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Hamfist Down!: Evasion, Survival and Combat in the Jungle
It's August, 1969. Hamilton “Hamfist” Hancock has been shot down over Laos, and must use all his skill, and luck, to avoid capture and certain, violent death. To facilitate his rescue, he must become a ground FAC and direct airstrikes against North Vietnamese targets on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. And, to survive, he must engage in hand-to-hand combat.
But Hamfist may face his greatest battle after his rescue. Back in Vietnam, while recuperating at the hospital at Cam Ranh Bay, he experiences a sapper attack. And, following his return to the air, Hamfist is tormented by a flying error, an error which may have cost a comrade his life.
Only time will tell if Hamfist can regain his self-respect and passion. On his final flight, Hamfist faces a brutal enemy in a life-or-death duel that will determine if he will be shot down once again or return home to his soul-mate. The rescue, the airborne mistake and the final battle force Hamfist to reevaluate his priorities in his career, in his flying, and in his life.
But Hamfist may face his greatest battle after his rescue. Back in Vietnam, while recuperating at the hospital at Cam Ranh Bay, he experiences a sapper attack. And, following his return to the air, Hamfist is tormented by a flying error, an error which may have cost a comrade his life.
Only time will tell if Hamfist can regain his self-respect and passion. On his final flight, Hamfist faces a brutal enemy in a life-or-death duel that will determine if he will be shot down once again or return home to his soul-mate. The rescue, the airborne mistake and the final battle force Hamfist to reevaluate his priorities in his career, in his flying, and in his life.
- GenresMilitary FictionHistory
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2012
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249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 30, 2017
Survival and Combat in the Jungle
Book #2, in the Adventures of Hamilton “Hamfist”Hamcock
This novel is based on actual events about air combat in the Vietnam War. This series follows Air Force pilot Hamilton “Hamfist” Hamcock as he evolves from an inexperience lieutenant to a seasoned combat pilot flying aircraft in the skies of North Vietnam. This series is dedicated to American military veterans.
The tone is harsh after all this is war with Special Ops and Green Berets all over the place, this is scary as hell. The first sentence you hear “getting shot down sucks”. For those not familiar with terms this novel is a bit hard to follow it contains a lot of operational details about mission to fetch people from hostile jungle. Although it is a bit romanticised, the experience is inevitably tough and exciting, of course Hamfist does manage to get shot down, get extricated, escape unscathed and have a burgeoning romance with a Japanese beauty…hey why not, many men did have a distraction. The jargon is taken from experience of the time and place and Hamfist characterisation fits both the hardboiled soldier and the sensitive men he really is. He tells his story with humour and with some profanity. He is quite crude at time. Hold your breath, the tempo is fast and furious so much action fills the pages while we follow the day to day activities of the pilots. This is a gritty and gruesome time and such a captivating read.
Although I started this series with book 2 not knowing what had previously happened did not put me at a disadvantage but this story did pique my interest to backtrack and get book 1 “Hamfist Over the Trail”.
Love this one
Book #2, in the Adventures of Hamilton “Hamfist”Hamcock
This novel is based on actual events about air combat in the Vietnam War. This series follows Air Force pilot Hamilton “Hamfist” Hamcock as he evolves from an inexperience lieutenant to a seasoned combat pilot flying aircraft in the skies of North Vietnam. This series is dedicated to American military veterans.
The tone is harsh after all this is war with Special Ops and Green Berets all over the place, this is scary as hell. The first sentence you hear “getting shot down sucks”. For those not familiar with terms this novel is a bit hard to follow it contains a lot of operational details about mission to fetch people from hostile jungle. Although it is a bit romanticised, the experience is inevitably tough and exciting, of course Hamfist does manage to get shot down, get extricated, escape unscathed and have a burgeoning romance with a Japanese beauty…hey why not, many men did have a distraction. The jargon is taken from experience of the time and place and Hamfist characterisation fits both the hardboiled soldier and the sensitive men he really is. He tells his story with humour and with some profanity. He is quite crude at time. Hold your breath, the tempo is fast and furious so much action fills the pages while we follow the day to day activities of the pilots. This is a gritty and gruesome time and such a captivating read.
Although I started this series with book 2 not knowing what had previously happened did not put me at a disadvantage but this story did pique my interest to backtrack and get book 1 “Hamfist Over the Trail”.
Love this one
December 21, 2013
Shot down on his final reconnaissance flight over Cambodia, Hamilton Hancock (Hamfist) hangs from his parachute harness in the canopy until daylight when he is able to find his way to the ground, then he has to evade the Viet Cong until Search and Rescue can extricate him. He almost escapes unscathed. A burgeoning romance with a Japanese-American beauty helps motivate Hamfist’s recovery and guides his military career decisions. Then he has one more incident over the clandestine battleground during the illegal incursion into Cambodia and Laos during the Viet Nam War.
Hamfist Down is a gritty, true to life depiction of an airman’s experiences during that secretive and unpopular war. George Nolly writes from experience in the jargon of the time and place. Hamfist’s character development portrays him as both hardboiled and sensitive and one suspects that he is the author’s alter ego. This fast paced, relatively short slice of history succeeds more with realism than drama. It is an entertaining window into a period of American history that has not always been truthfully told.
Hamfist Down is a gritty, true to life depiction of an airman’s experiences during that secretive and unpopular war. George Nolly writes from experience in the jargon of the time and place. Hamfist’s character development portrays him as both hardboiled and sensitive and one suspects that he is the author’s alter ego. This fast paced, relatively short slice of history succeeds more with realism than drama. It is an entertaining window into a period of American history that has not always been truthfully told.
August 7, 2013
I want to thank Amazon for making the second part of this two-parter available as a free download. Read it in one afternoon. Part 2 follows Hamilton Hancock after he bails out over Laos and continues as he completes his deployment in Viet Nam. This is pure action/adventure and carries the reader along for the ride.
July 21, 2018
Wonderful Hamfist stories!
I love the excitement I missed not being in the military. At least husband was and it was neat how the Hamfist stories indicate how one is terrified one minute and fighting boredom the neat.
I love the excitement I missed not being in the military. At least husband was and it was neat how the Hamfist stories indicate how one is terrified one minute and fighting boredom the neat.
August 4, 2020
Very good
Enjoyed it no end a lot better than the first book less abbreviations ,looking forward to the next book in the series
Enjoyed it no end a lot better than the first book less abbreviations ,looking forward to the next book in the series
January 17, 2021
This is really good stuff
What's not to like. Action, planes, love interest and Victor charles. Very good read if you like Vietnam war fiction.
What's not to like. Action, planes, love interest and Victor charles. Very good read if you like Vietnam war fiction.
February 22, 2017
Good book with lots of action
Found this to be your typical action book. This one is set during the Vietnam war. Its a fast and fun read.
Found this to be your typical action book. This one is set during the Vietnam war. Its a fast and fun read.
February 15, 2017
Better than expected
At first glance I was annoyed as I felt the story could have been continued in the first..book.
However once I got into it, it became a pretty good book in its own right.
At first glance I was annoyed as I felt the story could have been continued in the first..book.
However once I got into it, it became a pretty good book in its own right.
March 13, 2013
I have recently concluded Mr. Nolly's first book in the series, "Over the Trial" and quickly downloaded his next book in the series to find out what happens to Hamfist after his O-2 plane is hit and he bails out over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. This edition picked up right where the earlier story left off.
Having served in the infantry during the Vietnam War myself, I could relate to Hamfist's trepidation while spending the night in the jungle, surrounded by enemy soldiers who were searching for him. I was right there with him...holding my breath, et al. It is incredible to see what it takes for a rescue operation, and then realizing the possibility of losing that same person and others during the operation. It is a harrowing experience for all, and one that demonstrated the bravery of all involved.
The book offers a first-hand look into the day-to-day activities of these brave pilots during the Vietnam War. "Hamfist Down!" is also a love story, which offers the reader a glimpse into Japanese culture and how the rich might live in that country. This book continued to confirm my deep respect and thanks to those in the air, who were on guard to protect us down below. Highly recommended book! Moving on now to book #3 in the collection! Great job, Mr. Nolly!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel
Having served in the infantry during the Vietnam War myself, I could relate to Hamfist's trepidation while spending the night in the jungle, surrounded by enemy soldiers who were searching for him. I was right there with him...holding my breath, et al. It is incredible to see what it takes for a rescue operation, and then realizing the possibility of losing that same person and others during the operation. It is a harrowing experience for all, and one that demonstrated the bravery of all involved.
The book offers a first-hand look into the day-to-day activities of these brave pilots during the Vietnam War. "Hamfist Down!" is also a love story, which offers the reader a glimpse into Japanese culture and how the rich might live in that country. This book continued to confirm my deep respect and thanks to those in the air, who were on guard to protect us down below. Highly recommended book! Moving on now to book #3 in the collection! Great job, Mr. Nolly!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel
November 3, 2014
"Nobody wants to read about Vietnam, or the 1960s and 70s," agents/publishers tell me. What rock do they live under? This novel/memoir by G.E. Nolly should prove them wrong. Surely I'm only one of millions who will never say this subject is old and tiresome. Never! Remember the Alamo a century later, and remember our soldiers in Vietnam, too!
I just watched Rambo (part 2), truly a badly scripted movie, but I loved it all over again. Rambo's final line isn't even very convincing, but it's iconic and I love it still: Vietnam vets just want their countrymen to love them as much as the soldiers love their country.
Okay, to Nolly's story. It's gritty, gruesome, authentic, profane, crude, and not to be missed. I highlighted and Kindle-shared line after memorable line. No time to repost them all here. Just -- trust me. LOTS of great lines in this story.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I won't repeat it here.
I love the confession that just as fairy tales begin with Once Upon a Time, a war veteran's stories begin with the disclaimer that he was there and this s# really happened.
For people like me who've never been in the military but have great admiration, respect and appreciation for those who have, this is a must-read. Yes, there are some typos. Yes, there may be a few flaws. No matter! The storyteller kept me listening the entire time.
I just watched Rambo (part 2), truly a badly scripted movie, but I loved it all over again. Rambo's final line isn't even very convincing, but it's iconic and I love it still: Vietnam vets just want their countrymen to love them as much as the soldiers love their country.
Okay, to Nolly's story. It's gritty, gruesome, authentic, profane, crude, and not to be missed. I highlighted and Kindle-shared line after memorable line. No time to repost them all here. Just -- trust me. LOTS of great lines in this story.
Other reviewers have summarized the plot, so I won't repeat it here.
I love the confession that just as fairy tales begin with Once Upon a Time, a war veteran's stories begin with the disclaimer that he was there and this s# really happened.
For people like me who've never been in the military but have great admiration, respect and appreciation for those who have, this is a must-read. Yes, there are some typos. Yes, there may be a few flaws. No matter! The storyteller kept me listening the entire time.
September 15, 2013
Hamfist down picks up right where Hamfist over the trail left off, and just like the first I was hooked.
I think this one was better than the first; the adventure starts right away, and I quickly went from page to page, eagerly wanting to see what would happen next.
After reading Hamfist Down, I went to my dad, who was in the War at Vietnam, and offered him the books. He hesitated at first, but by the end of the day.. he was reading them. I know he will enjoy G. E. Nolly’s sense of writing, as much as I have.
I think this one was better than the first; the adventure starts right away, and I quickly went from page to page, eagerly wanting to see what would happen next.
After reading Hamfist Down, I went to my dad, who was in the War at Vietnam, and offered him the books. He hesitated at first, but by the end of the day.. he was reading them. I know he will enjoy G. E. Nolly’s sense of writing, as much as I have.
March 13, 2016
Just read the kindle version. The plot is compelling, and people multi-dimensional. My only complaint is that I don’t know the meanings of all the acronyms / abbreviations. Footnoted definitions would have been helpful, or a glossary at the back.
I have two more kindle volumes in the series and am looking forward to reading them.
I have two more kindle volumes in the series and am looking forward to reading them.
September 8, 2013
This is the second in the Hamfist series. It continues the exciting aerial adventures of Hamfist, a Forward Air Controller (FAC) over the skies of Vietnam. If you like flying and military combat action/adventure, this is another one for you.
February 4, 2014
Good read
The language is like having a conversation with the main character instead of a structured written dialogue. To me this makes the story more believable it sounds like many I had with guys just back from Vietnam when it was not a vacation destination.
The language is like having a conversation with the main character instead of a structured written dialogue. To me this makes the story more believable it sounds like many I had with guys just back from Vietnam when it was not a vacation destination.
November 14, 2014
Over the trail. And. Hamfist Down
I read the first two books yesterday and today! I couldn't put them down. I must discipline myself. I have to eat and sleep. As soon as I have time, I will read all of them.
I read the first two books yesterday and today! I couldn't put them down. I must discipline myself. I have to eat and sleep. As soon as I have time, I will read all of them.
November 27, 2014
Get the Bad Guys
The magic of this author's writing is his ability to quickly involve me as a member of his flight crew. I had piloted aircraft in combat under similar conditions in another war; his vivid descriptions brought me into this one.
The magic of this author's writing is his ability to quickly involve me as a member of his flight crew. I had piloted aircraft in combat under similar conditions in another war; his vivid descriptions brought me into this one.
October 13, 2016
A story that takes place in Vietnam. Hamfist, which is a nickname, is a spotter in the Air Force who is shot down. He is rescued but is wounded in the process.
A good story about Vietnam and how hard it was to survive.
A good story about Vietnam and how hard it was to survive.
April 6, 2013
Easy to read, ..moves quickly.
September 29, 2013
Short, easy read. Probably more so for those of us whose formative years were during the Vietnam era, and who also have an interest in military aviation.
September 9, 2014
Very good, shame it was so short.
Bad idea to split these up into a series, they would be MUCH better as one long book.
Bad idea to split these up into a series, they would be MUCH better as one long book.
November 6, 2014
Great War Story!
Lots of authentic action packed from beginning to end! Molly knows his topic and how to tell a great story. I look forward to reading more of his works.
Lots of authentic action packed from beginning to end! Molly knows his topic and how to tell a great story. I look forward to reading more of his works.
November 20, 2014
A bit different
It developed better as it went along. the first part seemed to be a little not as well thought out or expressed
It developed better as it went along. the first part seemed to be a little not as well thought out or expressed
April 3, 2015
Very well done!
February 29, 2024
RECOMMENDED
Hamfist Down is the 2nd book of the series and continues the story of
Hamilton Handcock's career. Don't miss it.
Hamfist Down is the 2nd book of the series and continues the story of
Hamilton Handcock's career. Don't miss it.
April 24, 2013
Rated by author.
April 14, 2015
Very different from my usual reads but I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews