A former Air Force pilot and aviation historian analyzes how the United States won air superiority in the Korean War with an aircraft that was initially inferior to its opponent. Drawing upon archival research as well as interviews with pilots, Werrell describes the Sabre's design and development, efforts to improve its performance, and the problem of "friendly" fire. He also reveals how numerous pilots (abetted by their leaders) violated restrictions and engaged and destroyed MiGs over. China. Annotation 2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

F-86 design and development -- Efforts to improve performance -- Maintenance: unappreciated but vital -- F-86 flying safety -- Soviet fighters and development of the MiG-15 -- Korean war, phase I: June through November 1950 -- Air war overview, 1950-53 -- Exploitation of enemy aircraft -- Friendly islands and rescue service -- Sensitive and controversial matters -- Top guns: the five leading F-86 aces -- Double aces -- Other aces -- Other groups of pilots who flew F-86s in Korea -- Red aces -- Conclusion.