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by Gerald Maclennon (Illustrator), Gerald Maclennon (Author)
GOD, BOMBS & VIET NAM - 50th Anniversary Edition 1967-2017. In addition to the original text, this edition contains 2 stories of the Vietnam Air War written by Navy Pilot CDR Harry B. Sampson, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions above and beyond the call of duty over North Vietnam in 1967. The original text of the book remains a raw, unrepentant account of the war by Mac, 20-year-old Aviation Photo Recon Tech, who calls it as he sees it from the flight-deck and photo intelligence rooms of aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CVA-34). He describes the Navy's participation in President Johnson's OPERATION ROLLING THUNDER, a massive three year bombardment of North Vietnam that ultimately results in the demise of an estimated 100,000 civilians.The fast-paced, death-dealing action is guaranteed to rivet the attention of any aviation war buff. All hands will enjoy an abundance of salty humor on-board the ship and in Asian ports of call, especially the notorious Olongapo City.During the course of his squadron's eight-month tour, Photo Recon Tech "Mac" MacLennon obediently participates in the slaughter of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians. In his daily log, he tends to vacillate between militant and pacifist as he searches for a personal identify he can live with. It's a struggle not uncommon to young men then and today... a struggle that goes largely unnoticed in the heat of action but comes to the fore during his late-night discussions with an insightful helicopter Search & Rescue Pilot, Lieutenant Michael Goldberg.In GB&VN, MacLennon's compassion for the victimized people of Southeast Asia offers insight to challenges faced by all people who struggle to survive in a world where distant political ideologues often determine their fate. Additionally, Mac's diary takes occasional flashbacks to his formative years in the 1950's and 60's.Any well-rounded individual who enjoys a good read on significant military history and philosophical themes will want to add GOD, BOMBS & VIET NAM to his or her personal library. Photo collages in the book were created by the author from 31 individual photo stills (11 of them new to this edition); the front & back covers of the book are color composites of 5 individual photos.NOTE: Text of the original 2013 release was revised for accuracy after conferring with the squadron's three living pilots (in 2016. all retired US Navy Commanders) and with the leading aviation photo division Chief Petty Officer. All four were highly significant to this 1967 assignment. See credits on publisher page.SEE MORE CUSTOMER REVIEWS under the original book title: God, Bombs, Sex & Nam: Based on the Diary of...
