From F-4 Phantom to A-10 Warthog

Memoirs of a Cold War Fighter Pilot

By: Steven K Ladd

Narrated by: Jeff Bolton

Fighter pilots! Images of Baron Manfred von Richthofen and Eddie Rickenbacker in the Great War, Johnnie Johnson, Robert Stanford Tuck and Richard Bong in the Second World War, or Robin Olds in Vietnam, all spring to mind. Volumes have been written about them, past and present. Understandably, most of these revolve around the skill, cunning and bravery that characterizes this distinctive band of brothers, but there are other dimensions to those who take to the skies to do battle that have not been given the emphasis they deserve—until now.

You do not have to be an aviation aficionado to enjoy Colonel Steve Ladd’s fascinating personal tale, woven around his 28-year career as a fighter pilot. This extremely engaging account follows a young man from basic pilot training to senior command through the narratives that define a unique ethos. From the United States to Southeast Asia; Europe to the Middle East; linking the amusing and tongue-in-cheek to the deadly serious and poignant, this is the lifelong journey of a fighter pilot.

The anecdotes provided are absorbing, providing an insight into life as an Air Force pilot, but, in this book, as Colonel Ladd stresses, the focus is not on fireworks or stirring tales of derring-do. Instead, this is an articulate and absorbing account of what life is really like among a rare breed of arrogant, cocky, boisterous, and fun-loving young men who readily transform into steely professionals at the controls of a fighter aircraft.

From F-4 Phantom to A-10 Warthog is a terrific listen: the legacy of a fighter pilot.

©2021 Steven K Ladd (P)2021 Pen and Sword

From the son of a fighter pilot…

When I told his family of his Silver Star earned as he single-handedly attacked a flight of 5 FW-190’s killing 2, strafed convoys of German soldiers, was shot down in the flight of his Ace kill, and escaped twice as a POW, I saw the faraway look in the fading 90 year old eyes of my P-49 fighter pilot father. He also became a Colonel, as did the author.
His story tells the same story, in a different-yet same war.
Salutations to you both!
Gods blesdings,

Throw a nickel on the grass!

This is a very personal audio concerning the career of Steven Ladd and his life in the US Airforce. From the advanced F4 Phantom war machine with it's tactical technologies to the not so advanced A-10 Warthog that had the most awesome armament for close battle support at the time. You will be thoroughly introduced to both technologies and how they compare. Be prepared to laugh and maybe even shed some tears as his story drives to it's conclusion. The epilogue to me created a memory that won't be forgotten. During his time throughout his career, he was supported by his wife Elaine, who he gives credit for allot of his success. The epilogue is actually written by Elaine and it is a powerful tribute to those who have severed and protected the US and her allies over the decades. I highly recommend this audio book, and hope that it gives you a strong appreciation for all those who have sacrificed for our freedom and continue to do so. Remember throw a nickel on the grass, you will understand why.

Absolutely amazing

The life of Steven Ladd is filled with twist and turns far travels while being a fighter pilot during the height of the Cold War. He masterfully tells the story of fighter pilots and their tight knit community

Ghost to pigs

This has been a great, enjoyable book. Like life, the end came before I was ready. Highly recommend for aviation lovers, or once and future pilots.

What an excellent book!

Having read countless fighter pilot biographies through the years, this book ranks at the top of the list! Through my professional career working with the USAF, i have encountered many a pilot and can count more than a few as dear friends. Listening to Steve’s book vividly bring all of my fighter pilot buddies to mind as well as his excellent and dare i say it humorous recollections of the well meaning antics that can “sometimes” take place when fighter pilots gather. The book also features excellent narration from someone who is as enthusiastic about the book as the author. Great read!!!!!

A 28 year history of Air Force fighter duty.

Lucky indeed to have lived a dream for the duration of a 28 year career in the United States Air Force, Colonel Steven Ladd gives a look into the community of the best of the best. well written, well narrated, and a life well lived.

Awesome and accurate!

Incredible story - on target - read by a master! Harsh but unfair… exactly as a fighter pilot would want it. Apple Korn for all my friends.

Good Book, a little more action please

I liked the book, but I would have liked a bit more combat action, to go with what is there.

Story is worth the narrator's short commings

Great story with a good blend of gripping events and humor. Col. Ladd had an obviously great career and was able to do things only a few are allowed to do. With the love of his wife and family he was the tip of the spear and I for one am greatful. The chronicals of his life regaled to us are not over technical and keep the lay person engaged, and provide a small glimps into a world of the elite community of Fighter Pilots.

The Narrator did an excellent job for the most part. My only complaint is that he would take long pauses between sentences that lasted to long and appeared awkward. At the begining of one chaptor the narrator appeared to have a cold and you can hear him struggle to breath. A good part of the book dealt with Col. Ladd serving in Germany. The Narrator Jeff Bolton, attempted to, but was unsuccessful to prounce the German words. He really should have asked a German speaking person to help him with the pronunciation. But, over all he does a good job, and the story keeps you listening.

Great Story

I really enjoyed this book, except for the reader's voice. It just doesn't fit the author's personality. Still, don't let it keep you from getting this book.