Captain Frank A. Erickson, USCG - Helicopter Pilot No. 1 (Heroes of the Coast Guard) - Hardcover

Brewster, James Burd

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1941927378 ISBN 13: 9781941927373

Publisher: J2b Publishing LLC, 2016

Synopsis

On Jan 4, 1944, Coast Guard Commander Frank A Erickson, USCG Helicopter pilot #1, set two new aviation records.  He proved a helicopter could fly in weather that would ground all other aircraft and in the process conducted the first helicopter life flight mission which saved the lives of several sailors.  In spite of his success, CDR Erickson fought the USCG for another 7 years before the helicopter was accepted as a Search and Rescue tool.

Follow Erickson’s career as he stands in the middle of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, becomes USCG Helo pilot #1, flies the first life flight, and develops the helicopter for the USCG.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This book was prompted by the Coast Guard Aviation Centennial (1916 -2016) and written to thank and honor Coast Guard aviators who for 100 yearshave pioneered fixed and rotary wing aviation, secured our coastlines, andsaved many thousands of lives. 


On Jan 4, 1944, Coast Guard helicopter pilot #1, Frank A Ericksonset two new aviation records when he flew blood plasma from New York City toSandy Hook, NJ which was used to save the lives of several sailors.  On that day, Lieutenant Commander Erickson flewthe mission in weather that had grounded all other available aircraft and loggedthe first use of a helicopter for a 'life flight."  Erickson's first helicopter flight "into thestorm," made good on a commitment he had made 3 years earlier as he watched sailorsabandon ship and struggle and die in the burning, oil covered waters of PearlHarbor; a commitment to find a way to lift sailors in danger off their ships.

In spite of this accomplishment, it took LCDR Erickson anotherseven years and a sacrificed career to convince the Coast Guard that thehelicopter was a valuable search and rescue tool. His perseverance and faith inthe helicopter was rewarded by the helicopter becoming the Coast Guard'sprimary rescue aircraft and being used to save many thousands of lives since1944 including the stunning success of Coast Guard helicopter pilots who flew 1,817sorties and rescued 12,535 people during hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

About the Author:

James"Jim" Burd Brewster is a retired Coast Guard Officer whooperated a Polar Icebreaker, helped plan and buy the USCGC Mackinaw, andorganized the Coast Guard's participation in the 50th Anniversary of World WarII.  He is the author of the acclaimed"Glad to do it!" series of children's picture books featuring Uncle Rocky,Fireman, Officer Jack, and EMT Morales (gladtodoit.net).He and Katie live outside of Washington, DC where they are visited bytheir five grown children and seven grandchildren.  Jim' s heart still flutters whenever histhree favorite ladies (Wife Katie, Daughter Rachel, Granddaughter Felicity)smile at him.

About this edition

• Publisher: J2b Publishing LLC
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1941927378
• ISBN 13: 9781941927373
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 64
• Illustrator: Melillo Matthew