Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam [Hardcover]

Mike Jackson (Author), Tara Dixon-Engel (Author), Frank Borman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2, 2004

FACs (forward air controllers) in Vietnam flew low and slow, searching for signs of an elusive enemy. Often they trolled themselves as bait for the NVA troops to try to shoot down. When a friendly unit made contact, having a FAC overhead made their day because the FACs controlled the bomb-, rocket-, and napalm-laden fast movers, fighter jets and attack aircraft whose ordnance often made the difference between life and death. They were regarded by many of their airforce and naval aviator brethren as insane, suicidal, or both. In addition to the perils of enemy fire which ranged from lucky AK-47 shots to .51 caliber machine guns and SA-7 shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, you had to watch out to keep from being blown up in a B-52 Arc-Light strike or knocked down by friendly artillery. As the title suggests, however, Naked in Da Nang is not an angst ridden account of mortal combat. Following in the footsteps of Richard Hooker's classic M*A*S*H: A Novel About Three Army Doctors, author Jackson has a keen eye for the absurdities that abound in a combat zone. That the humor is often dark only serves to sharpen its comic edge.- These pilots were considered the "Guardian Angels" of the Vietnam ground soldier- Refers to the "unarmed" nature of FAC (Forward Air Controllers) aircraft- Low-tech aircraft that survived combat on pilot skills only

Editorial Reviews

Review

ARMCHAIRGENERAL.COM
"Jackson’s story paints the actual picture: honorable American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines doing the best job possible under the given conditions while never losing that quality which throughout our nation’s history has defined every American service member—humanity."
 

BOOKVIEWS BY ALAN CARUBA     
"...a Vietnam War memoir that is one of best I’ve read in a while. It is a compelling picture of the hopes, fears, and motivations of the average American GI. It redefines the usual stories about that war that talk about drugs, booze and insanity. That never was the norm and the heroism of those that fought that war finally gets the presentation it deserves."

BOOKLOONS.COM
"Already drawing comparisons to M*A*S*H* for its irreverent humor, this book will appeal to anyone who served in the military as well as to civilian audiences."

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Mike Jackson retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1991 following 23 years on active duty. Formerly, he was executive director of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (NAHF) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He and coauthor Tara Dixon-Engel are founders of the American Veterans Institute. Colonel Jackson and Ms. Dixon-Engel live near Dayton.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Zenith Press; First edition (September 2, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760320764
• ISBN-13: 978-0760320761
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #763,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Second Greatest Generation?, October 9, 2004

By 

The Lone Reviewer "LR" (Hoboken) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam (Hardcover)

Naked in Da Nang eliminates extraneous political discussion and opens a new debate: who are the boys we send to war and who are the men they become? What do the fires of conflict do to a man's psyche and how does he grow and change? This book makes no bones about the fact that combat changes a man, and its author freely admits that some of those changes are not for the better, but he also dispels the myth of the Vietnam veteran as damaged property. Jackson and his coauthor skillfully present a very simple but deeply moving account of a young man's journey from his midwestern "cocoon" toward an uncertain future that includes fear, trauma and a disabling injury. That you laugh through much of the book does not diminish its power. In fact, Jackson's self-inflicted humor seems to sharpen the impact of this brilliant memoir. Naked is as well written as anything on the market, and better than most. These two authors have done what once seemed impossible, they have made the men who fought in Vietnam seem like regular folks. Suddenly you see these men as true heroes, who not only answered their nation's call but did so at a time when it was exceedingly unpopular on the home front. Jackson and DixonEngle have painted the SEA veteran with a "greatest generation" brush and it makes for a surprisingly accurate and long overdue picture!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Needs to be on NY Times Bestseller List, October 29, 2004

By 

BillnRean "[e-mail]" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam (Hardcover)

I am puzzled as to why this book has not been front and center in the Kerry-Bush debate. Although it does not take a political stand, it does cover thoroughly the character of the men who served in the unpleasantness of 1962 to 1975. Frankly, I am not sure it would make either candidate look good as it emphasizes the sterling qualities of those who actually served in Vietnam, and for more than a few weeks: those who lived day-to-day, crosing off each day lived-through and hoping for more. I had the great fortune to hear the authors speak recently and I have included here in my commentary from another web site. I can only hope that this book will outlive the political season and will offer more than a triumphant footnote to the contentious debate of late. I have just purchased additional copies for several friends who do not seem to understand what Vietnam was or who the men were who fought and died there. We had the good fortune to not only read this powerful book but hear its authors speak at a recent book event. There are many very good books about Vietnam. This is the best we've ever read from a personal perspective. Mike Jackson's warmth, humor and vitality helps you see how the average Joe adapts to combat and to the military in general. As good as the book is, it would make an even better movie. It is written in a manner that paints very clear images and holds your attention with every sentence. Listening to this couple speak is also a wonderful experience. Their conviction and patriotism rings very true. They have an entertaining back and forth routine that is both funny and sweet. Reading the book and hearing them speak is almost a celebration, something that is long overdue for America's vietnam veterans.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars View from a non-vet, October 27, 2004

By 

B. Hackett "Antique Prof" (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam (Hardcover)

Mr. Jackson's book is an important read for anyone trying to get a first hand look at the Vietnam from an average American point of view. He is the guy next door, trained, certified and sent off to war to do a important yet lunatic job in a lunatic war. I now have a better understanding and respect for the Vietnam era vet. I highly recommend it.