If you are familiar with Warren Thompson's other books on the Korean War, then you already should have high expectations for this latest book of his. First, let me get the specifics out of the way, This book is hard bound with dust jacket, 10 x 10 inches in size, 192 pages with 150 b&w and color photos, most of which are in color. In fact, just about all of the photos in the book were new to me as they were taken from various private collections. Most were provided by the people whose stories are told in the book, but more on that later. While on the subject of photos, I'd have liked to have seen many of them in a larger format, but I can understand the reason that they were the smaller size that they were.

Unlike other books on the conflict, this is basically a book of 'I was there' stories. The vast majority are from pilots who generally don't get all the press and that is much of what makes this book so refreshing. There are also stories from non-flying personnel that add a great deal to the flavor of the book.

It is divided into several sections depending on the arrival of units and the progress of the war. Each of the stories is in a chronological order to accentuate the conditions of the time. Most of the stories are first hand from the pilots and crews themselves, though a few are from the official combat reports. Frankly, the pilots' tales are much more interesting!

In addition to the usual air to air actions from the major players, there is a section devoted to the ground attack Sabres. They only produced one ace, but they often got the chance to mix it up with the MiGs when the opportunity presented itself. A section is also devoted to GunVal trials of Sabres equipped with 20mm cannon in place of the usual .50 cal machine guns. Of course, a book like this would not be complete without a comparison section comparing the Sabre and MiG-15.

Finally, there are several appendices for the stats freaks. First is a listing by type and serial of every F-86 that flew in Korea as well as its fate if it was lost or heavily damaged in theater. This section also includes the plane's name, if appropriate, and what units it flew with, including post war assignments, if known. Next is a listing of all the Sabre lost in Korea or Japan, which is then followed by an appendix on F-86 confirmed kills. Finally a list of aces followed by a rather complete bibliography section.

Frankly, I've not seen a book like it in either scope or depth of information and there will probably not be one like it on the subject again. For the Sabre enthusiast, Korean War historian, or just someone who likes a really good read, I'd suggest picking up a copy of this book before it is gone. It is that good.

Review book courtesy of , where you can order your copy of this and many other superb aviation and modeling books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has well over 150,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.