Suicide Jockeys

The Making of the WWII Combat Glider Pilot

Author: Monique Taylor

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Description

On May 10, 1940, the Germans neutralized one of the most heavily fortified fortresses in Europe with a new weapon: the combat glider-an aerial vehicle capable of carrying men and equipment in close proximity to each other and crash landing behind enemy lines. The Army Air Corps soon established its own glider pilot program, but the glider pilots were not considered power pilots nor infantry. The end result was a group of young men looking for adventure-belonging seemingly to no command other than on paper-that through the course of the war went into combat with varying amounts of equipment, training, survival gear, or none at all.

Suicide Jockeys: The Making of the WWII Combat Glider Pilot delves into the making of the glider pilot and the logistical, strategic, and tactical use of the plane they flew. In their "flying coffins," these glider pilots were the independent bastards of the Army Air Corp, demonstrating sheer guts, talent, skill, and luck in their missions, and ultimately helping to turn the tide of the war.

Critic Reviews

"Hold on tight, dear reader, for a fabulous ride with these unsung heroes!" -Rona Simmons, Author of A Gathering of Men and The Other Veterans of World War II

"OUTSTANDING! Monique Taylor tells the incredible story of the US Army WWII glider program with the soul of a researcher, the mind of a historian, and the heart of a daughter." -Gary Stripling, Chair and Research Team Manager, National WWII Glider Pilots Association

". . . a must-read and a fine addition to any library for anybody interested in WWII airborne troop carrier and glider operations." -Colonel Mark C. Vlahos, USAF-Retired, WWII Historian, Author and Speaker

About the Author

Monique Taylor is an avid researcher who focuses on little-known areas of history. She holds a BA in English literature, an MA in history, and a JD in law. Monique was previously a college-level history instructor. Her father's stories about his time as a combat glider pilot piqued her interest in the glider program of WWII. She has been engaged in public speaking on a number of subjects, most recently at the National Glider Pilots reunion. While not writing, Monique enjoys hiking with her husband on their ranch.