Although, it took place over three decades ago, the Vietnam War seems to be a scar that will not heal. This memoir/essay details the journey of an extremely eager, "true believer" young pilot who couldn't wait to get in the war, and was afraid it would be over before he could participate. Starting in the early sixties, this memoir captures the thoughts and feelings of this idealistic, young man as he seeks adventure, glory, and excitement in what he believes to be a truly worthwhile cause. The narrative covers the author's assignment to the F-4 Phantom II fighter, at the time, one of the most capable fighter planes available, and details the extensive training necessary to turn him into a fighter pilot who is immediately thrust into the Rolling Thunder campaign. If you've ever wondered what goes through a fighter pilot's mind while he is in combat, this book provides illuminating insight. The intervening three-plus decades have provided the author time to reflect and the perspective necessary to analyze events in a way that simply was not possible at the time. The numerous descriptions of several "toe curling" missions give the reader a "you are there" feeling of what it was like to be in combat. But, more than that, the memoir shows how America's longest and most divisive war was perceived by those who were at the very sharpest point of the spear, and what their thoughts were at that very difficult time.