Ace in a Day

The Memoir of an Eighth Air Force Fighter Pilot in World War II

By: Lt Col Wayne K Blickenstaff, Graham Cross - editor

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Wayne K. Blickenstaff, known as "Blick," was a stalwart of the 350th Fighter Squadron of the 353rd Fighter Group based at Goxhill, Metfield, and Raydon, England, as part of the Eighth Air Force prosecuting the strategic air campaign against Germany. As an original cadre member, he rose steadily through the ranks to a Lieutenant Colonel and Group Operations Officer. His double "ace" status included a Me262 jet fighter and the destruction of five aircraft in one mission—giving him rare "ace in a day" status.

Ace in a Day is Blick's honest and gritty personal memoir of his air war in Europe. His account conveys a true sense of just how dangerous flying World War II fighters, in all weather conditions, really was. A moment's inattention, overconfidence, or simple mistake could be deadly. As a keen observer of character, Blick's pen portraits of those around him, including many of those who sadly did not survive the war, offer a poignant and deeply moving tribute to those with whom he served.

Supported by an impressive array of original documentation and detailed appendices, including Blick's never-before published wartime journal, Ace in a Day provides a unique and valuable insight into the harsh realities of the air war in Europe from one of the "Mighty Eighth's" top fighter pilots.

©2022 Gayle F. Wellborn and Jayne P. Blickenstaff (P)2023 Tantor

Great story of a WWII fighter pilot

This was a well written and authentic story of a young man trying to serve his country. The humility and since of caring for others shows how a pilot can be a warrior and good friend. An inspiring story and gift for all Americans!

Priceless story painfully read

Colonel Blickenstaff is a treasure. His story was carefully retold and is documented here. Highly recommend!

The narrator, however, utterly ruins it. I wish he could just read… like normal. Instead, he strains to emulate Clint Eastwood with some degree of bronchitis. Each character is distinguished in a conversation with a different degree of lower respiratory congestion. He must he’s reading about Jack Palance in a Western. Hugely annoying!