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About The Author
Dr. David W. Longworth is a practicing Orthodontist in Watertown, South Dakota. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was able to survive drinking paint thinner, setting himself on fire, getting run over by a truck, falling off a moving car, nearly drowning in Lake Harriet, running through a tornado, getting hit in the mouth by a hockey puck, and getting a pitchfork stuck in his chest - all before the age of 11.
In this book, David takes you back to an era that is often referred to as a more "gentler time." Well, the times might have been gentler, but his life was full of adventure, misadventure, and episode after episode of death defying exploits that followed him from his youth into the US Navy.
With a light hearted and humorous style, David reminisces about growing up on a 1930's mid-west farm, using his imagination in place of material things for toys and adventure, and manages to capture the spirit and exuberance of the times. Joining the Navy after World War II, David chases his dream to become a fighter pilot and finally gets his Naval Aviator wings in 1951.
David's hi-jinx during his Navy training reflected both his free spirit and his determination to achieve and succeed. From bare-knuckled boxing matches in the barracks against giants to learning the hard way about acrobatics in an airplane, David continued to skirt death by a whisker, a second, a few inches, a heartbeat. He always pushed himself and the airplanes he flew to the limit and never looked back.
In Korea, David was assigned to VF-74 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard, CV-31, in Task Force 77, and flew hundreds of combat hours over Korea. He also spent some time in the Sea of Japan after he was shot down by enemy fire. As one of the Navy's best pilots, he survived mishaps, mechanical problems, navigational problems, and other pilot problems.
Dr. Longworth went on to a very successful career in the Naval Reserve and flew nearly every type of plane in the Navy inventory. He and Jackie, his wife for more than 50 years, have seven children and seven grandchildren. David is often called upon to give interviews and speeches throughout the mid-west as well as at national air shows. He is very popular among Corsair pilots and enthusiasts, as well as historical aviation buffs, not only because of his grand exploits, but because he has lived long enough to share them. He is a Survivor.
& Paperback
