Steve N. Pisanos's The Flying Greek is both the classic tale of an immigrant's bond with America and an aerial adventure. When young Pisanos arrived in the U.S. in 1938, he worked, studied English, and learned to fly. He earned a private pilot's license in 1941, and soon after Germany invaded Greece, he volunteered for the embattled British Royal Air Force. He served with the 268 and 71 Eagle Squadrons. The 71 Eagle Squadron was one of three Eagle squadrons comprised of U.S. volunteers. In 1942, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen while in London, England. He was the first individual in American history to become a citizen while outside the U.S. border, and his becoming a citizen allowed him to be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces. In riveting detail, Pisanos recounts his combat record, from fighter sweeps and bomber escort missions to dogfighting, flying the Spitfire, the P-47, and the P-51. While flying a P-47 named Miss Plainfield, he scored his first aerial victory on May 21, 1943. By January 1, 1944, he had become an ace. After his tenth confirmed kill, he crash-landed his P-51 in France and spent six months with the French Resistance, successfully evading capture. Because of his exposure to the French operations, the Air Force could not risk his capture again, so he returned to the U.S. and became a test pilot at Wright Field where he also attended the Air Force's test pilot school. Despite grave danger, Pisanos set aside his pride, fears, and misgivings to help achieve a greater good. The Flying Greek is an entertaining and remarkable journey that will interest historians and aviation enthusiasts.

Author: Steve N. Pisanos
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press
Published: 12/01/2007
Pages: 280
Weight: 1.65lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.30w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9781597970785


Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 08/01/2008 pg. 39

About the Author
Pisanos, Col Steven N.: - Col. Steve N. Pisanos, USAF (Ret.) retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1973, after thirty years and service in three wars. He is the recipient of numerous U.S., British, French, and Republic of Vietnam awards and decorations, including three Legions of Merit and five U.S. Distinguished Flying Crosses and the Purple Heart. He lives in San Diego, California.