PRAISE FOR
VECTOR TO DESTINY
I know a lot about the F-4 Phantom and there were times I felt like I was a wingman Steve Amsden, 3M Field Tech supporting McDonnell Douglas
This book is a superb chronicle of the achievement of an American dream. From George Kohns childhood in rural Wisconsin, through adolescence and college, to Air Force pilot training, and into the cockpit of a jet fighter in Vietnam, the reader will get a series of insights into the dedication and effort it took to finalize a goal and succeed in making it come to fruition. Besides being a view of what it takes to become an Air Force fighter pilot, it serves as an inspiration for anyone who has a dream for the course of their life and confirmation that it can be achieved with persistence and self-belief. Maj Gen Eric Crabtree, USAF (Ret)
A realistic portrayal of how a boy became a man as his life intersected with the Vietnam conflict. This is the story of his dreams, his sense of purpose, his sacrifices and those of his family. J. Steven Banks, PhD School Administrator; Mary Banks, English Teacher
George and I went to pilot training together. Same for winter and water survival schools. Then we were off to Southeast Asia for very similar experiences during our year in the F-4 Phantom II. I can emphatically attest that George has brilliantly brought those memories back to life for those who were with him as well as for todays generations that want to know what it was really like. Triumphant memories, as well as those not so pleasant. George also shares with us his dogged determination to fulfill his dream of flying fighter aircraft. His lifelong achievements are inspirational; to be shared and emulated by anyone who has a dream and needs a good push to go get it. Finally, and most importantly: George, you are absolutely right... His guiding hand has seen us through it all. Well done! Major General Sandy Sharpe, USAF (Ret)
Vector to Destiny , by George W. Kohn, is now the trifecta of books on my recommended list. It is a compelling collar-grabbing page-turner by an expert who is a masterful storyteller. The author is overly modest and quick to point out his shortcomings as a farm boy taking childish risks with farm machinery, as a student, and beyond. He has highs and lows, flaws, successes, and failures. The author weaves a brilliant story you dont want to miss. From the beginning of the book, the young George will capture your heart and pull you into his world. The characters come to life and become people you know and care aboutyou are there with them. And you are right there in the cockpit of the F-4 Fighter with Lieutenant Kohn. You will cheer and laugh and, at times, choke-up with tears. I did not want the story to end, but I dont think I am giving anything away when I say the ending will leave you with a satisfied nod. Vector to Destiny deserves a broad readership, and I look forward to the movie. Nick Chiarkas, author of the award-winning novel, Weepers
I really like the book... it was both attention grabbing and captivating... I couldnt wait to finish it and when I did, I wished that there was morenot that Georges story was incomplete, but he writes so well that I was wishing there were more chapters. Now, just to be fair, the content was right in my wheelhouseI grew up working on my uncles dairy farm and I have always held a deep and abiding respect for the military, especially Air Force (my eldest son was in the reserve). So the author had me from the start on this one. Pastor Nathan Krause
VECTOR
TO
DESTINY
Journey of a Vietnam F-4 Fighter Pilot
George W. Kohn
This book is dedicated to my dearest sister, Delores, who left this earth way too soon and for all the wrong reasons, and to Ma and Dad for putting up with an adventuresome son. I would especially like to remember those who gave their all for the benefit of both the grateful and the ungrateful. May your sacrifice be forever revered in the annals of history.
Vector to Destiny
Journey of A Vietnam F-4 Fighter Pilot
by George W. Kohn
Copyright 2020 George W. Kohn
ISBN 978-1-64663-156-8
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any otherexcept for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior written permission of the author.
REVIEW COPY: This is an advanced printing subject to corrections and revisions.
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PREFACE
A fter many years of thinking about why things happened in my life, it was time to put thoughts into words. The central character in this story was one determined kid. I was that kid and there were many obstacles to overcome in order to reach my lofty goals.
My future as a farmer was all planned for me until something happened to change it. I experienced thrills, danger, and humiliation while traversing an exciting adventure through life. Many of my escapades were out of character for me, but they were pathways to a destiny. Despite some limitations, I eventually achieved my desired success.
Please enjoy my story, maybe entertain some new thoughts, and learn a few things along the way. Forgive me if some information is not precise but memories fade over time. And, if you would like to contribute your lifes adventures to my next stab at writing a book, please email me at the address at the end of this story.
Special thanks,
George
PART ONE
THE FARM
M y early Wisconsin wintry mornings began with Ma yelling up the stairway to my bedroom in our old farmhouse.
George, George, its time to get up.
I considered Mas first call to be just a friendly wake-up reminder and I could still get a few more minutes in bed. She, however, was expecting me to immediately roll out of my warm bed, get dressed, and get down to the barn to help feed the calves and milk the cows before going to school. Early morning chore duties were intended to prepare me for someday taking over the family farm. I was the only son, and I suspected that the reason for my existence was that Dad needed a son to carry on the family farming tradition. The farm was the original Kohn homestead from when our ancestors emigrated in the 1800s from Germany. My father was so intent on me taking over the farm that he even named me George, which means earth-worker or farmer. I had other ideas.
I learned that I could enjoy at least ten more minutes of tranquility under the thick blankets on my nice warm bed. Ma was busy getting the fires burning in the basement furnace to get some heat in the house. On her second call though, I sensed an increasing urgency for me to get out of bed. She dragged out pronunciation of my name and her voice was a few decibels higher.
George! George! Get out of that bed right now!
Even her raised voice did not motivate me to just throw back the covers and expose my nearly naked body to the frosty bedroom temperatures. I justified more bedtime by assuming that her second call was only intended to agitate me so that I would not fall back asleep.
