The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams Hardcover – August 22, 2023

Well written book about two American legends. John Glenn was our hero growing up. I really enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to Adam Lazarus for this story.

One need only glance at the cover of "The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams" to conclude that Glenn and Williams were close friends. However, upon reading Adam Lazarus's excellent account, we realize that this 'untold story' of an indivisible fifty-year affinity between two American icons in their respective fields transcended friendship. They forged their unique relationship in the crucible of combat during the Korean War, the challenges and shared hardships of war bonding them like no other human endeavor. Those of us who have served in uniform understand this phenomenon all too well.Glenn and Williams could not have been more different in personality and character. In "The Wingmen," Lazarus does a fine job of tracing the careers of these two uncommon men and detailing how those careers intersect throughout their lifetimes. Whether it was while flying together during the Korean War or meeting later in life, for instance, when Glenn attends a Boston Red Sox game featuring ‘the Splendid Splinter,’ they enjoy each other’s company. Though they do not agree on everything, they support one another through thick and thin. As brothers by different mothers, they are always there for each other.While opening our eyes to the unusual ties between two famous friends makes for an enjoyable read, Lazarus's book offers a great deal more. He reveals much about both men's personalities. For example, he discusses Ted Williams's ambivalence about being recalled to active-duty U.S. Marine Corps service in Korea in 1953. On the one hand, Williams wants to serve his country in its time of need. On the other hand, he laments forfeiting a Major League Baseball player's salary during his tour of duty, and, of course, he expresses concern at the prospect of incurring severe injury and even death while flying combat missions over North Korea.In contrast, Glenn, a career Marine, never wavers in his commitment to the nation and the Corps. Ever the dutiful Marine, he is relentless in his quest for excellence as a pilot, whether flying the F9F Panther on bombing runs with VMF-311 or the F-86 Sabre with the 25th FIS in dogfights in North Korean airspace. After the war, he goes on to become a test pilot, breaking the U.S. coast-to-coast speed record in a F8U-1P Crusader. He eventually joins NASA's Mercury program as an astronaut and, in 1962, orbits the Earth three times on Friendship 7. He flies a second time into space in 1998 aboard the shuttle Discovery, becoming the oldest American in history to don a NASA flight suit.Additionally, in "The Wingmen," the reader learns of Williams’s frailties as a man, including his broken personal relationships and his love-hate relationship with the Boston sports media. If he were only half as successful in controlling his mouth as he was at wielding a bat, he doubtless would have saved himself considerable frustration and heartache. Glenn, always carefully measured in his public comments, appears as the alter ego of the six-time American League batting champion.The self-possessed Glenn, a walking Norman Rockwell painting, originated from a small-town Midwestern Presbyterian upbringing, was a committed family man, and embodied an all-American patriotism. However, he was far from perfect. For instance, we discover his stumbles in politics, and due to questionable decisions, the office of the U.S. presidency eludes him. Despite their all-too-human struggles, we can appreciate both of these men as quintessential American heroes, yes, with warts and all. Their accomplishments, Glenn's ability to coax the seemingly impossible from a flying machine, and Williams's ability to perform magic with a baseball bat inspire countless young Americans to dream.Finally, what makes "The Wingmen" so compelling is Lazarus's steady focus on Williams's and Glenn's enduring friendship. Notwithstanding their differences, for example, being on opposite ends of the political spectrum, they find a way to remain connected and supportive of one another. According to the author, "… they both had wives, children, and demanding high-stress, high-paying positions." Nevertheless, he goes on to say, "As different as they were, as much as they disagreed on so many issues, especially politics, Ted Williams and John Glenn enjoyed each other's company." Their relationship endured whether as young men experiencing the camaraderie of Marines in the mess hall at K-3 between combat missions, or as graying senior citizens sitting around the dining room table in a Florida retirement community.Ultimately, Lazarus's message is clear and straightforward. Glenn and Williams respected and admired one another, perhaps recognizing some of themselves in each other. Most significantly, irrespective of their fame, whenever they were together, they could revert to their bygone experience in South Korea, once again finding a way to be two young Marines sitting in the K-3 mess hall and shooting the bull. Their reminiscences of the time shared many years ago as wingmen flying in contested airspace over the Korean Peninsula reminded them of how much they learned to depend on one another for their lives.Again, the challenges and hardships of war bond men like no other human endeavor.They were Brothers in Arms.

Excellent book! It is easy to read and so interesting. I had no idea that this Astronaut John Glenn and baseball player Ted Williams flew together and forged such a tight bond. In fact, I had no idea that Ted Williams was a pilot in the Marine Corp!

This book brought me to tears more than once. It's about 2 American heroes . Ted Williams was a U.S. Marine fighter pilot who played a kids game . John Glenn was a U.S. Marine, fighter pilot, NASA astronaut , and U.S Senator. They both had one thing in common, love of country. Such a good book.

I liked the story line but had trouble getting into it. Found it slow and repetitive.

I got this as a gift for my dad and he said he really enjoyed reading it. This book came up as a suggestion on my Amazon account, so I looked at the description to see if it would make a good gift. My dad loves to read, but he has read so many books that I don't always know what he's into. He liked the story and that's saying something coming from such an avid reader like him!

Great story full of military and sports history.It seems unlikely these two would be lifetime friends as John is prim and proper and Ted is a potty mouth. A good read.

I had no idea these 2 men were friends; but their bond was undeniable. Great story of mutual admiration. Thank you