Full disclosure reveals that I have read and submit this review of Roger Ball! as a non-aviator and a civilian who has no military service history. My perspective is outside the box of subject familiarity, but inside the envelope of passionate interest in naval aviation over many decades. I lived and worked in Peru and South Africa for a number of years at NASA-funded satellite tracking facilities. During those years I began a project to build a large model of USS Enterprise CVAN-65. The model and eighty-five embarked aircraft ended up at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, donated and set-up in 1982 (and maintained continuously thereafter) by me. I was a one-man show engaged in the complexity of a modern aircraft carrier. It's been done, but not by many.

It was John Monroe Smith and Capt. C.C. Smith Jr. who gave me my first look during a full week visit in late February 1975 aboard Enterprise during the turbulent cruise which endured the 'thump-bang' mystery of F-14 engine breakup, and the heartbreaking loss of South Vietnam in April 1975. It was Hawk who escorted me to the LSO platform for the view of a lifetime. It was Hawk who engaged in small talk with a non-flier. It was Hawk who responded in 1980 after I saw him on ABC's 20/20 discussing the Black Lions and the continuing challenges of coaxing the F-14 to become the best it was designed to be. It was Hawk who compelled me to join Tailhook Association, of which I've been an associate member for nearly 30 years. And, it was Hawk who just recently recalled who I was after our first meeting in the South China Sea in 1975, 32 years later.

I have a concept of heroism. A hero is one who has everything to lose, everyone to expose the pain of his loss, and yet goes about a dangerous profession, year in and year out, STICKS to his mission in the face of possible and sudden evisceration, held by a thread to life by skill, cunning, luck and dedication. That's a hero. Not the rock star, nor a politician, rarely a multi-billionaire. Heroes are found within the level and vertical battlefields of wars mostly, and also among those with the dedication to improve the humanity of man in places where hostility lurks; in countries, boardrooms, firehouses, anywhere that character is essential and practiced, and bold actions are taken selflessly, persistently, at great personal risk.

The world might have lost Hawk on many occasions, and we would have to subtract from our experiences all that he contributed during his fortunate long career and great influence as expressed by so many. Donald Auten faced the same level of risk across his own thousands of hours of Navy flying. We would lose the gripping story herein told had he not had the full benefit of a life longer lived.

I enjoyed every line, every encapsulated story, the sum of which was a fabric of adventure and an honorable life well lived managing the incredible machinery, the fickle nature of human relations within the ranks, the meddling politicians -both the effective and the intrusive - with sticky noses, the humorous and the humorless, the endurance of Miss Jenny, all put together in a tale of high adventure and much about a very important survival component of our national security.

I dare not critique specifics about navy flying, for after all, my aviation experience is limited to taking the stick of my brother's 85 hp Luscombe over the eastern Colorado range and some of the mountain terrain - with my pilot-brother alongside. And yes, perhaps I know a little bit about airplanes and ships. Just permit me to say that this non-flier knows as well as he can the story herein told, even without the Wings of Gold proudly worn by those who know the story all too well.

Well done, Duck. Well done, Hawk. It is an honor bestowed on me to be given a chance to see the little I've seen, and read as richly as experienced by those who have seen much. Thank you, gentlemen, all.

And PS: You need a sequel, we want to read more. I know the material is there!

Steve Henninger

Designer/Builder of Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum

USS Enterprise (CVN-65) Model
Tailhook Member

"This is an excellent book that works on many levels.  It is a story of a man’s journey through an eventful navel career with an in-depth look at what it takes to be a fighter pilot.  It is a broad history of the Navy’s fighter program from being primarily a straight-and-level intercept aircraft in the mid 60s, through developing air combat maneuver training in the late 60s and the introduction of the F-14 Tomcat in the early 70s."

“… author Donald E. Auten (a naval aviator himself) does an outstanding job of putting the reader in the cockpit.  His descriptions of flying Navy aircraft in both aerial combat and carrier environments are without parallel.  His knowledge of the Navy has allowed him to write with an authority usually not seen in a biography of this type. "

            “Here’s the bottom line.  If you were at Miramar during the 70’s, you need to read this book.  If you ever ran across “Hawk” Smith anytime during your career, you need to read this book.  If you were ever in the cockpit, you’ll find yourself there again—if not, you’ll feel like you are there and know what it is to fly air combat maneuvers.”

 Reviewed by Command Jan Jacobs, U.S. Navy Reserve (Retired)

For U.S. Naval Institute, Proceedings; March 2007

Ms. Dorothea Sullivan

Vancouver, Wa

28 July 2006

Roger Ball is an "OK three" underlined--a perfect landing grade with a perfect start, perfect approach and target three wire arrestment. 

The chief beauty in this odyssey of John Monroe "Hawk" Smith lies not so much in its tribute to a pioneering Navy fighter pilot, or in the literary style, as in its simple understanding of the wonderment of naval carrier aviation. Hawk was a damn good naval officer with the exceptional character and leadership skills to become a legend by catapulting his profession into the "strike-fighter" 21st century.  Hawk was a "cut above", whose selfless desire was to become the best role model and achiever in developing the concept of "fight and win."  His achievements were unprecedented, and the reader will learn not only the true enjoyment and excitement of all aspects of the carrier aviation profession but, most importantly, the lessons of superb leadership in a most demanding and dangerous profession.  Hawk is a national treasure and the reader will marvel at his commitment and innovation in making naval carrier aviation the most lethal and formidable air combat force in the world. 

This book ought to be required reading for those who seek to learn about a true patriot who understands the principles on which our great Navy aviation fleet has been built, along with experiencing the breathtaking, dynamic hops in ultimate flying machines.

 This book is one of the best of its kind!

Jack "Stinger" Ready

Vice Admiral, USN (Retired)

14 August 2006

"Roger Ball!" gets an OK 3 UNDERLINED  in ANY LSO's book ! 

When I assumed command of a fighter squadron in 1989, part of my brief remarks was a promise to try and lead as I had been taught by three of my former COs.  One of those was Monroe “Hawk” Smith, under whose command I had learned the truest meaning of the dictum “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right!”

Don Auten’s highly readable biography of “Hawk” is a most welcome and much needed addition to the personal “fighter pilot library” of anyone who served at Miramar in the 70’s and 80’s, ever flew the Tomcat, attended TOPGUN, or served with or Hawk or under his command.  Filled with the names of Miramar and Navy fighter “greats” known to us all, like Jack Ready, “Hoser” Satrapa, “Bad Fred” Lewis, “Cobra” Ruliffson, “Thunder Bud” Taylor, “Boomer” Wilson, and many others, just reading it took me back to the Fightertown flight line, the LSO platform, the TACTS trailer and the “WOXOF” bar at the Miramar O’Club.   

ROGER BALL details Hawk’s many personal--and unique--contributions to the fleet introduction of the F-14 Tomcat, including OT&E, carrier suitability and first fleet CQ, and the initial thrills (and the initial disappointments…thump…bang!) of this now-legendary fighter aircraft.  The story of his many key assignments at VX-4, as CAG LSO with the first F-14-equipped airwing, and during the AIMVAL/ACEVAL projects “fill in the details” of the early critical days of the aircraft and the community that would form around it.  If others can lay just claim to being “the father of the Tomcat”, Hawk surely can lay just claim to being one of the many “midwives” who made the birth and early formative years so successful. 

Similarly, as almost a follow-on to Scream of Eagles: The Creation of TOPGUN and the U.S. Air Victory in Vietnam (Robert K. Wilcox, New York, NY, John Wiley & Sons, 1990), Hawk’s time as first the XO, then the CO of the Navy Fighter Weapons School at Miramar, is a rich tale of  “the best of times and the worst of times” at Fightertown USA.  Those of us who were there will never forget. 

For those many of us who served under Hawk’s fleet command in the VF-213 “Black Lions”, however, the book cries out for a sequel, as those years are relegated to almost footnote status.  That critical tour, and all that it contained—firmly etched in our collective memories as almost nothing else—and Hawk’s post-command and Major command assignments are all “rolled up” in only the last four pages of the book.  We all eagerly await the much-needed second volume, perhaps to be called  Knowledge Is Good:  Delta House Goes To Sea. 

 ... 

ROGER BALL is unquestionably the “book of the 2006 summer” for those of us who never tire of reading about the Naval aviation greats who created a community, became a legend, and who molded us, for better or worse, in their own image.  For my part, I can only hope that my own efforts during my times in command did “Hawk” the honor that was intended.

Reviewed by

Timothy E. “Spike” Prendergast,

Captain, USN (Retired)

7 August 2006

"Roger Ball!" kept me chuckling to the very last page.  I admit, the acronyms were, at times, difficult (the glossary helped a lot), but that did not, in any way, detract from the enjoyment of the story.  The interspersed humor (especially the "mooned" photo episode) made me laugh out loud.

"Hawk" is certainly a remarkable human being and one we were very fortunate to have had ... not only serving in our military but also in contributing so much at almost every level.  What a man!

Ms. Mary Jane Johnston

Wife of WWII Marine

14 August 2006

Roger Ball!, the Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith, is a “must read” for any young man or woman considering a career in Naval Aviation. Donald “Duck” Auten pulls no punches in telling the story of the life of a Naval Aviator – the good times and the bad times. Reading this book, you’ll get to live the life of an extraordinary Navy fighter pilot. You’ll experience the training required to become a Naval officer and then on to flight training. “Hawk” started his career in the back seat of an F-4 Phantom before he crossed over to pilot the Phantom and then on to the F-14 Tomcat. You get the perspective from both seats in the cockpit.

You’ll know what it’s like to join your first squadron and make your first cruise, the long hard hours at sea away from your loved ones and a well deserved liberty. You’ll know what it’s like to make a carrier landing, day or night - any kind of weather, when the rolling and pitching deck is the only piece of solid ground for hundreds of miles around. Most of all, you’ll learn what it takes to be part of a team where your squadron mate’s life depend on you and your life on them. You’ll share in the camaraderie, the antics, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat that can only be found in these people we call Navy fighter pilots.

Thanks “Hawk” for sharing your life and thanks “Duck” for so eloquently getting it down on paper.

Art Martin

F-14 Tomcat Association

ALWAYS, BABY …!

20 August 2006

A great read! I served under "HAWK" as his Command Master Chief.  He is a unique person and mentor. He was the right person at the right time for NAVAL AVIATION, and a PATRIOT, with the courage and determination to do the things that needed to be done. I would do it all again if Captain John M. Smith was the boss. 

John J. Lynch

CSCM (SS/NAC) USN (Retired)

18 August 2006

In “ROGER BALL!”, author Donald E. “Duck” Auten tells the story of his friend  and colleague, John Monroe “Hawk” Smith, and in doing so, gives the reader an insider’s look at naval aviation and aircraft carrier flight operations. Hawk’s life as a naval aviator reads like a novel and it becomes obvious  that he was one of the driving forces in shaping our modern Navy.  He  epitomizes the phrase, “Best of the Best”.  Way to go, Hawk and Duck.  A great read!

Pat Gagnebin

USMC, Vietnam ’67 and ’68

12 September 2006

I was married to a Navy Fighter Pilot and we raised a wonderful family together.  We are all still very close. When he took over as Commanding Officer of an F-14 squadron, the VF-213 Black Lions in 1978, we felt fortunate to have Monroe and Miss Jenny on-board as Executive Officer and true "Fighter Lady".  Miss Jenny and I kept the wives together while the men were at sea and even joined them in the Mediterranean when USS AMERICA was in port.  It was an exciting time of life that I find myself in awe of - all over again!   The whole of Navy Aviation scenarios came back to life when I was reading "ROGER BALL!"  I am so proud that I had the privilege to play a small role in this via my husband's career and experiences.  It was the best and worst, happiest and saddest, most thrilling and most lonely of times.  But I wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way. Now I have sisters and brothers all over the U.S.A. and I want them to read this book to further understand the incredible lives we led as members of the elite team of Naval Aviation!  I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a career in the USAF, Navy, USMC or Army aviation.  Fly Navy!

                                                                                                             Ms. Emilie Appelgate

                                                                                                             Former Navy Wife - the toughest job in the Navy!

September 2006

Hello Aviation Aficionados!

Just bought a book titled "Roger Ball".  It's the story of a friend, J. Monroe "Hawk" Smith, a retired Navy Captain and Fighter Pilot.  I can't put it down!  

It's written by another retired Naval Aviator, Captain Don Auten, who knows how to put words together. The book's won the iUniverse's"Editor's Choice" & "Publisher's Choice"  Awards.  It's that good.  Do yourself a favor, check it out and get if for yourself or as a gift for anyone who has "slipped the surly bonds of earth" or anyone interested in aviation.

It's a winner!

(PS  This has been a non-paid non-political announcement.)

Len Kaine

Captain, USN (Retired)

Crusader Pilot

President and Founder of the Golden Rule Society

17 September 2006

Roger Ball draws an accurate picture of life flying jets from Navy carriers during the ‘60s and ‘70s.  It puts you in the cockpit and makes your heart race!  For me, memories came flooding back.  But it’s far more than an action biography of Hawk’s Navy flying career; it’s a book on leadership and management and winning and doing it all with the highest integrity.  Roger Ball is a ‘must buy’ for anyone wanting to improve his/her leadership and management skills, and, of course, for anyone who has flown, (or is thinking about flying,) airplanes with tail hooks.

 

Dick Pottratz

Commander, USN (Retired)

Commanding Officer VA-27 Chargers

23 October 2006

The story of Monroe “Hawk” Smith, wonderfully told by Donald Auten, is a classic tale of challenge, disappointment, and triumph, set against the action packed backdrop of carrier aviation.

For one who had the great pleasure and privilege of serving with Hawk, it is particularly gratifying to hear his voice, intonation, enthusiasm and humor captured so well.  You are there as he coaxes an F-14 Tomcat pilot into a successful crash landing aboard the carrier Enterprise. He takes you into the air as he duels some of the world’s best pilots during the development of transitional weapon systems and tactics. Roger Ball captures the heart-pounding sweaty-palmed episodes and the resulting exhilaration of having “cheated death one more time” that all tailhook aviators have experienced. But this story is more than one of “turning and burning”; it is one of inspirational leadership, career changing confrontations, and ultimately one of love of family and country. It is the story of a man who literally and figuratively kept his eye on the ball throughout his career – with an unwavering pursuit of excellence and a twinkle in his steely eyes. 

Naval aviation is the better for all of Hawk’s efforts. We who served with him and those who read his story are better for knowing such a unique man.

 Rick Hauck

Captain, USN (Retired)

NASA Astronaut

24 October 2006

TOPGUN Executive Officer

14 December 2006

In October 1980, as a young Ensign, I checked in to VF-213, for my first of four Fighter Squadron tours at NAS Miramar and came face to face with my first skipper, CDR Monroe “Hawk” Smith—a man who was to inspire and mentor me throughout my career.  In the ensuing 26 years, I was to hear literally hundreds of stories and anecdotes about “Hawk”. I thought I had heard them all, but didn’t know the half of it. 

“Roger Ball!” is a veritable “Who’s Who” or perhaps rather a “Who Was?” in the Navy’s fighter community.  Hawk thrived in the “eye of the storm”—the maelstrom that was known as Fighter Town, USA and left his indelible mark in the annals of Naval Aviation and in the hearts of those he lead and served with. 

“Roger Ball” is the definitive story of Naval “Carrier” Aviation.  It will be of particular interest to anyone interested in military aviation but will be easily understood and enjoyed by the layman as well.  “Duck” Auten has done a superlative job of capturing the essence of a truly great American, John Monroe Smith, and interweaving the details of his very important life against the backdrop of 50 years of tumultuous World History. 

                                                                                    David “Jeep” Willis

 Commander, USN (Retired)

14 January 2006