Naked In Da Nang Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2005 | Title | Naked In Da Nang |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Mike Jackson and Tara Dixon-Engel | Publisher | Zenith Press |
| Published | 2004 | ISBN | 0-7603-2076-4 |
| Format | 302 pages, hardbound | MSRP (USD) | $24.95 |
Review
Zenith Press continues to turn out some great material at very affordable prices! In this title, they bring us Colonel Mike Jackson, who tells of his experiences as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam. Most people would agree that flying Mach None over hostile territory in the Cessna O-2 Skymaster was downright nuts. Nevertheless, the troops on the ground just loved the FAC because they know that there is air support not far away.
'Charle', the nickname for the Viet Cong or VC, also knew what the FAC represented, and those that wanted to live to fight another day knew NOT to shoot at the FAC.
The FAC ruled the skies over Vietnam as they had the ability to see things from their slow perspective and their daily exposure to the same terrain that the fast movers didn't get. Mike Jackson tells that story from the left seat of the O-2 with some interesting detail of what life was like in the bullseye.
The reader will definitely enjoy this read as the author not only was there, he was there for some of the hottest combat that the US faced in Vietnam, including what would become known as the Easter Offensive as well as the search for a downed EWO who would become famous by his callsign - Bat 21.
The coverage of this title is presented as follows:.
- The FACs of Life
- Troops in Contact
- A Cocoon Called Tipp
- An Officer and a Gentleman?
- The Year of Thfty-Three Weeks
- I Will Survive
- Flying Blind
- Bamboozled
- Life With Charlie
- The Rockets' Red Glare
- Rats!
- Naked in Da Nang
- Heaven and Hell
- Spring Forward, Fall Back
- "We Never Got Our Parade"
Of course, if you're wondering about the title, this is one of many 'war stories' that are presented in the book, this one dealing with trying to rinse military issue soap off outside in a typhoon after the power and water go out inside the barracks. Of course the door locks behind him.
If you're looking for a great read between projects, this title is for you. This title is highly recommended!
My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International for this review sample!