The thrill of flying has been in Hal Shook's blood since his earliest memory of watching seagulls over the ocean performing their own maneuvers ? diving, turning, and gliding. Fighter Pilot Jazz gives an account of Colonel Shook's mastery of the principles of combat aviation as it charts his path through college, the Army Air Corps flying cadet program and final graduation as a 2nd Lieutenant and rated pilot. Finding himself suddenly in command of a fighter squadron of 300 men and 28 aircraft, Col. Shook describes the combat missions that served as training and preparation for the invasion of Normandy and how these experiences, enabled by his dedication and commitment, have instilled the principles of success that he enjoys and communicates to his readers in Fighter Pilot Jazz.