Topgun

An American Story

By: Dan Pedersen

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

"If you loved the movie, you will love the real story in the book." -- Fox & Friends
On the 50th anniversary of the creation of the "Topgun" Navy Fighter School, its founder shares the remarkable inside story of how he and eight other risk-takers revolutionized the art of aerial combat.
When American fighter jets were being downed at an unprecedented rate during the Vietnam War, the U.S. Navy turned to a young lieutenant commander, Dan Pedersen, to figure out a way to reverse their dark fortune. On a shoestring budget and with little support, Pedersen picked eight of the finest pilots to help train a new generation to bend jets like the F-4 Phantom to their will and learn how to dogfight all over again.

What resulted was nothing short of a revolution -- one that took young American pilots from the crucible of combat training in the California desert to the blistering skies of Vietnam, in the process raising America's Navy combat kill ratio from two enemy planes downed for every American plane lost to more than 22 to 1. Topgun emerged not only as an icon of America's military dominance immortalized by Hollywood but as a vital institution that would shape the nation's military strategy for generations to come.

Pedersen takes readers on a colorful and thrilling ride -- from Miramar to Area 51 to the decks of aircraft carriers in war and peace-through a historic moment in air warfare. He helped establish a legacy that was built by him and his "Original Eight" -- the best of the best -- and carried on for six decades by some of America's greatest leaders. Topgun is a heartfelt and personal testimony to patriotism, sacrifice, and American innovation and daring.

Critic reviews

"If you loved the movie, you will love the real story in the book."—Pete Hegseth, Fox & Friends

"If an institution is the lengthened shadow of a single man, then the history of modern naval aviation might well be described as the lengthened shadow of Dan Pedersen. Here, in direct, vivid, and unvarnished prose, is the high-flying, supersonic tale of the Topgun program and its extraordinary founder. Through it all, Pedersen's innovative spirit, as well as his essential modesty, shines through."—Hampton Sides, New York Times bestselling author GhostSoldiers and On Desperate Ground

"It's hard to read Dan Pedersen's Topgun and not think of Tom Cruise rock-'n'-rollin' through the California mountains in the similarly named motion picture more than 30 years ago...a pleasure to read."—Wall Street Journal

"Pedersen's bold, white-knuckle action and passion to be the best make this an exciting book from beginning to end."—Christian Science Monitor, Best Books of the Month

"Goose and Maverick, move over -- this is the true heart of Topgun, told with energy, style, humor, and tactical brilliance...a masterpiece that captures the essence of naval aviation in all its complexity and beauty. Dan Pedersen takes us on a high-speed jet ride through the fast times of Topgun, the Navy, and the need to fight our enemies from a position of superiority."—Admiral James Stavridis, USN (Ret.),Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (2009-2013), chairman of the U.S. Naval Institute,and author of Sea Power: The History and Geopolitics of the World's Oceans

"With the hot-seat velocity and cockpit realism of a military combat thriller, the author delivers exacting details and emotional acuity....A noble, thrillingly realized combat aviation memoir from one of America's finest."—Kirkus Reviews

"Capt. Dan Pederson became one of a handful of aviators who convinced Navy brass that a change in tactics was essential....The lives he saved though Topgun training earn him the title of American Hero."
—Washington Times

"A superb read...Dan Pedersen's Topgun is a riveting, seat-of-the-pants flight into the lethal world of the fighter pilot told by the man who started it all!"
—Dan Hampton, New York Times bestselling author of Viper Pilot and Lords of the Sky

"[A] fast-paced memoir...This remembrance of aerial derring-do is sure to appeal to military aviators and fans of the world of fighter pilots, past and present."—Publishers Weekly

"Teeming with white-knuckled action and the dynamic personalities who would come to define a generation of combat pilots, Topgun brings the deadly dance of air warfare alive."—Dick Couch, New York Times bestselling authorof The Warrior Elite and Chosen Soldier

great listen, you feel like your in the cockpit

a well put together summary of a team's determination and will power to do it right.

Finally....perfection!

Pederson's first first narrative of his journey through naval aviation is moving and inspiring if only due to his honesty at so many levels of life. He explains his journey into military aviation, battle, and the higher callings of teaching and establishment of Top Gun. The continuity, humanity and intellect he shows at the apex of his life is moving, enlightening and endearing. His had been an epic life and he tells it well. And yes...if you are going to fly and be proficient....fly always and often!

Dan Pedersen is a great American

The evolution of the Top Gun academy is an important historical artifact and an interesting story. Dan Pedersen provides some extraordinary insights into the culture of naval aviation. However this book reads more like a philosophical treaty rather than a technical account of military aviation at war.
In fact, it more resembles a military recruitment presentation. Was that the author’s mission?

This is a good listen on the history of Top Gun.

This is a good story that moved at a good pace
and not too long.

Don't Miss The Real Story

Topgun is just 100 percent fun. One can't help but picture the movie, but the men are so much more than that. They're tough, gutsy, and completely focused. Any movie idea is a nonstarter. But it's better. The dedication to the job and the willingness to fight to win, namely in Vietnam, is more admirable than anything. This is what we need today. Men like Pedersen and those like him. Strong men who stood up for the USA in the midst of anti-Vietnam demonstrators and didn't flinch. It's not a complicated listen at all. The reader is along for the ride and loves every minute of it. Jim Meskimen's narration just couldn't be better. He's the perfect narrator for this. You can't help picturing Maverick when he reads it. BRAVO.