The untold story of the unique fifty-year friendship between two American icons: John Glenn, the unassailable pioneer of space exploration and Ted Williams, indisputably the greatest hitter in baseball history. It was 1953, the Korean War in full throttle, when two men—already experts in their fields—crossed the fabled 38th Parallel into Communist airspace aboard matching Panther jets. John Glenn was an ambitious operations officer with fifty-nine World War II combat missions under his belt. His wingman was Ted Williams, the two-time American League Triple Crown winner who, at the pinnacle of his career, had been inexplicably recalled to active service in the United States Marine Corps. Together, the affable flier and the notoriously tempestuous left fielder soared into North Korea, creating a death-defying bond. Although, over the next half century, their contrasting lives were challenged by exhilarating highs and devastating lows, that bond would endure.
Through unpublished letters, unit diaries, declassified military records, manuscripts, and new and illuminating interviews,
The Wingmen reveals an epic and intimate portrait of two heroes—larger-than-life and yet ineffably human, ordinary men who accomplished the extraordinary. At its heart, this was a conflicted friendship that found commonality in mutual respect—throughout the perils of war, sports dominance, scientific innovation, cutthroat national politics, the burden of celebrity, and the meaning of bravery. Now, author Adam Lazarus sheds light on a largely forgotten chapter in these legends' lives—as singular individuals, inspiring patriots, and eventually, however improbable, profoundly close friends.
"Lazarus does a wonderful job of explaining the particulars of this relationship and the reciprocal esteem in which these two authentic American heroes held each other. A gripping, well-told "Only-in-America" tale." —Spitball, the Literary Baseball Magazine
"This book uncovers the intricate friendship between two remarkable individuals. It captures the essence of Glenn and Williams, highlighting their shared experiences and the human aspects of their bond. The Wingmen is an enjoyable read for those interested in the lives of these iconic figures. Aviation and baseball enthusiasts alike will enjoy turning these pages." —DOD Reads
"Historian Lazarus (Best of Rivals) provides an affable account of the war-forged friendship between Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams and astronaut-turned-politician John Glenn. As a marine fighter pilot, Williams became acquainted with veteran flying ace Glenn during the Korean War. Cheerful Glenn was initially wary of the quarrelsome, brooding Williams, but the pair developed a tight bond built around a near-death experience.... For the rest of their lives, the pair maintained a strong bond. Drawing on interviews and archival research, Lazarus narrates his story in an easy and accessible style. It adds up to a touching and highly readable story of male friendship." —Publishers Weekly
"Historian Lazarus (Best of Rivals) provides an affable account of the war-forged friendship between Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams and astronaut-turned-politician John Glenn. As a marine fighter pilot, Williams became acquainted with veteran flying ace Glenn during the Korean War. Cheerful Glenn was initially wary of the quarrelsome, brooding Williams, but the pair developed a tight bond built around a near-death experience.... For the rest of their lives, the pair maintained a strong bond. Drawing on interviews and archival research, Lazarus narrates his story in an easy and accessible style It adds up to a touching and highly readable story of male friendship." —Publishers Weekly
"Lazarus does a wonderful job of explaining the particulars of this relationship and the reciprocal esteem in which these two authentic American heroes held each other. A gripping, well-told "Only-in-America" tale." —Spitball, the Literary Baseball Magazine
"This book uncovers the intricate friendship between two remarkable individuals. It captures the essence of Glenn and Williams, highlighting their shared experiences and the human aspects of their bond. The Wingmen is an enjoyable read for those interested in the lives of these iconic figures. Aviation and baseball enthusiasts alike will enjoy turning these pages." —DOD Reads
" In an era when America is losing its heroes, Adam Lazarus brings us this fresh and engaging read about two men from ordinary means who became extraordinary Americans and lifelong friends. Today, there's a vast supply of books detailing the patriotic brotherhood of World War II. The Korean conflict, often referred to as the "Forgotten War," is different. I commend Lazarus for exploring the dynamics of John Glenn and Ted Williams's friendship developed during this obscure, less-chronicled war where the pair bonded at base camp and screamed over Communist North Korea's frozen terrain in matching Panthers. At its core, this book revolves around simple, old-school values forged in service, sacrifice, respect, and devotion to country. As a storyteller, Lazarus's writing is fluid and easy to follow as he traces the trajectory of these wingmen born three years apart, Glenn in 1921 and Williams in 1918. He takes us back to small-town Ohio, where Glenn was born near the bicycle shop where the Wright Brothers constructed the first airplane, and to San Diego, where Williams was raised as a latch-key kid, practicing his swing in the backyard of a rundown bungalow. Glenn, "Old Magnet Ass," and Williams, "Bush," had different personalities, one more polite and reserved, the other loud and cantankerous with a booming voice and a flair for profanity. Still, they shared a steadfast commitment to their men and their country and willingly put aside family, fame, money, and career interests to take on the most dangerous jobs in the service when Uncle Sam called a second time. ….Adam Lazarus shows what true heroes look like in a time when readers, especially kids and baseball fans, need proof that loyal friends and trustworthy wingmen do exist as we navigate a tough and unpredictable world complicated by economic instability, political unrest, and social isolation." – Nine: A Journal of Baseball History and Culture
"Lazarus draws on original and previously published interviews, declassified documents, and personal papers (including private letters) to tell this touching story. One standout feature is the way he frequently quotes from Williams' and Glenn's own writing, putting them in dialogue with one another and allowing them to speak for themselves. This gives readers a sense of intimate familiarity with the men that a recitation of what they did and when they did it could never provide. Quite simply a wonderful book." —Booklist
"A tour de force that covers their time together as fighter pilots in the Korean conflict as well as other high and low lights of their respective lives and careers and their decades-long friendship. At their peak, Williams and Glenn were arguably the two most famous men in America . . . American icons with completely different personalities. Williams was a loud, profane, thrice-married atheist and very sensitive to real or perceived slights. Glenn was quiet, thoughtful, deeply religious, and married to his childhood sweetheart Annie for 73 years. You could easily write an entire book just about one of these guys, but Lazarus has managed to deftly combine their two lives into one nifty, entertaining package."
—Royals Review