Barrett Tillman is a widely recognized authority on air warfare in World War II and the author of more than forty nonfiction and fiction books on military topics. He has received six awards for history and literature, including the Admiral Arthur Radford Award. He lives in Mesa, Arizona.

Articles by Barrett Tillman

In Profile—William S. Phillips

By Barrett Tillman
August 1990
It is lunchtime in Ashland, Oregon, as artist William S. Phillips wipes off a brush to receive a visitor. He has been finishing a painting of three World War II ...

In Profile—R. G. Smith

By Barrett Tillman
April 1988
The disciplines of art and engineering seldom are manifest in equal portions in an individual. Yet when such a combination does occur, it comprises a third discipline that transcends both ...

Farewell to Midway’s Best

By Barrett Tillman
February 2002
Richard Halsey Best, the longest surviving squadron commander in the Battle of Midway, passed away on 28 October 2001. He was 92. Best was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy ...
he USS Comfort at anchor off Okinawa. Though clearly identifiable as a noncombatant, she suffered a devastating kamikaze attack in April 1945—the worst ordeal endured by a U.S. Navy hospital ship in World War II.

Mercy Afloat

By Barrett Tillman
August 2020
From ancient days to the Age of Sail to the year of COVID-19, hospital ships have been welcome vessels of healing and hope.