Around the World with LBJ

My Wild Ride as Air Force One Pilot, White House Aide, and Personal Confidant

By: James U. Cross

Narrated by: Vernon Kuehn

When Lyndon Baines Johnson wanted to go somewhere, there was no stopping him. This dynamic president called for Air Force One as others summon a taxi - at a moment's notice, whatever the hour or the weather. And the man who made sure that LBJ got his ride was General James U. Cross, the president's hand-picked pilot, top military assistant, and personal confidante. The only Air Force One pilot to have a position, simultaneously, in the White House, General Cross is also the only member of LBJ's inner circle who has not publicly offered his recollections of the president. Until now.

In this book, he goes on the record, creating a fascinating, behind-the-scenes portrait of America's complex, often contradictory, always larger-than-life 36th president. General Cross tells an engrossing story. In addition to piloting Air Force One around the globe, he served President Johnson in multiple capacities, including directing the Military Office in the White House; managing a secret two-million-dollar presidential emergency fund; supervising the presidential retreat at Camp David, the president's entire transportation fleet, and the presidential bomb shelters; running the White House Mess; hiring White House social aides, including the president's future son-in-law, Charles Robb; and writing condolence letters to the families of soldiers killed in Vietnam. This wide-ranging, around-the-clock access to President Johnson allowed Cross to witness events and share moments that add color and depth to our understanding of America's arguably most demanding and unpredictable president.

©2008 University of Texas Press (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"What a delightful, honest, and entertaining story Jim Cross tells... his account of that amazing journey -- some of it scarily bumpy, as I can testify -- is a bird's-eye view, from the cockpit of Air Force One, of why character counts." (Bill Moyers)

Great Memories

This is a great collection of memories from LBJs life as president. General Cross' narrative shows a unique insight of a man faced with challenging decisions and someone who refused to play by the rules. The book is a casual read and full of laughter.

Enjoyable but a bit too forgiving

I enjoyed the behind the scenes look that the book provides but the author is a bit too forgiving on LBJ’s mistreatment, manipulation, and humiliation of so many of those around around him. I suppose that is to be expected because LBJ gave him such a great career opportunity, but the author never takes even a few words to express his opinion on this aspect of Johnson, even though he does express opinions on behavioral flaws in others throughout the book.

A must read!

A Wonderful and heartfelt collection of stories told by a great man. Thank you General Cross.

Hero Worship Loyality

What made the experience of listening to Around the World with LBJ the most enjoyable?

Bringing the personal side of LBJ to light.

What did you like best about this story?

Unquestionable loyality

Which character – as performed by Vernon Kuehn – was your favorite?

Jim Cross

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Jim Cross going to his grave believing that 58,000+ men and women that died in Vietnam did not blemish LBJ's record of leadership takes loyality to a whole new level.

Entertaining

Non-political, untold story which shows a side of Lyndon Johnson not often seen. Easy listening.