When his electronic warfare plane--call sign Bat 21--was shot down on 2 April 1972, fifty-three-year-old Air Force navigator Iceal “Gene” Hambleton parachuted into the middle of a North Vietnamese invasion force and set off the biggest and most controversial air rescue effort of the Vietnam War. Now, after twenty-five years of official secrecy, the story of that dangerous and costly rescue is revealed for the first time by a decorated Air Force pilot and Vietnam veteran. Involving personnel from all services, including the Coast Guard, the unorthodox rescue operation claimed the lives of eleven soldiers and airmen, destroyed or damaged several aircraft, and put hundreds of airmen, a secret commando unit, and a South Vietnamese infantry division at risk. The book also examines the thorny debates arising from an operation that balanced one man’s life against mounting U.S. and South Vietnamese casualties and material losses, the operation’s impact on one of the most critical battles of the war, and the role played by search and rescue as America disengaged from that war.
When his electronic warfare plane--call sign Bat 21--was shot down on 2 April 1972, fifty-three-year-old Air Force navigator Iceal “Gene” Hambleton parachuted into the middle of a North Vietnamese invasion force and set off the biggest and most controversial air rescue effort of the Vietnam War. Now, after twenty-five years of official secrecy, the story of that dangerous and costly rescue is revealed for the first time by a decorated Air Force pilot and Vietnam veteran. Involving personnel from all services, including the Coast Guard, the unorthodox rescue operation claimed the lives of eleven soldiers and airmen, destroyed or damaged several aircraft, and put hundreds of airmen, a secret commando unit, and a South Vietnamese infantry division at risk. The book also examines the thorny debates arising from an operation that balanced one man’s life against mounting U.S. and South Vietnamese casualties and material losses, the operation’s impact on one of the most critical battles of the war, and the role played by search and rescue as America disengaged from that war.
Military history looking at aviators during the second half of Vietnam. The stories are told through interviews and journal excerpts of the pilots and aircrew themselves. Great tradey title.
Going for the “W” Peter Boone was born with a serious birth defect that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Then when he was eleven years old, trauma to his brainstem caused him to lose his ability to talk, eat normally, and breathe without the assistance of oxygen and a ventilator at night. More than 80 surgeries—many critical—and long hospital stays were a way of life. So how did Peter handle all of this adversity? Through faith, courage, determination, a passion for sports, a zest for life, and the love and support of family and friends, he became one of the happiest, most fun-loving people around. He regularly stepped out of his comfort zone, viewed obstacles as just challenges to be overcome, and continually amazed his family, friends, and doctors. He even made it into Sports Illustrated! Along the way, he learned how to use his disabilities as an opportunity to give back and serve others with challenges through Joni and Friends Family Retreats. He also found avenues of service in his church and work. His courageous and positive approach to life both inspired and made an indelible impact on countless friends and acquaintances. And it caused many to take a second look at how they view and approach their own lives. Let Peter and this collection of funny, heartwarming and poignant stories challenge you to “elevate your game” too!
Drawing on more than 300 revealing interviews with pilots and crews who flew in Vietnam, the author offers an in-the-cockpit perspective on the Vietnam experience, and profiles 14 notable aviators, capturing the heroism and sacrifice of this truly elite group of air warriors.
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