Summary Of Connell's The Hunters

The Hunters is a 1957 novel written by James Salter, a former Korean War fighter pilot. The novel details the experience of the protagonist, Captain Clevel Connell, as a flight leader in a Korean War fighter squadron struggling to prove himself among his more distinguished peers. Connell’s life, supporting characters, as well as the background of the novel are all influenced heavily by Salter’s own life and experiences as a fighter pilot during the Korean War. In addition, the novel greatly reflected and became its own example of the American exceptionalism so prevalent during its time.

The novel opens up with Captain Cleve Connell in Japan waiting for his new assignment in Korea. In Japan, he encounters a young lieutenant named Pell harassing

Here he encounters Major Abbott, a pilot he met in Panama who had been an Ace in WW2, but sadly now a shadow of his former self. Connell then meets his wing commander, Colonel Imil, as well as another WW2 ace, Colonel Moncavage. Connell then goes through a period of training where he encounters his old friend and operations officer, Desmond. He also learns of the legendary Soviet MiG pilot, Casey Jones, who is believed to have retired. Connell flies his first combat missions as Desmond's wingman where he encounters his first MiG 15’s. After these first few missions, Captain Imil makes Connell the flight leader of a 6 plane flight despite his lack of combat experience. In his flight he has two veteran pilots, Deleo and Daughters, as well as two inexperienced replacements, Pettibone and Billy Hunter. Their first mission together went by smoothly but without killing any MiGs, leaving Connell disappointed. Connell learns next of the man newly assigned to his flight, Ed Pell, the young cocky lieutenant who he has encountered back at the bar in Japan. Connell’s expectancies as

When Colonel learns that Colonel Moncavage, a member of his squadron, had shot down two MiGs, his moral plummets to new lows. Connell’s anxiety quickly subsides when he shoots down his first MiG. Connell learns that Pell had also killed a MiG, and had left his wingman to do it, angering Deleo. During a bout of bad weather, Connell and Deleo take a short rest and relaxation trip to Japan. In Japan, they learn of the fight over the Yalu River and the return of the legendary pilot, Casey Jones. Back at Kimpo, Connell embarks on several missions where Pell acquires his third MiG kill. Lustfull for his next MiG kill, Connell assigns himself and Hunters to two MiG sweeps. To Connell’s despair, the recon flight that he had assigned Pell and DeLeo to was ambushed by six MiG’s. Pell got his fourth and fifth MiG kill and thus became an ace, but at the cost of losing his wingman, Daughters. Connell infuriated by the fact that Pell had left his wingman once again as well as his own insecurities, complains to Colonel Imil. Imil refuses to listen, stating that MiG kills are the only thing that matter. A few months later