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Hamfist Over The Trail
It’s 1968. Hamilton Hancock is on the fast track to become a fighter pilot. He is slated to fly an F-100, F-105 or F-4 in Vietnam. Then, the “needs of the service” intervenes, and he is assigned to fly one of the smallest, slowest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the O-2A. Hamilton becomes a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam, and picks up the nickname “Hamfist”. While Hamfist flies in air combat over the Ho Chi Minh Trail and battles an enemy gunner with a deadly record, on the ground he must also battle his inner fears and personal demons.
Inspired by actual events.
Contains strong language.
Inspired by actual events.
Contains strong language.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2012
89 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 2, 2013
I found "Hamfist - Over the Trail" both enjoyable and educational - allowing me to learn more about the day to day lives of those aviators in Vietnam. As a former grunt during the war, I have the utmost respect and gratitude for those "Sky Drivers" and "Zoomie Pilots" - they always came to our rescue when we were desperately in need of their help. The book is an easy read, following an Air Force Academy graduate (Hamilton aka "Hamfist") through his flight training and eventual deployment to Vietnam as an O-2 FAC pilot.
Mr. Nolly's work gave me a glimpse into what it takes to become a pilot, how he thinks, what he must know and what he must do to survive. Some "drivers" are superstitious and follow certain rituals prior to taking off. Others are fatalistic and simply believe in fate and when your number is pulled - it's time to die!
As the author of "Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel", I wrote about the scared, naive and innocent infantry soldiers and their "rite of passage" through the war. Newbies were always in awe, apprehensive, asked hundreds of questions and didn't take risks. It was surprising to see the same thing happening when new lieutenant pilots arrived in Vietnam. They were no different than those soldiers on the ground - all trying desperately to survive.
As soon as I finished the story, I was anxious for more and quickly downloaded the next book on my Kindle and began reading the continuation of the story. Great job Mr. Nolly. Thank you for the education and Welcome Home!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel
Mr. Nolly's work gave me a glimpse into what it takes to become a pilot, how he thinks, what he must know and what he must do to survive. Some "drivers" are superstitious and follow certain rituals prior to taking off. Others are fatalistic and simply believe in fate and when your number is pulled - it's time to die!
As the author of "Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel", I wrote about the scared, naive and innocent infantry soldiers and their "rite of passage" through the war. Newbies were always in awe, apprehensive, asked hundreds of questions and didn't take risks. It was surprising to see the same thing happening when new lieutenant pilots arrived in Vietnam. They were no different than those soldiers on the ground - all trying desperately to survive.
As soon as I finished the story, I was anxious for more and quickly downloaded the next book on my Kindle and began reading the continuation of the story. Great job Mr. Nolly. Thank you for the education and Welcome Home!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel
June 2, 2013
Don't buy this SCAM!
The book is just OK if you're willing to ignore this amateur author's marginal writing skills, typos and the like. The part that turned me off is the book "ended" right in the middle of the action, with the narrator beginning a love affair and then shot down over Southeast Asia, without any closure. It devolves into a cheesy "serial", like at the 1940s movies, where you have to pay for the next installment to see what happens. Of course, none of this is revealed in the front matter, foreword or a prologue, and it correctly comes off as a sleazy attempt to "force" the reader to buy the next installment. Unlike other series books, such as Hunger Games where each book is more or less complete, this is an obvious if clumsy attempt to leave the reader hanging in order to sell yet another book. Even if it were a great book (which it isn't--it reads more like your brother's diary), I'm so offended that I'd never fall for the scam. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on ME!
The book is just OK if you're willing to ignore this amateur author's marginal writing skills, typos and the like. The part that turned me off is the book "ended" right in the middle of the action, with the narrator beginning a love affair and then shot down over Southeast Asia, without any closure. It devolves into a cheesy "serial", like at the 1940s movies, where you have to pay for the next installment to see what happens. Of course, none of this is revealed in the front matter, foreword or a prologue, and it correctly comes off as a sleazy attempt to "force" the reader to buy the next installment. Unlike other series books, such as Hunger Games where each book is more or less complete, this is an obvious if clumsy attempt to leave the reader hanging in order to sell yet another book. Even if it were a great book (which it isn't--it reads more like your brother's diary), I'm so offended that I'd never fall for the scam. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on ME!
December 28, 2020
This book felt like I was reading someone's diary, which was a great concept behind telling a war story in first person. However, I feel the reader could have gained a greater appreciation for the main character's Vietnam War experience if the writing had the flair and depth that would be typically expected in a common narrative.
The cliff hanger ending was disappointing, as the story ended abruptly, unresolved, and seemed like more of a ploy to purchase the next book in the series more than anything else.
Despite the ending and the lack of emotional depth, the passionate aviator in me enjoyed the story finding it entertaining and educational. Would therefore recommend to any keen military aviation enthusiast.
The cliff hanger ending was disappointing, as the story ended abruptly, unresolved, and seemed like more of a ploy to purchase the next book in the series more than anything else.
Despite the ending and the lack of emotional depth, the passionate aviator in me enjoyed the story finding it entertaining and educational. Would therefore recommend to any keen military aviation enthusiast.
October 9, 2018
Great book.
I really enjoyed your book. It was interesting, informative, and the characters were very affable. I have seen the O-2 at an air show (Tyndall AFB) years ago.
I see in your bio that you flew F-4's, one of my favorites. I lived on a mountain in northern Alabama as a teen, and the ANG would come by and do mock bombing runs on the small telephone tower across the road... cool!
Can't wait to read you other works.
I really enjoyed your book. It was interesting, informative, and the characters were very affable. I have seen the O-2 at an air show (Tyndall AFB) years ago.
I see in your bio that you flew F-4's, one of my favorites. I lived on a mountain in northern Alabama as a teen, and the ANG would come by and do mock bombing runs on the small telephone tower across the road... cool!
Can't wait to read you other works.
October 6, 2018
Damn this guy can write!
Excellent! Not enough words to shout how good the author is at writing, Wordsmith is what comes to mind and a very good one at that. Recommend this series, can not wait for next one.
Excellent! Not enough words to shout how good the author is at writing, Wordsmith is what comes to mind and a very good one at that. Recommend this series, can not wait for next one.
December 16, 2017
It just wasn't my type of book at all and I didn't like the ending at all!
November 10, 2019
I gave this "sample" only one star because I was pissed not being able to get the finish
of the story for free. other wise it was a 5 star.----I just want free stuff period.......
of the story for free. other wise it was a 5 star.----I just want free stuff period.......
February 7, 2020
Good read
July 30, 2020
Very good
A good yarn a Bit to many abbreviations for me ,but all told very informative,will comment more after the next book
A good yarn a Bit to many abbreviations for me ,but all told very informative,will comment more after the next book
April 5, 2023
Vietnam, flying, whats not to like.
Look forward to reading the rest of the serious.
Look forward to reading the rest of the serious.
August 13, 2016
Warning: This novella does contain strong language, so if swearing offends you, you may not want to read this novella.
This is the first in a trilogy, and when I say trilogy I don’t mean three separate stories but one story cut into three parts. It’s also a short read at only 268 pages in length so can be easily finished in one sitting.
Set during the Viet Nam war this novella at times read more like an Air Force procedural manual than a piece of fiction, with more military acronyms than any one non-military person could possibly keep track off. However, don’t let you dissuade you from reading this, it is a fascinating read. Although the plot ambles along at a very pedestrian pace, it is full of well researched and authentic detail about the war it is set in and the role of the combat pilot during these times. This would be an education to all those of a younger age who think the Viet Nam war was just fought on the ground.
The story is told in the first person narrative and, although all the details are spot on the story itself is a work of fiction based on actual events. The military was using the same ‘hurry up and wait’ tactics it uses now and this, plus many other pieces of the way the military works made me chuckle to see things never change. I found it to be a highly enjoyable read, and completed it in one sitting.
If you’re looking for a factual account of combat pilots in Viet Nam, this may not be the book for you, but if you don’t mind a mix of factual detail and fictional storyline, then I highly recommend you pick this one up. I will be reading the remainder of the trilogy as I am eager to find out what happens to Hamfist.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/01/03...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
This is the first in a trilogy, and when I say trilogy I don’t mean three separate stories but one story cut into three parts. It’s also a short read at only 268 pages in length so can be easily finished in one sitting.
Set during the Viet Nam war this novella at times read more like an Air Force procedural manual than a piece of fiction, with more military acronyms than any one non-military person could possibly keep track off. However, don’t let you dissuade you from reading this, it is a fascinating read. Although the plot ambles along at a very pedestrian pace, it is full of well researched and authentic detail about the war it is set in and the role of the combat pilot during these times. This would be an education to all those of a younger age who think the Viet Nam war was just fought on the ground.
The story is told in the first person narrative and, although all the details are spot on the story itself is a work of fiction based on actual events. The military was using the same ‘hurry up and wait’ tactics it uses now and this, plus many other pieces of the way the military works made me chuckle to see things never change. I found it to be a highly enjoyable read, and completed it in one sitting.
If you’re looking for a factual account of combat pilots in Viet Nam, this may not be the book for you, but if you don’t mind a mix of factual detail and fictional storyline, then I highly recommend you pick this one up. I will be reading the remainder of the trilogy as I am eager to find out what happens to Hamfist.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2014/01/03...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
July 25, 2013
Read this book as light reading after the Mandela autobiography. This is the first in a trilogy periodically offered for free to get one hooked. An airforce procedural it will introduce you to more acronyms than you can keep track of. The ‘Trail’ in question is the Ho Chi Minh Trail between North Viet Nam and the South. Half-way through the book Hamilton Hancock call sign Hamfist is still in training but already charged with disposing of his former room mate’s personal effects. The military presents the usual examples of hurry up and wait, intelligence, superstitions, and foul ups however this is Viet Nam and the bullets and artillery are real and people do die and get injured or worse captured by the enemy. Told matter of factly in the first person the story is fiction.
Just finished book one in a single day. This isn’t a three volume story, it’s a single story split in three part one ending a crisis point in the story to suck the reader into buying volume 2.
Just finished book one in a single day. This isn’t a three volume story, it’s a single story split in three part one ending a crisis point in the story to suck the reader into buying volume 2.
September 13, 2013
I am a VERY curious person, I love to learn something new everyday.
That being said, I say… “Thank you G. E. Nolly.” For giving me a sneak peek into the life of a pilot in the Vietnam era. I was so wrapped up in the story, I ended up reading it in one night.
I truly enjoyed the main character Hamilton…aka Hamfist. and following him through his ups and downs, but just when something BIG happens…
IT STOPS!
I’m not fond of cliff hangers, and this one is a doozy. Lucky for me I already have the second book, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
August 8, 2014
Ignore this book. Also this review contains a spoiler.
This book is probably the most disgusting reading experience I have had. Nowhere, in the Kindle page or at the beginning of the book, did it say that this was the beginning of a serial. It ends right in the middle of the main character being shot down. The next thing you read is "The adventure continues..." with a promo for the next book in the series. The adventure won't continue for me.
This book is probably the most disgusting reading experience I have had. Nowhere, in the Kindle page or at the beginning of the book, did it say that this was the beginning of a serial. It ends right in the middle of the main character being shot down. The next thing you read is "The adventure continues..." with a promo for the next book in the series. The adventure won't continue for me.
March 11, 2013
This was a fascinating read. The plot is a little pedestrian but it's chock-full of authentic detail about the Vietnamese war and the role of a lesser-known combat aircraft, the Cessna O-2 Skymaster. I'm not sure I'd pay for the rest of the series but the first, free book is worth snagging.
April 20, 2013
Interesting book, especially for those who flew in the military. It ended abruptly in a cliff hanger and pointed me to the sequel. Too short to be called a "book", how about a "Novella"? I found only 3 errors however, which is good. Most books I read have more.
June 25, 2017
This series reads more like an autobiography than a set of novels. I’ve read two so far (Kindle editions), and am reading Hamfist over Hanoi.
Mr Nolly has written other books with the same main character and I’m looking forward to reading them as well.
Mr Nolly has written other books with the same main character and I’m looking forward to reading them as well.
April 24, 2013
Rated by author.
September 6, 2013
Liked the book.Knew some Vietnam vets growing up; saw the war on tv. Liked the banter between the characters. Didn't mind that it ended mid-action. Will probably read the next book in the series.
June 5, 2014
More good adventures...
October 19, 2015
Waste of time
This is one of those books that requires you to purchase another book to complete the story. It is a cheap trick and I will not read another book by this author.
This is one of those books that requires you to purchase another book to complete the story. It is a cheap trick and I will not read another book by this author.
February 28, 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Hamfist Over The Trail, is a great story about the Air War in Vietnam,
by a real American Hero. If you have a chance to read anything by
G. E. Nolly grab it!
Hamfist Over The Trail, is a great story about the Air War in Vietnam,
by a real American Hero. If you have a chance to read anything by
G. E. Nolly grab it!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews