God is My Co-Pilot

Author: Roger Darlington
Publisher: William Kimber London
Edition: First
Cover: Hardcover w/Dust Cover
ISBN: 0-7183-0574-4
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Synopsis: Robert Lee Scott Jr.'s autobiographical account of his experiences as a fighter pilot with the Flying Tigers and later with regular Army Air Forces units in the China-Burma-India Theater provides a personal perspective on aerial combat and the challenges of fighting in one of World War II's most difficult operational environments. Scott's narrative follows his journey from peacetime pilot through combat operations against Japanese forces, revealing his evolution from inexperienced aviator to successful fighter pilot and squadron commander. The memoir details Scott's experiences flying with Claire Chennault's American Volunteer Group, showing how American pilots adapted to Chinese conditions and developed effective tactics against Japanese aircraft and pilots. Through vivid combat accounts and personal reflections, Scott reveals the daily realities of fighter pilot life in the CBI Theater, including the challenges of maintaining aircraft with limited spare parts and operating from primitive airfields under harsh environmental conditions. The book provides insights into the relationship between American pilots and Chinese allies, showing how cultural differences and language barriers affected military cooperation while highlighting the courage and dedication of Chinese ground personnel and pilots. Scott's account includes detailed descriptions of aerial combat tactics and techniques, revealing how fighter pilots developed skills necessary for survival against experienced Japanese aviators flying advanced aircraft like the Zero fighter. The narrative examines the spiritual dimension of combat, as suggested by the title, showing how religious faith provided psychological support and moral guidance for pilots facing the daily possibility of death or capture. The memoir includes analysis of aircraft capabilities and performance, comparing American fighters like the P-40 and P-51 with Japanese aircraft while explaining how tactical employment could overcome technical disadvantages. Scott's account reveals the importance of leadership and unit morale in combat effectiveness, showing how successful squadrons developed strong bonds of mutual trust and support among pilots and ground crews. The work provides insights into the strategic challenges of fighting in the CBI Theater, including supply difficulties, political complications, and the coordination problems that affected Allied operations in this remote region. The narrative demonstrates how individual pilot experiences reflected broader themes about American military effectiveness, international cooperation, and the human costs of technological warfare. Scott's memoir serves as both combat narrative and spiritual reflection, examining how military service and combat experience affected personal values and religious beliefs during wartime.

God is My Co-Pilot, is one of the many primary source materials in the Army Air Corps Museum collection.