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Rating: 
Summary: Dedication and bravery at its best
Review: Mr. Livingston does a superb job of describing the dedication and bravery of these Americans who sacrificed their careers, families and most of all their lives in the quest for Israel's freedom. The majority of these volunteers had already served in the U.S. Armed Forces in defeating the Nazi, but the former didn't adapt the "let someone else fight this war" attitude, instead, they stepped up when called upon.The author keeps the readers interest in tact with very accurate details of events, individuals and the different government sources involved (with the later often to the detriment of the mission.) The author adds the reality of differing philosophies when it came time to place Israel's future in front of individual contributions. Especially interesting was learning how these volunteers undertook missions that offered little or no safety precautions for them in case of an air crash, or what to expect from foreign, and sometimes their own governments during these operations. There is much to learn from this book, mostly new information, and some already known, such as the Truman Administration being intimidated and manipulated by the Soviet Union in the former Palestine as it was throughout Eastern Europe during this era. When the reader finishes this book they will be amazed by how much was accomplished by these individuals and the Israeli forces in such a short period of time. Anyone interested in history and human sacrifice will benefit from Mr. Livingston's story.
Rating: 
Summary: "Well, there I was at 15,000 feet..."
Review: This fascinating book should appeal to those interested in the beginning of the Israeli Air Force, the state of Israel, post-WWII aviation, or some excitiing David-versus-Goliath tales of embargo-running. The author is a screenwriter and award-winning novelist, and writes about his time as an aircrewman for Israel's major airlift supplier during the state's 1948 war for independence. In 1948, Israel, like Berlin, survived by airlift -- the British and the Soviets, respectively, effectively closed other sources of transportation and like today, nearly every nation had some ideological problem with the Jewish state. Livingston was part of Israel's airlift supply brigade, which meant he was a daredevil as well as an airman. Flying goods into embargoed nations wasn't easy, and Livingston's accounts of these difficulties (and how they were overcome) makes his story interesting and exciting. During the war, the aircrew members who flew the airlift helped found Israel's airline and air force. The author recalls these members eventually included the Commander of the Israeli Air Force and President of Israel, a founding CEO of the Israeli Aircraft Industries, several El Al captains, and an initiator of Israel's air force training program. Livingston writes about these people in their "junior years" and he gives a warm account of his return to Israel after nearly thirty years, when he realized that he and his fellows helped start a "nation-full of fighter pilots" -- arrogant, dynamic, positive, and productive (and, sadly, persecuted and envied). The author writes well with a good sense of humor ("things have never looked brighter") and I was sad to see the story end, although the first couple of chapters seemed to start slowly. Unfortunately for thsoe fond of such things, he does not provide any bibliography or references -- you prety much have to accept his memories, although his story seems verifiable and he seems to have no political or personal agenda (in fact, he relates one incident, a run-in with the Israeli hierarchy, with considerable shame). I thought this was a good book, written by someone you'd like to share a few drinks with. I don't usually repeat authors, but have ordered another of his books.
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