From the Cockpit: Coming of Age in the Korean War

SUPERANNO The life story of a Korean War Navy carrier pilot who flew over one hundred combat missions, mostly in the AD Skyraider dive bomber. His often gut-wrenching accounts of combat flying are interwoven with tales of growing up in the small town of Hillsboro, Texas. Not just a book of flying stories, this is a story of life, war, family, and the strong bonds of friendship formed by men who faced death each day. Original. Photos.

Kenneth W. "Tex" Atkinson spent most of his early years in and around his hometown of Hillsboro, Texas, where he attended high school and graduated shortly after the end of World War II. He then joined the Navy's flight program and after two years at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, he entered Preflight in Pensacola, Florida.

Tex received his wings in 1949. He made five carrier cruises including two combat tours in Korea. He flew over a hundred combat missions and holds an assortment of military awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

His interest in literature began in school and peaked following the war when a roommate checked aboard the carrier with a collection of Hemingway, Faulkner, and Steinbeck novels. Later, Atkinson returned to college and graduated with a degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

After naval service Tex settled his wife, Annie, and their six children in Pensacola, Florida, where he founded an employee benefits agency. His interest in aviation has remained strong all of his life, and for many years he and Annie traveled Florida on business for the agency in their small aircraft. Tex has published numerous stories and articles related to aviation. From The Cockpit is his first book. Although retired, he remains active in civic affairs and enjoys speaking to audiences who are interested in hearing about Navy carrier pilots and the Korean War. Tex and Annie enjoy a large family and on occasion attempt to dispense wisdom, which is received mostly as humor by 22 grandchildren.