{"title":"Michael I. Fink","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the engaging works of \u003cstrong\u003eMichael I. Fink\u003c\/strong\u003e, a distinguished author known for his comprehensive contributions to the \u003cem\u003eHistory\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMilitary\u003c\/em\u003e genres. Delve into Fink's collection, which features the meticulously detailed book \u003cem\u003eIntrepid's Fighting Squadron 18\u003c\/em\u003e. This title offers readers a profound insight into the valiant endeavours of military aviation units during pivotal moments in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMichael I. Fink masterfully blends thorough research with compelling storytelling, providing a captivating educational experience for readers interested in military history. His works not only recount the strategic and tactical intricacies of past conflicts but also illuminate the human experiences behind these historical events.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoin countless other enthusiasts in discovering the rich narratives crafted by Michael I. Fink, an author who successfully brings the past to life through his informative and passionate writing.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"intrepids-fighting-squadron-18-by-michael-i-fink-9781682473214","title":"Intrepid's Fighting Squadron 18","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUSS \u003ci\u003eIntrepid\u003c\/i\u003e's Fighting Squadron 18 (VF-18) was one of the U.S. Navy's highest-scoring carrier units of World War II. Despite having only one combat veteran in its roster, its aviators—including Cecil \"Speedball\" Harris, the Navy's second-ranking ace—were credited with shooting down more than 170 planes during their 81-day tour of duty, earning the squadron the nickname \"Two-a-Day 18\" in newspapers nationwide. How did a novice unit with a comparatively short time in theatre accomplish such a feat?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo answer this question, \u003ci\u003eIntrepid's Fighting Squadron 18\u003c\/i\u003e follows squadron members through training, into combat, and finally to the end of their harrowing stories—whether they took the return trip home or made the ultimate sacrifice. Drawing extensively on archival and family collections, author Mike Fink reveals the personalities of these men and the binding friendships they built. \"Moe\" Mollenhauer, Fighting 18's youngest pilot, had a score to settle with the Japanese. Outspoken \"Punchy\" Mallory was incredibly reprimanded for shooting down enemy planes. The squadron's best-known figure, Cecil \"Speedball\" Harris, took the lead in preparing his peers for war before they took their place at the tip of the Navy's spear. \u003ci\u003eIntrepid's Fighting Squadron 18\u003c\/i\u003e is as much about the bonds these young men formed as it is about Pacific War history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe men of Fighting 18 joined the Navy's massive fast-carrier force in August 1944—just in time to participate in the last great air and sea battles in the Pacific. They were one of the first squadrons to engage Japan's massive battleship force during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, racked up incredible scores, and suffered devastating losses during the Formosa Air Battle. They bore witness to an unthinkable new weapon—the kamikaze suicide attack—as the war entered its desperate endgame. Ultimately, \u003ci\u003eIntrepid's Fighting Squadron 18\u003c\/i\u003e showcases the powerful impact of war on those who fight it and sheds light on the influence of these men on the war itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000651137260,"sku":"9781682473214","price":74.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/435413482787.jpg?v=1763293751"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/michael-i-fink.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}