Customer Reviews

Fox Two: The Story of America's First Ace in Vietnam

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I read this book several times beginning when I was a teenager and it never failed to captivate me. Since then I've becoma a Naval Aviator and flown jet aircraft (attack, not fighters) and can say this book is true to life.

This is the story of Randy (Duke)Cunningham and Willie Driscol, the first aces America had in Vietnam. It covers quite a bit including some of Duke's first combat cruise, his training in the F-4 Phantom, his famous second combat cruise and the impact on his personal life. He covers his final dogfight in great detail (his 5th kill) and his subsequent downing by a surface-to-air missle and his rescue at sea.

Randy provides some great insight into the mind of the combat fighter pilot including his struggles with killing another human being, and making the most out of the limitations of his aircraft in combat. I was also impressed with the spiritual struggle he faced and his willingness to share that victory as well with his readers. I think it is these personal touches and insights that make this book as special as it is. It reminds us that the men and women flying today's combat aircraft are not faceless autobots void of thoughts and feelings, but real people doing a difficult job in spite of their personal reservations or conflicts.

I highly recommend this book for both it's historical information and it's personal insight into the mind of an American hero.

The story of Randy Cunningham's Vietnam experience before, during, and after being shot down by a NVA SAM. He and his RO, Willy Driscoll, bailed out over the sea and were picked up by US forces. Randy's story is amazing, exciting, and provides a glimpse into his abilities, character, and values. I met Randy at an airshow in 1986, before he retired from the Navy and went into politics. My admiration of "Duke" Cunningham as an awesome fighter pilot continues, but I am appalled and extremely disappointed by his "bribes for contracts", which showed the dark side of his character and values. God can forgive and change lives if one repents and is remorseful, but the effects of Randy's actions will last a long time and have affected many families.

This book was cowritten by and based upon the flying of Randy "Duke" Cunningham, the first missle ace in the US. Duke takes us through his second tour aboard an Aircraft Carrier in 1971 and 1972 off the coast of Vietnam. He details his 5 ariel victories in the skies over North Vietnam with stunning details. Fox Two is the real deal, this is what US Naval Fighter Pilots dream of and Duke lived it and retells his stories for the reader. His exploits and personality were the rough basis for the character "Viper" played by Tom Skerritt in the movie Top Gun starring Tom Cruise.