Books I've Read (Fall/Winter 2005)

James Howard, Roar of the Tiger (WWII memoir)

Howard flew with the legendary American Volunteer Group at the outset of WWII, becoming an ace against the Japanese air force. Then he signed up with the US Army Air Corps, flew P-51Cs in Europe, and became an ace again, winning the Congressional Medal of Honor in the process.

It's hard to write about exploits like this in the first person without coming off boastful; Howard, a genuine hero, manages the feat.

If you're interested in the Flying Tigers, you might also want to read the scrupulously researched and smoothly written Flying Tigers: Claire Chennault and the American Volunteer Group by Daniel Ford.