But for the Grace of God: An Autobiography of an Aviator and Astronaut

But for the Grace of God is not just the autobiography of astronaut and aviator, William R. "Bill" Pogue. "Competently and directly, he guides the reader through a half-century of technological advance." says Mike Collins, Command Module Pilot, Apollo11. The book has already received rave reviews from experts and enthusiasts. Ed Gibson, fellow Skylab 4 crewmember and science pilot says it best: "In his humble yet factual way, Bill Pogue describes the crucible in which he was raised, lived, and worked -- the crucible that made him an exceptional man and one of our nation's finest aviators and astronauts. The honesty and work ethic of country life, love of flying, stresses of being a fighter pilot in the Korean War, demands on a Thunderbird pilot, and challenges of a test pilot all prepared him for his lead role on Skylab, America's first space station. Alan Bean, Apollo 12 Astronaut and Fourth Man to Set Foot on the Moon, called Bill one of the astronauts he admired most during his eighteen-year career at NASA. He says, "But for the Grace of God will serve as a life-changing inspiration for many. It is a must read for anyone interested in space exploration." "But for the Grace of God is one of the two best memoirs ever written by an astronaut and should be required reading for every pilot or astronaut aspirant. In his book, Pogue packages his adventure-filled life into easy-to-read, inspiring tales that move swiftly from page to page. They are filled with his reverence for his family, God, nature, and mankind. Whether engaging the enemy in combat, flying metal-bending aerobatics with the Thunderbirds, or setting all records for distance and endurance in the wonderful Skylab (a true space station of its time), Pogue speaks clearly with compelling authority but a modest tone. This is a keeper -- a book all parents should provide their children as a guide to how good life can be when it is lived to its fullest," says Walter J. Boyne Author/Historian; Former Director, National Air & Space Museum; and Enshrinee, National Aviation Hall of Fame. Ed Buckbee, NASA Public Affairs for Wernher von Braun and Founder, U. S. Space Camp calls Bill Pogue, "... a country boy from the heartland of America who surpassed his wildest dreams as an aviator, combat fighter pilot, elite Thunderbird pilot, and a member of the brotherhood of astronauts who maintained an even strain and went higher, faster, and farther -- eighty-four days on orbit aboard Skylab. It makes me proud to know this country can produce such patriots, aviators, and space explorers. We only made a few. Bill Pogue was one." Finally, Skylab 4 Commander Jerry Carr adds, "Reading Bill Pogue's autobiography has been a real adventure for me. We have known each other for 45 years (since we were selected as astronauts by NASA), and we have been close the whole time. His upbringing parallels mine to some degree and brought back a flood of old memories. He is a superb writer who has lived a very special life. Now, he is sharing that life with all of us, and I, for one, am grateful. He is a great pilot, an excellent astronaut, and outstanding representative of our nation. I am proud to be his friend and colleague."