This book is the culmination of thirty years of research that dates back to my graduate school experience at the University of Oregon. Wanting to study and write about military history was a distinctly unpopular decision at the U of O, but Professor Glenn May, who became my thesis advisor in 1991, was an enduring source of support and encouragement. What started out as a term paper on Gerald Johnson’s neighborhood and how World War II tore its social fabric apart grew into my master’s thesis and ultimately into Jungle Ace, Indestructible, and Race of Aces. I will always be grateful for Professor May’s guidance in the early years of my career.
Jim Hornfischer and I were kicking around next book ideas one day while I was up in the woods writing at a cabin above Detroit Lake. I talked about the race and the things I’d learned over the years about the aces, and Jim coined the title on the spot. After writing Jungle Ace I’d often wanted to go back and write more directly about the race itself, but my career took me in a different path. While in Afghanistan, I put together a bucket list of books I wanted to write if I made it home. Indestructible became the first; Race of Aces was the second. Neither would have been possible without Jim, his friendship, guidance, and judgment.
Mauro DiPreta saw the potential in Race and turned me loose. This book was made possible by his belief in it. Thank you, Mauro, for your friendship and your willingness to mentor me along.
David Lamb carried the ball across the goal line after Mauro moved on to William Morrow. David and I had worked together through much of Indestructible, so it was a huge relief to me to be working with a great guy who didn’t mind my sending him random photos of Gwen, my dog, chasing turkey vultures and my cat, Sylvie, swimming after ducks. David’s unerring editorial sense and the trust we’ve got in each other have been highlights for me through these past years I’ve had the privilege to work with the Hachette staff. Thank you, David, for all you’ve done for me on these two books.
Every book is a collaborative effort, though the credit all too often falls unfairly solely to the author. It is a similar situation with the fighter pilots in Race and the ground crews who so tirelessly worked to keep their imperfect aircraft functional. In that spirit, I need to give serious props to the Hachette design and production team. Race is a beautiful book because of their dedication to it and belief in its story. I am so grateful to be a part of a team of consummate professionals. The team included Race’s production editor, Cisca Schreefel, and copy editor, Justine Gardner, who helped bring to life an exceptionally polished manuscript. Cover designer Amanda Kain captured with power the imagery, the look, and the feel of a combat moment over the Southwest Pacific. Race’s publicist Michael Giarratano and marketer Odette Fleming need a big shout-out for helping to get this story the attention it deserves.
A heartfelt thanks to all of you. This team is just amazing, and someday soon I hope to be able to meet all of you in person and personally extend my gratitude once again.
While researching Race all over the country, the assistance of several people became an invaluable part of the process. Briana Fiandt went above and beyond for me as I worked with her at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin. Briana introduced me to one of Dick’s two remaining sisters, Jerry; showed me the church where Dick and Marge were married (and where his memorial service was held); and guided me through the archival collection at the Veterans Center with unerring accuracy. I’ve never met an archivist with such detailed knowledge of so many files. After I left Superior, we not only stayed in touch, but Briana’s been a lasting friend, sounding board, and coconspirator of sorts as Race of Aces took shape. Thank you, Briana, for everything you’ve done for me. I am truly grateful to have you in my life.
Jack Cook is one of those living encyclopedias of knowledge that every historian must either be or get to know. Jack has devoted his life to studying, preserving, and documenting as much material as possible related to the experiences of American aviators during World War II. In the 1980s and ’90s, most of his friends were fighter pilots from the Greatest Generation. He’s the only person I know who can look at a photo that shows a bare sliver of an aircraft and know not only what plane it is but the variant as well.
Jack and I met in the late 1990s. He’s the older brother I never had. Jack’s one of my closest friends, but he is also the most impartial and sometimes brutal reader I’ve got in my corner. I made a mistake in Jungle Ace, calling the propeller spinner the “propeller hub.” I still haven’t lived that one down. Jack keeps me on the historical straight and narrow, and with Race of Aces, he read through it for accuracy and handed me a raft of corrections. Jack, thank you for your attention to detail, but more important, thank you for your loyalty and friendship over these many years, even when I was jerk. Looking forward to the next Ed, Jack, John movie fest. Hopefully, it will have a monster as cool as the one in The Giant Claw!
George Culley is a masterful sherpa guide into the AFHRA collection at Maxwell. George, thank you for all your help and support on these past two projects. Both Indestructible and Race are better works of history, thanks to your help and efforts.
Breanna Lohman provided additional research support, chasing down details on the 348th Fighter Group and Charles MacDonald, and pursuing any evidence of Dick Bong’s Golden Gate flight. Thank you for the help and support, Breanna!
Chris Fahey, Planes of Fame’s flying historian, fighter pilot, and all-around outstanding guy, reviewed the manuscript for historical and aviation accuracy. Chris also bought me a couple of beers (he wouldn’t let me pay) in Portland one night in early 2019 and delivered a stern lecture because I neglected his old unit, the 80th Fighter Squadron. Perhaps someday I’ll be able to address that, as the pilots in the Headhunters like Jay Robbins were extraordinary Americans—and outstanding pilots. Chris, thank you for suffering through my many jokes on the warbirds forums. Thank you for going over Race—your assistance has been invaluable. Most of all, thank you for your friendship. Beer’s on me next time.
My dad, John Bruning Sr., also read portions of the manuscript. He’s the only person I’ve ever met who could—and did—have a two-hour discussion on Japanese aircraft metallurgy with the restoration team down at Planes of Fame. Dad, your thoughts and comments on the first draft were much appreciated. Thank you for reading my words. I’m a writer and historian because of you.
My family here in Oregon—Renee and Ed and Jennifer: Thank you for your enduring support, patience, and exceptional amount of love our little family shares. This book would not have been possible without you.
Taylor Marks, as always, your spirit guides me forward. Taylor was killed in Iraq in 2009, and when I delivered the eulogy at his memorial service, I promised to live for him and honor his sense of adventure by developing one of my own. It is because of that promise that I stopped flying and started exploring our country in an Australian-built Pontiac muscle car. On the open road, I can almost feel Taylor riding shotgun, big grin on his face, mischief in his eyes. It is one of the reasons that drove me to Afghanistan.
It has been ten years. The pain hasn’t really ebbed, we just grow around it. You will not be forgotten, my 973rd Brother. You were the bravest of us, and that courage will always be my inspiration.