Howard Moss
ABOUT THE NOVEL: This is Howard Moss's gripping novel about Captain Josh Randolph, USAF, an astute, brave pilot of F4-E jets during the Vietnam War. Lucky in love and air battles, Josh kisses his talismans before missions - a St. Christopher medal given him by his mom and a small Buddha presented to him by his gorgeous Thai lover, Malinee. Successes are many, but Josh also experiences loss of comrades, flight crashes and ill-fated rescue missions. The big question is whether he can survive the bittersweet trauma of love.
Howard Moss, himself a highly-decorated combat pilot who once was Officer-in-Charge of the Tiger FAC program during the war, has the experience to tell this story about human emotions and conflict among different cultures in an engaging manner that is authentic, humane and often humorous. Kiss the talisman and enjoy the journey!
BIOGRAPHY: I was born and raised in Richmond, VA., and graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1960. After graduation, I was employed at John Marshall High School as Commandant of Cadets, Head Track Coach, Asst. Football Coach, and I taught senior class history. I entered the United States Air Force a year later and was assigned to Air Force Systems Command, Vibration and Impact Branch, and was the first human to test an instantaneous 20 G-force, under controlled conditions in support of the Gemini Space Program. After flight school, I was sent to Southeast Asia for my first combat tour. On the second tour, I was selected as Chief of the Tiger, Fast Forward Air Controller Program at Korat RTAFB, Thailand. I ended combat flying with 341 missions and 841 hours over North and South Vietnam and Laos. After Command and Staff College and a tour at Headquarters, Tactical Air Command, I got assigned to RAF Bentwaters, U.K., as Commander of the 510th Tactical Fighter, (A-10), Squadron. After a tour at the Pentagon, I retired as a Colonel ending 23 years of active service. I was awarded 4 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 24 Air Medals, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and various other citations. I then became employed by The General Electric Co. to build and supervise The Center for Advanced Airmanship, an F-5 fighter training facility in Phoenix, AZ. It was the first time that the U.S. Air Force contracted a civilian company to perform fighter training services. I ended my career with NavCom Defense Electronics, Inc. and still consult with them. I live with my lovely wife, Susan, and our dog, Paces, on the James River in Surry County, Virginia.
