Fightin' Air Force #9

Captain Jack Lacy thought it was just another photo-reconnaissance run over North Korea—until enemy fighters spotted him, forcing a crash landing behind enemy lines. Desperate to understand why the Communists reacted so violently to what seemed like empty terrain, Lacy commandeers a rescue helicopter and discovers a massive hidden airfield, then calls in a bombing strike to destroy the secret base. A sharp, tense mission story where one pilot's curiosity turns the tables on the enemy.

When Lt. Joe Briskin's jet is hit during a bombing run, he crash-lands behind enemy lines on a wooded ridge—but instead of hiding, he spots what he's been searching for: the Communist headquarters building below. With nothing but paint and audacity, Briskin makes his way to the roof to leave a message for his squadron, racing against time before enemy forces close in.

During World War I, Lt. Frank Luke earns his reputation as a daring balloon buster by targeting German observation balloons that are heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns—a risky gambit that most pilots wouldn't attempt. When Lt. Wehrner runs into trouble providing cover on a September 1918 flight, Luke shifts his focus to deal with the enemy fighters threatening his wingman. It's a thrilling display of aerial combat skill and nerve that cements Luke's legend as one of the war's most fearless pilots.

During World War II, bombardier Frank Nugent and navigator Will Samson lead a B-17 formation on a critical mission to destroy the German shipyards at Vegesack—the source of the U-boats strangling Britain. As the lead bombardier, Nugent carries the weight of the entire formation's success on his shoulders, especially since this is meant to be his final mission before going home. When devastating flak strikes the nose of their fortress during the bombing run, Nugent must fight through chaos and injury to line up his sight and deliver the payload that will cripple the enemy submarine program.