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One Trip Too Many - A Pilot's Memoirs of 38 Months in Combat Over Laos and Vietnam
One Trip Too Many, A Pilot’s Memoirs of 38 Months in Combat over Laos and Vietnam, is an autobiography about my life as a pilot in Southeast Asia during the conflict in Vietnam. It is primarily a story to share with family and friends about my personal involvement in the conflict and the turbulent decade of the 60s and does not attempt to question the politics of the era. It begins with a brief description of my quest to gain admittance to the United States Air Force Academy, my four years at the Academy, and the subsequent year of pilot training. I flew three different types of aircraft in combat and the book provides insight into the training that took place for the C-130 Hercules, the F-105 Thunderchief, and the A-1 Skyraider. Each of the three tours in combat over Laos and Vietnam is described with emphasis on the more memorable flights including a bailout in the A-1 and the final crash on takeoff that ended my active duty Air Force career. My time in various hospitals is described at the end of the book and the epilogue tells briefly of my life after retirement from the United States Air Force. The book has been described as a combination of Band of Brothers, Top Gun, and Forrest Gump.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 7, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 16, 2017
"ONE TRIP TOO MANY" is a memoir that will appeal to both the thrill-seeker and fan of human interest stories. The author - who grew up in the U.S. Midwest during the 1940s and 1950s - shares with the reader his determination to become a pilot, which leads to him winning a competitive appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1959. He graduated from the Academy in June 1963 as a freshly minted Second Lieutenant, having earned his degree and a handshake from President Kennedy himself.
Later, following advanced flight training, Warner is sent to Vietnam, where he experiences combat from the earliest days of the American involvement in 1965. Warner proved to be a highly skilled pilot, adept at flying both multi-engined and single-engine aircraft. Indeed, Warner would return to Vietnam on 2 different combat tours. From late 1967 through the summer of 1968, he flew 121 combat missions in the sleek F-105 'Thunderchief' fighter-bomber, known affectionately as the 'Thud.' At least 16 of those missions entailed deep penetration raids into North Vietnam as far as Hanoi, braving anti-aircraft fire, radar guided SAMs (i.e. surface-to-air missiles), and enemy MiG jet fighters. These missions, designated Pack Six sorties, were extremely hazardous as losses to enemy action over North Vietnam tended to be extremely high.
Warner would go on to return to Southeast Asia in early 1969, after having trained to fly the A-1 Skyraider attack/search & rescue aircraft. Unfortunately, Warner would meet with tragedy in the Skyraider in March of that year.
There is much more to this inspiring and uplifting story, which I leave for the reader to discover.
Later, following advanced flight training, Warner is sent to Vietnam, where he experiences combat from the earliest days of the American involvement in 1965. Warner proved to be a highly skilled pilot, adept at flying both multi-engined and single-engine aircraft. Indeed, Warner would return to Vietnam on 2 different combat tours. From late 1967 through the summer of 1968, he flew 121 combat missions in the sleek F-105 'Thunderchief' fighter-bomber, known affectionately as the 'Thud.' At least 16 of those missions entailed deep penetration raids into North Vietnam as far as Hanoi, braving anti-aircraft fire, radar guided SAMs (i.e. surface-to-air missiles), and enemy MiG jet fighters. These missions, designated Pack Six sorties, were extremely hazardous as losses to enemy action over North Vietnam tended to be extremely high.
Warner would go on to return to Southeast Asia in early 1969, after having trained to fly the A-1 Skyraider attack/search & rescue aircraft. Unfortunately, Warner would meet with tragedy in the Skyraider in March of that year.
There is much more to this inspiring and uplifting story, which I leave for the reader to discover.
March 4, 2024
Warner's “One Trip Too Many - A Pilot's Memoirs of 38 Months in Combat Over Laos and Vietnam,” is a gripping and powerful account of the author's experiences as a pilot during the Vietnam War. Warner takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the skies, detailing the harrowing missions he flew over Laos and Vietnam. What sets Warner's memoir apart is his raw and honest storytelling. He doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of war, painting a vivid picture of the dangers and challenges faced by pilots during this tumultuous time. From dodging enemy fire to navigating treacherous terrain, Warner's writing is filled with tension and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. But amidst the chaos of combat, Warner also delves into the emotional toll of war. He reflects on the friendships he forged with his fellow pilots, the loss of comrades in battle, and the toll that constant fear and stress took on his mental and emotional well-being. Warner's vulnerability and introspection add depth to his narrative, making it a poignant and thought-provoking read. Overall, “One Trip Too Many” is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vietnam War or aviation history. Warner's firsthand account offers a unique perspective on this tumultuous period in history, shedding light on the bravery and sacrifices of the men who served in combat. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the pilots who risked their lives in the skies, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
April 30, 2020
One of the best Vietnam pilot books. Inspirational life, excellent writer.
Here is a very unusual account of of 2 plus tours leading and piloting in Vietnam in 3 different aircraft, C-130, F-105 and A-1! Descriptions and narrative are masterfully crafted with guile and humor. The author's experiences are referenced to many other pilots and books I have read, linking them all in a most enjoyable and illuminating read. It's one of the best "you are there" fly, fight and persevere books in the genre, in my opinion. I recommend it without reservations.
Here is a very unusual account of of 2 plus tours leading and piloting in Vietnam in 3 different aircraft, C-130, F-105 and A-1! Descriptions and narrative are masterfully crafted with guile and humor. The author's experiences are referenced to many other pilots and books I have read, linking them all in a most enjoyable and illuminating read. It's one of the best "you are there" fly, fight and persevere books in the genre, in my opinion. I recommend it without reservations.
October 15, 2022
Enjoyed This Book!
Growing up during the Vietnam War era, I enjoy reading non-fiction books about the war. Mr Warner writes a very good book about his service with details about flying the planes and the action flying the missions. Details I didn't know such as the dangers taking off and landing with live bombs, rockets and full tank of fuel. The different skills to fly prop planes and jets. I wasn't bored with any part of this book. Mr Warner is a "natural" pilot and I appreciate his and other pilots service for our country during this time.
Growing up during the Vietnam War era, I enjoy reading non-fiction books about the war. Mr Warner writes a very good book about his service with details about flying the planes and the action flying the missions. Details I didn't know such as the dangers taking off and landing with live bombs, rockets and full tank of fuel. The different skills to fly prop planes and jets. I wasn't bored with any part of this book. Mr Warner is a "natural" pilot and I appreciate his and other pilots service for our country during this time.
June 24, 2023
Outstanding read
One of those “hard to put down” books. This is a great reminiscence of the journey of a courageous young man from beginning of his military career to the end. If you are a fan of aircraft you will enjoy the author’s ability to share technical information involved in flying mission specific combat aircraft in an easy to understand way while also keeping it very interesting. Thank you Captain Warner and welcome home Sir…. 🫡
One of those “hard to put down” books. This is a great reminiscence of the journey of a courageous young man from beginning of his military career to the end. If you are a fan of aircraft you will enjoy the author’s ability to share technical information involved in flying mission specific combat aircraft in an easy to understand way while also keeping it very interesting. Thank you Captain Warner and welcome home Sir…. 🫡
December 31, 2021
Thud Driver
Written in an easy to follow style , Wayne Warner has presented an exciting look I to the C=130 cargo cockpit, F=105 Thunder chief and last but not least the AD=1Spad/Sandy. Throughout a tremendous war time flying career, he describes the endless dedication and becomes another US hero.
Written in an easy to follow style , Wayne Warner has presented an exciting look I to the C=130 cargo cockpit, F=105 Thunder chief and last but not least the AD=1Spad/Sandy. Throughout a tremendous war time flying career, he describes the endless dedication and becomes another US hero.
January 10, 2020
What a fascinating story!
This is a very good story and a well written book about flying in the Vietnam War. There is enough detail in here to interest pilots, some humor, and a lot of those moments of shear terror. You won’t be able to put this book down.
This is a very good story and a well written book about flying in the Vietnam War. There is enough detail in here to interest pilots, some humor, and a lot of those moments of shear terror. You won’t be able to put this book down.
December 21, 2020
Sierra Hotel book
As a member of USAF UPT class 65C at Moody AFB this excellent book was a deeply moving read. I will treasure thi experience.
As a member of USAF UPT class 65C at Moody AFB this excellent book was a deeply moving read. I will treasure thi experience.
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February 10, 2022What a life!
The life of USAF pilot. In the late 1960's till now. Great story lot of action I various warbirds.
Has the ups and downs of a young pilot!
The life of USAF pilot. In the late 1960's till now. Great story lot of action I various warbirds.
Has the ups and downs of a young pilot!
April 24, 2022
Great story of a Pilot
Excellent narrative of a fighter pilot's USAF career. Well written & engaging & highly recommended. One of the best of its genre!
Excellent narrative of a fighter pilot's USAF career. Well written & engaging & highly recommended. One of the best of its genre!
March 22, 2014
What is great about this book is that you get the experience of one man who flew three completely different aircraft on completely different missions over Vietnam, and is an experience matched by few others ever imaginable, and the only comparable experience ran much longer from WW-II through Vietnam (Robin Olds).
Sadly, as a 'reading book' compared with others this is three tales in one and dilutes its power. Perhaps men who flew only one tour in one aircraft make better story-tellers than one doing 3-for-3, but it is still a solid tale that is well written. He just has stiff competition in the genre (Ken Bell's for F-105) etc , though I doubt anyone could describe burn recovery in more vivid terms in so few pages as this noble flyer, and it's hard not to enjoy this one.
Sadly, as a 'reading book' compared with others this is three tales in one and dilutes its power. Perhaps men who flew only one tour in one aircraft make better story-tellers than one doing 3-for-3, but it is still a solid tale that is well written. He just has stiff competition in the genre (Ken Bell's for F-105) etc , though I doubt anyone could describe burn recovery in more vivid terms in so few pages as this noble flyer, and it's hard not to enjoy this one.
June 29, 2014
An outstanding book to read,hard to put it down.
One of the best Vietnam fighter pilot stories I have read. It was even more interesting as I was a classmate of the author at the Air Force Academy.
One of the best Vietnam fighter pilot stories I have read. It was even more interesting as I was a classmate of the author at the Air Force Academy.
December 31, 2014
An outstanding book...
An easily read book written with professional detail that accurately depicts the air war in North Vietnam and Laos describing the author's experiences flying C-130, F-105 and A-1 aircraft during three separate combat tours.
An easily read book written with professional detail that accurately depicts the air war in North Vietnam and Laos describing the author's experiences flying C-130, F-105 and A-1 aircraft during three separate combat tours.
April 5, 2016
Way too much technical information for me. Bombing coordinates and flight patterns. I was hoping for more personal information. If you were flying out of Thailand in the Vietnam (aka American) War this could be of interest.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews