Critics and readers alike will appreciate this book for its insightful reflections on dreams, courage, sacrifice, and personal growth making it not only a recounting of naval adventures but also a story of human resilience and the appreciation for life lessons. A true gift to Jerry’s grandkids and anyone who would read this book!

A kid in a Wisconsin cornfield decides that wants to be an astronaut and walk on Mars. Over the next 20 years, he proceeds along his astronaut track with more than a dozen slips, trips, and falls. But he never gives up. Instead he faces a moral dilemma that no one could’ve predicted. How he handles it, is a story for the ages. John B.

Jerry Werner’s memoir, stories written to his grandchildren, is a fascinating and inspiring account of a man’s dogged pursuit of his dream of becoming a pilot and eventually an astronaut. His tale begins when, as a young boy growing up in rural Wisconsin, Jerry dreams of someday becoming an astronaut and walking on Mars. Once he has set his sights on that goal, all of his life decisions are focused on achieving that dream. This a gripping story of persistence, commitment, and courage.

Throughout the book, Jerry describes in vivid detail how, over the years and step by step, he encountered and dealt with the obstacles and occasional failures that threatened to derail him. As we follow Jerry on this journey, we learn much about life in the US Naval Academy, about the career of a young naval officer, about the rigorous training pilots must go through. Along the way, we also learn about various ships and aircraft and the challenges our sailors and pilots face daily. But most interesting of all is getting to know Jerry, a bright, curious, obsessively driven, and courageous individual. Jerry is quite transparent as he relates the details of his life. He could very easily have turned this memoir into the tale of a young hero who easily overcomes obstacles and challenges as he achieves his dreams. However, Jerry is quite open and honest as he describes his failures as well as his successes. There is plenty of excitement here, beginning with a dramatic near-failure as Jerry and his aircraft are catapulted into a Caribbean night from the deck of the USS Independence. And that’s not the only close call he survives. Reading this memoir one gains a genuine appreciation for all of our military pilots, and especially for the one who is telling this story. Jerry Werner is definitely someone worth getting to know and admire through his account.

I’m looking forward to Volume 2!!

One Man’s Journey

Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024

This book is the story of Jerry (Disco) Werner’s single-minded journey pursuing his goal of becoming an astronaut and walking on Mars.

The story is revealed by his very personal description of some unusual experiences in a variety of settings along the way, settings that are quite out of the ordinary. One is his training at the Navy’s Fighter Weapons School otherwise known as TOPGUN. The twist in Disco’s story is that his selection and success at this coveted school was not an end in and of itself but was just another step towards a more ambitious goal….the RED PLANET.

There are three specific aspects of this book which are compelling. The first was Disco’s incredible and unwavering focus on his ultimate goal of being selected as an astronaut with a further selection to a Mars mission, in spite of obstacle after obstacle. The second was his perceptive description of the diverse settings he traveled through on his journey, specifically his youth in a small conservative town in the upper Midwest in the 50’s; his experiences in a civilian university versus a military academy; the emotions and physical sensations of flying high performance aircraft; and his observations of the culture of the U.S. Navy prevalent in the late 20th century. And thirdly, his ability to overcome obstacle after obstacle until only one thing stood in his way…an obstacle which I’ll let him describe in the book.

The bottom line…this is a heck of a yarn told by an amazing Naval Aviator and Naval officer with a twist that is well worth thinking about. I was privileged and am proud to have accompanied Disco on portions of his journey, a journey of determination, service, excitement and honor. Hope you (and his grandchildren) enjoy his tale.

A story about the real Top Gun, but with a conscience!

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024

I loved it! Mr. Werner’s biography is an extremely powerful book and truly an inspiration. It starts out as the classical hero tale, including humble beginnings on a farm in Wisconsin, facing great and perilous adventures (including landing a jet plane while missing a tire, a feat few have attempted and survived!) and ultimately achieving many of your dreams (becoming #1 Top Gun graduate and being invited to become a test pilot for the US Navy). I would recommend the book just for those amazing and exciting stories and as a reminder how much can be achieved by setting ambitious goals and being persistent, resourceful, and ambitious.

But then there is the twist! Without wanting to give away too much, the story ends with an impressive example of how one stands up for their convictions and puts them not only over external obstacles but even over one’s dreams. The world would be a better place if more of us could follow this example.

Mr. Werner is a courageous man in many ways, while always remaining humble. The story of his life is addressed to his grandchildren, who he shares his life lessons with, and we are allowed to eavesdrop in and learn! His life’s example provides guidance for all of us. I can honestly say that I believe taking his advice to heart can be life changing.