<< 1 >>
Rating: 
Summary: One of the most entertaining book on the Vietnam War.
Review: After having read at least 50 "true story" books on various aspects of the Vietnam War, this one rates as one of the best. It is very entertaining and gripping. Harrison weaves a good story and his accounts of what he did are incredible. Dont let the title fool you. I put this book way in the back of my book shelf for over a year, thinking it would be boring as the title suggests. Was i wrong! Its a must read for anybody interested in first person accounts of the war. His accounts of bravery and courage while under extreme pressure while, facing enemy fire are so exciting, it will leave you wishing that the book never ends.
Rating:
Summary: The Definitive Book on the FAC
Review: I cannot count how many times I've read this book. A very well written account of the making of a forward air controller (FAC) and his tour of duty in Vietnam. This book is filled with non-stop aerial combat interspersed with wit and humor. I swear you can hear the engines, the explosions, the radio chatter and the myriad sounds of aerial combat. This is the definitive book on the FAC. Harrison's vividly writes about the inter-service rivalries, fighter pilot and elite unit culture. Vietnam had them all, from the ticket punchers to the true professionals, the "conscientious objectors" to the patriots, balls-out young men and know it alls, politicians and name dropers, clowns and cowboys, the scared and all too brave. Harrison's seen and flown with all of them. You will not put this book down once you start reading it. Harrison will hold you in suspense screaming, laughing and dying over and over. You will read it again and again in between browsing the web about the FAC and that "war" fought on the other side of the fence in Laos. How good is this book? I have seen precious copies churned out of copier machines circulating with pilots of the Philippine Air Force, 15th Strike Wing, one of the few users of the OV-10 Bronco in combat in the 21st century. This book should be made into a movie.
Rating:
Summary: Climb Into the Cockpit and Strap-In.
Review: Outstanding first person narrative seats readers in the cockpit of Vietnam era reconnaissance aircraft involved in combat. Absolutely one of the five best books I've ever read. Harrison opens Chapter 1 by emersing the reader into the radio chatter of an aircraft fire mission. His flowing and economical style enable the reader to actually place themselves into the scenario. From there the book continues to ride like a modern day Clancy novel. From directing fire missions deep within North Vietnam and Laos to dropping commando teams by parachute behind enemy lines in light aircraft only designed for a pilot and observer. Harrison spins his tales as if he's sitting comfortably in your living room tracing flight manuevers through the air with his hands. A fabulous book that, unfortunately, read too quickly. May slow down some readers who are not famililar with aviation technical terms or slang.
Rating: 
Summary: True Adventure
Review: This book is a thrilling account of a true hero who witnessed all aspects of the air war in the South. I flew 201 combat missions in F-4s and this book has given me a deep appreciation for what the FAC's were doing down below. I never realized how difficult their mission was, although on my very first in-country mission the FAC was shot down. I highly recomment this book.
Rating:
Summary: simply excellent - both in style and content
Review: This has to be one of the best books on combat aviation in Viet Nam. I've read a lot of book about this subject, but Harrison's ability to describe the life of a Forward Air Controller left me wishing that he had put more in print. There is almost a kinship that develops during the book - you share the sweat and I have seen no one else write about aerial manuevers as vividly. His style sems to assume that the reader has a basic understanding of aviation; he gives vivid descriptions of flight without excessive digression to explain the manuevers. I won't loan this book to anyone. Buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Felt like I was right there in the plane with him ...
Review: This has to be the best written book on the subject matter. Throughout the book I felt as though I was living his experience and now when I remember the book sometimes I can't remember if it was part of a movie or the book, that's how good the visuals were while reading it. I highly recommend it and hope that the author brings more out into print
Rating:
Summary: Felt like I was right there in the plane with him ...
Review: This has to be the best written book on the subject matter. Throughout the book I felt as though I was living his experience and now when I remember the book sometimes I can't remember if it was part of a movie or the book, that's how good the visuals were while reading it. I highly recommend it and hope that the author brings more out into print
Rating:
Summary: Very good read.
Review: This is the second Harrison book I've read. Because the first is so good (Cadillac Flight), I bought this one and wasn't disapointed. Well written and very believable, the reader feasts the FAC view of the war. I suspect most Vietnam readers know about FACs from other documentaries, as they always seem to be present in battle. This book satisfies the who were they, what did they do questions, in a big way. The FAC pilots were warriors in every sense of the word.
<< 1 >>
| 
