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Charles Cone was born into a farming family in Upstate New York. The family subsisted on the marketable crops they grew, yet Charles' ambition reached beyond the homestead. The nearby airport allowed Charles to watch as planes traversed the skies, and the idea of becoming an aviator took hold of him. His school projects revolved around airplanes, and he began saving extra money to pay for flight lessons. His attempt to enlist in the Navy was nearly scuttled by his own physical limitations (hay fever) and frustrating government bureaucracy, and while he missed out on serving in World War II, Cone would see flight time in the late 1940s and '50s, flying through various hotspots in Asia during the early days of the Cold War. As Cone continued to serve his country, he took the opportunity to further his education, which served him and his growing family well when he ultimately retired from the armed forces as a colonel.
An engaging life story about realizing one's dreams and advancing through the ranks of the military, this narrative reflects on both individual achievements and the sacrifices often made by military families. The author's career in aeronautics is rich with anecdotes that range from mundane to adventurous, harrowing, and poignant. Cone's recall is both clear and frank in detailing a career spanning nearly fifty years, taking him all over the world. There is a sense of humility in the author's words when detailing the ups and downs in the life of a pilot. His children's memories at the conclusion of the book make for a heartfelt addition to the overall story. The memoir succeeds in being entertaining and informative from beginning to end and will resonate with readers who enjoy autobiographies or books about flying.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review