****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is an exciting and important book for any aviation enthusiast studying the Korean Air War! There isn't a lot of information available with regard to the Soviet participation in Korea so when the leading MiG-15 ace of the conflict published his account, the West was finally presented with a view from "the other side". Based on Soviet era archives and previously unpublished sources, this Pen & Sword Aviation title is nothing short of a treasure! We learn about Nikolai Sutiagin and his experience but we also gain valuable insight on the Red Air Force and it's activity in the Korean conflict. The North Korean and Chinese governments requested assistance from Soviet Russia as the North Korean Air Force had suffered severe losses in the early air war and the Chinese Air Force was just getting familiar with their Soviet-equipped jet aircraft. Joseph Stalin was wary of becoming involved in the war but the USAF had achieved an overwhelming air superiority and at the insistence of North Korea and China, committed air regiments to Manchuria to bolster his allies. Of particular value, in my opinion, is the Soviet perspective of combat over "MiG alley" taken from Sutiagin's diary and his collection of photos. An appendix "Technical Characteristics of the Planes Used by Both Sides in Korea", chapter notes, and an index are provided. I highly recommend this refreshing and insightful volume to any aviation enthusiast.
