Author spent his early childhood in Birmingham, Alabama (his native city) during the 1930's, followed by teen years in Ohio. He began college at Ohio State University and continued at Howard  U. where he received a B.A. degree in German. Upon graduation in 1952, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Air Force. His first assignment was to Russian Language training followed by Intelligence duty in Washington. He became a pilot and continued for a career of 27 years. He achieved the rank of Colonel, was a Command Pilot who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during combat, among numerous other decorations. 

Excerpt
(Primary Flight Training) Budrow W. was my first flight instructor His debriefings were so demeaning they were hilarious. The entire flight shack would be in stitches and I and my table mates would want to disappear. He was tough, but his students were the first to solo. I was scared as hell when he turned the T-34 trainer over to me and said "you've got it" I strapped in, accomplished the "before take-off checklist", requested clearance to take the active runway added power for take-off. As I reached take-off speed I raised the nose and up I went. Confidence skyrocketed. I was hooked.