Intrepid Aviators by Gregory G. Fletcher
Hi my name is Parker and I’m a 7th grader and love reading non-fiction historical books. I also enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with friends.
This book, Intrepid Aviators, is about the flyboys who served aboard the USS Intrepid during World War II. Written by Gregory G. Fletcher, the grandson of one of the flyers in the book, it is an exciting tale of bravery and courage.
The Intrepid was an Essex Class aircraft carrier and was built and commissioned in 1943. It follows these aviators and their journey from boys to pilots and the impact that they had on the war. Their vigorous training made them the tip of the spear in the US Navy. The torpedo bomber that these men flew, the TBF Avenger, was vital for taking out Japanese shipping and warships during the war. The book gets you hooked right off the bat with an epic story of torpedo bombers attacking a Japanese super battleship, named the Musashi. This fight put an end to Japanese naval surface superiority and led to the Allied victory.
The book finishes with a fantastic ending that I was not expecting. It’s fascinating to see into the lives of the sailors and naval aviators as they sailed around the Pacific Ocean. The bravery of these men is incomprehensible as they risk their lives for their families and for their country. It’s a great read once you can get past the first part and I would highly recommend it.
