Midair: An Epic Tale of Survival and a Mission That Might Have Ended the Vietnam War

by Craig K. Collins, Charles T. Kamps (Foreword)

Midair is a true account of one of the most remarkable tales of survival in the history of aviation a midair collision at 30,000 feet by two bomb-laden B-52s over a category 5 super typhoon above the South China Sea during the outset of the Vietnam War. Authored by Craig K. Collins, the nephew of B-52 pilot Maj. Don Harten, Midair is an historically important work that is about more than survival. Interwoven through Harten s dramatic story of his million-to-one struggle against near-certain death is a previously unexamined look at how America had developed an aerial battle plan that would likely have ended the Vietnam conflict in under a month during the late winter of 1965. Instead, the country s war planners and politicians veered off course and into a bloody eight-year quagmire. Harten was on the February 1965 top-secret mission a massive B-52 bombing raid of railways, supply depots, and airfields in and around Hanoi that was called off in mid-flight. That mission and battle plan was mothballed until Dec. 18, 1972, when it was dusted off and dubbed Linebacker II, effectively ending the war within a week. Over 120 B-52s bombed Hanoi-area military installations for eight consecutive days. As a result of the heavy bombing, the North Vietnamese declared a truce, attended peace talks in Paris in early January and signed the Paris Peace Accords, ending hostilities in Vietnam on Jan. 27, 1973.It is the gripping tale of a young Air Force officer s first combat mission that instantly pulls the reader in and never lets up. "

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

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

Craig K. Collins was born in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1960, and was raised in small towns throughout the Great Basin—Carson City, Nevada; Winnemucca, Nevada; and Bishop, California. He attended college in San Diego, where he has lived since, and holds a BA in English and an MBA from San Diego State University. After a stint as a journalist, he served as a senior executive for Fortune 500 companies. Later, he founded a series of venture-backed technology start-ups. He has won a number of professional awards for writing, marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He is the author of Midair (Lyons Press, 2016) and Thunder in the Mountains (Lyons Press, 2014).

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is non-fiction. Collins is a journalist who is telling the story of his uncle Don Harter an Air Force pilot. Harten flew more than 300 combat missions in three different aircrafts, the B-52, F-105 and the F-111 over North and South Vietnam from 1965 to 1972.

In June 1965 over the South China Sea, during typhoon Dinah a category 5 storm, Harten’s B-52 bomber collided head on with another B52 bomber at 30,000 feet. Harten managed to eject from his co-pilot seat just as the plane blew up. The story is how he survived that ejection at 30,000 feet in a category 5 typhoon. The suspense increases as we read about the problems of rescue and his ordeal in the sea.

There is an underlying theme to the book that the military, primarily the Air Force, could have won the war.

This is an exciting tale of survival at sea in spite of all the odds against survival.
The author narrated the book.

[Monique Roush · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Uncle’s story, fantastically retold by my cousin. I am ashamed to say I couldn’t make it through my uncle’s autobiographical account, but forced myself when this book was preparing to be published. Craig included all the great family stories we had grown up being told and wove them beautifully through Don’s story. He also answered a lot of questions I had that my uncle didn’t put in his book. I grew up confused why everyone said we lost the Vietnam war, because Unca’ Donny always said, “We won that f***in’ war!” This a treasure for me personally, I bought 6 copies so my children can each have one. I’m so proud of Don and Craig, and learned so many things about my self and the world.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was not enough about the crash and survival after. The events that made me want to red this book were overshadowed by different tales.

[Sonya D.Wiley]

Hi

[Bob Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A non-fiction military history Memoir about Maj. Don Harten, a U.S. Air Force pilot, was written about by his nephew Craig K. Collins. I love aviation history books! An Epic Tale of Survival and a Mission That Might Have Ended the Vietnam War by Craig K. Collins. In June 1965, during the Vietnam War, two B-52 bombers collided in midair over the South China Sea during a secret mission called Arc Light One. Major Don Harten, one of the crew, miraculously survived. The book tells both the story of his survival and the larger strategic decisions surrounding air campaigns in Vietnam, arguing that an earlier, more decisive bombing strategy might have ended the war quickly but was delayed due to political reasons. The book touches on qualities of a fighter pilot and family background that influenced his ability to survive over 300 combat missions during 1965-1972, in several aircraft types (B-52, F-105, F-111). I gave the book four stars.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is the story of Maj Don Harten who served in the United States Airforce as a B52 pilot during the Vietnam Conflict. The author drew me in from the first page with exciting, funny, sad, sometimes frightening adventures as Hartman flew the various airplanes during different times of his life. The descriptions were so vivid that I knew exactly what was happening and there were times my stomach was tied in knots. Excellent narrative of one man who made a difference in this world.

[Deborah Dibble · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad we won the Vietnam War. Our military suffered far more than they should have had to. Politics suck. My husband also read the book and we are both glad we did.

[Zeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title and description of this book describe only partially what this book is about. Take a comfortable seat and read about the amazing life of Don Harten; a USAF fighter pilot who survived a harrowing experience after his B52 collided with another B52 high above the South China Sea in total darkness. This happened in an era devoid of GPS and during a Super Typhoon. If you have ever stood next to a B52 - they are HUGE airplanes and I cannot fathom two of them colliding. That fact that Don and others from his and the other plane were found is incredible in itself and what then happens to the rescue plane is unbelievable. I first heard Don's interview on my local NPR station on Veteran's Day 2016 and was fascinated by his story. He seems like a very interesting guy that I could sit down and have a beer with. It is interesting to think that the Vietnam War possibly could have ended before it started. Read the book for more information on this! After being rescued Don goes on to live his dream job and discovers a lot of the dark side (and benefits) of being a Vietnam fighter pilot. He becomes a huge influence in aircraft design, too.

[Edward L]

This is a biography of a combat airplane pilot written by his nephew. The title "Midair" recounts the collision of B52 bombers over the South China Sea during a typhoon on the approach to Hanoi, North Vietnam early in the Vietnam War. It is the first Combat mission for Don Harten, the author's uncle.
Don survives this mishap and goes on to become one of the top combat pilots during the Vietnam war flying in addition to B52s, F105 and F111 airplanes. The book gives insight into the failure of the US political policy for the Vietnam and war and its psychological and physical impacts on the pilots who fought the war in the air.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like history? Do you like biographies? Midair is a must read for you. At a time during the Vietnam War, a horrific accident occurred. Read this book and find out more.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story well told by the main character's nephew. Learned many subtle details of the Vietnam War that I didn't know. Very informative.

[Douglas F. Buie Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

A great read. Totally enjoyed the book and the history review of the war. Thanks for a beautiful salute to the Americans that won this war.