Rating: 
Summary: One of the Best I Have Ever Read About WWII Fighter Aces!
Review: Charles Martin has written the definitive account of the life of Tommy McGuire, one of America's greatest fighter aces. It is fascinating, exciting and instructive. The background information that Martin gives us about McGuire makes us privy to the motivation and inspiration that produced America's finest. I have read most of the books on WWII fighter pilots and find "The Last Great Ace" to be one of the best if not the best.Max D. Isaacson
Rating:
Summary: Long Overdo Biography Does Justice to Last Great Ace
Review: I have been a student of aviation history since my childhood. Major Tom McGuire was one of my boyhood heroes and one of the aces I enjoyed learning about. To my knowledge this is the first biography dedicated to McGuire. Let me say that Mr. Martin has done a terriffic job with his book. It is well documented and paints a wonderful picture of McGuire's rather complex personality. "Mac" doesn't live up to the cliched image of ace at all. He was no poor child growing up hunting in the hills or in the plains. Rather, he came from a well to do family and was something of a "geek" in school. He didn't play football, he played the clarinet. Mr. Martin does a good job of presenting his facts and his documentation and he draws conclusions where appropriate. He finally introduces the world to Marilynn, McGuire's wife and the inspiration for his airplanes to be named "PUDGY". For the record, she wasn't. The book goes into some detail explaining the so called "ace race" between McGuire and Bong (it was perhaps a bit overstated) as well as McGuire's last flight (there was a reason to hold onto those drop tanks). If you have ever had any interest in the life of Tom McGuire let me recommend The Last Great Ace to you. My impression about McGuire personally is that I am not sure I would have been friends with him, but I sure would've wanted him leading me into combat. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Detailed Biography -- You'll feel you know McGuire
Review: Most biographers like their subjects, and that is likely the case with Charles Martin and his subject, Tom McGuire. Still, Martin presents a generally well balanced view of our second leading ace of all time, and one comes away with a sense of a very complex young man with lots of "background" going on in his mind as he goes off to war. Martin tends to downplay McGuire's prickly personality, but does acknowledge that many felt that Mac could be difficult. More importantly, we come to understand more WHY Mac was sometimes difficult -- as noted previously, there was lots of baggage there. I highly recommend this book for aviation fans and those who are interested in what made one of our lesser known, but of first magnitude, heroes tick. If the definition of a well written book includes a)wanting to meet the subject, b) wanting to meet the author, and c) wanting the author to turn to another subject you are interested in, then The Last Great Ace qualifies on all counts.
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Summary: The story of American Ace Thomas McGuire
Review: Prior to reading this book I had some knowledge of Major Tom McGuire, but this book allowed me to "peel" back the layers of what made up the Man, the husband and the Pilot. The book methodically took me through his early life, flight school and into the Pacific Theater where we find this skilled pilot in the cockpit of his P-38 Lightning "Puddgy." Unlike some books written about famous fighter pilots of the WWII era you will be treated to a look at his friendship with flying legend Charles Lindburg, letters to his wife, recollections from his crew chief and his relationship with Americas Ace of Aces "Dick" Bong. The author also takes into account the day to day life on the airbase(s), meetings with Generals and of course his aerial battles with the Japanese. Well balanced, insightful, this is a great book about a Medal of Honor recipient, I hope you enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: The story of American Ace Thomas McGuire
Review: Prior to reading this book I had some knowledge of Major Tom McGuire, but this book allowed me to "peel" back the layers of what made up the Man, the husband and the Pilot. The book methodically took me through his early life, flight school and into the Pacific Theater where we find this skilled pilot in the cockpit of his P-38 Lightning "Puddgy." Unlike some books written about famous fighter pilots of the WWII era you will be treated to a look at his friendship with flying legend Charles Lindburg, letters to his wife, recollections from his crew chief and his relationship with Americas Ace of Aces "Dick" Bong. The author also takes into account the day to day life on the airbase(s), meetings with Generals and of course his aerial battles with the Japanese. Well balanced, insightful, this is a great book about a Medal of Honor recipient, I hope you enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Great WWII Fighter Pilot Biography...
Review: The Last Great Ace ranks as one of the better WWII fighter pilot biographies for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the book is incredibly well-researched. Interviews, logs, and other documentation from family members to squadron logs comprise the basis of this book and make it probably the most historically accurate book of its genre. I've read a number of other books in this genre and some of the autobiographies may be tainted by the lens of ones own ego, and none of the biographies I've read have been based on cited references to the extent that this book has been....the mark of a first class history book. A quote at the start of chapter 28 sums this point up: "Legends are unverified stories which have been passed down through the ages until they are generally accepted as historical facts. Give me a 'legend in his own time' every time. He has not benefited from time, which washes away shabby deeds, and glorifies the real ones". This book is verified historical facts for sure. The second most distinguishing characteristic of this book is the protagonist -- Tom McGuire. One of the most decorated aviators of all time -- Congressional Medal of Honor, Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, Purple Hearts, etc...the list goes on and on. Unmitigated excellence and bravery. The character of McGuire is well-described beyond the medals, and flying heroism...his family, childhood, and school years are fleshed out in incredible detail in the first 100 pages of the book. In some aviator biographies the early years can be a bit of a filler, or be a little boring, but not here. The stories, both flattering and unflattering, paint a complex character that lends considerable depth and enjoyment to the reader in the chapters of his war years. Othering interesting aspects of the book for me included details of the P-38 Lightning, I had read about Spitfires, Mustangs, Thunderbolts, and BF-109s, but not much about this plane before. I also enjoyed the "Ace Race" with Bong. The P-38 and Bong stories are also important in understanding the events surrounding his death. This is a well-written, well-researched biography...good reading!!
Rating:
Summary: Great WWII Fighter Pilot Biography...
Review: The Last Great Ace ranks as one of the better WWII fighter pilot biographies for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the book is incredibly well-researched. Interviews, logs, and other documentation from family members to squadron logs comprise the basis of this book and make it probably the most historically accurate book of its genre. I've read a number of other books in this genre and some of the autobiographies may be tainted by the lens of ones own ego, and none of the biographies I've read have been based on cited references to the extent that this book has been....the mark of a first class history book. A quote at the start of chapter 28 sums this point up: "Legends are unverified stories which have been passed down through the ages until they are generally accepted as historical facts. Give me a 'legend in his own time' every time. He has not benefited from time, which washes away shabby deeds, and glorifies the real ones". This book is verified historical facts for sure. The second most distinguishing characteristic of this book is the protagonist -- Tom McGuire. One of the most decorated aviators of all time -- Congressional Medal of Honor, Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medals, Purple Hearts, etc...the list goes on and on. Unmitigated excellence and bravery. The character of McGuire is well-described beyond the medals, and flying heroism...his family, childhood, and school years are fleshed out in incredible detail in the first 100 pages of the book. In some aviator biographies the early years can be a bit of a filler, or be a little boring, but not here. The stories, both flattering and unflattering, paint a complex character that lends considerable depth and enjoyment to the reader in the chapters of his war years. Othering interesting aspects of the book for me included details of the P-38 Lightning, I had read about Spitfires, Mustangs, Thunderbolts, and BF-109s, but not much about this plane before. I also enjoyed the "Ace Race" with Bong. The P-38 and Bong stories are also important in understanding the events surrounding his death. This is a well-written, well-researched biography...good reading!!
Rating:
Summary: Should Be A Movie
Review: There is only one word to describe this book; TREMENDOUS! Author Charles A. Martin has written a masterpiece of aviation history. In this book, the reader is given insight into the life of Major Thomas B. McGuire, Jr. who would end up as America's number two all-time ace with thirty eight confirmed (and many more unconfirmed) victories. This book does a superior job of giving the reader insight into McGuire's life. The first half of the book deals with McGuire from a young age until he entered flight training. Some of the other reviewers of this book thought that the first half was a waste; I highly disagree. Mr. Martin gives us insight into Tommy's youth and his upbringing, which in the end ultimately resulted in the kind of pilot and leader of men he turned out to be. His upbringing had a major impact on the type of commander he was, and I applaud Mr. Martin for including the early years of McGuire's life. Too often, biographers just concentrate on a specific area of a person's life. I'm glad that I found out what type of person Tommy McGuire was when he was younger. It's easy to see from his childhood how he grew to become such an effective leader. The second half of the book deals with the actual combat life of Tommy. From August 1943 until his untimely death on January 7, 1945, Major McGuire compiled a record which most fighter pilots only dream about. He shot down thirty eight enemy aircraft; second only to his rival and friend Dick Bong's forty. He also grew to be a highly respected leader, tactician, teacher, and friend. Tommy was a fiery individual in combat, but he was a true friend to his comrades in every sense of the word and he always looked out for the well-being of everyone in his squadron. I've read dozens of books about the Pacific war, but this book rates as one of my all-time favorites. This is a true classic of aviation history. Read it and discover the life of a true American hero.
Rating:
Summary: An Outstanding Book About a True Hero
Review: There is only one word to describe this book; TREMENDOUS! Author Charles A. Martin has written a masterpiece of aviation history. In this book, the reader is given insight into the life of Major Thomas B. McGuire, Jr. who would end up as America's number two all-time ace with thirty eight confirmed (and many more unconfirmed) victories. This book does a superior job of giving the reader insight into McGuire's life. The first half of the book deals with McGuire from a young age until he entered flight training. Some of the other reviewers of this book thought that the first half was a waste; I highly disagree. Mr. Martin gives us insight into Tommy's youth and his upbringing, which in the end ultimately resulted in the kind of pilot and leader of men he turned out to be. His upbringing had a major impact on the type of commander he was, and I applaud Mr. Martin for including the early years of McGuire's life. Too often, biographers just concentrate on a specific area of a person's life. I'm glad that I found out what type of person Tommy McGuire was when he was younger. It's easy to see from his childhood how he grew to become such an effective leader. The second half of the book deals with the actual combat life of Tommy. From August 1943 until his untimely death on January 7, 1945, Major McGuire compiled a record which most fighter pilots only dream about. He shot down thirty eight enemy aircraft; second only to his rival and friend Dick Bong's forty. He also grew to be a highly respected leader, tactician, teacher, and friend. Tommy was a fiery individual in combat, but he was a true friend to his comrades in every sense of the word and he always looked out for the well-being of everyone in his squadron. I've read dozens of books about the Pacific war, but this book rates as one of my all-time favorites. This is a true classic of aviation history. Read it and discover the life of a true American hero.
Rating: 
Summary: Great.. from the middle towards the end....
Review: This book only takes off around the middle of it, when it focus in McGuire's war exploits. Then you can feel all his stress flying countless operations, his skill, his charisma, what his fellow pilots thought about him. The first half of the book is utterly boring.
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