Book Excerpt 08/16/08
In flight training, the trainee pilot sat in the front seat and the
Ensign Takeshi Maeda, Copyright 2008, Ron Werneth
In flight training, the trainee pilot sat in the front seat and the
Ensign Takeshi Maeda, Copyright 2008, Ron Werneth
Hello again,
The latest news regarding the book is that it should arrive in late August. I was hoping and scheduled to do a book signing at the big EAA Airshow this month but the book won't be ready in time.
Please also check back for my future updates and some tweaking to the website such as a Links page, etc.
Thanks for your support.
Ron Werneth
"I didn’t see much damage on the carrier itself, but I saw some fire. However, the Kaga didn’t sink, and after it became dark a destroyer sank it with a torpedo. After going into the water, I swam for six hours before getting rescued by the destroyer Maikaze. At night, I had a difficult time breathing, and the next morning, I vomited blood."
Lieutenant Takayoshi Morinaga, copyright 2008, Ron Werneth
Hello,
I am happy to report that after a multi-year restoration, the USAF Museum (Dayton, Ohio) was supposed to their rare Kawanishi "Shide-kai" fighter on public display yesterday (May 19th). It should be almost done except for a finishing touches.
See here:
http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=525
I also recently did an article about the fighter's restoration in "Flight Journal" magazine (which should still be available) in your bookstores.
Congrats to the USAF Museum & restoration team!
Ron W.
Hello Everyone,
I am happy to report that Schiffer Publishing just said the book will be out in 4-6 weeks! Of course, I am very excited and appreciate the support. Please keep back for more updates!
Also, I am pleased to announce that I am scheduled to do a book signing at the "famous" EAA Airshow. Please check back for more details/dates. See here:
Regards,
Ron Werneth
"While escaping the ring formation, our aircraft was shot at by a lot of anti-aircraft guns, but none hit my plane. It was a very tough fight, but I didn’t have time to be scared because I was focused on what I was doing. However, my mission was not finished yet. "
Lieutenant Commander Keiichi Arima, copyright 2008, Ron Werneth
"Once I had my carrier in sight, I attempted an emergency landing. Since my engine was running very rough and my fuel level was so low, I disregarded the proper traffic pattern and did a “straight in” approach. Gears down, flaps down, hook down and when I looked at my instrument panel, the oil pressure gauge read zero. I then said to myself, ‘Oh my goodness the engine could stop at any moment.’ Just at that very second, I touched down on the carrier, and my number one engine cylinder fell off! That was a close call."
Lieutenant Commander Iyozō Fujita, copyright 2008, Ron Werneth
Lieutenant Shinichi Tokuya hurried by bicycle and said that the war was over. When I learned that Japan had surrendered unconditionally, I simply couldn’t believe it. At the command post, I felt very distraught and tears kept on rolling down my face. Dumplings were served for lunch, but because I was so busy, I didn’t have time to eat. Also, the attack was suspended. I ate but there was no taste. I wasn’t able to eat at all because it was too much to bear.
Maintenance Warrant Officer Hachirō Miyashita , copyright Ron Werneth 2008
During my flight to Oahu Island, the weather was sunny, but I saw some scattered clouds at the altitude of 2,500 meters to 3,000 meters (8,202-9,842 feet), which was the altitude that I was flying at. However, by the time I arrived, Pearl Harbor was under the clouds. Then after turning left, I was able to see Oahu Island well. The island had a lot of greenery and looked beautiful. It looked like a miniature garden. I also thought our formation of airplanes was simply grand and powerful.
Ensign Kenji Hori, Zuikaku Type 99 "Val" pilot, copyright, Ron Werneth, 2008
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to visit my website. Please check back to see news (such as book updates, signings and excerpts) in this blog. I look forward to hearing from interested visitors.
Regards,
Ron Werneth
