This exhaustively researched book, Wings of Valor, Wings of Gold An Illustrated History of U.S. Naval Aviation, written by author and historian Amy Waters Yarsinske, traces the rich history of naval aviation from the Hampton Roads perspective in 360 pages of text and 625 black and white and color photographs and illustrations, most of which have never before been published.
Hampton Roads is the birthplace of Naval Aviation, yet a comprehensive history of naval aviation has never been undertaken. The history and current events of aviators, their aircraft, aviation milestones and technological advances could fill volumes – the story is rich, full of colorful personalities, and great adventure. The book begins weaving the story of naval aviation in Norfolk and vicinity in 1861, ending in the present.
The author conducted hundreds of interviews, from airman to admiral, to capture this never-before-told look at the history of American naval aviation from its origins in Hampton Roads to its impact on the course of world events. In the end, the naval aviation community told their own story, wrote their own history in action, in deeds, and in the volumes of words they shared. The intent is to touch a cord with everyone from retired and active duty aviators, sport aviation and aviation enthusiasts, to the general public, therefore the book is written for the layman and the expert.
