Flying Warrior: My Life as a Naval Aviator During the Vietnam War

by Jules Harper

A Vietnam veteran takes you into the cockpit and shares true stories of his flying career in this compelling memoir.   In this action-packed memoir, Jules Harper recounts the unique process of becoming a naval aviator, revealing his experiences as a brand new pilot in a combat squadron and, finally, a flying warrior.   He survived two combat cruises aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk from 1966–1968, compiled 332 career carrier takeoffs and landings, and was shot at daily by enemy fire while completing 200 combat missions over Vietnam, and shares the views of the aviators who flew along with him on these missions while fighting this unpopular war. A recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, twenty-one Air Medals, and many other accolades, he offers readers a new understanding and appreciation of the warriors who protect not only their comrades in arms, but the defense of the nation as well.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2016

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and compelling memoir of an A-4 Pilot flying two tours from the Kitty Hawk off Vietnam. Flying mainly from the "Yankee Station", the Carrier "hang out" , Jules Harper and his VA -112 went "over the beach" into "Route Packages" 2, 3 , 4 and 6B- the coast and the very dangerous Haiphong Harbor region. From 1966 to 1968, every mission involves SAMs and AAA by the Freighter Load. Harper takes you in to the cockpit for a lot of missions- and has the "home Movies" to prove it -apparently swanning around with a Camera for a lot of the time he was up to these hairy antics. Harper's spare style overcomes the occasional Navy Pilot cockiness and macho passages to give you a real picture of the Operational, Team, Service, Family, and Personal toll it took to put out a sustainable effort in Vietnam's air war.

Some cool B/w shots of Harper's service are included- and I think his moving footage is available online. With the A-4 in service with so many Airforces and Navies around the world, some of the content is really airframe specific, while a lot of the rest is more Cold War/Vietnam oriented. Harper really gives you the view from the Cockpit- or jumping out of it- as one Scary/Amusing story about a Wayward A-3 "Whale" landing will attest. The heart pounding minutes over Haiphong and other heavily defended coastal installations are really vivid - and you really feel the justified fear of being shot down and caught (and usually beaten and tortured) by the NVA. Entertaining and compelling.

There are some adult themes and situations, and some graphic injury discussion , so a Junior reader is best over 12 before tackling this book. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military enthusiast, a real delight. Lots of Missions and force packages for Game/Diorama development- and the Enthusiast will really enjoy this look into the execution of America's "Air War Strategy" in Vietnam- in Quotes because the various illogical rules of engagement, and targeting restrictions are often lamented. A really engaging and readable book that really takes you into one particular aspect of the Vietnam War. A Good read.

[Robert Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real-life action from a certified war hero. Flying Warrior puts you in the cockpit. Learn what it takes to be a fighter pilot and witness a real pilot's view of just how dangerous this job was during the Vietnam War when we all know that so many fighters were shot down and the pilots subsequently killed or captured. You will have a new appreciation for the skill and bravery of these Flying Warriors.