PLYMOUTH MEETING, Penn., Oct. 7, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- As conflicts in the Middle East continue to dominate the world stage, J. Robert Wagner's new memoir, VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron (now available through AuthorHouse), weaves history and personal narrative to tell the story of a different kind of war fought from a different perspective.
This is the true story of the initial 23 officers and 74 sailors in VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron from Willow Grove (Pa.) Naval Air Station which grew in strength to a 255-man squadron that served in Korea. Along the sunny shores of Los Alamitos, Calif., the pilots, air crewmen and support personnel underwent extensive training to prepare for the hazardous conditions of a brutal war. After more than 50 years, Wagner takes readers to the decks of aircraft carriers and into the air, flying in the AF-2W and AF-2S Grumman Guardian "hunter-killer" aircraft.
"This book was written to describe the dangers and accomplishments of men that were called into service from all walks of life to serve their country in time of need during the Korean War," Wagner says.
His telegram from Uncle Sam came on his birthday and Wagner trained to fly as navigator, radar, sonobuoy and searchlight operator. He relates how it soon became evident that these training missions were hazardous due to the dangerous flight levels required and the operational hazards aboard aircraft carriers. He also offers accounts of close calls, crashes, injuries and even the deaths of fellow sailors and crewmen. The perils only intensify as the squadron entered Korean waters; their mission was to protect the Navy's fleet from enemy subs, but the threat of friendly fire was shown to cause just as much concern.
Wagner relives the moments of imminent danger and camaraderie with vivid detail. VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron entertains the reader with tales of war, humor, numerous pictures and a dictionary of definitions. Perhaps most importantly, it also honors the men who gave their lives to make the assigned mission a success.
After the war, Wagner obtained an education through the G.I. Bill. He was the manager of research for an industrial fabrics firm before becoming a professor at Philadelphia University. He has received numerous awards and written more than 100 technical papers, but VS-931 Antisubmarine Squadron is his first book. For more information, readers can visit his Web site at www.wagnervs931.com.
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