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Topgun

By: Dan Pedersen
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

When American fighter jets were being downed at an unprecedented rate during the Vietnam War, the US Navy turned to a young lieutenant commander, 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 F-4 Phantom to their will and learn how to dogfight all over again. 

What resulted was nothing short of a revolution - one that took young American pilots from the crucible of combat training in the California desert to the blistering skies of Vietnam, in the process raising America's Navy combat kill ratio from two enemy planes downed for every American plane lost to more than 22 to 1. Topgun emerged not only as an icon of America's military dominance immortalised by Hollywood but as a vital institution that would shape the nation's military strategy for generations to come.

Pedersen takes listeners on a colorful and thrilling ride - from Miramar to Area 51 to the decks of aircraft carriers in war and peace - through a historic moment in air warfare. He helped establish a legacy that was built by him and his 'Original Eight' - the best of the best - and carried on for six decades by some of America's greatest leaders. Topgun is a heartfelt and personal testimonial to patriotism, sacrifice, and American innovation and daring.    

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio on our desktop site.

©2019 Dan Pedersen (P)2019 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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Air to air combat over Vietnam and administrative violence with Navy bureucracy all come together in Dan Pederson's "TOP GUN"

We all have seen the fast paced action of the movies, Now Dan Pederson's book gives us the real behind the scenes look at the inception of the Naval Fighter Weapons School, TOP GUN.

An engaging biography of the, at the time, rather junior officer, who was tasked with improving the air to air combat performance of US Navy fighter pilots during the Vietnam war. From his training days to eventual retirement, Dan's real life story takes you into the cockpit flying strikes over Vietnam to the bureaucratic battles to create and keep TOP GUN alive.

Highly recommended for real life and armchair aviators.

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Very interesting

Well written and gives some interesting perspectives to the airwar over Vietnam and the continuing problem of political interference.

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Brilliant! Highly recommend.

Absolutely brilliant book. Well written and read just as well. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Well worth the read/listen.

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Thrilling read!

This book is amazing, truly exciting and riveting review of what the early days of jet warfare was like through a fighter pilot’s own eyes and experiences. I love this book and found the accounts of how Topgun began inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those with an interest in flying.

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