Dave Baranek (callsign "Bio") was one of 451 young men to receive his Wings of Gold in 1980 as a naval flight officer. Four years later; seasoned by intense training and deployments in the tense confrontations of the cold war; he became the only one of that initial group to rise to become an instructor at the navy's elite Fighter Weapons School. As a Topgun instructor; Bio was responsible for teaching the best fighter pilots of the Navy and Marine Corps how to be even better. He schooled them in the classroom and then went head-to-head with them in the skies.Then; in August 1985; Bio was assigned to combine his day-to-day flight duties with participation in a Pentagon-blessed project to film action footage for a major Hollywood movie focusing on the lives; loves; heartbreaks; and triumphs of young fighter pilots: Top Gun.Bio soon found himself riding in limousines to attend gala premieres; and being singled out by giggling teenagers and awed schoolboys who recognized the name "Topgun" on his T-shirts. The book ends with his reflections on his career as a skilled naval aviator and his enduring love of flight. The paperback and Kindle editions include more than 50 rare full color photographs of fighter jets in action. The fascinating history of one man's rise from naval flight officer to Hollywood hero.
#309983 in Books 2012-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.00 x 6.00l; 1.70 #File Name: 1616084014704 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. there are better ones out thereBy claude templeton whalenI actually got this book out on loan from the Carnegie Library system in early February. After briefly reading and paging through the book; I had seen enough and decided to purchase a copy for my own personal library. Though I have other books on Gettysburg; this book is one that I have gone to for quick answers on what the Brigade did during the entire battle. Instead of paging through numerous chapters of other books looking for details on what the 1st Minnesota (for example) did during the battle; I can quickly look its Brigade and get a quick summary.If you want a book that covers the battle chronologically; there are better ones out there. If you want a quick reference book whenever a question comes on on a particular Brigade; this book fits that need nicely (I know five descendants of General Alexander Hays that live in my town. There also are descendants of General Sherman in the Sewickley area so if you are going to discuss anything about the Civil War with them; you better be prepared).I recommend the book to Civil War buffs and those who are just curious.12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Very good description of the Infantry Brigades at G-BurgBy Craig Michael ChagnonThis is a great book for those interested in the infantry brigades that participated at the battle of Gettysburg. The Cavalry and Artillery units are not at all described. So if you wanted to know where Gen.Custer's Michigan horseman were at or what batteries made up Col. Porter Alexander's artillery units you will have to find out through research. The author of this book does have a book on the Artillery of G-Burg. Sorry to make this so long just figured I would pass this tidbit along; Cavalry and Artillery are not mentioned but the book is a must have for any Civil War historian. I just would have liked to have seen all the units that served at G-Burg in one book; I believe this could be done at the Brigade level. Thank you Mr. Gottfried for the great book.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. This is a fascinating book for anyone interested in the ...By B. FureyThis is a fascinating book for anyone interested in the Civil War and; more particularly; the stunning three days at Gettysburg. The author provides a surprising amount of new detail about individuals and units. By focusing on the individual brigades of each army he can go into considerable detail without losing the focus of the larger picture. I have read numerous books on the battle; but this I will keep as a permanent reference.
