Pushbutton War

"Pushbutton War" by Joseph P. Martino is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The book explores the complexities and emotional conflicts faced by a fighter pilot, Major Harry Lightfoot, as he navigates the mechanized warfare of the future, particularly involving rocket interceptors designed to neutralize intercontinental ballistic missiles. The narrative reflects themes of technology versus human intuition in combat situations, as well as the inner thoughts and motivations of a soldier grappling with the realities of modern warfare. In the story, Major Lightfoot finds himself stationed in a remote Arctic location, where he is part of a defense system designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles. The structure of the military and the politics of war are examined through Lightfoot's interactions with his colleagues and his reflections on his Apache heritage. As a crisis unfolds with the launch of hostile missiles, Lightfoot must rely on both the advanced technology of his spacecraft and his own intuition to identify and destroy the enemy warhead while wrestling with the implications of his role in a seemingly automated and detached mode of warfare. The climax involves a tense battle against time as he successfully intercepts the threat, ultimately showcasing the delicate balance between human skill and reliance on mechanization in the context of war.