ebooks Weekend Warriors by Paul L. Cooper in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Well-written and informativeBy Bob DialMy late father was on board an aircraft carrier for two cruises during the Korean War (USS Valley Forge); and I always find books on this topic of interest because I never learned much about it while he was alive. This book is well-written and gives the perspective of an ordinary sailor (airman) during training and wartime operations. I also found the depictions of shore leave in Japan of interest. The book also provides insights about the call-up of reservists during the Korean War; a very common occurrence. I recommend it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A reserve enlisted man's view of Korean carrier action.By Fred BlechmanAs a former Navy carrier pilot flying F4U Corsairs during the Korean "police action" years; I was particularly interested in Paul L.Cooper's detailed story about being pulled in from reserve inactive duty to suddenly find himself aboard a just-activated carrier; the USS Princeton (CV-37) -- with an almost completely reservist ship's crew; and in a completely-reservist Corsair squadron; VF-871. Based on his personal diary; and extensive research; Cooper brings to life the personal considerations and the doubts and fears about being thrust into a combat zone; and the turmoil of leaving his home and family for an undefined period; and then watching pilots he knew get killed flying missions over Korea. Cooper was not a pilot or aircrewman; but performed one of the many essential tasks provided by the large contingent of enlisted personal that are required to allow the pilots and their planes to fly. Written in plain; uncluttered; easy-reading language; yet filled with incredible detail that pulls the reader into a you-are-there experience; Cooper is to be complimented on his bringing perspective to the "forgotten war" that was so costly in over 50;000 lives during the early 1950s. He describes lessons that SHOULD have been learned; but were later ignored and repeated in the Vietnam War. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Korean War; and to all who wonder what life aboard a carrier at sea in a combat area is like.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. VF-871; U.S.S. Princeton CV-37.By A CustomerThe author; an enlisted man; was activated with his California Bay Area Naval Reserve comrades in 1951 and served with a very active F4U-4 Corsair squadron aboard a demothballed aircraft carrier in the Korean War. Cooper's work details Navy life in the 1950's; with the minutia of everyday life as well as the more exciting shipboard and aviation action. His descriptions of Navy life; with photos and some historical background; will give readers of the future a good look into the times. Readers wishing to follow the missions of the squadron will have to furnish their own maps.(The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score' books."