I found this chapter to be insightful since it gave us an in-depth look into the lives of "flyboys." It is so often that we read of the exuberantly patriotic young men who enlisted during World War II, but I felt as though this chapter gave us a more familiar feel of who these young men were. They were not men prepared to fight. Rather, they were young men, sometimes boys, who felt so passionately for their country that they were prepared to protect it with their lives. I understood the allure of flying that was so present in the hearts of these young men. What it must have been like to know that they were revolutionizing not only the war but the American military of the time. These young men were about to completely change how America participated in the war, all through their courage to step foot in an airplane and fly into the war zone. Also, I found it interesting that George H. W. Bush was one of this new breed of soldiers. While I knew that Bush had fought in the Second World War, I thought it was interesting that he was a member of the "flyboys."
I too found the information on George Bush fascinating. Maybe that is a contributing factor to his popularity as President. It could be the entire reason he was elected. I also enjoyed the more personal look at the soldiers who enlisted.
This chapter was my favorite of the book so far. Its is so much more positive than the other chapters. I felt like I better understood who the "flyboys" were. They were not military men. And every one of them was different from the next. Their stories reminded me of my family members that enlisted. Many of them were in high school but felt the need to answer the call. Bradley also alluded to Japan's reaction to both the flyboys and their defeat. It showed that they underestimated the will that Americans had, and still do. The patriotism in the chapter was extremely powerful.
Although you say every one of them was different than the next, I find that they are in fact somewhat similar. For example, most of the Flyboys were short and light. Furthermore, many of them were handsome young men according to Bradley. They were also similar in that they all possessed a fascination with airplanes and new technology.
In contrast to Casey, I felt as though you were correct in your statement about the differentiation from flyboy to flyboy. Some came from upper class backgrounds and were headed to elite colleges while others originated in small towns and were unsure of what their futures would hold. However, they did all share an immense interest of the prospect of flying. I, too, enjoyed the positive side of the story that this chapter brought to the table. These men were so passionate about their countries as well as their causes, and this chapter allowed us to have an insight into their lives. The flyboys weren't just soldiers, they were men and boys similar to ones we know today.
I thought this chapter did an excellent job of reminding any who may have forgotten that soldiers have families, friends, and normal lives just as we do. It also gives us a scope of just how into this war our country was. With so many men enlisting at such a young age, it was anything but unappealing. Furthermore, it shows just how taken with a new technology Americans can be. All the Flyboys were absolutely fascinated with airplanes. Even though they had been around for thirty years or so, they were still an object of American wonder. Their impact on warfare has been immense. Even then, they saved untold millions of American lives by softening the enemy before the infantry attacked. I think, drawing on this idea, that airplanes kept the war popular because the military didn't have to throw men at something to take it. The airplanes took the place of the men who would have died.
The airplane definitly modernized warfare. Even though they were used in WWI they became even more popular during WWII. The airplane created a new type of war at the time, and I understand the fascination that the "flyboys" would've had with it.
Chapter 7 was a pleasent change from the rest of the chapters. It had an air of optimism and patriotism that is often a great atribute of American society. I also enjoyed how the chapter zero'd in on the Flyboys lives and made them seem more human. Often soldiers are percieved as different people, however this chapter changed that for me. The Flyboys however were special due to their fascination with airplanes. They were willing to undertake the new technology. It's also fascinating that George H.W. Bush was part of the flyboys. However I knew that he was in a plane accident during WWII, I did not know that he was part of the flyboys. That just shows that the Flyboys were a huge part of society, since one of them later became the leader of the United States.
It's interesting to think how different America would be if George H.W. Bush had not survived. I didn't think about how much the journey of the Flyboys affected society and their impact. I also agree with how this chapter changed your view on soldiers. It's incredible how passionate they were for flying and their fascination with airplanes.
Personally, I'm glad to be learning a lot more about the Flyboys as individuals and their journey. I found it interesting how passionate the group of men were about flying. Instead of reading about the worries of going off to war, Bradley puts it in a positive perspective. The reader gets the patriotic and nationalistic feeling expressed by the Flyboys at that time. The invention of the airplane was a turning point in American history that lead to many new technological advances. The information about George H.W. Bush was surprising to me; it's truly miraculous that he then went on to become a President of the United States. I wish that the rest of the story will be as positive as this chapter, although I highly doubt it. What saddens me the most is the amount of pride the Flyboys had for America and their true loyalty; going off to war for them seemed more exciting than negative.
I totally agree that the patriotism they expressed is heartbreaking in the light of what will happen to the Flyboys. It is uplifting to know, however, that whatever happened to the soldiers of WWII, most were optimistic and patriotic in their enlistment. Soldiers in any war fight more effectively if they believe in their cause. Additionally, war builds character which might be why George H.W. Bush went on to be elected president.
The pride seems to be a necessary factor going off to war. World War Two was truly a "necessary" war. Optimism also seems to be important. In Restrepo it was evident as well. Soldiers know that they risk death when they enlist.
Finally, after many many chapters I have heard something substantial regarding the Flyboys. I was interested to learn that H. W. Bush would become an airman during the war. I don't think I would be able to postpone attending college for the sake of enlisting. This type of commitment speaks to the supreme feelings of patriotism at the time in the U.S. I loved how Bradley included the height and weight of each flyboy in his descriptions of them. I never really considered how small the planes of the time were and how small the pilots had to be. I felt it was interesting that Bradley also included that many of the Flyboys were handsome and good looking. It seems like a superfluous detail but perhaps there is more significance to it than I am aware of? I am glad to find out that FDR, being the intelligent man he was, decided to invest heavily in airplane production. Not only would this bode well for the outcome of the war, but it would also serve as a way to put Americans back to work producing war machines. I am curious to see what is in store for the Flyboys.
This chapter focused on specific American youths that would become Flyboys. The most striking part of the chapter was the diverse array of reasons for joining the Naval Airforce. Some boys already had their hearts set on it, others saw ads, desired adventure, or just walked into the recruiting office. A common motif I noticed with the Flyboys was their desire for a challenge. I assume this theme is alluding to because it forshadows future adventures and hardships the Flyboys might face. Among the Flyboys, I was surprised to hear that future President George H.W. Bush enlisted, and I also liked the history of Warren Earl from Childress, Texas. From this chapter, I deduce that the Flyboys were a dedicated group of adventurous WWII fighters. This chapter was a pleasant change from the history of the Pacific conflict. With this background information and basic knowledge of the Flyboys persona, I am interested to get into the true plot of the story. It is safe to say that whatever happens to the Floyboys won't bode well for all parties involved.
I liked how this chapter focused on introducing the flyboys and the other young men that were enlisting in the army during that time. I thought that the anecdotes about their lives and what went through their heads helped me understand how these men thought back then. They weren't necessarily born to be soldiers, but they were ready to defend their country with their lives, realizing that at any time they could not come home. It was interesting to hear about George H.W. Bush becoming a member, it was something I had never heard before. I hope the book will stay on the topic of the flyboys and their journey during this war because it is truly fascinating. I do think men at the time were unaware of the conditions that they were getting themselves into so it will be interesting to see how the flyboys change throughout the war.
I found this chapter to be insightful since it gave us an in-depth look into the lives of "flyboys." It is so often that we read of the exuberantly patriotic young men who enlisted during World War II, but I felt as though this chapter gave us a more familiar feel of who these young men were. They were not men prepared to fight. Rather, they were young men, sometimes boys, who felt so passionately for their country that they were prepared to protect it with their lives. I understood the allure of flying that was so present in the hearts of these young men. What it must have been like to know that they were revolutionizing not only the war but the American military of the time. These young men were about to completely change how America participated in the war, all through their courage to step foot in an airplane and fly into the war zone. Also, I found it interesting that George H. W. Bush was one of this new breed of soldiers. While I knew that Bush had fought in the Second World War, I thought it was interesting that he was a member of the "flyboys."
ReplyDeleteI too found the information on George Bush fascinating. Maybe that is a contributing factor to his popularity as President. It could be the entire reason he was elected. I also enjoyed the more personal look at the soldiers who enlisted.
DeleteThis chapter was my favorite of the book so far. Its is so much more positive than the other chapters. I felt like I better understood who the "flyboys" were. They were not military men. And every one of them was different from the next. Their stories reminded me of my family members that enlisted. Many of them were in high school but felt the need to answer the call. Bradley also alluded to Japan's reaction to both the flyboys and their defeat. It showed that they underestimated the will that Americans had, and still do. The patriotism in the chapter was extremely powerful.
ReplyDeleteAlthough you say every one of them was different than the next, I find that they are in fact somewhat similar. For example, most of the Flyboys were short and light. Furthermore, many of them were handsome young men according to Bradley. They were also similar in that they all possessed a fascination with airplanes and new technology.
DeleteIn contrast to Casey, I felt as though you were correct in your statement about the differentiation from flyboy to flyboy. Some came from upper class backgrounds and were headed to elite colleges while others originated in small towns and were unsure of what their futures would hold. However, they did all share an immense interest of the prospect of flying. I, too, enjoyed the positive side of the story that this chapter brought to the table. These men were so passionate about their countries as well as their causes, and this chapter allowed us to have an insight into their lives. The flyboys weren't just soldiers, they were men and boys similar to ones we know today.
DeleteI thought this chapter did an excellent job of reminding any who may have forgotten that soldiers have families, friends, and normal lives just as we do. It also gives us a scope of just how into this war our country was. With so many men enlisting at such a young age, it was anything but unappealing. Furthermore, it shows just how taken with a new technology Americans can be. All the Flyboys were absolutely fascinated with airplanes. Even though they had been around for thirty years or so, they were still an object of American wonder. Their impact on warfare has been immense. Even then, they saved untold millions of American lives by softening the enemy before the infantry attacked. I think, drawing on this idea, that airplanes kept the war popular because the military didn't have to throw men at something to take it. The airplanes took the place of the men who would have died.
ReplyDeleteThe airplane definitly modernized warfare. Even though they were used in WWI they became even more popular during WWII. The airplane created a new type of war at the time, and I understand the fascination that the "flyboys" would've had with it.
DeleteChapter 7 was a pleasent change from the rest of the chapters. It had an air of optimism and patriotism that is often a great atribute of American society. I also enjoyed how the chapter zero'd in on the Flyboys lives and made them seem more human. Often soldiers are percieved as different people, however this chapter changed that for me. The Flyboys however were special due to their fascination with airplanes. They were willing to undertake the new technology. It's also fascinating that George H.W. Bush was part of the flyboys. However I knew that he was in a plane accident during WWII, I did not know that he was part of the flyboys. That just shows that the Flyboys were a huge part of society, since one of them later became the leader of the United States.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to think how different America would be if George H.W. Bush had not survived. I didn't think about how much the journey of the Flyboys affected society and their impact. I also agree with how this chapter changed your view on soldiers. It's incredible how passionate they were for flying and their fascination with airplanes.
DeletePersonally, I'm glad to be learning a lot more about the Flyboys as individuals and their journey. I found it interesting how passionate the group of men were about flying. Instead of reading about the worries of going off to war, Bradley puts it in a positive perspective. The reader gets the patriotic and nationalistic feeling expressed by the Flyboys at that time. The invention of the airplane was a turning point in American history that lead to many new technological advances. The information about George H.W. Bush was surprising to me; it's truly miraculous that he then went on to become a President of the United States. I wish that the rest of the story will be as positive as this chapter, although I highly doubt it. What saddens me the most is the amount of pride the Flyboys had for America and their true loyalty; going off to war for them seemed more exciting than negative.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that the patriotism they expressed is heartbreaking in the light of what will happen to the Flyboys. It is uplifting to know, however, that whatever happened to the soldiers of WWII, most were optimistic and patriotic in their enlistment. Soldiers in any war fight more effectively if they believe in their cause. Additionally, war builds character which might be why George H.W. Bush went on to be elected president.
DeleteThe pride seems to be a necessary factor going off to war. World War Two was truly a "necessary" war. Optimism also seems to be important. In Restrepo it was evident as well. Soldiers know that they risk death when they enlist.
DeleteFinally, after many many chapters I have heard something substantial regarding the Flyboys. I was interested to learn that H. W. Bush would become an airman during the war. I don't think I would be able to postpone attending college for the sake of enlisting. This type of commitment speaks to the supreme feelings of patriotism at the time in the U.S. I loved how Bradley included the height and weight of each flyboy in his descriptions of them. I never really considered how small the planes of the time were and how small the pilots had to be. I felt it was interesting that Bradley also included that many of the Flyboys were handsome and good looking. It seems like a superfluous detail but perhaps there is more significance to it than I am aware of? I am glad to find out that FDR, being the intelligent man he was, decided to invest heavily in airplane production. Not only would this bode well for the outcome of the war, but it would also serve as a way to put Americans back to work producing war machines. I am curious to see what is in store for the Flyboys.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter focused on specific American youths that would become Flyboys. The most striking part of the chapter was the diverse array of reasons for joining the Naval Airforce. Some boys already had their hearts set on it, others saw ads, desired adventure, or just walked into the recruiting office. A common motif I noticed with the Flyboys was their desire for a challenge. I assume this theme is alluding to because it forshadows future adventures and hardships the Flyboys might face. Among the Flyboys, I was surprised to hear that future President George H.W. Bush enlisted, and I also liked the history of Warren Earl from Childress, Texas. From this chapter, I deduce that the Flyboys were a dedicated group of adventurous WWII fighters. This chapter was a pleasant change from the history of the Pacific conflict. With this background information and basic knowledge of the Flyboys persona, I am interested to get into the true plot of the story. It is safe to say that whatever happens to the Floyboys won't bode well for all parties involved.
ReplyDeleteI liked how this chapter focused on introducing the flyboys and the other young men that were enlisting in the army during that time. I thought that the anecdotes about their lives and what went through their heads helped me understand how these men thought back then. They weren't necessarily born to be soldiers, but they were ready to defend their country with their lives, realizing that at any time they could not come home. It was interesting to hear about George H.W. Bush becoming a member, it was something I had never heard before. I hope the book will stay on the topic of the flyboys and their journey during this war because it is truly fascinating. I do think men at the time were unaware of the conditions that they were getting themselves into so it will be interesting to see how the flyboys change throughout the war.
ReplyDelete