ernst was complex but I particularly enjoyed the character Puck; a counterfeiter extraordinaire. The rise of Nazi Germany; the French Resistance and the Jewish persecution all added historical relevance. One of the best books we have read in 3 years together. Jon H2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. I really loved Puck. The way a simple violent act can ...By Myrna HammerlingMy deepest compliments go to Jack Mayer. I haven't finished a 500 page book so rapidly in a long time. The intertwining of Jack's imagination and history was seamless. I really loved Puck. The way a simple violent act can have the chaotic results in a chaotic time; with terrible unexpected consequences. It ties in with the kinds of group hatred generalizations we hear today so shamelessly.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A moving and timely book!By Cathy BBefore the Court of Heaven will stay with me for a long while; it is truly food for thought; and very relevant to the issues we face today as our democracy is challenged by those who fear the integration of the many races; ethnicities; religions and philosophies which make our country strong and progressive. I was very impressed by the author's attention to detail; which made the history and the fiction feel so authentic; but I was also wowed by the beautiful descriptions and prose. This book is not black and white; and gives us a sense of how good people can do evil; and evil people can also do good. Read this book slowly and thoughtfully; you will learn something about history; and something about yourself!
