The Korean War, like the American Civil War, was a crossroads in military history. It was the last hurrah for one generation of tactics and technology and the proving ground for the next. What emerged was a hybrid not seen since. In Koreas unique combat environment, fascinating and significant battles took place that would profoundly affect the future of air warfare. Crimson Sky examines in detail, twenty of the most interesting aerial actions of the war in such missions as the first air rescue of a downed pilot; the Battle of Carlsons Canyon; the first dogfight of the war (between Yak-9s and F-82s); and the death of the first African-American naval aviator, Jesse L. Brown. More than exciting accounts of military missions, however, Crimson Sky is about the people who flew them, about their experiences and emotions as they performed an extremely dangerous duty nearly half a century ago.

John R. Bruning