This chapter was fascinating to me because it gave us, as readers, a chance to gawk at the immense courage of the flyboys. By getting a look into their normal training exercises and the differences between being a bomber and fighter pilot, this chapter gave me a little taste for the life of flyboys before their departure into war. The training exercises were a little more intense then I expected; I had always heard stories of how little training many soldiers of the Second World War received before being deployed. I thought the bit about the pants that cut off blood supply to keep the pilots from passing out was innovative and very interesting. In addition, it was comical to me that the flyboys used their courageous roles in the military to gain the favor of a variety of women and access to parties as well as events. This, to me, signified that while the flyboys were courageous soldiers- they were also similar to many young men who were simply looking for an adventure. Also, I thought the treatment of the flyboy POWs by the Japanese was horrific. Its weird to be so separated from wars that we tend to hope for fair play on all sides. This chapter illuminated that this is often not the case. Nations may not stick by their word, and we can't really expect them to during wartime. However, it just surprised me to know how simple it was for the Japanese to bypass the common treatment for POWs and create their own punishments. While reading about the lead up to the execution of the 3 flyboys, I kept expecting some event to disrupt their upcoming deaths.
I felt the same way about the death of the POW flyboys. In a book one expects lead up, climax, and falling action. I guess it demonstrates that war doesn't have a happy ending or one that makes sense. My only other point would be that we mustn't forget the American brutality during this conflict instead of solely criticizing the Japanese. Everyone involved in this gruesome conflict should share in the blame.
I was also disturbed by the lead up to the deaths of the flyboys. I feel as though many are stuck in a romance novel world where someone will come and save the day, not realizing that it's not how the real world is. These men knew what they were getting themselves into, but at the same time, they had no idea.
This chapter focused mainly on the types of planes used to fight in the Pacific and the pilots' tactics. I learned that, while glamorous, the life of a Flyboy was perilous to say the least. From landing on a moving Aircraft carrier, to daring hot-dog rolling, these pilots could die on any given day of training or battle. Additionally, the history of the Battle of Midway was interesting. I always knew it was the turning point, but I never knew why. The American fleet, under Rochefort, decoded Japanese intelligence and then decimated the Japanese navy. Bradley reiterated the significance of the Third Dimension. Where the Japanese "saw islands as fortresses defended by a vast saltwater moat, the Americans saw them as springboards." The emphasis of the Flyboys makes the American victory in the Pacific more tangible. Trying to ward off an enemy from every direction and angle seems treacherous and futile.
I also felt the same way about the Battle of Midway. We were always taught that it is the turning point but the battle itself isn't talked about extensively. The Flyboys and the power of the Third Dimension also isn't mentioned as much as it is in this book. The book shows how important it really was.
I also thought the details about the Battle of Midway were interesting; we've never really been taught exactly why it was such a turning point. This book has, so far, illuminated many aspects of the war that textbooks tend to gloss over. In addition, I had wondered how America was able to defeat the Japanese when they had been so much more built up military wise prior to the war. While Japanese soldiers were trained since youth, many American boys had grown up in entirely different situations that focused on playtime and education- not killing.
I thought it was interesting how much the Flyboys impacted the Battle of Midway. It just goes to show how much information we don't learn about. Also, the Flyboys spirit was very positive. I'm glad you agree how dangerous their job was, yet they enjoyed every minute of it.
This chapter showed me how pivotal airpower really was for the Pacific Theater. I had heard that Guadalcanal was fought over for its airfield. However I did not know how big of a role air power had in winning it. Guadalcanal was not the only airfield either. Almost every island had either a major airfield or anti-air defenses. Furthermore, the Third Dimension played a huge role in securing the Second Dimension. Mitchell was correct in saying that whoever held the air would win the sea. The carrier pilots were awe-inspiring. The skill and courage required to be one is extremely unique. They were not easily expendable and were also highly trained. Their skill set was extremely rare.
I agree that the flyboys were not easily expendable. Who else in the country had the courage to fly the missions the flyboys did? Not many people could measure of to the sheer manliness and toughness of the Flyboys. It is evident that without the flyboys, the air may have been dominated by the Japanese, resulting in a completely different outcome at the end of WWII.
In this chapter, my eyes were opened to just how awesome the flyboys were. Not only were they incredible pilots, but they were also handsome, socially adept individuals. They were able to use their prestige as flying aces to impress anyone they met. I know that if I posessed any incredible skill, I would use it as a social tool. However, their skills were not just for show. Their prowess in the air was instrumental in the success of winning any battles. Specifically, the Flyboys assisted immensely in the battle of Midway. I knew the flyboys flew dangerous training exercises but i never knew to what extent. Seemingly defying physics, the flyboys partook in arial flips and maneuvers that I never thought possible in 1940's era aircraft. While the Flyboys were certified bad boys, they were still subject to the torment of their Japanese captors. I can't imagine how helpless POWs felt seeing how the Japanese would not abide by international laws decided in the Geneva Convention.
I agree, that because of their position in the most dangerous front, the Flyboys were probably very desirable, and great War heros. That was however not their main goal. They participated in the most detrimental battles. I also agree that they had great power in the air, due to their ability to due tricks.
This chapter really showed me how important airplane were in the Pacific side of the war. It really showed that the "Third Dimension" was a pivotal dimension in the war. Mitchell had predicted correctly. The Flyboys were also very courageous since they decided to undertake the mission. The Flyboys also had to partake in rigorous training, unlike the other recruits. They knew at any moment their life could be in danger, and thus they always had to be prepared for the worst. They also had to be able to maneuver their aircraft, from flips to dives and much more. This was instumental in defying the enemy and attempting to make it out alive. The battle of Midway was also a turning point due to the Flyboys immense skill. They were able to uncover Japans plans, and thus penetrate the premiss. The Flyboys were instrunmental since they were able to survey the land. However since the battles were so prominent, if captured, their punishments would be horrendous, which also went along with Japans customs of immense brutality.
I also saw the importance of the Third Dimension clearly. It makes the officials that got rid of Mitchell seem foolish in hindsight. However, they were doing what they thought was best for America at the time. I also think that Flyboy training was more intense than any other.
This chapter made me realize that flying is far more complicated than we can comprehend as non pilots. The added challenge of vertical movement as opposed to simply lateral like we use in a car must make it far more difficult. I also didn't realize how much the pilots needed to know. Physics, mechanics, mission directives, plane tendencies, and monitoring all the instruments at the same time must have been a daunting task. I think that the Japanese executions of the Flyboys were unnecessary, and cruel. Crucifying and then shooting the men was excessively brutal. Also, I think that it was equally cruel of the Japanese government not to send the last letters they wrote. Perhaps the families are still living in anguish today. It really makes wonder: were the Germans really the most evil in this war? Because the Japanese killed five times more Chinese than the Germans did Jews, and I have never heard of Germans being that cruel to POW's.
This chapter gave the reader an inside look on the Flyboys life and the types of planes they flew. Also, how dangerous their job can be. Personally, my great Uncle died in plane crash while training; the Flyboys accepted their fate and were ready for whatever mission/adventure was ahead of them. I loved learning about how much fun they had with their flying skill. After reading this chapter, I had a better understanding the Battle of Midway and how important the Flyboys were to it. Because it was a turning point in the war, it's amazing to think how vital the Flyboys and their skill were. However, I felt sympathetic for the Flyboys at the end and realized how much they gave up to protect their country. The bravery and skill they possessed is truly inspiring. I realized how difficult yet rewarding the Flyboys job was.
This chapter moved away from the normal lives of the flyboys and focused more on their planes and their exercises. It was very fascinating though. As I have already said in the past, the flyboys were very courageous knowing that each mission could be their last. They fought with all their might and trained hard for each mission. The life of a flyboy was definitely not easy, nor was fighting for our country at all during WWII. All the men who fought/fight for our country are extremely courageous, despite the amount of training they do or do not have. The POWs were treated horribly, and the ones that made it through were even stronger afterwards.
This chapter was fascinating to me because it gave us, as readers, a chance to gawk at the immense courage of the flyboys. By getting a look into their normal training exercises and the differences between being a bomber and fighter pilot, this chapter gave me a little taste for the life of flyboys before their departure into war. The training exercises were a little more intense then I expected; I had always heard stories of how little training many soldiers of the Second World War received before being deployed. I thought the bit about the pants that cut off blood supply to keep the pilots from passing out was innovative and very interesting. In addition, it was comical to me that the flyboys used their courageous roles in the military to gain the favor of a variety of women and access to parties as well as events. This, to me, signified that while the flyboys were courageous soldiers- they were also similar to many young men who were simply looking for an adventure. Also, I thought the treatment of the flyboy POWs by the Japanese was horrific. Its weird to be so separated from wars that we tend to hope for fair play on all sides. This chapter illuminated that this is often not the case. Nations may not stick by their word, and we can't really expect them to during wartime. However, it just surprised me to know how simple it was for the Japanese to bypass the common treatment for POWs and create their own punishments. While reading about the lead up to the execution of the 3 flyboys, I kept expecting some event to disrupt their upcoming deaths.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about the death of the POW flyboys. In a book one expects lead up, climax, and falling action. I guess it demonstrates that war doesn't have a happy ending or one that makes sense. My only other point would be that we mustn't forget the American brutality during this conflict instead of solely criticizing the Japanese. Everyone involved in this gruesome conflict should share in the blame.
DeleteI was also disturbed by the lead up to the deaths of the flyboys. I feel as though many are stuck in a romance novel world where someone will come and save the day, not realizing that it's not how the real world is. These men knew what they were getting themselves into, but at the same time, they had no idea.
DeleteThis chapter focused mainly on the types of planes used to fight in the Pacific and the pilots' tactics. I learned that, while glamorous, the life of a Flyboy was perilous to say the least. From landing on a moving Aircraft carrier, to daring hot-dog rolling, these pilots could die on any given day of training or battle. Additionally, the history of the Battle of Midway was interesting. I always knew it was the turning point, but I never knew why. The American fleet, under Rochefort, decoded Japanese intelligence and then decimated the Japanese navy. Bradley reiterated the significance of the Third Dimension. Where the Japanese "saw islands as fortresses defended by a vast saltwater moat, the Americans saw them as springboards." The emphasis of the Flyboys makes the American victory in the Pacific more tangible. Trying to ward off an enemy from every direction and angle seems treacherous and futile.
ReplyDeleteI also felt the same way about the Battle of Midway. We were always taught that it is the turning point but the battle itself isn't talked about extensively. The Flyboys and the power of the Third Dimension also isn't mentioned as much as it is in this book. The book shows how important it really was.
DeleteI also thought the details about the Battle of Midway were interesting; we've never really been taught exactly why it was such a turning point. This book has, so far, illuminated many aspects of the war that textbooks tend to gloss over. In addition, I had wondered how America was able to defeat the Japanese when they had been so much more built up military wise prior to the war. While Japanese soldiers were trained since youth, many American boys had grown up in entirely different situations that focused on playtime and education- not killing.
DeleteI thought it was interesting how much the Flyboys impacted the Battle of Midway. It just goes to show how much information we don't learn about. Also, the Flyboys spirit was very positive. I'm glad you agree how dangerous their job was, yet they enjoyed every minute of it.
DeleteThis chapter showed me how pivotal airpower really was for the Pacific Theater. I had heard that Guadalcanal was fought over for its airfield. However I did not know how big of a role air power had in winning it. Guadalcanal was not the only airfield either. Almost every island had either a major airfield or anti-air defenses. Furthermore, the Third Dimension played a huge role in securing the Second Dimension. Mitchell was correct in saying that whoever held the air would win the sea. The carrier pilots were awe-inspiring. The skill and courage required to be one is extremely unique. They were not easily expendable and were also highly trained. Their skill set was extremely rare.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the flyboys were not easily expendable. Who else in the country had the courage to fly the missions the flyboys did? Not many people could measure of to the sheer manliness and toughness of the Flyboys. It is evident that without the flyboys, the air may have been dominated by the Japanese, resulting in a completely different outcome at the end of WWII.
DeleteIn this chapter, my eyes were opened to just how awesome the flyboys were. Not only were they incredible pilots, but they were also handsome, socially adept individuals. They were able to use their prestige as flying aces to impress anyone they met. I know that if I posessed any incredible skill, I would use it as a social tool. However, their skills were not just for show. Their prowess in the air was instrumental in the success of winning any battles. Specifically, the Flyboys assisted immensely in the battle of Midway. I knew the flyboys flew dangerous training exercises but i never knew to what extent. Seemingly defying physics, the flyboys partook in arial flips and maneuvers that I never thought possible in 1940's era aircraft. While the Flyboys were certified bad boys, they were still subject to the torment of their Japanese captors. I can't imagine how helpless POWs felt seeing how the Japanese would not abide by international laws decided in the Geneva Convention.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that because of their position in the most dangerous front, the Flyboys were probably very desirable, and great War heros. That was however not their main goal. They participated in the most detrimental battles. I also agree that they had great power in the air, due to their ability to due tricks.
DeleteThis chapter really showed me how important airplane were in the Pacific side of the war. It really showed that the "Third Dimension" was a pivotal dimension in the war. Mitchell had predicted correctly. The Flyboys were also very courageous since they decided to undertake the mission. The Flyboys also had to partake in rigorous training, unlike the other recruits. They knew at any moment their life could be in danger, and thus they always had to be prepared for the worst. They also had to be able to maneuver their aircraft, from flips to dives and much more. This was instumental in defying the enemy and attempting to make it out alive. The battle of Midway was also a turning point due to the Flyboys immense skill. They were able to uncover Japans plans, and thus penetrate the premiss. The Flyboys were instrunmental since they were able to survey the land. However since the battles were so prominent, if captured, their punishments would be horrendous, which also went along with Japans customs of immense brutality.
ReplyDeleteI also saw the importance of the Third Dimension clearly. It makes the officials that got rid of Mitchell seem foolish in hindsight. However, they were doing what they thought was best for America at the time. I also think that Flyboy training was more intense than any other.
DeleteThis chapter made me realize that flying is far more complicated than we can comprehend as non pilots. The added challenge of vertical movement as opposed to simply lateral like we use in a car must make it far more difficult. I also didn't realize how much the pilots needed to know. Physics, mechanics, mission directives, plane tendencies, and monitoring all the instruments at the same time must have been a daunting task. I think that the Japanese executions of the Flyboys were unnecessary, and cruel. Crucifying and then shooting the men was excessively brutal. Also, I think that it was equally cruel of the Japanese government not to send the last letters they wrote. Perhaps the families are still living in anguish today. It really makes wonder: were the Germans really the most evil in this war? Because the Japanese killed five times more Chinese than the Germans did Jews, and I have never heard of Germans being that cruel to POW's.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter gave the reader an inside look on the Flyboys life and the types of planes they flew. Also, how dangerous their job can be. Personally, my great Uncle died in plane crash while training; the Flyboys accepted their fate and were ready for whatever mission/adventure was ahead of them. I loved learning about how much fun they had with their flying skill. After reading this chapter, I had a better understanding the Battle of Midway and how important the Flyboys were to it. Because it was a turning point in the war, it's amazing to think how vital the Flyboys and their skill were. However, I felt sympathetic for the Flyboys at the end and realized how much they gave up to protect their country. The bravery and skill they possessed is truly inspiring. I realized how difficult yet rewarding the Flyboys job was.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter moved away from the normal lives of the flyboys and focused more on their planes and their exercises. It was very fascinating though. As I have already said in the past, the flyboys were very courageous knowing that each mission could be their last. They fought with all their might and trained hard for each mission. The life of a flyboy was definitely not easy, nor was fighting for our country at all during WWII. All the men who fought/fight for our country are extremely courageous, despite the amount of training they do or do not have. The POWs were treated horribly, and the ones that made it through were even stronger afterwards.
ReplyDelete