Wildcats to Tomcats: The Tailhook Navy, Signed by Richard Zeke Cormier, Wally Schirra, and Phil Wood, Inscribed by Cormier and Schirra, Second Printing, 1996

Cormier, Zeke, Schirra, Wally, Wood, Phil, with Barret Tillman. Wildcats to Tomcats: The Tailhook Navy. St. Paul: Phalanx Publishing Group, 1996. Second printing. Signed by Cormier, Schirra, and Wood, Inscribed by Cormier and Schirra. Octavo, in original dust jacket and boards. 

Presented is a second printing of Wildcats to Tomcats: The Tailhook Navy. Written by Richard Zeke Cormier, Wally Schirra, and Phil Wood with Barrett Tillman, the book was first published by Phalanx Publishing Group, Inc. in 1995. This second printing, issued in March of 1996, is presented in its original dust jacket and hardcover boards and is illustrated throughout with 24 pages of black and white photographs. 

The book is signed by Richard Zeke Cormier, Wally Schirra, and Phil Wood on the full title page, next to authors’ names. It is additionally inscribed by Cormier and Schirra on the opposite page. Inscriptions read, “12/15/98 To Troy- This is a collection of flying-tales of three old-time aviators who really enjoyed doing what they were doing! Hope you enjoy! Sincerely Zeke” in black ballpoint pen. Below, in black felt tip pen, "Welcome aboard, Troy. Troy Harder! Wally Schirra." 

Throughout five decades, including World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, Zeke Cormier, Wally Schirra, and Phil Wood served naval aviation and their nation, in both active duty and in retirement. Their overlapping careers involved U-Boat bombing, aerial combat, the Blue Angels, experimental flight, weapons testing, space flight, and sea command. Between the three, they have collectively flown over 14,000 hours, including 500 combat missions, and made over 1,800 career landings. 

This book describes their riveting experiences and tremendous contributions. Written with the help of Barrett Tillman, their adventures are related with candor, good humor, and bear a message, born of collective experience, for today’s naval leadership. 

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Octavo. Original 1/4 blue cloth and hardboards, with gold embossed titles to the spine, and original dust jacket, both in very good condition. Signed by Richard Zeke Cormier, Wally Schirra, and Phil Wood on the title page next to authors’ names. Inscribed by Cormier and Schirra on opposite page, in black ink. Pages in fine condition, with rippling and old water stain to lower sections of the signed pages of the book, light rippling throughout. Two small stains on the front free endpaper.  Illustrated through with 24 pages of black and white photographs. 207 pp.