Hawkeye: The Enthralling Autobiography of the Top-Scoring Israel Air Force Ace of Aces

Giora Even-Epstein was a highly skilled Israeli Air Force fighter pilot who achieved the highest-scoring jet-mounted ace with the most confirmed victories in the French Mirage. His autobiography details his experiences in the intense conflicts of 1967, the Six Day War, and 1973, the Yom Kippur War, including the greatest jet-versus-jet air battle in history. He retired at the age of fifty and met numerous fighter pilot legends.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Grub Street Publishing

For over three decades, Giora Even-Epstein soared through the skies as a fighter pilot for the Israel Air Force, earning accolades as a highly skilled military aviator and the top-scoring jet-mounted ace with the most confirmed victories in the French Mirage. Despite facing numerous challenges to learn how to fly, he went on to accumulate an impressive record of kills against Arab MiGs and Sukhoi aircraft, surpassing the achievements of any other combat aviator in the world.

This captivating autobiography delves into his experiences, particularly during the intense conflicts of 1967, the Six Day War, and 1973, the Yom Kippur War. The reader joins him in the cockpit as he recounts every action he took with 101 and 105 Squadron, including the historic jet-versus-jet air battle that resulted in four MiG-21 kills in a single engagement. His final tally of aerial victories reached seventeen.

Following his last battle, Even-Epstein assumed the command of the First Jet Squadron, 117, transitioned into civilian flying, underwent retraining to command 254 MMR Squadron during the 1982 Lebanon War, and even flew the F-16 at the age of fifty before retiring. Throughout his journey, he had the privilege of meeting legendary fighter pilots like Douglas Bader, Al Deere, Pierre Clostermann, and Randy Cunningham.

Giora's affable and enthusiastic nature earned him the nickname "Hawkeye," owing to his exceptional vision of more than 20/15, which allowed him to spot enemy aircraft long before his fellow squadron mates. His story is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his dreams and his country. As the foremost jet ace, his remarkable achievements are truly worth recounting, and it is fortunate that he can share his experiences firsthand.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911667834