The Lair of Raven

by Colonel (Ret.) Craig W. Duehring

Ask any fighter pilot or Forward Air Controller from the Vietnam era and he’ll tell you that he heard about it. While the war in Vietnam ebbed and flowed with alternating violence and boredom, there was a rumor of another war, somewhere else, where men flew long hours in propeller aircraft without markings into constant danger in a land where adventure reigned supreme, where common sense replaced the hated Rules of Engagement and where a man could finally test the limits of his abilities. These pilots were few in number and their call sign was Raven. This is the wartime autobiography of one of the few pilots ever to fly under that now famous call sign. Craig Duehring lived and flew out of the guerilla headquarters at Long Tieng, Laos, in support of the iconic Hmong leader, Major General Vang Pao, for a longer tour of duty than any other Raven. During that time, he knew many of the most notable Ravens and participated in many tragic events of the day – including the famous “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”. This is the story of how one young man left the farm country of southern Minnesota and embarked on a career as an Air Force pilot during the height of the Vietnam War. Equally as important as the combat he experienced is his personal triumph over repeated obstacles and near disasters to achieve his dream that will be a source of inspiration for young readers everywhere. Do such challenges attract the best men or were they average men who were simply doing their personal best? Judge for yourself.

Genres: Nonfiction

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2014

Reviews

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Craig Duehring from Mankato, MN desperately wanted to be a military pilot but his vision was just not good enough—until he caught a lucky break! And that luck would take him through pilot training and on to Vietnam as a Raven—Raven 27 to be exact. Unlike other Vietnam War pilots hampered by ROE and other restrictions, the slower flying Ravens carved their niche out in Laos while hanging their backside out every time they took to the skies. Duehring lived and flew out of the guerilla headquarters at Long Tieng, Laos, in support of the iconic Hmong leader, Major General Vang Pao, for a longer tour of duty than any other Raven. During that time, he knew many of the most notable Ravens and participated in many tragic events of the day – including the famous “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”. Duehring would receive the Air Force Cross, DFC and numerous Air Medals during his short but very active combat tour spanning less than two years. Equally as important as the combat he experienced is his personal triumph over repeated obstacles and near disasters to achieve his dream that will be a source of inspiration for readers everywhere.

[Kmag54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story. The fall of Long Tien.

834 combat missions. Silver Star, DSS,DF, AM + 26 clusters, Lance Sijan Award. A-10 command, Asst. Sec. USAF, Papal knight. Finally, a viceral description of what combat emotions and PTSD are really like. Only Laos CIA-FACs put hundreds of tons of ordinance on targets 8 hours every day. They were told they would never experience such personal power again. They also had the highest casualty rate of the war. Few survived the treetop duel. Along with book "Low and Slow", (color pictures), the best Raven histories so far and the most evocative of the mental experience. His are remarkable credentials and you will learn something.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Raven's were an elite group of USAF pilots selected as forward air controllers to direct bombings in Laos in support of General Vang Pao's effort to suppress the forward movement of the communist NVA and Pathat Lao. At the time the US government denied having any US military in Laos because of the neutrality agreement but as the Vietnam War raged, so too did the Secret War in Laos.

Until Christopher Robbin's book, "The Ravens" was published, little was known about this group of rogue warriors. Now Craig's book, "The Lair of Raven" provides additional insight, his personal story of growing up in the midwest and his dream fulfilled of becoming a Air Force pilot eventually ending up in SE Asia in a war we weren't suppose to be fighting.

He recalls stories and events as if in a fireside chat setting, you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat completely enthralled.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not along the same modest lines of a lot of the Raven / Steve Canyon biographies out there. More like a self serving career officer recollection with poor attention to detail to common aviation subjects.

Good story though.

[Joar Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, now I want to be born in a O-2 seat..