Da Nang Diary: A Forward Air Controller's Gunsight View of Flying with SOG

by Tom Yarborough

“[An] intimate account of a Forward Air Controller working with the Special Forces on their secret operations in South Vietnam and Laos . . . Don’t miss it!” (John Prados, author of Storm Over Leyte). Originally published in 1991, this classic work has now been revised and updated with additional photos. It is the story of how, in Vietnam, an elite group of Air Force pilots fought a secret air war in Cessna 0-2 and OV-10 Bronco prop planes—flying as low as they could get. The eyes and ears of the fast-moving jets who rained death and destruction down on enemy positions, the forward air controller made an art form out of an air strike—knowing the targets, knowing where friendly troops were, and reacting with split-second, life-and-death decisions as a battle unfolded. The expertise of the low, slow FACs, as well as the hazard attendant to their role, made for a unique bird’s-eye perspective on how the entire war in Vietnam unfolded. For Tom Yarborough, who logged 1,500 hours of combat flying time, the risk was constant, intense, and electrifying. A member of the super-secret “Prairie Fire” unit, Yarborough became one of the most frequently shot-up pilots flying out of Da Nang—engaging in a series of dangerous secret missions in Laos. In this work, the reader flies in the cockpit alongside Yarborough in his adrenaline-pumping chronicle of heroism, danger, and wartime brotherhood. From the rescuing of downed pilots to taking out enemy positions, to the most harrowing extended missions directly overhead of the NVA, here is the dedication, courage and skill of the fliers who took the war into the enemy’s backyard.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, Aviation, Memoir, War, Military History

497 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Colonel Thomas “Tom” R. Yarborough, USAF (ret.) served in the Air Force for thirty years in a variety of flying and staff assignments. A command pilot, during his two Vietnam tours as a forward air controller, he earned thirty combat decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He currently lives in Springfield, Virginia, where he maintains ties to the academic community as an adjunct history professor at Northern Virginia Community College.

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on the air war over Vietnam. Right up there with Fast Movers in its intensity and ability to draw you into the story. If done right, this would make the coolest VN war movie ever.

[Argheebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the finest books I have read on the subject. Having served with MACV-SOG and Special Forces in 1969; having worked with and flown with SOG FACs; and personally knowing of circumstances as described (in detail) by Col. Yarborough in this fascinating book, I was, in a heartbeat, brought back in time and emotionally moved.
The dedication to the mission at hand as a SOG FAC that Colonel Yarborough provided to all those who served on the ground, to all those in RECON (CCN especially) who depended on his support, to those on channel in the air in his support of troops on the ground, to the pilots of the A1s, of the 02s, of the fastmovers (F4s & others), to the Vietnamese pilots who flew the KingBees in insertions and extractions -- all in their various capacities -- is beyond admirable. It is extremely honorable. Thank you, Colonel.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in what the Secret War was all about.

[Jens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb book. In it you won't only find mind-blowing (and largely hidden) action, but also very interesting detailed reports on how he flew and controlled actions from the air. Thanks to a surprisingly good writing style (for a firsthand memoir), those procedures really take you in the cockpit with him. Amazing courage from him and all involved.

[R_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "war memoir" books I have read there seems to be a common thread that applies to all war and to both sides: one may be motivated at first by "love of country", but that feeling is soon eclipsed by an even stronger devotion to ones comrades. Tom Yarborough's experience illustrates this observation. His patriotism motivated him at first, then his unflagging devotion to his warrior-brothers became a much stronger reason for risking his life, taking unbelievable chances, and making herculean efforts to keep friends alive -- all while trying to accomplish a tactical mission. I really got that sentiment in this book. The writing is technical and filled with military jargon -- but it is also gripping. My Dad was an infantry officer in Vietnam and in the stories he chooses to tell me, he is always so complimentary to those pilots he came in contact with. (I wish Dad had kept a diary, too.) It just seems trite after all this time to say, "Thank you for your service," but I am thankful. And I've been told it's never too late to say that. Nice job with the book, too.
IF YOU'RE USING AMAZON-KINDLE: I always seem to be pre-occupied with photos, but with most non-fiction my opinion is " more is better"! Thank you Captain Yarborough for including photos and for making it clear to Kindle users that there ARE photos available as they read to book. In my Kindle download however, just to let you know, there were no color photos as promised by the Kindle ad.

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The key to American tactical success in the Vietnam War was firepower. The US had lots of it- Fast moving jets like the F-105 Thunderchief and the F-4 Phantom- slow moving loitering assets like A-1 Sky Raiders and T-28s carrying napalm and dumb bombs- artillery from fire bases- even gunship helicopters to support the grunts on the ground. But to use it effectively- neutralise the bad guys - keep the good guys safe- the Americans found they needed FACs- Forward Air Controllers to keep the whole thing efficient and safe. Colonel Tom Yarborough was one such FAC- flying out of Da Nang- and trying to keep America's Viet Nam air war on target, and he's written his memoir of that tour of duty here in Da Nang Diary. If you like skin of the teeth missions with lots of nasty surprises and local 23mm and 37mm flak in your face- this might be the book for you. It's a good introduction or advanced course in the American Vietnam Air War , depending on how many of these you've read.

Yarborough was pretty good at throwing his OV-10 around the South Vietnamese skies, and did well with being the "eye in the sky" for the Regular GIs and Marines in country. This competence led to an inquiry as to whether he might be interested in more challenging work.. The latter part of the book introduces the reader to the war in Cambodia and Laos- a "Secret War" where small teams of Special Forces were working with indigenous groups to fight the Khmer Rouge and the Pathet Lao- the Communist allies of the North Vietnamese, who also used the neighbouring countries as refuges. The stories get even more intense as the rules of engagement came into play in some scenarios- and the stake are raised. It's a compelling story of the American Vietnam experience, that can appeal to the general audience reader as well as the military history buff.

There are some adult themes- and a few touches of graphic injury passages, but this should be a fine book for the Junior Reader over 12/13 yeare with an interest in aviation. For the Gamer/Modeler/Military Enthusiast this book is a strong offering. For the Gamer, there are not enough maps or specific location references to make fully accurate scenarios- but the general concepts behind several of stories might make good fictional scenarios. For the Modeler, there are plenty of build and diorama ideas you can come up with here. Again- the Military Enthusiast is the biggest winner here- getting a whole facet of the Vietnam Air War explained in great detail . I think the general audience reader will enjoy it as a Vietnam memoir- with all that that entail. I found it engaging and compelling.

[Ken Burkhalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a telling of one man's war. As such it is focused on his personal experiences, which are often hair raising and boorish. The first because of the gripping detail of battle and all of its hubris, the second because the author is unvarnished about how warriors often let off steam. A mixture of in the cockpit thrills and after-hours goings on.

This being a personal memoir, one is not surprised that the focus is personal. It is illuminating in that it accurately characterizes the ups, downs, successes, failures, victories and heartbreaking losses one encounters in such experiences. For those who have been there it will come across as true and likely bring recall of their own experiences. It certainly did for me at least. Not all bad, not all good.

The most memorable thing for me in this work is the truth of battle tested relationships. How one feels responsible for the one beside them, or in this case, the ones below them. As a forward air controller, Yarborough's primary job was to support troops on the ground by directing close air support. Since he worked mainly with a small and specialized force (MACVSOG) he came to know his brothers in arms well. When you get close to someone in these environments and then lose them, it can be devastating. As such, we learn about the demons that come to haunt us when bad things happen to brothers we care about.

From a different time, a different era, but the reality of the day-to-day tension and sometimes boredom of warfare comes through. It is not great literature, it is unvarnished truth of war and its calling on the lives of warriors and the burden it extracts. Not great literature, but a telling read. For those who were there it will take you back. For those who weren't, it is a personal view of one little slice of the war that so divided a nation.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another target of opportunity listen brought to me by virtue of being an Audible subscriber.

The author was a young USAF pilot assigned to Forward Air Controller duties out of Da Nang during the Vietnam War. He eventually wound up flying FAC missions in support MACV-SOG along and over the border between Vietnam and Laos. If you are into flying, this is the book for you as it is all about flying; flying in challenging weather and tactical conditions.

It is funny and often sad. Friends who just never return from a flight, missions that go wrong, ground elements that can't be extracted...I'd already read both of Nick Brokhausen's CCN books and Da Nang Diary taps in neatly to many of the incidents that Brokhausen recounts.

I also found Da Nang Diary as useful training reference as the author talks through the stages of integration into an operation theatre from initial confidence and training issues through 'ten foot tall and bullet-proof to settling in as an experienced mature professional FAC. I'll probably get the hard copy as I refer to these sections more and more frequently and the Audible version is too hard to search and reference.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book from the research section of Jack Carr’s outstanding Cry Havoc. In this book the author is a “covey” pilot who provided cover and close air support to SOG special forces teams that were primarily in Laos and Cambodia. In an OV-10 Bronco (which is a propeller plane) that had minimal armor the author provides rocket and machine gun fire as well as coordinating various attack planes to get soldiers “out of the shit.” Yarborough is a certified bad ass and his missions are hairy and intense. Flying just above the tree tops Yarborough delivers seriously needed assistance throughout the book. In order to be an effective Covey pilot the rules of engagement are thrown out the window. Think Maverick if he was not such an insufferable prick (Maverick not the author). During two tours Yarborough amasses a very impressive medal and body count. The losses for Covey pilots was 50% plus mortality rate during the period Yarborough flew in and around Vietnam. He finished a Colonel in the Air Force and taught a lot of young pilots what it meant to be a bad mother fucker. I highly recommend this book.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is essential reading if you think you know all there is to know about the Vietnam War, bravery, fidelity, and dedication to a higher calling (aka the mission). This was another sort of "band of brothers". These FAC pilots who flew secret missions over Laos probably compare to today's elite Navy Seal teams in terms of courage, commitment and being one-of-a-kind people. Who else would agree to incite the ground enemy and make themselves enemy air targets -- to draw their fire and pinpoint their location? Each daredevil mission is described in detail -- I found myself holding my breath -- and each of the pilots involved became someone I cared about. I was in school when this was going on and I had no idea! All I heard about were the hijinks of the war protestors. All the while, these death-defying FAC pilots were performing a warp speed secret air campaign that defies anything a video gamer could create.

[Trebor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The VietNam War affected so many of my generation in many different ways and levels. Here is one man's remembrances as a pilot. He volunteered as a front aviation controller (fac) directing a top secret operation over Laos and Cambodia, bearing the name Prairie Fire of the SOG (studies and observation) group. As you can see, this book has dozens of military acronyms to become familiar with. Everything has an acronym and it does become somewhat of a task unraveling their meaning. Nevertheless, the story is exciting and fairly fast moving if not somewhat monotonous at times. The author is honest and doesn't flinch at the hard and brutal facts. I loved learning about aircraft and ordinances I never realized existed and how they were used. A peak at some little revealed American history and some of the men engraved on the Wall in Washington, DC.

[Mike Crooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four plus stars!!!

Fascinating true account of an U. S. Air Force FORWARD AIR CONTROLLER in Vietnam in 1970/71. Day to day details of life in Vietnam and the grueling duty of an FAC who operated primarily in the skies over Laos, Cambodia, the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the infamous A Shah valley. Personal recollections from the author who luckily kept a journal of his combat missions and efforts to unwind form the daily pressures. Glossary included helps decipher some military terms and slang AND an informative and brief "after their service and where are they now" section answers questions that we all have after reading books like this one...a thoughtful addition.

[Esteban Stipnieks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This REVISED edition is BETTER than the orginal more detail and more description of to take a chapter title Outside the Envelope ........ great story about flying loyalty and dedication.... my father was an Army Helicopter pilot who beat Tom by 3 years flying support.... of the outfit.... graphic vivid descriptions of flying, at time stupidity and powerful depictions of loyalty. The previously released paperback is good .... the rerelase and enhanced version of the book is what made the paperback good only more of it a better distillation of the esssance.

[Les · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great memoir with great descriptions of the SOG and Prairie Fire mission and what went on. People like me can barely imagine what it must have been like to participate in events such as those described here. This book does a lot to help us get an inside view. The author also does a great job of discussing the philosophical nature of what he was involved in and we get a good sense of the moral dilemma that existed in the minds of these men and women. A superb read for fans of military non-fiction, one of the best I’ve read.

[Paul Mabee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those who were there

Perhaps it was because I served in the Army and was based out of DaNang at the same time, that this book appealed to me. For those of us that were there, it brings back memories, good and bad, and if you have or had a loved one there, it may help to give you a feel for what went on. I especially associated with the feelings he had as he was leaving.

[David B. Ells · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. Yes it was written with the braggadocio of a USAF pilot but he put you in there cockpit warts and all. I've read several stories of the FACs in SEA and what made this one Stan out was the fact that most of the missions were flown either over the North or in Laos where the convoys were more heavily defended. Learned a lot and gained more admiration for the Nails.

[Sean Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was badass. Despite the general unsavoriness of warfare, the first-hand account of flying at treetop level dodging enemy fire and terrain while directing friendly airstrikes and evac helicopters was riveting. The author kept a detailed diary while in Vietnam and eventually turned it into a book after his missions were declassified.

[Jon Koebrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Da Nang Diary was a high three star book that is likely to be more appreciated for pilots who understand the flying descriptions better than non-pilots. The book is well written and captures the valor and skill of the forward air controllers on extremely difficult missions.

[Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good non-fiction book about a forward air controller flying an Ov-10 in Vietnam. It shows how the war was fought by a small group of special force soldiers. Lessons learned in Vietnam were lost in modern times.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew nothing about CAS in Vietnam until reading this incredible account by a SOG pilot. Forward Air Controller in an OV-10 was a crazy job; not as crazy as being a SOG Huey or Loach pilot, but this book makes the toll clear. Essential read for anyone interested in close air support.

[Kristaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read/must-hear book for anyone interested in SOG-related topics. Not only makes the role of a FAC clear to the reader, but is full of riveting tales from many missions. Great complement to "SOG: Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam" by John L. Plaster.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always interesting and humbling to read stories of people on the ground or in direct contact with the enemy, no matter the conflict. Mr. Yarborough does an excellent job taking the reader inside his SOG missions and his two tours in Vietnam in general. A worthwhile read.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly the best flying related Vietnam War memoirs/books Ive read. I found it absolutely captivating. I wore out my paperback copy from rereading it and giving it to friends to read. Like one other commentator here related, this could be the basis for a great movie.

[Mick Burgett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightened view of ground support operations in Vietnam.

A closeup of the special operations groups in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia as seen through the eyes of an Air Force pilot flying these close interdiction missions supporting special forces.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read on the duties of the FAC during the Vietnam war. I picked this up after watching Bat 21 and wanted to know more.

[Mike Slawdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This both made me want to fly Broncos as a FAC but also not want to do that. Tom has some crazy stories though. If you like flying and combat stories then this is a must read.

[Scott Cedotal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great insight into covert operations in Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War and, more specifically, the brave Forward Air Controllers piloting their Cessna's (O-2's and OV-10's).

[Roy Szweda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb book which I have read twice. Tells it like it is and like the Wild Weasel crews they had just about the most dangerous but also most satisfying aerial jobs in the war.

[Errol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

From those who made it back because of your help...THANK YOU. For those who didn't. Thank you for trying your damnedest.

[Erwin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Very informative, telling the story of the author's experiences in Vietnam and Laos supporting SOG. Close air support at its best.

[Scott Meyerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A very well written book makes you feel like you were there with the author. I have read numerous books on SOG and the Vietnam War, and this is one of the best