Valiant Young Men: Heroes of Flight

This is a tremendous book. It is probably the greatest book I have ever read, and it has had a tremendous impact on my life. The book addressed almost every question or dilemma that has been gone through my mind at various times in the past. The book is a biography of three important men in history, who all happen to be aviators. However, this book goes way beyond just being a biography. For each hero, specific events in their life and how they reacted are examined and much broader life lessons are drawn from their stories. I have had question and doubts about my faith in the past, which I think a lot of people do. This book helped me see the big picture and helped me figure out some of the priorities in my life more than any other book I have read or any church service I have ever attended. It is moving. Although I had heard the names, I did not know the personal stories of any of the men in this book before reading it. There is so much depth to the book, I feel like I probably only came away with 10% of its wisdom after the first reading. I feel this is going to be a book I will be re-reading for the rest of my life. The author obviously spent a tremendous amount of time researching and put a lot of thought into the book. That goes without saying. However, I think it also took a lot of courage to write a book such as this. It is a shame, in this day and age in America, that faith and religion are almost taboo subjects in public. The comparison between patriotism and religion is right on. Religion and faith is what made this country great. We need to embrace it even more to help solve the problems of today in our country. The author did an excellent job of making the book not religion-specific. The concepts and ideas of this book are so fundamental that they transcend to all human kind. I have recommended this book to quite a few people. Although the title is Valiant Young Men, I believe this book appeals to anyone, man or women, young or old. I think this book would be particularly good for young men or women searching for meaning or direction in their life.

Valiant Young Men was recommended to me by my husband who said it was "the best book he had ever read". I have to say I wholeheartedly agree. For men or women of any age or belief Valiant Young Men is an inspiration and a lesson of how to transform oneself from merely human, to a man (or woman) or truth and moral integrity. Exciting biographies are woven with gentle instruction to become a being of such high purpose and faith as the aviators who lives are excitingly revealed in Valiant Young Men. My favorite passage from the book: "To each mortal life is given a purpose, a God-given mission, an all-important test. How we fulfill this life's mission, how we measure up to this test, will determine when this life is over, where next we will fly!"

Valiant Young Men: Heroes In Flight by Bryce D. Gibby is the story of three young men, Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Hall, And Antoine de Saint-Exupery, and their collective conquests in the many air battles of World War I. Introducing a more in-depth biographical study of the three individuals lives and their influence on military aviation, Valiant Young Men carries the reader through the history of battles both won and lost, as well as the remarkable heroism and determination shown by Jimmy Hall, Eddie Rickenbacker, and Antoine de Sant-Exupery. A welcome and valued addition to personal, academic, and community library Military History and Aviation History collections, Valiant Young Men is very highly recommended for all military buffs and non-specialist general readers who have an interest in the dog-fighting pilots of the days of military flight and airborne combat.

What a great book. It is refreshing and motivational to read about heros who didn't lose their way when they found success and persevered in spite of failure. This is a book that all young men and women should read (as well as adults). It will provide perspective and inspiration.

Mr. Gibby has captured an exciting time in history and has protrayed three true heroes in a very motivational way. A great way to introduce the youth of today to men they can emulate!