Robert L. Scott

Robert L. Scott (1908-2006) was an American fighter pilot and author best known for his World War II memoir "God is My Co-Pilot," published in 1943. The book detailed his experiences flying missions over China and Burma as part of the Flying Tigers and later with the U.S. Army Air Forces. During his military career, Scott flew 388 combat missions and achieved 13 confirmed aerial victories against Japanese aircraft. As a writer, he published over a dozen books, with "God is My Co-Pilot" becoming his most successful work and later being adapted into a 1945 film starring Dennis Morgan. Scott's writing style combined detailed accounts of aerial combat with personal reflections on duty, faith, and patriotism. His books helped shape the public's understanding of the air war in Asia during World War II and influenced subsequent military aviation literature. Beyond his wartime experiences, Scott continued to write about aviation and military subjects throughout his life, including works such as "Flying Tiger: Chennault of China" and "The Day I Owned the Sky." He remained an active advocate for military aviation until his death at age 97.

Readers consistently highlight Scott's ability to capture the intensity of aerial combat while weaving in personal insights about faith and duty. On Goodreads, "God is My Co-Pilot" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from over 1,000 readers. Readers appreciate: - First-hand accounts of Flying Tigers operations - Technical details about WWII aircraft and combat tactics - Balance of action sequences with personal reflection - Historical context of China-Burma theater Common criticisms: - Some find religious references heavy-handed - Period-typical attitudes toward Japanese people - Combat descriptions can be repetitive - Limited coverage of ground operations Amazon reviews (4.6/5 from 300+ ratings) note Scott's straightforward writing style. One reader states: "Scott puts you right in the cockpit during intense dogfights." Several military veterans praise the accuracy of combat descriptions. Modern readers occasionally comment that the narrative feels dated, but value its historical perspective.

God is My Co-Pilot (1943) A first-hand account of Scott's experiences as a fighter pilot in China during World War II, including his service with the Flying Tigers.

Damned to Glory (1944) A collection of stories about American fighter pilots in World War II, based on Scott's observations and experiences in combat.

Flying Tiger: Chennault of China (1959) A biography of General Claire Chennault, detailing his leadership of the Flying Tigers and the development of air combat tactics in China.

The Day I Owned the Sky (1988) Scott's memoir covering his entire aviation career, from his early days as a pilot through his military service and beyond.

Boring a Hole in the Sky (1961) A technical and personal examination of high-altitude flight and the challenges faced by test pilots during the early jet age.

Look of the Eagle (1966) A study of birds of prey and their flying techniques, drawing parallels between natural flight and human aviation.

Between the Elephant's Eyes (1954) A collection of hunting adventures and wildlife observations from Scott's travels in Africa.

Tiger in the Sky (1959) Stories about combat aviation focusing on missions in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II.

Ernest K. Gann wrote aviation adventure books drawing from his experiences as a commercial and military pilot during WWII. His works like "Fate Is the Hunter" blend pilot memoirs with dramatic narratives similar to Scott's style.

Richard Bach focuses on flying stories that connect aviation with philosophy and personal growth. His book "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" and "Illusions" share Scott's perspective of flight as both physical and spiritual journey.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote about his experiences as a pioneering mail pilot in the 1920s and 1930s. His works combine aviation adventure with deeper reflections on humanity, as seen in "Wind, Sand and Stars" and "Night Flight."

Martin Caidin authored technical aviation books and novels based on military aircraft and pilots. His background as a pilot and aviation expert informed works like "Cyborg" and "Marooned."

James Norman Hall co-wrote the Bounty trilogy and authored several works about WWI aviation. His experiences as a combat pilot in WWI influenced books like "Flying with Chaucer" and "High Adventure."