Diary of a Lucky Leatherneck Throttle Jock

About the Book

An often-humorous chronological collection of experiences and encounters that Reynolds recorded from the time he was inducted until he went aboard the U.S.S. Essex as a Marine fighter pilot. He describes flying episodes and the characteristics of various aircraft particularly the F-4-U Corsair. However, the Diary of a Lucky Leatherneck Throttle Jock is more about off-duty life principally the pursuit of females and firewater, and of the antics of some wild and crazy guys he knew.

Follow Reynolds from the sweltering heat of Iowa during Pre-flight School to flying open cockpit trainers in sub-zero temperatures in Minneapolis. Then on to the completion of flight training at Corpus Christi, Texas, and receiving the gold wings of a Naval Aviator.

He next takes you to Vero Beach, Florida, for operational training in dive-bombers followed by more of the same at El Toro in southern California. Stick on his tail as he joins a fighter squadron in Mojave, California, which is subsequently sent to Hawaii and finally to the fleet anchorage where Reynolds boards the carrier Essex.

About the Author

William E. Reynolds: Born 1920, Helena, Montana. Graduated from Carleton College 1942. He was a Naval Aviator during World War II. Attended the Los Angeles Art Center, 1946-48, and since has been a commercial artist/designer. He and wife Meredith live in Washburn, North Dakota.