Devotion

Devotion tells a very compelling true story. In fact, the book actually tells two stories. The first is the story of two unlikely friends – Naval aviators Lieutenant Tom Hudner, winner of the Medal of Honor, and Ensign Jesse Brown, the Navy's first black aircraft carrier pilot. We learn of their origins – Tom Hudner a son of white privilege from the North East and Jesse Brown a son of the poorest of poor Mississippi share-croppers. Then we learn how they became fighter pilots, how they became friends, and how together they learned the harsh realities of war. The second story tells of the hardships and bitter fighting endured by some young marines who were among those cut off and surrounded by the Chinese army during the harsh North Korean winter of 1950. The two stories touch on each other at several points – the key one being when the aviators provide close air support for the imperiled marines. They are stories of true courage, friendship, heroism, and sacrifice.
A well-written book about events that few know about nowadays, and a good read for military history buffs. A solid four stars.