>>4128146Historical background:
Perrine is based on Pierre Clostermann, one of the most decorated French aviators of the war.
Pierre's two books, "The Big Show" and "Flames in the Sky" are two of the most engaging, interesting accounts of the air war of WWII. I warmly recommend that everyone buy a copy. Cheap paperbacks are available. His prose is wonderful and elegant. His enthusiasm is infectious. It's excellent.