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Dragon's Jaw: An Epic Story of Courage and Tenacity in Vietnam
A riveting Vietnam War story--and one of the most dramatic in aviation history--told by a New York Times bestselling author and a prominent aviation historianEvery war has its "bridge"--Old North Bridge at Concord, Burnside's Bridge at Antietam, the railway bridge over Burma's River Kwai, the bridge over Germany's Rhine River at Remagen, and the bridges over Korea's Toko Ri. In Vietnam it was the bridge at Thanh Hoa, called Dragon's Jaw.For seven long years hundreds of young US airmen flew sortie after sortie against North Vietnam's formidable and strategically important bridge, dodging a heavy concentration of anti-aircraft fire and enemy MiG planes. Many American airmen were shot down, killed, or captured and taken to the infamous "Hanoi Hilton" POW camp. But after each air attack, when the smoke cleared and the debris settled, the bridge stubbornly remained standing. For the North Vietnamese it became a symbol of their invincibility; for US war planners an obsession; for US airmen a testament to American mettle and valor.Using after-action reports, official records, and interviews with surviving pilots, as well as untapped Vietnamese sources, Dragon's Jaw chronicles American efforts to destroy the bridge, strike by bloody strike, putting readers into the cockpits, under fire. The story of the Dragon's Jaw is a story rich in bravery, courage, audacity, and sometimes luck, sometimes tragedy. The "bridge" story of Vietnam is an epic tale of war against a determined foe.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
220 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Coonts
181 books756 followersStephen Coonts (born July 19, 1946) is an American thriller and suspense novelist.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
Coonts grew up in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a small coal-mining town and earned an B.A. degree in political science at West Virginia University in 1968. He entered the Navy the following year and flew an A-6 Intruder medium attack plane during the Vietnam War, where he served on two combat cruises aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He accumulated 1600 hours in the A-6 Intruder and earned a number of Navy commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After the war he served as a flight instructor on A-6 aircraft for two years, then did a tour as an assistant catapult and arresting gear officer aboard USS Nimitz (CVN-68). His navigator-bombardier was LTjg Stanley W. Bryant who later became a Rear Admiral and deputy commander-in-chief of the US naval forces in Europe.
After being honorably discharged from duty as a lieutenant in 1977, Coonts pursued a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the University of Colorado, graduating in 1979. He then worked as an oil and gas lawyer for several companies, entertaining his writing interests in his free time.
He published short stories in a number of publications before writing Flight of the Intruder in 1986 (made into a movie in 1991). Intruder, based in part on his experiences as a bomber pilot, spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller lists in hardcover and launched his career as a novelist. From there he continued writing adventure-mysteries using the character from his first book, Jake Grafton. He has written several other series and stand-alone novels since then, but is most notable for the Grafton books.
Today Coonts continues to write, having had seventeen New York Times bestsellers (out of 20 books), and lives in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife and son.
Taken from Wikipedia
Learn more about Stephen Coonts on the Macmillan website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 9, 2021
Book is very interesting and well written when it speaks to the stories of the pilots and actual air combat and tactics of the airwar efforts in Vietnam. However, Coont's political views spill into the book too often when he talks about the political decisions that were made by the Johnson and Nixon administrations. If you see his other books, you won;t be surprised to find that of course he is harsh on Johnson and praises Nixon. Lots of high-horse opinionating on how the Johnson administration's refusal to wage an all-out war due to worrying about drawing in China(which is what happened in Korea only 15 years before) - kept America from winning. Nixon is praised for courting China 3 years (!) later and then resuming bombing of North Vietnam. Why not criticize Nixon for not waging all out war when elected or not getting out? Why wait several years and thousands more dead? Particularly telling was when he listed politicians from the 90s and 2000s that did not get drafted. He of course heaps scorn on Clinton and Gore as draft dodgers, pot smokers, and string pullers while neglecting the similar ways Bush and Trump avoided service. Maybe his analysis is correct but its hard to get past Coont's obvious bias. (Certainly I have one as well) So in summary, the stories of American pilots is truly amazing. If you are not super right-wing, skip the political sections when they occur. If you think all politicians (especially democrats) are spineless wimps simply out to get reelected and who suck and keep 'Merica from ruling the world, you'll like 100% of the book.
September 26, 2019
A4C driver
Flew from the deck of USS Intrepid with 80 missions over North Vietnam so could relate to this book 100%
Flew from the deck of USS Intrepid with 80 missions over North Vietnam so could relate to this book 100%
May 19, 2023
Most Vietnamese war books talk about just one unit Airforce or Navy and what they did during the war. This book was just about one bridge that cost so many American and Vietnamese lives in its destruction. The authors are 2 of the best in writing about aircraft and what they did. The Dragon's Jaw bridge was one of the most heavily protected bridges in North Vietnam. The tonnage of bombs that it took to try to destroy it was astronomical, however when the development of the smart bombs became available 4 planes using smart and dumb bombs dropped the span into the water. The book also talks of the stupidity of the Johnson white house aided by McNamara's whiz kids ineptness and mistrust of the Generals and Admirals who knew better. Finally it was the Nixon white house that did what Johnson wouldn't do which was open bombing of North Vietnam that brought the Communists to the peace table. While the outcome didn't change and the war is still one of the worst defeats in American history. A great read on just how the war started, and the problems when politicians try to fight a war with no understanding of how to win it.
March 10, 2022
First thing I'll say is that I'm a fan of the aviation novels written by Stephen Coonts. His fictitious character Jake Grafton has been one of my favorites to follow in this genre. And you can forgive a lot of Jake's personal beliefs/feelings/politics as he's just a fictional character. That being said, this book "Dragon's Jaw" is the first non-fiction novel I've read from Stephen Coonts, and his work in fiction DOES NOT transfer over well. As was pointed out by another reviewer, this book seeps with political nonsense from the start. Mr. Coonts apparently couldn't help himself when it comes to making broad generalizations about American politics of the 1950's thru the 70's, US military leadership, communism, and the war in Vietnam overall. I've read a lot of military history....A LOT....and I've rarely come across a military history author that wants so badly to "set the record straight" from a political stance as Stephen Coonts does in the book. Most of the time authors and historians will just stick to the facts and not insert their own political beliefs into the mix. This book is an exception, and unfortunately it ruins the rest of the very interesting story that is trying to be told here.
The most frustrating and simplistic views that Mr. Coonts asserts in this book basically boil down to these points: 1) All out unrestricted warfare against the North Vietnamese, including targeting civilians, would have led to a victory for the U.S. 2) American politicians led the war and thus they are at fault for the U.S. military not prevailing. 3) Communism = bad, but the author will not explain why it's bad or why the Vietnamese population supports it if it is so bad. 4) The South Vietnamese government and military were corrupt and unreliable, but that was in no way the fault of the U.S.
That's it. No nuance at all. No extensive deep dives into the history of Vietnam and the civil strife within the country. No explanation of the role of western imperialism and the battles for independence that the Vietnamese had been fighting for centuries. Nothing like that from Stephen Coonts. And to be honest, I wouldn't want him to have to do any of this research or any of the complicated analysis because this book is supposed to be about air assaults on a bridge in Vietnam. But unfortunately, he strays away from the main subject of the book constantly to insert his own political opinions about the conflict without providing any context or nuance.
Stephen Coonts (like millions of Americans) has fallen pray to the "Vietnam stab-in-the-back myth". He wants to believe that an unwinnable war was actually winnable. This belief is unfortunately very similar to the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy myth" in that both myths do their best to shift blame, revise history, engage in oversimplification, ignore facts, and always always always avoids the practice of Perspective-taking.
The most frustrating and simplistic views that Mr. Coonts asserts in this book basically boil down to these points: 1) All out unrestricted warfare against the North Vietnamese, including targeting civilians, would have led to a victory for the U.S. 2) American politicians led the war and thus they are at fault for the U.S. military not prevailing. 3) Communism = bad, but the author will not explain why it's bad or why the Vietnamese population supports it if it is so bad. 4) The South Vietnamese government and military were corrupt and unreliable, but that was in no way the fault of the U.S.
That's it. No nuance at all. No extensive deep dives into the history of Vietnam and the civil strife within the country. No explanation of the role of western imperialism and the battles for independence that the Vietnamese had been fighting for centuries. Nothing like that from Stephen Coonts. And to be honest, I wouldn't want him to have to do any of this research or any of the complicated analysis because this book is supposed to be about air assaults on a bridge in Vietnam. But unfortunately, he strays away from the main subject of the book constantly to insert his own political opinions about the conflict without providing any context or nuance.
Stephen Coonts (like millions of Americans) has fallen pray to the "Vietnam stab-in-the-back myth". He wants to believe that an unwinnable war was actually winnable. This belief is unfortunately very similar to the "Lost Cause of the Confederacy myth" in that both myths do their best to shift blame, revise history, engage in oversimplification, ignore facts, and always always always avoids the practice of Perspective-taking.
May 28, 2019
The multi year quest to destroy the Dragon's Jaw Bridge in Vietnam is related in Dragon's Jaw. However, author Stephen Coonts and aviation historian Barrett Tillman provide so much more in this book. It's an eye opening history of the Vietnam War (I cant bring myself to call it a conflict). Obviously well researched, Dragon's Jaw is also well written, the pacing is even, the events and timeline easily followed. I really appreciated that the authors never seemed to be lecturing, the writing is conversational and easy. This book would definitely be attractive to any reader that has an interest in tactics, history, aviation, Vietnam, and the political and social climate of the times.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
January 30, 2019
From historical studies, we know the Thanh Hoa Railroad and Highway Bridge, near the geographic center of North Vietnam, was given the nick-name Ham Rong (Dragon’s Jaw) because of its layout. The original structure had been destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt. Reconstruction began on the bridge in 1957.
If you look at the photo on this books cover you will see that the bridge that was rebuilt and opened in 1964 was a steel through-truss structure supported in the middle by a concrete pier and two concrete abutments on each side. These abutments appear to be sited on a hill in a predominantly flat plain. The bridge was a conduit for supplies and reinforcements sent to the Viet Cong fighting in South Vietnam.
America is known for many things, among them are the inventors of the world's first successful airplane and throughout the standing of Dragon’s Jaw American military planners were preoccupied, to a troubling extinct, on its destruction - sending pilots on a mission to destroy it.
I'm intrigued by the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels air shows. When not there, you'll likely find me hanging out near old bridges like this one posted with this review on my blog.
Did you ever make a bridge for school out of balsa wood? If so, you probably tried to predetermine the weakest point so typically you’d look at all the connections at the top along the sides and any braces that were placed in the middle.
You might be thinking, what makes a structure that is repeatedly targeted stand for seven long years with only a few disruptions. Well, as kids, our toy paratroopers taught us visibility, wind speed, direction and the strength of wind gusts come into play when dropping from above. Added into the mix was the fact defense teams surrounded the bridge and counterattacks occurred.
To give myself an inkling of the scope of the feat in front of an air team I did something any grade school kid would do. I mapped the length of Dragon's Jaw versus the length of the bridge in my photo. The bridge in my photo is 361 foot longer than the Dragon's Jaw. Next, I did some searching online and found that a Phantompilot11 drone filmed a motorcar crossing the bridge in my photo. As I sat and watched this, I can't imagine how any pilot could see this target let alone a bridge that is much narrower in length and in conditions I can't even fathom. In 1972, America used laser guidance and brought down the target- Dragon's Jaw.
The mood throughout this collection shows great fortitude. Notably, this book is a glimpse at the lives of men who had scopes locked-on the bridge, those shot down, captured and held prisoner. Suffice to stay, these accounts are all captivating and some are gut-wrenching. These men speak of authorized targets, tactical reconnaissance and how they survived torture with faith and humor. America knows them as the men who went above and beyond the call of duty to kill the dragon.
An Advanced Reading Copy of this book was provided to me by the generosity of Da Capo Press Marketing Manager Quinn Fariel for my honest review.
If you look at the photo on this books cover you will see that the bridge that was rebuilt and opened in 1964 was a steel through-truss structure supported in the middle by a concrete pier and two concrete abutments on each side. These abutments appear to be sited on a hill in a predominantly flat plain. The bridge was a conduit for supplies and reinforcements sent to the Viet Cong fighting in South Vietnam.
America is known for many things, among them are the inventors of the world's first successful airplane and throughout the standing of Dragon’s Jaw American military planners were preoccupied, to a troubling extinct, on its destruction - sending pilots on a mission to destroy it.
I'm intrigued by the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels air shows. When not there, you'll likely find me hanging out near old bridges like this one posted with this review on my blog.
Did you ever make a bridge for school out of balsa wood? If so, you probably tried to predetermine the weakest point so typically you’d look at all the connections at the top along the sides and any braces that were placed in the middle.
You might be thinking, what makes a structure that is repeatedly targeted stand for seven long years with only a few disruptions. Well, as kids, our toy paratroopers taught us visibility, wind speed, direction and the strength of wind gusts come into play when dropping from above. Added into the mix was the fact defense teams surrounded the bridge and counterattacks occurred.
To give myself an inkling of the scope of the feat in front of an air team I did something any grade school kid would do. I mapped the length of Dragon's Jaw versus the length of the bridge in my photo. The bridge in my photo is 361 foot longer than the Dragon's Jaw. Next, I did some searching online and found that a Phantompilot11 drone filmed a motorcar crossing the bridge in my photo. As I sat and watched this, I can't imagine how any pilot could see this target let alone a bridge that is much narrower in length and in conditions I can't even fathom. In 1972, America used laser guidance and brought down the target- Dragon's Jaw.
The mood throughout this collection shows great fortitude. Notably, this book is a glimpse at the lives of men who had scopes locked-on the bridge, those shot down, captured and held prisoner. Suffice to stay, these accounts are all captivating and some are gut-wrenching. These men speak of authorized targets, tactical reconnaissance and how they survived torture with faith and humor. America knows them as the men who went above and beyond the call of duty to kill the dragon.
An Advanced Reading Copy of this book was provided to me by the generosity of Da Capo Press Marketing Manager Quinn Fariel for my honest review.
August 30, 2020
An incredible book on the air war over North Vietnam.
I guess the takeaway from this book is that politicians are happy to sacrifice the lives of the brave men and women who serve in the armed services for the benefit of their political gain.
Lyndon B. Johnson was incompetent and/or ignorant of what "war" meant. Starting with "The Tonkin Gulf Incident" (which really wasn't an incident at all), Johnson, McNamara and the rest of the White House stooges waged a half-assed war against a very serious enemy.
The Dragon's Jaw was the location of a bridge that took four years to destroy, but only after American technology caught up with the aerial bombing strategies. I suppose it stands as a metaphor of a war of waste. In this story, tenacity and bravery of the Navy and Air Force pilots is beyond measure. How McNamara and his cronies were willing to use them as cannon fodder is beyond comprehension.
The rules of engagement hamstrung the American effort from day one. No bombing or mining of Haiphong Harbor, or targets in and around Hanoi. No bombing of MIG bases. Just limited warfare and painful losses.
The writers to a great job of documenting the foibles of American policy and how it lead to the loss of 58,000+ American Service men who where sacrificed upon the alter of policy and for no gain. We should make sure that this never happens again.
I guess the takeaway from this book is that politicians are happy to sacrifice the lives of the brave men and women who serve in the armed services for the benefit of their political gain.
Lyndon B. Johnson was incompetent and/or ignorant of what "war" meant. Starting with "The Tonkin Gulf Incident" (which really wasn't an incident at all), Johnson, McNamara and the rest of the White House stooges waged a half-assed war against a very serious enemy.
The Dragon's Jaw was the location of a bridge that took four years to destroy, but only after American technology caught up with the aerial bombing strategies. I suppose it stands as a metaphor of a war of waste. In this story, tenacity and bravery of the Navy and Air Force pilots is beyond measure. How McNamara and his cronies were willing to use them as cannon fodder is beyond comprehension.
The rules of engagement hamstrung the American effort from day one. No bombing or mining of Haiphong Harbor, or targets in and around Hanoi. No bombing of MIG bases. Just limited warfare and painful losses.
The writers to a great job of documenting the foibles of American policy and how it lead to the loss of 58,000+ American Service men who where sacrificed upon the alter of policy and for no gain. We should make sure that this never happens again.
March 18, 2022
You will not be disappointed by the action, facts, and commentary.
When I saw the advance notice that this book was coming out, written by two legends in aviation literature, I wondered how they could make an entire book about one bridge, even if it was Thanh Hoa, “the Dragon’s Jaw” of the title. Well, they succeeded and the result is an exceptional book! The bridge serves as a reference point for the much larger story of the United States’ Air War over Vietnam. I could not tell which author contributed what; this is a seamless volume that is jammed full of factual information and flying action, with the personal stories that grab the reader and a healthy dose of commentary on the political decisions that complicated the war. Not much else to say.
When I saw the advance notice that this book was coming out, written by two legends in aviation literature, I wondered how they could make an entire book about one bridge, even if it was Thanh Hoa, “the Dragon’s Jaw” of the title. Well, they succeeded and the result is an exceptional book! The bridge serves as a reference point for the much larger story of the United States’ Air War over Vietnam. I could not tell which author contributed what; this is a seamless volume that is jammed full of factual information and flying action, with the personal stories that grab the reader and a healthy dose of commentary on the political decisions that complicated the war. Not much else to say.
August 18, 2024
Well written narrative documenting the many futile attempts of the American Forces in Viet Nam to destroy the bridge at Thanh Hoa, called Dragon's Jaw. Plagued by weather, anti-aircraft fire, malfunctioning weaponry and political interference, attempts to destroy the bridge were ineffective for much of the Viet Nam conflict. It wasn't until the last years of the fighting that "smart bombs" were developed and supplied in sufficient quantities that the span was finally destroyed.
The book describes the losses in both men and equipment that resulted from the many attempts to destroy the target. The tenacity of both the US forces and of the North Vietnamese is described.
A book well worth reading for any history buff.
The book describes the losses in both men and equipment that resulted from the many attempts to destroy the target. The tenacity of both the US forces and of the North Vietnamese is described.
A book well worth reading for any history buff.
January 3, 2025
It was quite a thrilling book. Unfortunately, I thought the authors were irresponsible and unprofessional in the way they attacked Democrats with name calling while praising Republicans.
Part of it was anti-intellectualism. McNamara and the "Whiz Kids" from the "northeastern Us establishment."
Then Johnson's massive buildup coupled with integration and his "great society" moves would make the racist Southern Democrats switch parties. The rest is history. It has only gotten worse for the Republican party, which is now fully off the rails.
The authors seem to forget we have a military run by civilians. There is a reason for that.
"War may be what man does best." -- Ralph Peters.
Part of it was anti-intellectualism. McNamara and the "Whiz Kids" from the "northeastern Us establishment."
Then Johnson's massive buildup coupled with integration and his "great society" moves would make the racist Southern Democrats switch parties. The rest is history. It has only gotten worse for the Republican party, which is now fully off the rails.
The authors seem to forget we have a military run by civilians. There is a reason for that.
"War may be what man does best." -- Ralph Peters.
February 16, 2020
This is an outstanding book that details the bravery of America's military who fight a war that LBJ started without any desire to win. LBJ and McNamara (and his whiz kids) are completely incompetent and establish rules and micromanage the war ensuring that despite the bravery of the troops American can not win. It is infuriating how LBJ and McNamara wasted so many American lives and yet faced no consequences for their actions. In fact to add insult to injury LBJ is honored with a Navy ship named after him. The one good thing to emerge from this war is the development of "smart" bombs that increase bombing accuracy as well as decrease civilian and military casualties.
July 19, 2021
Working my way through the history of military aviation from WWII on, I’ve been reading on the Vietnam War lately and have really learned a lot that I didn’t know about that war. What a tragedy it was. Soldiers put into an impossible situation by inept and stupid politicians who would not allow them to win. This book really lays all of that out plainly and simply. It’s more than just an account of the years-long struggle to destroy the bridge, although that is exciting and laid out in an action-story way. But it also covers much of broader aspects of the war, the politics of it all, and the tragic POW situation. I enjoyed it overall.
October 29, 2023
Coonts having been an A-6 pilot you know this book is going to have good detail about naval aviation. The book is very well researched and combines numerous personal stories with technical details.
Although any book about the subject would be remiss not to discuss the political failings of the US government at the time, the authors obvious political beliefs are blatant and a bit annoying even if you don’t necessarily disagree with them.
Considering how the book covers the timeframe of Operation Homecoming I would have liked to see a bit more about that since the book does discuss the men being shot down and captured at length
Although any book about the subject would be remiss not to discuss the political failings of the US government at the time, the authors obvious political beliefs are blatant and a bit annoying even if you don’t necessarily disagree with them.
Considering how the book covers the timeframe of Operation Homecoming I would have liked to see a bit more about that since the book does discuss the men being shot down and captured at length
October 9, 2019
Great Detail and Read
Had no clue as to the reality of American airwar over Vietnam. God bless the air warriers who persevered, were wounded and killed due to the American government's abject failure to provide them the means to fight and survive. A pox on the politicians--all of them--who lacked the will to win or worse. And I hope there is a special place in hell for the political and inept military so-called leadership that failed to support the men they commanded.
Had no clue as to the reality of American airwar over Vietnam. God bless the air warriers who persevered, were wounded and killed due to the American government's abject failure to provide them the means to fight and survive. A pox on the politicians--all of them--who lacked the will to win or worse. And I hope there is a special place in hell for the political and inept military so-called leadership that failed to support the men they commanded.
June 24, 2019
Good book, just a couple blurs on a few odd facts. The topic is familiar to me. I was a catapult crewman on the Constellation 1972-73. I have a MA in history, and my thesis topic was the Airwar in Vietnam, for which I got a secret clearance from the Air Force Archives to research their files. I've read many of Tillman's books, and a couple of Coonts.
January 15, 2020
This is not your typical Stephen Coonts novel.Tis is a historical accounting of one of the toughest and longest campaigns of the Vietnam war. I bought this book thinking I was getting another novel. It is well written and an interesting history, one that I probably would not have read if I had perused the jacket cover prior to purchase. That said, I have no regrets spending the time to read this
June 4, 2024
A must read for any fan of military aviation history. Discussing both the bravery of the aviators putting their lives on the line, and the political decisions made that put America into a conflict it didn't want to commit to, Dragon's Jaw is an exciting read and gives new insight to the people fighting the air war in Vietnam.
February 10, 2020
I have read many Stephen Coonts novels and stories. This is an excellent account of a part of the Vietnam War and those who participated in it.
The personal and political side of war and how it is pursued makes this a well worth your time book/
The personal and political side of war and how it is pursued makes this a well worth your time book/
May 16, 2019
Too much Air Force and not enough Naval Air
June 3, 2019
Excellent narrative about the brave men who served and the politics behind a brutal conflict.
August 1, 2019
Really should have been edited down quite a bit. It became very formulaic and a touch technical. It had a series of interesting stories though as long as you went in small doses
September 30, 2019
Fascinating and very readable account of the Vietnam war
January 13, 2020
Loved this book. A very entertaining page turner. Probably the best narrative I've read so far regarding the Vietnam air war
December 18, 2020
Interesting book
August 10, 2021
Very detailed book. Keep me interested from start to finish.
October 16, 2021
Not exactly unbiased
Interesting read,very brave people on both sides.Marred by political mud slinging,was expecting a photo of an orange fool with a maga hat towards the end.
Interesting read,very brave people on both sides.Marred by political mud slinging,was expecting a photo of an orange fool with a maga hat towards the end.
January 7, 2022
This one offers enough details on the flying and details of putting bombs on target. Interesting story on the knife fight between F-4s and MIGS.
November 12, 2022
Interesting and a recommended read for anyone wishing to understand the basics of the horrible US policies during the Vietnam war.
November 4, 2025
Excellent. Enlightening
June 18, 2021
This book by Stephen Coonts & Barrett Tillman is so deserving of high praise that I hesitated longer than a year to begin a review for fear I would fall short... my kudos being insufficient.
I don't have to tell any U.S. Blue Water Sailor who served in the Vietnam Air War about the Thanh Hoa Bridge and the multiple attempts over 7 years time to drop that rascal. That's what's this book is about. DRAGON'S JAW was another name for the terrain around and the Thanh Hoa Bridge itself. The final chapters of this excellent book also praise the photo reconnaissance squadrons, the RF-8 Crusaders, the RA-6 Vigilantes, the Thailand-based Air Force F-105's and C-130's.
Between 1965 and 1972, fourteen aircraft had been lost at Dragon's Jaw by either AAA or SAM's... 13 aviators were KIA, 5 aviators became POW's.
VFP-63 was my squadron... Light Photographic Reconnaissance from specially configured F-8 Crusaders. After bombing attacks, our pilots had to fly slow, straight and steady in order to take hundreds of photos for BDA - Bomb Damage Assessment back at the ship. The last plane lost at Dragon's Jaw was VFP-63's beloved 601 piloted by LT Paul "Worm" Ringwood from the USS Midway detachment. Plane and pilot both went in the drink. The jet sunk to the bottom. Ringwood was rescued by an Angel chopper.
"The Violent Crescendo" is the name of the final chapter. It is powerful and revealing. Truth is, we almost had that war won. But then it was lost. Not in Vietnam but back in the States. It's too aggravating for me to explain here and now. You'll have to read it.
I don't have to tell any U.S. Blue Water Sailor who served in the Vietnam Air War about the Thanh Hoa Bridge and the multiple attempts over 7 years time to drop that rascal. That's what's this book is about. DRAGON'S JAW was another name for the terrain around and the Thanh Hoa Bridge itself. The final chapters of this excellent book also praise the photo reconnaissance squadrons, the RF-8 Crusaders, the RA-6 Vigilantes, the Thailand-based Air Force F-105's and C-130's.
Between 1965 and 1972, fourteen aircraft had been lost at Dragon's Jaw by either AAA or SAM's... 13 aviators were KIA, 5 aviators became POW's.
VFP-63 was my squadron... Light Photographic Reconnaissance from specially configured F-8 Crusaders. After bombing attacks, our pilots had to fly slow, straight and steady in order to take hundreds of photos for BDA - Bomb Damage Assessment back at the ship. The last plane lost at Dragon's Jaw was VFP-63's beloved 601 piloted by LT Paul "Worm" Ringwood from the USS Midway detachment. Plane and pilot both went in the drink. The jet sunk to the bottom. Ringwood was rescued by an Angel chopper.
"The Violent Crescendo" is the name of the final chapter. It is powerful and revealing. Truth is, we almost had that war won. But then it was lost. Not in Vietnam but back in the States. It's too aggravating for me to explain here and now. You'll have to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews