Pushbutton War

"Pushbutton War" by Joseph P. Martino is a science fiction story set in the not-so-distant future, focusing on Major Harry Lightfoot, an Apache fighter pilot tasked with intercepting enemy missiles in the Arctic. The story looks at the human side of automated warfare, showing the internal struggles of a soldier who is part of a high-tech defense system. Major Lightfoot's journey explores the tense relationship between advanced technology and a soldier's gut feelings, especially when he faces enemy fire. The book discusses the role of military structure and the tough decisions made during war, highlighting Lightfoot's heritage and his relationships with others. The climax sees Lightfoot in a race against time, relying on his skills and the interceptor to stop the missile attack, showing the important connection between humans and machines in battle.