Wings and Warriors: My Life as a Naval Aviator

On the personal level, very satisfying read. I served in one of the author's commands (CAG 11), but before he took over. It was particularly enlightening to read the story behind how some of the great innovations in Naval Aviation came to pass and the human cost. On the down side, the narrative included almost every aviator and commander with whom the author served, which while great for the ego did not help the narrative. All in all an enjoyable memoir of one of our nation's great unsung heroes.

This book blends real life drama with a highly factual account of the development of modern naval aviation as seen through the eyes of a key contributor. Enjoyable and educational.

Donald Engen has written a detailed book about a fascinating period in naval aviation history. He was there to help make things happen in those formative years when the jets were new. This book does even more than give credit to those who dedicated their lives to the advancement of Carrier based Naval aviation during the transition from propeller to jet aircraft. It also shows the delicate balance which occurs when juggling a military career and a personal life. As a reader, you are there with him. I give it a solid review rating of 10 for pure enjoyment.

Don Engen always was number one in any command he served. He was the classic leader by example. My very own personal hero and mentor. He was what everyone else wanted to be like. As an author he told it the way it was and included even the most junior officers and was honest in his appraisal of the many events in his fantastic career. One of a kind.