This book is a factual account of the author's experiences in the U.S. Air Force, beginning with his boyhood memories of the end of World War II and following him through his years of active service with the Strategic Air Command during the years of the Cold War. Prentiss signed up for the Air Force ROTC program in his sophomore year at Sewanee (The University of the South) where he became a founding member of the University-AFROTC band. After graduation, he began his active service at Pinecastle AFB in Orlando, Florida, where he became part of the Strategic Air Command. As a naive young officer, he initially had problems adjusting to the SAC way of life, but soon settled into what he now regards as one of the most remarkable periods of his life.

Following the conclusion of his military service, William C. Prentiss spent ten years as Dean of the Florida Military School and later taught Adolescent Psychology and Juvenile Delinquency at the college level. In 1976, he founded a program for youths referred by the Juvenile Court. This program, called Operation Comeback, was selected by President Reagan in 1988 to receive his prestigious Volunteer Action Award presented at a White House luncheon. He is currently retired and lives in Orlando, Florida, with his wife Sallie.