“Like many 18-year-olds who sign up to serve with the U.S. Navy, Petersen was looking for adventure when he enlisted. The difference between him and the average kid of 1950, when he enlisted, was that Petersen was African American. At the time military opportunities were limited for blacks, so it was remarkable that Petersen, revealed here as an intense go-getter, was admitted to the highly competitive naval aviation cadet program. He would go on to become the first African American pilot, then flag officer, then three-star general in the deeply conservative Marine Corps. Assisted by veteran biographer Phelps, Petersen relates his personal and career trajectory from wide-eyed kid to seasoned combatant. Although the presentation at times is overly detailed, with recollections of Petersen's acquaintances sprinkled liberally throughout. This work offers valuable insight into the evolution of both the military and the society at large through the experience of one man and his family. It's hard not to wince when Petersen describes being stopped for impersonating a military officer at a time when blacks in the service were presumed to be enlisted men. Other anecdotes are more benign, such as the time a puzzled young Korean woman tried to wipe the color from his face. To Petersen's credit, he includes much commentary from his first wife, Ellie, who is candid about the toll of being married to an ambitious pioneer. Through her, readers see the mettle of that rare breed of social groundbreakers.” —Publishers Weekly

“This is clearly one of those 'must have' books for all serious students of military history. Petersen began his Marine Corps story in 1952 when he was the first African American Marine Corps officer to earn pilot's wings. He saw combat for the very first time as a Corsair pilot in Korea, flew over 350 combat missions in Vietnam, and commanded at the squadron, group, brigade, and Marine Aircraft Wing levels. In addition to the many 'firsts' to his credit, General Petersen is a Marine's Marine in every sense of the word, and this autobiography should be required reading for all Marines and for anyone struggling to overcome adversity in their lives.” —Lt.Col. Charles P. Neimeyer, USMC (Ret.), Director and Chief of Marine Corps History at Marine Corps University

“Once I found out what being a United States Marine was all about, jumping into the tiger's jaw was just something to do. We'd been trained for combat. That's our reason for being. When the time comes, hell, stick out your can. Let's go. Let's see what the old tiger's got. Let's jump right into his big, old jaw. That's what I was doing that day in Vietnam when that old tiger caterwauled and bit me. I was flying high. A Lieutenant Colonel, Marine fighter squadron commander. Keeper of the keys. . . . And to make it sweeter our call sign was Black Knights. Hypothetical swords at the ready, I pulled that hot pad duty just like I wanted my men to do it. Five- to twelve-hour stints, depending on the threat and the type of call for assistance. Tiger growled. We listened. Marine troops pinned down, deep in the DMZ. Twenty miles north of the Rock Pile, near An Khe. Target, 15 miles into North Vietnam. We fired up the Phantoms, those big, powerful, weirdly beautiful F-4s and flew right into that old tiger's jaw. . . .” —From the Prologue

“Into the Tiger’s Jaw brilliantly chronicles the life of an American hero, Lieutenant General Frank Peterson. As America’s first African American Marine Corps fighter pilot, this is an intriguing and engaging story of a Marine who beat the odds the old-fashioned way…with determination, hard work and a never quite attitude. General Peterson fought through wars, investigations and personal challenges, while simultaneously facing overt racism, both inside and outside the Marine Corps. Yet, his focus remained on protecting the rights and freedoms of our country, while leading his beloved Marines through peace and war. This story is more than the exploits of a dedicated fighter pilot and leader—it is an American story and testimony to what’s possible if one has the talent, grit and dedication to achieve. This is a must read…for all ages and backgrounds. This autobiography will motivate and inspire you as it did me!” —Gen. Larry O. Spencer (Ret.), 37th Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force; author of Dark Horse: General Larry O. Spencer and His Journey from the Horseshoe to the Pentagon

“Lt. General Frank E. Petersen Jr., USMC (Ret.) was the first black Marine aviator and the first black Marine General. He was, at retirement, the senior Marine aviator. He flew 350 combat missions in Korea and Vietnam .... He was a humble hero, he didn't brag, he was a mentor to those who followed him in service. He was an inspiration and example to me.” —Gen. Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), former U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

“A must read full of important lessons for today’s Marine Corps. An inspiring story of an American hero who embodies the ethos, values, and ideals of our Nation. Be there as he courageously maneuvers against enemy forces in the air and racial tensions on the ground, ultimately achieving the American dream.” —Maj. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, USMC

“This is the fascinating story of Frank Petersen, the first black Marine Corps pilot and general officer. It is a case study in leadership that describes how Petersen faced the racial challenges of his day head-on, effectively overcoming the cultural and organizational obstacles prevalent in the U.S. military during the 1950s–1980s. He enlisted in the Navy in 1950 but transitioned to the Marine Corps early in his career, serving in combat as a young fighter pilot with VMFA-212, the Devil Cats, in Korea and later as a fighter squadron commander with VMFA-314, the Black Knights, in Vietnam. He concluded his career at the rank of lieutenant general in 1988, serving his nation for 38 years. Petersen’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and self-confidence. It is an important reference for those facing cultural adversity today. Perhaps as important, it also serves as an insightful resource for commanders leading their units through the uncertainty associated with cultural change.” —Col. Tom Clark, Ph.D. USMC (Ret.), executive director, Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics at The Citadel; former commanding officer, VMFA-251, the Thunderbolts