MiG Killers Book Review
By Kelly Jamison
| Date of Review | July 2009 | Title | MiG Killers - A Chronology of US Air Victories in Vietnam 1965-1973 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Donald J. McCarthy, Jr. | Publisher | Specialty Press |
| Published | 2009 | ISBN | 978-1-58007-136-9 |
| Format | 160 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
Review
One of the first things to catch your eye is the hardbound front cover of an F-4E Phantom in its famous shark’s mouth livery. The next thing is the menacing title. Once inside its covers you will find a touching dedication to the author’s father who I would bet has his own fantastic story I hope Mr. McCarthy Jr. gets around to telling.
The book starts out with some lessons on Air Combat Maneuvering and training along with some technical information on missiles used during this span of time and some nice maps to give the reader the “Big Picture” as to where all the action was taking place. There is a short primer on Air Combat Credits.
The book is written in chorological order as the title implies starting in 1965 and moving through 1973 in a trim and clean fashion. Now here is the real gem. The author supplies you with a photograph of the aircraft whenever he can. A few of the pictures are of the aircraft prior to scrapping or as it currently looks in a museum.
Each page has a small block with the date, aircraft tail or BuNo along with its assigned ship or airfield and the name of the pilot and RIO when applicable and a narrative of the event. Most pictures are black and white but more than a few are in color. The quality is very high and the layout is easy to read and easy to refer to when doing research.
I found this book a great piece of work for model builders and history buffs alike. I recommend it to all with an interest in Vietnam era aviation and at right below $30.00; I think it is a bargain as a research tool.