A Lonely Kind of War: Forward Air Controller, Vietnam [Paperback]

Marshall Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 14, 1997

Harrison gives us a well-written account of a little-known facet of the air war over Vietnam.-- Rocky Mountain News

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Presidio Press (October 14, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891416382
• ISBN-13: 978-0891416388
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #996,049 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As a SOG member, I found it accurate, well written, and TRUE, September 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Lonely Kind of War: Forward Air Controller, Vietnam (Paperback)

I served with SOG in many capacities. Responsible for getting OV-10s into the mission while at NKP RTAFB in 1969 - 70. Marshall's description of flight had me sweating profusely, while flying at low level, directing air strikes and tying to help the recon teams on the ground. Out of CCN, we added a "back seater" to take some of the stress off the pilot. His description of the young SF captain throwing a hand grenade in the bunker was hilarious. I can picture it as if I was there. I knew Marshall personally, and he was a big man, not only physically, but in heart and character as well. While he was on the ground overnight in Cambodia, he demonstrated courage, skill and determination. He was one of "America's Best" in the truest sense of the word. Marshal did a fine job of weaving the true story of a Forward Air Controller, his relationships with the ground recon teams and missions. He also provided a bit of humor to a great book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Book on the FAC, August 29, 2002

By 

Butch Cabanban (Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Lonely Kind of War: Forward Air Controller, Vietnam (Paperback)

I cannot count how many times I've read this book. A very well written account of the making of a forward air controller (FAC) and his tour of duty in Vietnam. This book is filled with non-stop aerial combat interspersed with wit and humor. I swear you can hear the engines, the explosions, the radio chatter and the myriad sounds of aerial combat. This is the definitive book on the FAC. Harrison's vividly writes about the inter-service rivalries, fighter pilot and elite unit culture. Vietnam had them all, from the ticket punchers to the true professionals, the "conscientious objectors" to the patriots, balls-out young men and know it alls, politicians and name dropers, clowns and cowboys, the scared and all too brave. Harrison's seen and flown with all of them. You will not put this book down once you start reading it. Harrison will hold you in suspense screaming, laughing and dying over and over. You will read it again and again in between browsing the web about the FAC and that "war" fought on the other side of the fence in Laos. How good is this book? I have seen precious copies churned out of copier machines circulating with pilots of the Philippine Air Force, 15th Strike Wing, one of the few users of the OV-10 Bronco in combat in the 21st century. This book should be made into a movie.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most entertaining book on the Vietnam War., August 25, 2000

By 

Dan Mx (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Lonely Kind of War: Forward Air Controller, Vietnam (Paperback)

After having read at least 50 "true story" books on various aspects of the Vietnam War, this one rates as one of the best. It is very entertaining and gripping. Harrison weaves a good story and his accounts of what he did are incredible. Dont let the title fool you. I put this book way in the back of my book shelf for over a year, thinking it would be boring as the title suggests. Was i wrong! Its a must read for anybody interested in first person accounts of the war. His accounts of bravery and courage while under extreme pressure while, facing enemy fire are so exciting, it will leave you wishing that the book never ends.