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Flying Through Midnight: A Pilot's Dramatic Story of His Secret Missions Over Laos During the Vietnam War
In 1970, a young American pilot arrived at a dusty, half-deserted U.S. air force base and found himself on a battlefront he'd never heard of: the secret black-ops war in Laos.
John T. Halliday was instructed to fly a retrofitted C-123 transport to direct night-time air strikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The mission sent Halliday, his plane, and his fellow men into the teeth of enemy fire--and required breaking every rule he had ever learned about flying.
In this compelling account, Halliday takes us inside a top-secret air base and into the cockpit of an antiquated plane that was a lifeline for special forces on the ground. As he chronicles his evolution from a by-the-book flyboy to a daring warrior of the night, he also tells the story of a truly heroic, seemingly impossible flight: of how he and his men survived a horrific engagement with the enemy, attempted a harrowing a crash landing, and what they found deep inside a forbidden land…
John T. Halliday was instructed to fly a retrofitted C-123 transport to direct night-time air strikes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The mission sent Halliday, his plane, and his fellow men into the teeth of enemy fire--and required breaking every rule he had ever learned about flying.
In this compelling account, Halliday takes us inside a top-secret air base and into the cockpit of an antiquated plane that was a lifeline for special forces on the ground. As he chronicles his evolution from a by-the-book flyboy to a daring warrior of the night, he also tells the story of a truly heroic, seemingly impossible flight: of how he and his men survived a horrific engagement with the enemy, attempted a harrowing a crash landing, and what they found deep inside a forbidden land…
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
23 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 3, 2017
I can't believe I left this book sitting in a box for more than six months after I got it... This is one of the best flying stories I've ever read, right up there with Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Ernest K. Gann.
October 8, 2012
Interesting books about secret air missions in Laos during the Vietnam War.
1. It was interesting to see the tension between the pilots who were thrown into a crazy arena and the "Desktops," administrative paper pushers.
2. The book shows the transition of a man who was began as a textbook pilot and turned into a maverick who could take calculated risks.
3. A few passages showed the math/technical side of flying in layman's terms and opened up the world of flying in ways that I knew existed, but was ignorant of.
4. I was impressed by how much they could accomplish without computers or GPS, relying on pencils, a compass, altimeter, and poor maps.
5. Great for seeing how people are resourceful and think outside the box!
My takeaway: Some of my favorite work experiences have been when the leader told me and anyone with me to essentially: "Get the job done as long as it is ethical, moral, and you get back alive." As much as I like my paperwork and forms, good leaders know how to trust their men to get the job done.
1. It was interesting to see the tension between the pilots who were thrown into a crazy arena and the "Desktops," administrative paper pushers.
2. The book shows the transition of a man who was began as a textbook pilot and turned into a maverick who could take calculated risks.
3. A few passages showed the math/technical side of flying in layman's terms and opened up the world of flying in ways that I knew existed, but was ignorant of.
4. I was impressed by how much they could accomplish without computers or GPS, relying on pencils, a compass, altimeter, and poor maps.
5. Great for seeing how people are resourceful and think outside the box!
My takeaway: Some of my favorite work experiences have been when the leader told me and anyone with me to essentially: "Get the job done as long as it is ethical, moral, and you get back alive." As much as I like my paperwork and forms, good leaders know how to trust their men to get the job done.
September 18, 2023
If you're looking for a dramatic and gripping true flying story, this is it! Flying Through Midnight is a gripping and deeply personal account that offers readers an intimate glimpse into the harrowing world of covert aerial missions during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history. With a vivid narrative and a wealth of insider knowledge, Halliday's memoir provides an unforgettable reading experience that transports you straight into the cockpit of a warplane. The book revolves around Halliday's experiences as an Air Force pilot assigned to fly top-secret missions over Laos during the Vietnam War. What sets "Flying Through Midnight" apart from other war memoirs is the level of detail and emotion with which Halliday recounts his missions. He vividly describes the intense fear and adrenaline rush that pilots faced as they flew through the perilous skies over enemy territory, evoking a deep sense of empathy and respect for these courageous aviators. One of the book's standout qualities is its authenticity. Halliday doesn't sugarcoat the challenges he and his fellow pilots encountered. He candidly discusses the toll that the war took on their mental and emotional well-being. His portrayal of the camaraderie among the pilots and their unwavering commitment to their missions is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Readers will find themselves rooting for these brave men as they navigate the treacherous skies. Halliday's writing is both evocative and accessible, making it easy for readers of all backgrounds to connect with his story. He balances technical aviation jargon with human emotions, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the intricacies of flying can appreciate the narrative. The book's pacing is impeccable, with each mission and personal anecdote driving the story forward and maintaining the reader's engagement. Moreover, "Flying Through Midnight" sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the Vietnam War—the secret operations in Laos. It reveals the clandestine nature of these missions and the sacrifices made by the pilots involved. Halliday's account offers a fresh perspective on this historical period, making it a valuable addition to the literature on the Vietnam War, and stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of the men who flew these dangerous missions. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation history, military memoirs, or the Vietnam War, offering an unforgettable and moving account of a turbulent time in American history.
November 1, 2014
I love this book. Halliday provides much insight into the total mechanisms of what goes through a military person's mind and the sometimes ridiculous military bureaucracy/autocracy that affects not only how the mission is performed, but also how it affects the peole who are on the line performing it. Speaking of the upper echelon during the Vietnam war, Halliday posits, "... have forgotten their proper role in American society. They've become a law unto themselves. ... They've forgotten they serve the people." He continues, "They've forgotten that civil disobedience, free speech, and the right of assembly are constitutional basics they swore an oath uphold. They feel those kids gunned down at Kent State 'got what they deserved'."
Halliday also sheds some much-needed light on the fact that historians and the media alike have chosen to ignore the fact that hundreds of Americans fought, and some gave the supreme sacrifice, from bases in Thailand, particularly in engagements in Laos and Cambodia. His description of NKP was right on the money.
Extremely well-written. Interesting from cover-to-cover. A non-fiction page-turner. Thank you John Halliday.
Halliday also sheds some much-needed light on the fact that historians and the media alike have chosen to ignore the fact that hundreds of Americans fought, and some gave the supreme sacrifice, from bases in Thailand, particularly in engagements in Laos and Cambodia. His description of NKP was right on the money.
Extremely well-written. Interesting from cover-to-cover. A non-fiction page-turner. Thank you John Halliday.
August 9, 2017
Flying Through Midnight by John T. Halliday
The reality of this book is depressing. Depressing because once again we have failed to learn from our history. The story of a young man and the country that sent him into harm’s way with inadequate tools and superiors has been repeated ad nauseum for centuries. Old men send young men to fight battles they are too infirm to fight and too greedy to ignore. Author Halliday was fortunate to survive a maelstrom that ground up 58,000 of his peers. His experiences in dealing with the entrenched “Desktops” and the ennui of entrenched bureaucrats was many times hard to read.
I suspect that to truly appreciate the book, I would need to be a pilot and veteran and I am neither. I do know that friends who endured Vietnam were forever changed. This book sadly reinforced some of the stories that I heard from un-diagnosed PTSD friends.
It is a book worth reading and hopefully, at some point, we will start to learn our history and stop repeating it.
I recommend the book.
Web:www.flyingthroughmidnight.com
The reality of this book is depressing. Depressing because once again we have failed to learn from our history. The story of a young man and the country that sent him into harm’s way with inadequate tools and superiors has been repeated ad nauseum for centuries. Old men send young men to fight battles they are too infirm to fight and too greedy to ignore. Author Halliday was fortunate to survive a maelstrom that ground up 58,000 of his peers. His experiences in dealing with the entrenched “Desktops” and the ennui of entrenched bureaucrats was many times hard to read.
I suspect that to truly appreciate the book, I would need to be a pilot and veteran and I am neither. I do know that friends who endured Vietnam were forever changed. This book sadly reinforced some of the stories that I heard from un-diagnosed PTSD friends.
It is a book worth reading and hopefully, at some point, we will start to learn our history and stop repeating it.
I recommend the book.
Web:www.flyingthroughmidnight.com
November 28, 2023
This book was given to me by someone after I said "I'd like a book I can read in order to learn something about you, or know a part of you better." I'm so glad I read it.
Read
March 5, 2016This was the first military/war book that I ever read. Its a great story and it served as a gateway book for me into the genre.
The language was strong and even offensive at times which is why I'm not going to recommend it.
The language was strong and even offensive at times which is why I'm not going to recommend it.
December 20, 2018
Great read. I never really new my dad buy this kind of writing helps me understand why he couldn’t live a normal life. Thanks Mr Halliday for sharing your story and for having the stamina to get it published.
August 19, 2021
I enjoyed the historical revelations of the squadrons and missions at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. I was merely 9 when my Dad was stationed there in 1974. By then, I gather, the mission had become SOG POW rescue operations, but I can see how those missions morphed from the ones described in this book.
Spoiler alert. ***
A major part of this book's story is the personal journey undertaken by the author during the setting of the story. He morphs from a green, USAF-issue, Mk 1, Mod 0 as we used to say, into a free-thinking, self-directed individual officer-pilot. It's also the story of those who tried to help and those who frustrated this transformation. Some of it was well told, but at parts it became tedious.
Some of the war stories were told at an excellent pace, and did not detract from the book; others were a little long winded and although I got the point of why they were so described, it tended to drag. It took me two days to listen to the final anecdote from the book.
Spoiler alert. ***
A major part of this book's story is the personal journey undertaken by the author during the setting of the story. He morphs from a green, USAF-issue, Mk 1, Mod 0 as we used to say, into a free-thinking, self-directed individual officer-pilot. It's also the story of those who tried to help and those who frustrated this transformation. Some of it was well told, but at parts it became tedious.
Some of the war stories were told at an excellent pace, and did not detract from the book; others were a little long winded and although I got the point of why they were so described, it tended to drag. It took me two days to listen to the final anecdote from the book.
February 26, 2024
I came across this book after traveling to Vietnam and Laos. I wanted to read something about the Vietnam War, but not a blow-by-blow account. Flying Through Midnight was perfect—a vivid story about “top secret, black-ops night missions” in Laos flown by a then 24-year old American pilot. I was blown away that Halliday could bring such life to a story that was over 30 years old when he wrote it. He takes you back to a low-tech (almost no-tech) time, and makes you feel like you’re there in the cockpit. Shocking what these very young pilots did from the seat of their pants.
I generally don’t even care for war stories, but this was quite different. As another author said, “Flying Through Midnight is an eternal story that transcends any war.” I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars.
I generally don’t even care for war stories, but this was quite different. As another author said, “Flying Through Midnight is an eternal story that transcends any war.” I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars.
August 27, 2023
A very interesting book about the Vietnam Conflict. Even though the events of the story didn't occur in Vietnam it was of the same time frame. It a revealing story of that era. As I am Veteran of the Vietnam conflict this particular episode was never revealed to me as it was a "covert operation". We knew of the trail but didn't know for sure of its location. It's no wonder we couldn't win us I because of its and the amount of supplies that came south on it .
October 31, 2018
This book was an easy read. It focused on the authors Adventures as a pilot in Laos in a secret Air Force Squadron. It was really easy to read like I said and I really enjoyed it. And I do recommend this book for anybody who wants the general idea of what it is to fly an antique airplane in a war 30 years after it was designed
March 18, 2021
I came close to putting this down as it was a bit whiny and stream-of-conscious laden at first and am I ever glad I hung in there! This book covers the metamorphosis of a C-123 pilot from a 'by the book', 'let me get my year's tour and get home' pilot into an intuitive, capable flyer whose creativity, loyalty and skill made possible an unbelievable sortie which had my full attention.
March 12, 2023
Amazing story. Could not put it down. I am a Nam vet and I have read almost everything about the war. This reminded me of “A Rumor of War”, even though it’s been about 30 years since I read it. Truly a book worth reading.
May 6, 2018
Very well written.
July 13, 2018
terrible. surprised this was allegedly written by a pilot...
May 29, 2019
Great story telling, but not sure I believe it all happened as it’s told.
June 1, 2019
Entertaining, especially as audio book. Some insight into crew aircraft issues.
October 3, 2019
AMAZING story!
June 16, 2021
Liked it, very good story. But from what I read in other reviews from respected writers (Raven Pilots), a lot of things didn't happen.
May 31, 2022
Great audiobook
July 30, 2022
Top 3 aviation books I’ve ever read. Tells a thematic story of a young man’s ability to adapt and ultimately save his crew. The mystery and majesty of a pilots task shines through.
November 8, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was like being with the pilot through an amazing adventure. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2023
Be warned, make sure when you get to the final mission, you have enough time to finish the book cause you won't be able to put it down!
February 13, 2013
I have read many books about Vietnam and flying there, mostly helicopters but this one is about a USAF/CIA fixed wing group. Once I began, I realized there was something different, unique about this book and its writer. This is a riveting book on many, many different levels. From a historical perspective it is presented as true and believable. From a book related to the Vietnam experience, it is recognizable but not what many knew about. However, it is the writing style and content that is captivating. I read it in two nights, unable to put it down until I literally fell asleep while fighting to stay awake. At many points in the book I felt as though I didn't know up from down or whether anything I was reading was real or not. The author does that through his writing because the events and experiences described are written that way. One has the feeling that, at the time described, the author didn't either. One is almost literally in that time and space when reading. Even if one does not care for historically based books about war or Vietnam, this one, I believe, will still be fascinating to the reader.
April 4, 2012
Just to start off, THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!! Normally I hate non-fiction books because they are just straight forward facts but not this book. Plus it was written almost as an autobiography because the author actually was the pilot in the book so he's not necessarily a great writer with great writing skills. He did in this because it is a really well structured story that is interesting. Warning this book is about war and written by a war veteran so there is some cussing involved but he also uses words like refiguring, excursions, intervened, adrenaline, mournfully, and addiction. I would even give this book six stars if I could. He wrote so well I felt as if he could be talking to Wiley (a friend he made there) trying to convince him to get the plane out of the range of the cannons right in front of me.
February 10, 2017
strange writing
January 29, 2008
Picked up this book from a recommendation by a pilot. His words were "I stayed up all night reading it!" I didn't think the subject matter (Vietnam conflict) would interest me as much as it did. Flying Through Midnight was as thrilling a book as I have ever read and it did keep me up all night! This is a cathartic account of the author's experiences as a pilot in 1970 during the conflict. He was stationed in a top secret military base in Laos where he flew harrowing missions. His retelling is one that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Even if you don't think the subject matter will interest you - I would bet you'd love this read!
August 8, 2010
i think I'm almost done with my Vietnam period. This book was written by a air force pilot who was sent to Vietnam in 1970. While the author did describe his time and activities, he spent much more time discussing the bureaucracy and the incompetence of management. In a way, this was more depressing as decisions were made by admin around what would help their own careers while ignoring the ramifications on others. The writing was okay, his desciptions fairly easy to follow, and he and his bunch of cronies were likeable.
August 8, 2010
While traveling to Laos recently to look for pilots who are missing in action from the vietnam war, I picked up a couple books on the airwar in Laos to better understand what was going on there. This was an excellent story. There were times when he started to lose the thread of the story, but when he brought everything around for the conclusion, it was worth the wait. I also really enjoyed his personal epilogue as he detailed how he almost gave up ever seeing this book published.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews