Easy Target

by Tom Smith

Chosen as an aero scout leading an elite squadron on combat missions, a former military pilot shares his experiences in Vietnam, from flying battle runs to pulling off last-minute escapes, in the true story of the unlikeliest hero ever to survive a war. Reprint.

Genres: Military Fiction, War

352 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[E Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent novel. The author's memory for detail astounds. Very interesting read. My only gripe is the abrupt ending. The officer shakes his hand and......THE END

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith tells the familiar story of a young man who flunked out of college, sampled the 1960s counterculture and found himself first in the army, then in Vietnam. For Smith, the war was a theater of the absurd whose only meaning was survival. His narrative of low-altitude, high-risk operations in 1969-70 replicates that of others: initial confusion giving way first to proficiency and pleasure in stalking and killing anonymous enemies, later to a sense that both his skill and his luck are running out. Gritty enough to appeal to adventure fans, this memoir makes a useful contribution to a subject, American helicopter pilots in Vietnam, whose recorded history is largely still in its anecdotal stage.

[Lew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a fascinating narrative of what it was like to be a Scout Pilot flying OH-6A Loach helicopters in Vietnam.
If interested in reading more about Scout Pilots and flying Loaches, I strongly recommend Hugh Mills' Low Level Hell.

[Petter Wolff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest (it seems) account of a horrible war, from a new perspective. Compared to Guns and gunships, Easy target is a much more literary account, with more perspectives and depth, still bringing much to the table in the heli-nerd department.

[Michael Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scout Pilot Life

I thought that the book was an excellent insight to the life of a scout helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I really liked Tom Smith’s writing style. It was filled with the good, bad, and ugly concerning his experience. I really enjoyed that he defined and explained the tactics that he and crew employed to survive. The book had me laughing and sad. Godbless those vets that were faithful to their duty. They will always be my heroes.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

All VN helicopter pilots had different personalities and very unique experiences. The author is no exception. I identified with his experience of being pulled over by the police on my way home after discharge, having to present my DD-214 and receiving a pass for my behavior.
Having read the book first in 2001 it would have interesting to had an epilogue of his life.

[Joe Thrower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should have the opportunity to fly in a loach.

Sharing his experiences as a Loach pilot must have been rewarding for him. Having to deal with the incompetent Company Commander must have been hard to deal with. I salute you Mr. Ant

[Neil Barriskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Miss out

Without doubt one of the best, if not the best, book of life as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam I have read. Amazing honesty, superb flying descriptions, the combination of which hooks you from page one. Outstanding book.

[Robert Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good book

In this book, ther are lots of tales from a combat pilot. Some were scary, some were funny, but nearly all were interesting and detailed. I recommend reading this if you are into scout pilots.

[Michael Chyzhovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже цікава оповідь та історія . Читалась досить легко . Сама постать автора я б сказав неординарна ) мабуть почитаю інші книги його авторства . Для прочитання рекомендую. Мені як поціновувачу військової тематики сподобалось.

[Rory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great memoir by an author whose independent attitude and forthright honesty sets this book apart from its peers.

[maria logothetis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book about flying in Vietnam

Great book enjoyed it .great flying stories good detail of daily operations and life in a war zone.I definitely recommend it.

[Kelly Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

No bravado true accounting

We’ll written and engaging story of a world others should be thankful they’ll never have to experience. Great story telling kept me engrossed.