Honest John: The Autobiography of Walker M. Mahurin (Signed)
New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, (1962). First edition. Cloth hardcover. Octavo. 313 pages. Near fine in a good dust jacket. Minor extremity rubs to binding. Jacket has closed edge tears, rubbed wrinkles, shallow chips.
Bud Mahurin was America's first double ace in World War II, and returned to aerial combat in the Korean War. In 1952 Mahurin's F-86 Sabre was shot down by ground fire as he was perfecting the dive-bombing technique he had pioneered. He was captured by the North Koreans and subjected to brainwashing, solitary confinement, nearly constant interrogation, and other physical and mental torture as the Chinese Communists sought a germ warfare confession from him. He attempted suicide at one point as he felt himself breaking down but was thwarted by his captors. He eventually wrote out a preposterous "confession" just as the war was ending. A truly gripping account.
This copy bears a lengthy inscription by Mahurin, which he signs "Best wishes always / Bud Mahurin" on half title page.
Item #897
Sold