Battle hymn

by Dean E. Hess

Book Overview

Battle Hymn is a non-fiction book written by Dean E. Hess, a former United States Air Force pilot and chaplain. The book tells the story of Hess's experiences during the Korean War, where he served as... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0007E4HFI
• Release Date: January 1956
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill
• Length: 246 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.

Customer Reviews

More to this story than flying in Korea -- faith, leadership, and respect across cultures

The main inscription on the Korean War Memorial in Washington reads, "Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met." In "Battle Hymn," one American who got to know the Korean people during the war, Air Force Major Dean Hess, tells his own story. He was sent to Korea only a few days after the fighting began in 1950. His mission: uncrate and assemble some old F-51 Mustang fighters, form the cadre of a Korean Air Force from among the few Koreans who knew how to fly, lead them in their first combats, and start the flying training schools that would create the ROKAF. He got to know more Koreans when he took a special interest in caring for the war's orphans. When the North Koreans and Chinese again pushed south in 1951, he gathered aircraft to evacuate the children to safety. "Operation Kiddy Car" became an Air Force legend. Hess was given the Korean equivalent of the Medal of Honor. The book fascinates for other reasons. It describes the hardships of life during the Depression, how he worked his way through Marietta College, and how became a preacher in Ohio at a very young age. His decision to become a combat pilot (rather than a chaplain) during the Second World War echoes the decision of Pastor John Peter Muhlenberg during the Revolution. How Hess weighed his faith with the violence and tragedy of war is a constant theme in the book. When I meet Air Force cadets and young officers, I always recommend they read "Battle Hymn" for its lessons in leadership. Every officer must find a style of leadership that fits with his or her personality and values. Not every officer will lead in Hess's manner, to be sure, but his candid account will help any leader better understand responsibility and command. The best story in the book is how he dealt with a visiting colonel who refused to bunk with an African-American officer in Hess's unit. One more thought: In Iraq and Afghanistan the armed forces have had to re-learn some old lessons. Winning the cooperation of local people starts with understanding and respect. American units must always seek to minimize civilian casualties. In the end, it is the training of effective local armed forces that will allow Americans to withdraw, so the training mission is as important as combat. In distance and time, Korea is a long way from the Middle East, but Hess's experiences can speak to a new generation. -30-

Inspirational Korean fighter pilot story

Fine read, telling of an earlier era when faith, self-discipline, commitment, and patriotism were paramount values. Minister turns fighter pilot, then squadron leader. Fine portraits of caring and trial through adversity, prayer, and Christian charity, while at war. Also, good overall fighter pilot and logistics overview of the air war in the Sabre jet.