Thunderchief

About the Book

Fighter pilots have the Right Stuff. But what is it and how do they get it? Thunderchief by Don Henry is an extraordinary exploration of what the Right Stuff is and how jet fighter pilots pass it on within their community.

Don’s story is about the first generation of young pilots, fresh out of pilot training, to fly combat in a single seat Mach 2 supersonic fighter aircraft. He was part of that generation of young warriors and develops a superb portrait of pilots in combat with the unblinking authority of one who has been there.

Thunderchief explores the perilous and passionate journey of Ashe Wilcox as he struggles to gain respect as a combat fighter pilot. Ashe’s mentor, Hunter, is an American Indian and tortured survivor of a POW camp who is obsessed by aerial combat and revenge. Their relationship in which Hunter is a reluctant and demanding instructor launches an intricate emotional web that leads Ashe on a dangerous and passionate journey of self-discovery.

"Don Henry is a world class fighter pilot who gets to the bottom of what makes aerial tigers tick. He captures the excitement of getting shot at that drives them into war and the fear of failure that haunts their self-proclaimed supreme confidence. Don Henry´s THUNDERCHIEF is the equal on modern warfare to Stephen Crane´s RED BADGE OF COURAGE." —General Charles A. Horner (coauthor of Every Man A Tiger with Tom Clancy)

About the Author

Don Henry gained a unique perspective as a combat fighter pilot, squadron commander, and psychologist. He writes about the inner conflict and mortal spirit of people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Don, a former Air Force Colonel, logged thousands of hours in supersonic fighter aircraft and commanded a first line fighter squadron. He flew 129 combat missions in F-105s over Laos and North Vietnam. His combat decorations include the Silver Star and three Distinguished Flying Crosses. He lives and writes in Laguna Beach, California. "Don Henry is a world class fighter pilot who gets to the bottom of what makes aerial tigers tick. He captures the excitement of getting shot at that drives them into war and the fear of failure that haunts their self-proclaimed supreme confidence. Don Henry's THUNDERCHIEF is the equal on modern warfare to Stephen Crane's RED BADGE OF COURAGE." —General Charles A. Horner (coauthor of Every Man A Tiger with Tom Clancy)