Blog Post

In the exhilarating memoir “Born to Live on The Edge,” Fredrick L. Pumroy takes readers on a gripping journey from his humble beginnings as an Indiana farm boy to his daring adventures as a Vietnam fighter pilot and beyond. With each page turn, Pumroy’s thrilling accounts of narrow escapes and death-defying missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail captivate and entertain.

From the tender age of eight, Pumroy’s passion for aviation was ignited when his father gifted him a small, one-seat plane. Together, they soared over the family farm, laying the groundwork for Pumroy’s future in the skies. A high school athlete turned Air Force recruit, Pumroy’s dreams of becoming a fighter pilot were soon met with the harsh reality of combat during his first mission as a Forward Air Controller.

“I hadn’t been shot at before and I didn’t like it,” Pumroy recalls, reflecting on the 309 bullet holes his aircraft sustained over a harrowing two-month period. The chapters detailing his experiences in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are among the most riveting in this compelling memoir, showcasing Pumroy’s bravery and resilience in the face of danger.

Pumroy’s narrative doesn’t end with his military service; it extends to his time flying various aircraft, both military and civilian, as well as his post-Air Force career as a technical consultant. Throughout the book, Pumroy’s clean and crisp writing style effortlessly transports readers into the cockpit, allowing them to experience the adrenaline-pumping highs and heart-stopping lows alongside him.

But “Born to Live on The Edge” isn’t just about aerial acrobatics and combat missions—it’s also a testament to the camaraderie shared among pilots in the midst of war. From drinking games to boyish pranks, Pumroy offers glimpses into the lighter moments that helped pilots cope with the stresses of combat.

While not every day in Pumroy’s life was filled with danger and excitement, his memoir is a testament to a life lived to the fullest. With honesty and candor, he shares his memories of both the death-defying and the mundane, inviting readers to join him on a journey through the skies and beyond.