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Flying Warrior

My Life as a Naval Aviator During the Vietnam War

Author: Jules Harper

Publisher: Morgan James Publishing

ISBN: 1683500679

Category: Biography & Autobiography

Page: 195

A Vietnam veteran takes you into the cockpit and shares true stories of his flying career in this compelling memoir. In this action-packed memoir, Jules Harper recounts the unique process of becoming a naval aviator, revealing his experiences as a brand new pilot in a combat squadron and, finally, a flying warrior. He survived two combat cruises aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk from 1966–1968, compiled 332 career carrier takeoffs and landings, and was shot at daily by enemy fire while completing 200 combat missions over Vietnam, and shares the views of the aviators who flew along with him on these missions while fighting this unpopular war. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, twenty-one Air Medals, and many other accolades, he offers readers a new understanding and appreciation of the warriors who protect not only their comrades in arms, but the defense of the nation as well.

Gear Up, Mishaps down

The Evolution of Naval Aviation Safety, 1950-2000

Author: Robert Dunn

Publisher: Naval Institute Press

ISBN: 1682470229

Category: History

Page: 224

Less than five years after Naval Aviation had been in the forefront of the forces that defeated Imperial Japan, it found itself in serious trouble. The force had been slashed in people and numbers and growing national sentiment supported by no less than the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs argued that the new Air Force could do anything Naval Aviation might be required to do. Not helping matters was that the Naval Aviation accident rate was soaring. The very survival of Naval Aviation was at stake. One of the first steps to re-order priorities and save Naval Aviation was to solve the problem of increasing numbers of accidents. Over the next fifty years that problem was indeed solved to the extent that today, despite hot wars, cold wars, contingencies and peacetime operations in support of friends and allies the Navy/Marine accident rate is at least as good as that of the Air Force and approached that of commercial aviation. This book tells the story of how that was done. Despite the advent of new and more complicated aircraft including jets, the increasing demands of night and all-weather flying, an unsettled world and continual high operational tempo Naval Aviation is second to no other flying organization in readiness to answer the Nation’s call, safely. The keys to how this was achieved lies with dedicated and professional leadership, a focus on lessons learned from mishaps and near-mishaps, a willingness to learn and adopt new leadership, training, management, maintenance and supply styles and procedures. All this and more is described in this book. Checkouts in new airplanes became more than, “Show me how to start it and I’ll fly it.” Leaders were assigned based on past performance, not on who somebody knew. Maintenance and supply got more scientific and responsive. Flight surgeons were made part of the team and made major contributions to aviation safety. The place of Human Factors was recognized and contributed significantly to the remarkable downtrend in the numbers of Naval Aviation mishaps. Simulator training became increasingly important as did the more recent disciplines of Operational Risk management and Crew Resource Management. From the 1950s to 2000 the number of Navy/Marine major mishaps fell from a high of 2,213 in 1954 to 29 in 2000. Even more impressive, the number went As low as eleven in 2010 and continues to fall. This book tells how all that came about and more. It’s a recipe which might be followed by any high risk enterprise seeking to reduce accidents and improve readiness. That’s exactly what Naval Aviation has done since 1950.

A-3 Skywarrior Units of the Vietnam War

Author: Rick Morgan

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

ISBN: 1472805666

Category: History

Page: 96

The Douglas A-3 Skywarrior, though something of a cult favourite, remains a largely unremarked classic of Naval Aviation. Built for nuclear weapon delivery, the A-3 made its name in Vietnam as a conventional bomber, tanker and Electronic Warfare platform. It was the largest aircraft ever regularly operated from the decks of aircraft carriers, earning it the fleet-wide nickname 'Whale'. It excelled in every mission area assigned to it and operated in the US Navy for more than four decades, from 1956 through to 1991. Fully illustrated to depict the incredible array of paint schemes and its awesome size, this volume focuses on the type's Vietnam service, which saw the aircraft briefly used as a bomber over both North and South Vietnam from March 1965, before the Skywarrior proved far more valuable as a multi-role tanker (KA-3B) and tanker/tactical jammer (EKA-3B). The title includes details on all of these operations as well as more clandestine reconnaissance missions, and provides information about the men that flew them.

Air Power History

Author: N.A

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: N.A

Category: Air power

Page: N.A

Naval aviation news

Author: United States. Naval Air Systems Command,United States. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations,Naval Historical Center (U.S.)

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: N.A

Category: History

Page: N.A

Tom Clancy's OP-Center

Jagdfieber : Roman / entworfen von Tom Clancy und Steve Pieczenik. Geschrieben von Jeff Rovin. Aus dem Amerikan. von Heiner Friedlich

Author: Tom Clancy,Steve Pieczenik

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9783453177406

Category:

Page: 398

Das OP-Center-Team hat einen neuen Auftrag im kampfbereiten Grenzgebiet zwischen Pakistan und Indien. Als die Lage eskaliert, sitzt das Team mitten auf einem Pulverfass.

Unlikely Warriors

The Army Security Agency's Secret War in Vietnam 1961-1973

Author: Lonnie M. Long Gary B. Blackburn

Publisher: iUniverse

ISBN: 1475990596

Category: History

Page: 490

In early May 1961, a U.S. military aircraft taxied toward a well-guarded terminal building. The plane slowed to a halt; steps were maneuvered up to its side, and the door was pulled open. The tropical night air was heavy and dank, and the moon shone dimly through high thin clouds. On board the aircraft were ninety-two members of a specially selected team. The men were dressed in indistinguishable dark suits with white shirts and dark ties, and each man carried a new red U.S. diplomatic passport inside his breast pocket. The men held copies of their orders and records in identical brown Manila envelopes, and each man’s medical records were stamped “If injured or killed in combat, report as training accident in the Philippines.” In such clandestine fashion, the first fully operational U.S. military unit arrived at Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam. The unit was so highly classified even its name was top-secret. It was given a codename, a cover identity to hide the true nature of its mission. The unit’s operation was housed in a heavily-guarded compound near Saigon, and within two days of its arrival, Phase I was implemented. Its operatives were intercepting Viet Cong manual Morse communications, analyzing it for the intelligence it contained and passing the information to the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group-Vietnam. The Army Security Agency was on duty.

Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot

Author: James B. Stockdale

Publisher: Hoover Press

ISBN: 9780817993931

Category: Biography & Autobiography

Page: 242

Thoughts on issues of character, leadership, integrity, personal and public virtue, and ethics, the selections in this volume converge around the central theme of how man can rise with dignity to prevail in the face of adversity--lessons just as valid for the challenges of present-day life as they were for the author's Vietnam experience.

Air & Space Smithsonian

Author: N.A

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: N.A

Category: Aeronautics

Page: N.A

Proceedings of the United States Naval Institute

Author: United States Naval Institute

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: N.A

Category: Naval art and science

Page: N.A

A Locket for Maggie

A Novel

Author: Carole Gift Page

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc

ISBN: 1418556696

Category: Fiction

Page: 252

Maggie Herrick had always looked up to Jordan Barrett. Even when they were kids and he rescued her from the teasing of Chad, his younger brother, he was her knight in shining armor. Leaving for Vietnam, Jordan looked even more like a hero. But even though they are engaged, Maggie is still too unsure of herself to express her heart's fears. What if Jordan never returns from the war? And perhaps worse-what if he does?

Alamanc of Seapower 1999

Author: Not Available (NA)

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: 9780944433225

Category:

Page: N.A

Triumphant Warrior

The Legend of the Navy's Most Daring Helicopter Pilot and the Battles at Vinh Long

Author: Peter D. Shay

Publisher: Casemate

ISBN: 9781612007632

Category: History

Page: N.A

The story of Allen "Wes" Weseleskey, a daring helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War who undertook a dangerous rescue in 1968. Inherent in "A Navy Flyer's Creed" is the power of inspiration: "My country built the best airplane in the world and entrusted it to me. They trained me to fly it. I will use it to the absolute limit of my power. With my fellow pilots, aircrew and deck crews, my plane and I will do anything necessary to carry out our tremendous responsibilities. When the going is fast and rough, I will not falter. I will be uncompromising in every blow I strike. I will be humble in victory. I am a United States Navy Flyer." In Vietnam, barely a month after the start of the Tet Offensive in 1968, one such proud United States Navy flyer applied the fundamental but sometimes forgotten maxims expressed in this creed. And he dared to risk not only his naval career, but the lives of his fellow aircrewmen in rescuing a wounded U.S. Army advisor whose time had nearly run out and whose loss of blood meant that he was only moments away from certain battlefield death. The pilot, Lieutenant Commander Allen E. "Wes" Weseleskey, had been assigned at the Vinh Long Army Airfield. His controversial mission took place on March 9, 1968 on the outskirts of Sadec, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Two ARVN companies were being overwhelmed and despite coming under heavy fire, Weseleskey decided to go in and rescue as many survivors as possible. The accompanying Seawolf is forced to turn back after taking hits, but Weseleskey with the agreement of his crew persisted in the attempt, flying so low under the treeline that the VC rocket launchers were unable to reach it. On reaching base, it was observed that the overladen helicopter "looked like it had been used as a battering ram." Allen Weseleskey was awarded the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Cross during his service. This is his story, from early assignments, clashes with superior officers, missions and rescues during the Tet Offensive, to homecoming. It is the story of a quintessential flyer, an American hero who was prepared to speak his mind and take risks. It also encapsulates the vital role of the Seawolves in the Vietnam War. AUTHOR: Peter Shay is a retired US Navy pilot. He flew UH-1B Huey gunships as a first tour pilot, assigned to the same Vietnam-based Navy Seawolf squadron as Allen Weseleskey. Subsequently he has put his experience to good use, conducting six Vietnam-era oral histories on behalf of the Naval Historical Center, as well as having interviewed more than 50 witnesses for this biography of a former squadron mate. He has served as commander of the Naval Aviation Commandery in New York for five years, and is currently a member of Seawolf Association, Game Warden Association, American Legion, New York Council of the Navy League, and NYC Veterans Alliance.

A History of Army Aviation

From Its Beginnings to the War on Terror

Author: James W. Williams

Publisher: iUniverse

ISBN: 0595366082

Category: History

Page: 452

spellbinding history , the how, what, when, where and why some never told and certainly not always understood. This is a story that has begged to be told, with sources and substance heretofore missing Historians, military scholars, and aviators, will rely on this work for years. Carl H. McNair, Jr., Major General, U.S. Army (Retired) "This is worth a good read a welcome and long overdue history of Army Aviation." Joseph L. Galloway, senior military correspondent, Knight Ridder Newspapers and co-author, We Were Soldiers Once and Young Soldiers, scholars, and aviation enthusiasts alike can learn much from this comprehensive examination . successfully blends lively and insightful historical narrative with astute analysis. unfailingly honest assessment of contributions to our national defense. Carol Reardon, Pennsylvania State University, author of LAUNCH THE INTRUDERS tightly written and focused traces the aviation branch from its inception through two world wars, the loss of a major portion to the new Air Force, up through its current role . required reading for anyone who desires to understand Army aviation. Darrel Whitcomb, author of The Rescue of Bat 21, and Combat Search and Rescue in Desert Storm tells the whole story concisely by addressing seven key themes. crisp prose and well-chosen illustrations . This old ground-pounder owes his life to brave crews of Army birds. Henry Gole, Ph.D./Colonel (ret.), author of Soldiering

Flying Black Ponies

The Navy's Close Air Support Squadron in Vietnam

Author: Kit Lavell

Publisher: Naval Inst Press

ISBN: N.A

Category: History

Page: 328

Squadron member Lavell tells the tragic, comic, and moving story of the pilots who flew support missions for riverine forces, SEALs, and allied units.

Eternally At War

Author: Jeanette Vaughan,Robert G. Lathrop

Publisher: BookBaby

ISBN: 0989207889

Category: History

Page: 200

Vietnam. A USMC A-4 Skyhawk pilot. PTSD. He survived Vietnam, but would he survive its aftermath? The experiences of combat produce different memories by those whom have served. Some return as warriors, seemingly unscathed. With others, their life is never the same. The horrors of each mission come back to haunt them for years. Ten years after returning from Vietnam as a two time decorated A-4 Skyhawk pilot, Captain Robert “Gene” Lathrop described war as hell. Flying the scooter as a part of VMA-311, he completed over 275 missions. His squadron completed 54,625 sorties dropping over 9 million tons of bombs. That record will never be broken. But the bomb damage assessment was steep for Captain Lathrop. The nightmares and emotional rage he experienced threatened to tear apart his family. To keep from unraveling, he sought a voice in the written word. This memoir serves as part of his mission to honor the men and women of the military. He believed veterans who return to peacetime should never feel eternally at war.

Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War

A Political, Social, and Military History

Author: Spencer Tucker

Publisher: N.A

ISBN: N.A

Category: Vietnam War, 1961-1975

Page: 1196

The Vietnam War, which gave rise to a series of major crises in US politics and society, should remain a source of significant lessons in military and foreign policy for generations to come.

With Flying Colors

Confessions of a Navcad

Author: Col. Richard L. Upchurch

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

ISBN: 1462822991

Category: Fiction

Page: 292

Barely escaping death in a light airplane when he was 10 years old, Tom Fitzgerald spends the next eight years avoiding all things challenging and adventurous. During his second year of college he is bored and out of money when he encounters a dashing US Navy pilot recruiting naval aviation cadets (NavCads). He listens to the debonair officer make his pitch and decides that if he is ever going have a life, this is his big chance. He signs on the dotted line, determined to prove his mettle by becoming the dauntless warrior he admires in all of the recruiting posters. The following summer he reports to the Naval Air Training Command in Pensacola, Florida and is greeted by Technical Sergeant Dempsey Flanagan, a Marine more frightening than any non-commissioned officer he has ever seen on the silver screen. From that moment he knows that his life will never be the same. The days of flight training are occasionally terrifying, often uproarious, and always turbulent. A timid college sophomore who has never succeeded at anything, Tom is increasingly anxious before each flight, and then depressed about his mediocre performance when it is over. On several occasions he barely escapes being washed out for lack of flying aptitude. Though tempted to quit, he decides to hang around and struggle through one disheartening day at a time, always hoping things will improve. Instead of getting better,however, the days get worse. He is hounded by his lack of self-confidence, the disturbing memories of his near-disastrous flying experience eight years earlier, the often expressed doubts of his parents and mentors, and the incessant pleas by his cousin and idol, a WWII fighter pilot, to give up his foolish idea and come home. As he progresses many of his classmates quit or wash out, and a few are killed in aircraft accidents. In the meantime, he must battle the ever-present harassment by an adversary from his youth who is now a fellow cadet. When Tom tries to boost his confidence by participating in reckless rites of passage, the results are usually comical and sometimes painful. He learns that what may seem a good idea over a few beers can prove to be a mistake with long-lasting consequences. Frustrated by the lack of encouragement from home, Tom joins a group of cadets who surrender their fate to guardian angels, accepting the premise held by many pilots that they are colleagues killed in combat or aircraft accidents. When he finally develops confidence in his flying, his childhood nemesis works hard to tear it down. Tired of dodging the daily attacks, Tom confronts the bigger and stronger cadet in impromptu wrestling and boxing matches and later, in a reckless, illegal dogfight over central Texas that nearly takes both their lives. It is after this frightening experience that their adversarial relationship takes a new and surprising twist. With graduation day approaching, Tom and his surviving classmates are given their assignments in the fleet. Although disappointed, they struggle to keep a positive attitude and vow to somehow be assigned together at their new duty station where they will strive to make their squadron the finest in the Marine Corps. Later that week, however, an unexplained tragedy torpedoes their renewed enthusiasm. But again, the NavCads camaraderie binds them together. They bury their sadness and focus on the adventures awaiting them over the horizon. With Flying Colors is a must read for all young men and women about to make a major change in their lives. Journeying through Tom Fitzgeralds calamitous and humorous escapades while in quest of his Navy wings reminds us how people, culture, and events shape us--good or bad--into what we eventually become.

Grandfather’s Journal

A Grandson’s Journey into His Grandfather’s Life

Author: Tom Maxwell

Publisher: WestBow Press

ISBN: 1490850848

Category: Biography & Autobiography

Page: 142

In 2012, after sharing a number of sea stories with my only grandson, I was told I needed to write a life journal to include my years as a child in the Philippine Islands just following World War II. The journal, which addressed a time from June 7, 1935 to December 28, 2013, includes the important events of my life, including my twenty-seven years in the US Navy. As could be expected, there are more reflections from my years as a naval aviator, flying combat missions in Vietnam and numerous secret missions against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Not as exciting, but just as important, was my journal following my naval service after my retirement in December 1982. Most importantly, I have shared what took place in my life on June 9, 1977, two days after my 42nd birthday and two days before my oldest son graduated from high school, when I accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of my life. This event radically changed my life and immediately healed a broken family. It also addressed the thirty-plus years in which I was called as a volunteer to serve the least of these in our prison systems. If I have a desire for the journal, it would be that it encourage others to address the importance of their spiritual needs before age forty-two and that it would challenge my grandchildren in their walk with Christ.

Leave No Man Behind

The Saga of Combat Search and Rescue

Author: George Galdorisi,Thomas Phillips

Publisher: Zenith Imprint

ISBN: 9780760323922

Category: History

Page: 642

The history of a near-century of combat search and rescue, with an account of how the discipline was created and how it is administered—or neglected—today.