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Tailhooker: Pre-Flight to Vietnam
Tailhooker refers to a military pilot who has landed on an aircraft carrier using a tail hook to catch the arresting wire on the flight deck. Tailhookers who wear the US Navy Wings of Gold are renowned as the most skilled pilots in the Aviation community. This book tells the story of a twenty year-old drafted into military service during the Vietnam War, then applying to enter US Navy pilot training. His historically accurate story begins with highlights of his Navy flight training to his assignment as an A-4 Skyhawk pilot in VA-22 The Fighting Redcocks. The book chronicles facts about the frustrating air war in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 through Lt. Dellicker's three tours as an Attack pilot and LSO. Intertwined with the war stories and close calls is a love story of two young people who met, became engaged in two weeks, and endured 18 months of war-time separation. Now, after 45 years of marriage this story was written for their kids and grandkids as an accurate historical account of the Vietnam War, True Love, and Faith in God.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2015
47 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2019
A Tremendous Unfinished Message
This book carries a message all Americans should hear and give careful consideration to. It is a shame that the author has not taken the time to finish it. As it now stands, it is an outline, or at best, a first draft, of what could be an epic account of the Vietnam Nam experience through the eyes of a naval aviator. If he can’t finish the book himself, he owes it to his seven lost friends, to hire someone to finish it.
I can only wonder how many talented historians have offered to collaborate and have been turned down. “It’s for my grandkids” is a cop out!
This book carries a message all Americans should hear and give careful consideration to. It is a shame that the author has not taken the time to finish it. As it now stands, it is an outline, or at best, a first draft, of what could be an epic account of the Vietnam Nam experience through the eyes of a naval aviator. If he can’t finish the book himself, he owes it to his seven lost friends, to hire someone to finish it.
I can only wonder how many talented historians have offered to collaborate and have been turned down. “It’s for my grandkids” is a cop out!
February 3, 2020
Pre- Flight
My Dad was transferred to Pensacola in 1968. I was 13 years old and NAS Pensacola was my playground as we lived 3 miles from the back gate. I remember seeing all the NAVCADS marching around the base with their Marine DI 's and knowing that if they make it through pilot training they were probably on the way to Vietnam. I was raised in NAVAIR and we lost family friends over there, both Navy and Marine, ground side as well as pilots.
The story is well written and is impelling. It's the way I remember those times.
My Dad was transferred to Pensacola in 1968. I was 13 years old and NAS Pensacola was my playground as we lived 3 miles from the back gate. I remember seeing all the NAVCADS marching around the base with their Marine DI 's and knowing that if they make it through pilot training they were probably on the way to Vietnam. I was raised in NAVAIR and we lost family friends over there, both Navy and Marine, ground side as well as pilots.
The story is well written and is impelling. It's the way I remember those times.
January 9, 2020
Believe in God
This is an account of one of the American heroes who did his duty even though America have up on him. Thank the Lord that there are men willing to give all to prove to those of us here at home. Believe in the Lord, follow your training and luck you will the chance to tell those still here that politicians should not\cannot run a war. Bless men like Willard Dellicker and thank him for telling his story. Thank you Willard.
This is an account of one of the American heroes who did his duty even though America have up on him. Thank the Lord that there are men willing to give all to prove to those of us here at home. Believe in the Lord, follow your training and luck you will the chance to tell those still here that politicians should not\cannot run a war. Bless men like Willard Dellicker and thank him for telling his story. Thank you Willard.
January 4, 2020
Very good detail regarding ship ops, squadron life, I enjoyed his many experiences flying the Skyhawk. Brought back many of my own life in the Navy
Loved the combat sorties over vietnam. The flame out j52 riddled my mind with restart procedures and last resort plans. The horrors of flight deck duty hazards
Loved the combat sorties over vietnam. The flame out j52 riddled my mind with restart procedures and last resort plans. The horrors of flight deck duty hazards
June 28, 2020
More then just a book about airplanes.
Most of the books that I've read about military pilots contain a fair amount of bravado. This author writes from a little different prospective. He's right on when he talks about weak politicians being lead by a headline seeking media and the vilification of our military. It's funny how history keeps repeating itself.
Most of the books that I've read about military pilots contain a fair amount of bravado. This author writes from a little different prospective. He's right on when he talks about weak politicians being lead by a headline seeking media and the vilification of our military. It's funny how history keeps repeating itself.
February 26, 2022
To a fellow Vet
I was privileged to spend 2 years abroad the USS Oriskany CVA34. As a electricians mate third class , my duties were to maintain all shipboard high powered systems. Etc. etc. Days and nights all meshed together.
Sounds like it was tough duty. Yes indeed, however I would not change a thing.
I was privileged to spend 2 years abroad the USS Oriskany CVA34. As a electricians mate third class , my duties were to maintain all shipboard high powered systems. Etc. etc. Days and nights all meshed together.
Sounds like it was tough duty. Yes indeed, however I would not change a thing.
March 22, 2023
Admiral John S. McCain Sr was John McCain’s grandfather, not father. The late Arizona Senator’s father, John S. McCain Jr, was Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command during the Vietnam War when his son was a POW. McCain Senior and Junior were the first father-son pair to achieve four-star rank in the USN.
May 15, 2019
Great book
I was prevented from the peacetime Naval Air by an eye issue
I served a an ATC officer. This book is so much more than a flying story. Very personal and interesting. I highly recommend it.
I was prevented from the peacetime Naval Air by an eye issue
I served a an ATC officer. This book is so much more than a flying story. Very personal and interesting. I highly recommend it.
January 26, 2020
Enlightening
Very enjoyable recount of the authors life as a navy pilot on his aircraft carry. His training and pressures of piloting off a carrier and during Vietnam were very interesting. The way our government hinders our warriors and causes additional stress a d desths.
Very enjoyable recount of the authors life as a navy pilot on his aircraft carry. His training and pressures of piloting off a carrier and during Vietnam were very interesting. The way our government hinders our warriors and causes additional stress a d desths.
January 9, 2021
Good trip
This book is wonderful journey down memory lane. From P'cola through the different Naval Air Stations was a kick in the pants ! ! Many many pleasant memories even though our service dates were years apart .
This book is wonderful journey down memory lane. From P'cola through the different Naval Air Stations was a kick in the pants ! ! Many many pleasant memories even though our service dates were years apart .
September 8, 2019
Well done, God bless!!!!
Just an honest up front account of his experiences without hyperbole or grandiose. You will be glad you read it.
Just an honest up front account of his experiences without hyperbole or grandiose. You will be glad you read it.
June 22, 2020
A little hard to grasp all the abbreviations and lingo but great story of a local hero.
May 26, 2021
Good story, well written.
September 5, 2024
Horribly racist and overly conservative...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews