"Surviving Victory" very well may be the last original memoir of World War Two, as seen from the cockpit of a Spitfire. "Surviving Victory" is all about survival - in many forms. Surviving an abusive father in the Oklahoma Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, surviving hazardous adventures in California and an attempt at the Merchant Marine all tested Philip Vickers' survival skills. But flying a Spitfire in 102 missions over Europe in World War II for the Royal Canadian Air Force was the ultimate survival test., And yet, it was Surviving Victory that perplexed him the most. But, he survived that victory and went on to an acting career in London, another career as a well known Southwestern sculptor and finally he became the author of two books. Surviving Victory was his last crowning achievement...
About the Author: When Philip Vickers was just a boy, he witnessed Charles Lindbergh landing in Oklahoma City - and his fate was sealed. But becoming a pilot seemed an impossibility to a college kid in his second year at the University of Oklahoma. Then along came World War II and the Civilian Pilot Training Program. By the end of June, 1941, he had 35 hours in a Piper Cub, his coveted Student Permit and he set off to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, as the United States wasn't getting into the war fast enough to suit his ambitions. After many harrowing episodes during his training in Canada, he qualified to fly the renowned Spitfire, in which he flew 102 missions over Europe, many times as wing man for RAF Ace Johnnie Johnson. Every day grew more difficult and crazy, knowing that chances were ever slimmer of returning alive. But, although crashing short of a runway in England and, much to his distress, spending D Day in the hospital, survive he did. After the war, and through an odd series of events, the theater became his passion. American roles were plentiful, and with his English green card, he became a well known actor on London's West End, starring in Damn Yankees, Remains to be Seen and The Big Knife as well as opening for Bob Hope "on the road". Radio and TV roles were a constant sidelight. His passion took a sudden turn with a chance discovery of his natural talent for sculpture. His early sculpted portraits won him an invitation to exhibit with the Royal Society of Portrait Sculptors. Eventually, he made his way back to the United States and settled in Washington, DC and later in Sedona, Arizona where he became a very well known Southwestern sculptor over the following 25 years, until his death in 2003.