THE FIGHTIN’ TENTH
Cold War to Desert Storm
Perfect for veterans, aviation buffs, Cold War history fans, and anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s really like to be part of an United States Air Force fighter squadron!
Step inside the hardened aircraft shelters of Hahn Air Base and witness life on the front lines of the Cold War.
In THE FIGHTIN’ TENTH, former U.S. Air Force officer Michael Makatura takes you behind the wire of one of NATO’s most elite tactical fighter squadrons—the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron—during the tense final years of the Cold War and into Operation Desert Storm. From the heart of West Germany to the skies above Iraq, this gripping memoir captures what it meant to stand ready for war at a moment’s notice, fly the iconic F-16 Viper, and live among warriors with a shared sense of purpose and brotherhood.
Part history, part military life, part personal transformation, Makatura’s story is filled with grit, humor, and raw honesty. Whether it’s enduring the mental gauntlet of Officer Training School, landing in Europe as a wide-eyed second lieutenant, or watching seasoned pilots prep for combat in the Middle East, The Fightin’ Tenth brings to life the unique culture, mission, and mindset of an American fighter squadron in an unforgettable era.