Social sciences

摘要

Coram (American Patriot) convincingly portrays Robert Lee Scott Jr. (1908-2006) as a national hero who was a brilliant fighter pilot in the U.S. Army, author of 11 books, lifelong mama's boy, self-promoter, Hollywood playboy, and insubordinate officer. A high school dropout and graduate of West Point, Scott's early assignments included flying the mail, a stint in Panama, and various flight instructor-ships. After Pearl Harbor, he found himself piloting supply missions to China. With the help of Gen. Claire Chennault, he was soon flying fighter escort against Japanese Zeros. Scott "unofficially" served with Chennault's "American Volunteer Group," becoming commander in 1942 and earning a double ace (ten aerial victories) that same year. His memoir God Is My Co-Pilot was turned into a film in 1945. Scott subsequently graduated from the National War College and was promoted to brigadier general before retiring in 1957. His postmilitary career included trekking the Great Wall of China and helping fund Georgia's Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins. VERDICT A provocative, deftly written, and superbly documented biography that is highly recommended for military historians and aviation specialists, general readers, and all libraries.