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Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War (The Warriors) Mass Market Paperback – September 1, 2005

4.5 out of 5 stars 370 ratings

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A valentine for one of the ugliest, albeit most lethally effective, warplanes ever built--as well as for the men who flew them during the Desert Storm campaign. Drawing on interviews with over one hundred A-10 pilots who served in the Persian Gulf during the 1990-91 hostilities, Smallwood (himself an aviator and Korean War vet) offers riveting perspectives on aerial combat. Setting the stage with an informative briefing on how, in the 70's, the Air Force developed the A-10 (a.k.a. ``Warthog'') as a means of supporting ground troops with massive firepower, he moves into anecdotal vignettes detailing the ways in which so-called ``hog drivers'' and their commanders whiled away the weary hours of the calm before the storm in Saudi Arabia's inhospitable clime. At the heart of his narrative, however, are vivid accounts of how A-10s accomplished their tank-busting missions and then some once the battle was joined. Tasked, among other objectives, to take out missile launchers and artillery emplacements far behind the front lines (assignments normally reserved for jet fighters), the slow-moving, heavily armed Warthogs were credited with over half the bomb damage inflicted on Iraqi forces and installations. Employing improvisational tactics, A-10s also flew reconnaissance and assisted in rescues of coalition pilots; they even scored air-to- air kills, downing a couple of enemy choppers. Indeed, the plane's ungainly Gatling-gun platform performed so well that pilots demanded their craft be redesignated ``RFOA-10'' (for ``reconnaissance/fighter/observation/attack'').
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Exhilarating, fast-paced narrative.”—Publishers Weekly
  Published On: 2017-06-02

“One of the more valuable additions to the literature of the Persian Gulf War.”—
Booklist
  Published On: 2017-06-02

An absorbing tale of how a decidedly ugly duckling became a military hero of some consequence.”—Kirkus Reviews
  Published On: 2017-06-02

“Smallwood writes so well that we feel the sweat in the small of our backs and the adrenaline pumping.”—F. Clifton Berry Jr. and author of
CNN: War In the Gulf
  Published On: 2017-06-02

“A fitting tribute.”—Stephen Coonts, author of
Flight of the Intruder
 

“As fascinating a flying tale as you will ever read, and it’s all true.”—Mark Berent, author of
Steel Tiger
 

About the Author

WILLIAM L. SMALLWOOD is the author of numerous books, including McClure of Idaho and two military book club selections, Warthog: Flying the A-10 in the Gulf War and Strike Eagle: Flying the F15E in the Gulf War, both available from Potomac Books.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1574888862
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ POTOMAC BOOKS
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 1, 2005
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781574888867
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1574888867
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.2 x 0.8 x 7.9 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #348,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 370 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
370 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a great read with captivating stories from a pilot's perspective. The book is well-documented and researched, with one customer noting it provides extensive on-the-scene action narrative. They appreciate the first-hand accounts and the book's design, with one customer describing it as an outstanding look at the A-10 aircraft.

60 customers mention "Readability"60 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and excellent, with one customer noting it's a must-read for A-10 enthusiasts.

"Great book...." Read more

"...Good book. Slow start but then the shooting starts. Some great flying and fighting." Read more

"This was a good book. It was very well researched. I learned a lot about the A-10, the pilots who flew it, and the tactics...." Read more

"Excellent book for those who enjoy true stories about actual sorties of fighter aircraft...." Read more

42 customers mention "Story quality"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's stories captivating and exciting from a pilot's perspective, with one customer noting it provides extensive on-the-scene action narrative.

"Very illuminating account of this remarkable airplane that the Air Force didn't really want and how invaluable it turned out to be in the gulf war." Read more

"Exciting pilot's eye stories of this awesome tank killer...." Read more

"Very well written. Great insight into what was happening and how our hogs and their pilots felt and performed...." Read more

"...for and about a special breed of pilots who have the true spirit of aviation who believe so much of this oddball bird...." Read more

22 customers mention "Detail"20 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed and well-researched content, with one customer highlighting its thorough examination of A-10 operations.

"This was a good book. It was very well researched. I learned a lot about the A-10, the pilots who flew it, and the tactics...." Read more

"...Also he gives a great overview and history of the ugly sister of planes the Warthog...." Read more

"...He has gathered much detail that sweeps you along with each mission...." Read more

"...I especially like the gritty detail of little details like the effort to get the aircraft there and the degree of dedication of those to make it..." Read more

21 customers mention "Writing quality"19 positive2 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one review noting it is written from the pilot's perspective and another highlighting its accurate portrayal of the A-10 deployment.

"...Well written, well documented but unfortunately mislabeled which misleads thrill seekers like me." Read more

"Very well written. Great insight into what was happening and how our hogs and their pilots felt and performed...." Read more

"...The book is well written and a good read." Read more

"...I still have a ways to go in this book but it's very well written and the stories are fascinating...." Read more

12 customers mention "Pilots"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of pilots, with reviews highlighting their courage, training, and effectiveness in combat, particularly in the Gulf War.

"This is a nice review of the A-10's and their pilots in the Gulf War...." Read more

"overall a great look at the A-10 and its pilots and missions." Read more

"...the A-10's mission and the immense dedication of the brave and courageous pilots who flew in the Gulf War...." Read more

"...ground pounder I can tell you the loiter capability makes this an awesome weapon...." Read more

11 customers mention "Design"8 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the design of the book, with some noting its outstanding look, and one mentioning it's about an ugly bird.

"...It is a brilliant design. READ THE BOOK." Read more

"overall a great look at the A-10 and its pilots and missions." Read more

"...It's interesting, but not breathtaking. I was surprised to know how low tech A-10 is. It is almost like a WW2 plane." Read more

"...This story is well told, an exceptional look at Gulf War 1 from the pilots perspective...." Read more

3 customers mention "Account variety"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the variety of first-hand accounts in the book.

"Contains lots of first hand accounts from the pilots over Iraq...." Read more

"...The variety of stories and first hand accounts kept me coming back for more...." Read more

"Great book with amazing accounts about this unbelievably tough plane. As much as I didn't want this book to end,I couldn't put it down" Read more

So good that I gave it to my neighbor who was ...
5 out of 5 stars
So good that I gave it to my neighbor who was ...
So good that I gave it to my neighbor who was a ground supplier, armorer and fit right into the scene of battle in Kuwait and nearbys. I have been a pilot and love the A-10 and think the ignorant, inexperienced politicians who want to retire this bird should read this book before making any decisions. The F-35 succeeds only in that every part of it is made in every state in the union and the voter payback is indelible. But let them do this. Rebuild and up-to-date the Warthog and build about a dozen of the F-35's giving 3 each to each of the services. that'll satisfy some egos and politicians - What's the difference? I think that's the message of this book!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2015
    The A10 Warthog a plane built at the army's request by a manufacturer who new his job and by pilots who refused to say it cant be done but just made it work .
    A plane that the air force had no place for but is still in the fleet and currently has no alternate replacement.
    To be flying a gun platform such as this with the fire power and accuracy must be awesome, no pointy nose jet jockey can get close. Its one thing to deliver ordnance at 18,000 + feet but to be flying at less that 200 knots at ground level is something else. To be able to sneak up at 5000 feet and go surprise, thats one hell of a plane.
    This book was written to the dedication for and about a special breed of pilots who have the true spirit of aviation who believe so much of this oddball bird.
    Recommended as a must read.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2011
    This was a good book. It was very well researched. I learned a lot about the A-10, the pilots who flew it, and the tactics. It also gives a good back story of the 1st gulf war. The book started with information about the development of the aircraft and then goes into the buildup to the war. The book is a little slow at 1st, but really gets going once it gets into the actual events of the war. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is that sometimes there was so much detail that it was easy to get lost. Otherwise it's a great book that I enjoyed reading. I think it classifies as one of those books that I had a hard time putting down!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2013
    Great book. It not only tells the history of the airmen involved in the first Gulf War, but it is how the history is told that makes this a real page turner!
    Smallwood's way of teeling the facts, the anecdotes, the pilots interviews is filled with tension, comedy, punch lines, drama... a very good storyteller!

    The book itself covers the aspect of how the aircraft were deployed, that A-10s squadron were prepared and ready to go way before all others in the USAF, the difficulties of installing a functional airbase in middle of nowhere in Saudi Arabia, the unsung heroes that did that, and ultimately, how a very low-tech aircraft, and its pilots, came to be recognized as the most versatile platform in a war generally remembered only by the high tech world of guided munitions and stealth aircraft. if you ever was at least slightly interested in the A-10 and its exploits, this is a must have.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2013
    When most people think of the warplanes we defeated Saddam with in '91, the first types that come to mind are often F-16s, "stealth" fighters, or F-15 Eagles.

    But what this volume reveals is that while these other types made their contribution, the A-10 was THE inidispensible warplane of that conflict, While no one jet and her crews can claim to have won the war by themselves, if any one could, it would have been the A-10.

    It wasn't designed to break speed records, and it wasn't designed to win beauty contests...it was designed to break the enemy and to win wars. And that it did, exceedingly well. This volume is a must-read for the modern military aerospace buff and military historian...it will serve as a revelation especially to those who have tended to turn their nose up at this 'ugly duckling' that was in fact a vicious bird of prey.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2021
    This is a nice review of the A-10's and their pilots in the Gulf War. They would end up doing a wide range of things that the A-10 was not specifically designed for but still got the job done. It was interesting to see all aspects from getting called up to flying over to getting set up before even going into battle and then the Gulf War itself. The book is well written and a good read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2010
    The author has bought together in this book the combined experience of numerous A-10 pilots during the first Gulf war and has produced an 'A' class read. From start to finish the narrative meshes together the pilot's stories so they read as one.

    Also he gives a great overview and history of the ugly sister of planes the Warthog. The book covers the coming of the A-10 into highly respected multi-functional and weapons platform. A true story of the frog turning into a prince but remaining a frog at the same time.

    I take my hat off to the brave pilots and ground crews of these machines do yourself a favour and read this book
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2019
    The author provides extensive on the scene action narrative of the time of the Warthogs' action in the Gulf War. He has gathered much detail that sweeps you along with each mission. He accurately describes the hardships and the thrills of air-to-ground combat among all the AAA and SAMs during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in the A-10 Warthog. Even though it was written right after the campaign, it retains its freshness and historical detail across the years.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2020
    Very dry read. First half of book is about flying over to the sand box and then waiting for the war to start. Second half of book is about the 42 days of the actual war and then the sitting around waiting to go home. Not very exciting read. Fly in to target. Blow up some tanks, scuds, trucks, AAA and troops. Dodge some SAM's. Head for the base. I think this plane went into production in the early 70's. By 1983 it was in several air guard units prior to supposedly being mothballed. In 1991 it and it's pilots, many flying for the commercial airlines for their day jobs, went to the 1st Gulf War. Their performance was exemplary and to this day, June of 2020, it's still flying for the US military in a CAS role and anything else the perfumed princes need it and it's pilots to do. That is the real story.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Stephen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book
    Reviewed in Australia on April 12, 2014
    Really covered the lives of the Warthog drivers and the outstanding contribution the aircraft made to saving troops on the ground. Shame to see the pointy jet jocks have finally managed to kill of the one really useful aircraft the USA has.
  • Client d'Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all A10 lovers out there
    Reviewed in France on May 2, 2016
    This is the well narrated and awesome story of the ugly Warthog and her pilots during the war! You'll finish the book and wish it were longer.
  • Andrea
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lettura altamente consigliata
    Reviewed in Italy on January 30, 2016
    Sono un amante di questo genere di letture e lo consiglio altamente a tutti coloro che hanno lo stesso tipo di passione. Lo consiglio anche per i non inglesi che intendono acquistare questo libro; la lettura e semplice e lineare. Spedizione ed imballaggio ottime!
    Report
  • Adam
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great look into the subject
    Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2015
    Good book for anyone interested in the a-10 or anyone interested in military non-fiction. Would only recommend to people who are fans of that otherwise could be boring to someone due to its factual nature.
  • Luis Casanueva Gonzalez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Para amantes del Hawg
    Reviewed in Spain on July 16, 2015
    Describe las operaciones del A-10 Warthog durante la primera guerra del golfo.
    Me pareció muy interesante lo poco que se esperaba de este avión y lo mucho que aportó. Es también sorprendente lo mal que está gestionada la USAF, como se demuestra en el tipo de misiones que tuvieron que hacer los A-10s sin medios específicos para ello: por ejemplo las misiones nocturnas usando la cámara IR de los Mavericks para operar de noche.