The Tale Of Two Bridges And The Battle For The Skies Over North Vietnam [Illustrated Edition]

by A.J.C. Lavalle

Illustrated with over 30 maps, diagrams and photosThis is a story of war. A parable of men and machines, of friend and foe. A drama of moves and countermoves, played out in the skies over North Vietnam and having for its backdrop two bridges — the majestic Paul Doumer and the infamous bridge at Thanh Hoa.These bridges know well the script of war. The silent contrails high in the blue, the growing dialogue of anti-aircraft fire, the scream of engines, the thunder of bombs, all building to a crescendo. Then subsiding, only to start again in another act on another day. An old play that reopens regularly with new actors — and therein lies our tale.The curtain went up at the Thanh Hoa Bridge in April 1965, and, as the Vietnam drama unfolded, many new players made their acting debut. Fighters named “Thunderchief” and “Phantom,” missiles known as SAMs and SHRIKEs, bombs called “Walleye” and “Smart,” and the credits go on. Wild Weasel, Jolly Green, Young Tiger, and MIG Cap — all starred in our long running play as did such names as Carolina Moon and Flaming Dart. Names that flashed brightly across the stage and then were gone.Actors in a historical play that has now passed into history — leaving us to tell THE TALE OF TWO BRIDGES.

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2014

About the author

Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force (retired)

Reviews

[Jim Flagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent History Lesson on the Vietnam Air War

This is an excellent book giving the history of the Vietnam air war. It takes you from the beginning to the end. It gives you the political picture as the war progressed. An excellent history source about this Era.

[Michael Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical reading of the crutial air war in Vietnam

Well written and highly technical history. Includes political ramifications and changes in air warfare techniques in the 1965 thru 1973 period