What do you think?
The Airmen #2
The War Before The War
Based on Historical Events…
How far would America go to stop the communists?
French Indochina, 1945 – 1951. After several victories, the French Army is dealt its first major defeat by Ho Chi Minh and his Viet Minh rebels. China and Russia wait in the wings, watching America’s resolve.
With the French desperately short on troops, weapons, and aircraft, America must wrestle with the decision on how deeply to become involved in the growing conflict in Indochina. Newly elected congressman and war hero, John F. Kennedy, is joined by his siblings, Robert and Patricia, on a fact-finding mission throughout Southeast Asia. His goal – find the truth to prevent America from making a terrible mistake that could have irreparable consequences.
Will the Kennedys find the truth and save America from a terrible fate?
Rene Granier, former OSS Deer Team member and now CIA officer, is asked to accompany the Kennedys as their advisor and bodyguard. He is the only man alive that fought alongside the Viet Minh and the French. Now both want his head on a platter as he goes back into the lion’s den – Vietnam.
Will Granier protect the Kennedys? Will he even survive?
Will America make the right decision or become entangled in a faraway war with no end in sight?
Read The War Before The War to find out.
How far would America go to stop the communists?
French Indochina, 1945 – 1951. After several victories, the French Army is dealt its first major defeat by Ho Chi Minh and his Viet Minh rebels. China and Russia wait in the wings, watching America’s resolve.
With the French desperately short on troops, weapons, and aircraft, America must wrestle with the decision on how deeply to become involved in the growing conflict in Indochina. Newly elected congressman and war hero, John F. Kennedy, is joined by his siblings, Robert and Patricia, on a fact-finding mission throughout Southeast Asia. His goal – find the truth to prevent America from making a terrible mistake that could have irreparable consequences.
Will the Kennedys find the truth and save America from a terrible fate?
Rene Granier, former OSS Deer Team member and now CIA officer, is asked to accompany the Kennedys as their advisor and bodyguard. He is the only man alive that fought alongside the Viet Minh and the French. Now both want his head on a platter as he goes back into the lion’s den – Vietnam.
Will Granier protect the Kennedys? Will he even survive?
Will America make the right decision or become entangled in a faraway war with no end in sight?
Read The War Before The War to find out.
- GenresMilitary FictionWar
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
About the author
David Lee Corley
153 books48 followersI am a Hollywood screenwriter turned novelist. I am also a nomad.
Four years ago, I sold or gave away just about everything I owned and set myself adrift in the world. I lived out of my backpack and circumnavigated the earth three times. My journey has changed me and I am strangely unafraid. I have no plans to end my quest to see far corners of our planet. I figure life will take care of itself.
It has been a wild ride. I search for great stories and characters as I travel, many of which end up in my novels. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
I am still a nomad.
Four years ago, I sold or gave away just about everything I owned and set myself adrift in the world. I lived out of my backpack and circumnavigated the earth three times. My journey has changed me and I am strangely unafraid. I have no plans to end my quest to see far corners of our planet. I figure life will take care of itself.
It has been a wild ride. I search for great stories and characters as I travel, many of which end up in my novels. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing them.
I am still a nomad.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 7, 2020
Corley has done a masterful job spinning a good tale with real historical figures explaining what actually happened in French Indochina after World War II, from 1945 to 1951. This book clearly answers who were the major players, what politics were involved, the decisions that were made, and explains how the United States eventually got involved in the Vietnam War quagmire. “The War Before the War” is the second in a series. You’ll want to read the first one, “A War Too Far: The Real Beginning to America’s Involvement in Vietnam,” and a following sequel, “We Stand Alone.” These books are quick reads, great military historical fiction. Readers won’t be disappointed, and even seasoned Vets (Semper Fi) may learn a thing or two.
May 9, 2024
The 'War Before the War' is more a detailed chronicle of early French-Viet Minh conflicts in Vietnam following WWII. While the battle scenes are exciting and detailed, David Lee Corley doesn't develop his central character from his previous novel in 'the Airman' series. Other than one brief incident French-American tough guy Grainier is generally an observer.
But devotees of this lesser known period of the Vietnam War will enjoy the battle scenes and insights into those involved, including Ho Chi Minh, John Kennedy, General Giap and Graham Greene.
I'm waiting to see how book 3 of the series unravels.
But devotees of this lesser known period of the Vietnam War will enjoy the battle scenes and insights into those involved, including Ho Chi Minh, John Kennedy, General Giap and Graham Greene.
I'm waiting to see how book 3 of the series unravels.
April 16, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Corley does a great job of telling a historical fiction account using real characters from that same era. I thought the book was fast paced and kept my attention. Having served in the military in that area of operations in the 1960's, the opportunity to learn the history of who, why, when, what and how puts this history in perspective.
April 8, 2022
And the story continues
The story explores the beginning of the United States involvement in Southeast Asia. Never a simple story it does set the stage very well of how it all started. It was a CIA operation for many years before we committed ground troops.
Any student of history, especially Vietnam well enjoy the continuing saga.
The story explores the beginning of the United States involvement in Southeast Asia. Never a simple story it does set the stage very well of how it all started. It was a CIA operation for many years before we committed ground troops.
Any student of history, especially Vietnam well enjoy the continuing saga.
October 4, 2022
An excellent recap of events surrounding the final days of French rule in Indochina
The French very reluctantly released their grip on a prime source of raw materials held through colonial rule in Indochina. Outstanding characters and great ties of the unique clashes with the forces led by Uncle Ho and his general Giáp well worth the time.
The French very reluctantly released their grip on a prime source of raw materials held through colonial rule in Indochina. Outstanding characters and great ties of the unique clashes with the forces led by Uncle Ho and his general Giáp well worth the time.
May 27, 2020
Great characters again
Character development is excellent. Real historical figures make it fantastic. Highly recommend this author! Wife and I have both read first 2 books in the Airmen series. Try them!
Character development is excellent. Real historical figures make it fantastic. Highly recommend this author! Wife and I have both read first 2 books in the Airmen series. Try them!
June 24, 2020
My review
I liked this book in the continuing series on the Vietnam War. Even though it is fictional it is historically accurate and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are interesting and interact with real leaders and players in the Vietnam Conflict.
I liked this book in the continuing series on the Vietnam War. Even though it is fictional it is historically accurate and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are interesting and interact with real leaders and players in the Vietnam Conflict.
July 25, 2020
Excellent book
I really enjoyed this book. I knew the French were fighting in Vietnam before us, but never knew why. Great description used and a must read if you are interested in the Vietnam War.
I really enjoyed this book. I knew the French were fighting in Vietnam before us, but never knew why. Great description used and a must read if you are interested in the Vietnam War.
June 8, 2021
Enlightened information
I served during the Korean conflict and as a young father raising a family and building business was aware of the French involvement in Indochina, but did not have any grasp of how much involvement until reading this account.
I served during the Korean conflict and as a young father raising a family and building business was aware of the French involvement in Indochina, but did not have any grasp of how much involvement until reading this account.
November 28, 2021
Gap filler
The nature of the French occupation of Vietnam and the post war circumstances that ultimately fled to the USA involvement is an unknown history. Corley brings this dimension of the Vietnam saga to light in an exciting and believable fashion! Wonderful read!
The nature of the French occupation of Vietnam and the post war circumstances that ultimately fled to the USA involvement is an unknown history. Corley brings this dimension of the Vietnam saga to light in an exciting and believable fashion! Wonderful read!
March 10, 2022
Great writing by Mr. Corley! He puts his characters into actual events and makes them fit the situation. I think is difficult writing, but he covers the subject well. Makes for very interesting reading!
March 14, 2022
mixed Feelings
I thought the first half of the book was wandering trying to find a place to go. It seems the author was waiting the years just to get the Kennedys in Indochina. Once that was done the book took off.
I thought the first half of the book was wandering trying to find a place to go. It seems the author was waiting the years just to get the Kennedys in Indochina. Once that was done the book took off.
July 24, 2022
History Previously Unknown
The corrupt war intervened by American politicians has such a long and unfortunate history not known by many. If you enjoy historical reads than this read is for you.
The corrupt war intervened by American politicians has such a long and unfortunate history not known by many. If you enjoy historical reads than this read is for you.
September 12, 2022
A story full of war and action.
A very intriguing story of the history of the life and war of the French as the Viennese tried to gain their independence. A war story full of intriguing and exciting action.
A very intriguing story of the history of the life and war of the French as the Viennese tried to gain their independence. A war story full of intriguing and exciting action.
February 1, 2023
The War Before The War
The intertwining of characters with history is refreshing. The story is great and it was a fast paced book, easy to read! I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest in the series!
The intertwining of characters with history is refreshing. The story is great and it was a fast paced book, easy to read! I enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest in the series!
February 4, 2023
amazing
I recommend anyone interested in the history of the post WW II and the history behind the United Stats roll in Indochina and specifically Vietnam should definitely enjoy reading this series.
I recommend anyone interested in the history of the post WW II and the history behind the United Stats roll in Indochina and specifically Vietnam should definitely enjoy reading this series.
February 5, 2023
Now We know the rest of the story
Really liked the details and descriptive emotions of characters. Captured my attention and maintained it. Well done …look forward to the rest of the series.
Really liked the details and descriptive emotions of characters. Captured my attention and maintained it. Well done …look forward to the rest of the series.
July 5, 2020
Great book!
The book needs much better proof reading. Lots of spelling and grammar errors. Even with the proof reading problem, book is awesome!
The book needs much better proof reading. Lots of spelling and grammar errors. Even with the proof reading problem, book is awesome!
Read
August 14, 2020Interesting fictional account. History seem spot on except for JFK and RFK.
September 12, 2020
A great book
A great book, this helps provide some history on how the US ended up fighting in Vietnam Nam as the French were leaving.
A great book, this helps provide some history on how the US ended up fighting in Vietnam Nam as the French were leaving.
Read
January 1, 2021A fictional insight to actual events involving real people. Quick read.
January 15, 2022
Vietnam Wars and Politics
This may be fiction based on some facts of the time, but is a very good read and I enjoyed the story very much.
This may be fiction based on some facts of the time, but is a very good read and I enjoyed the story very much.
May 28, 2022
A view
An angle and a view that took interesting turns. Looking forward to seeing what DLC has in store as my reading continues with this series
An angle and a view that took interesting turns. Looking forward to seeing what DLC has in store as my reading continues with this series
February 23, 2024
Well done
In the same writing style of Jeff Shaara David Corley intertwines his story with real historical heroes. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
In the same writing style of Jeff Shaara David Corley intertwines his story with real historical heroes. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
December 13, 2024
Enjoyed the Book
I understand the book is historical fiction and I need to do some research on how much of the Kennedy saga in this book was real. Very fascinating.
I understand the book is historical fiction and I need to do some research on how much of the Kennedy saga in this book was real. Very fascinating.
May 24, 2025
Awesome
Again, fiction infused with the real world added up to an excellent read. I had a hard time putting the book down for other projects but the story stayed in my mind.
Again, fiction infused with the real world added up to an excellent read. I had a hard time putting the book down for other projects but the story stayed in my mind.
April 15, 2020
this book is a good introduction to the Vietnam war. It was the Indochina war as France felt they owned the country, her people, and her productions. The Vietnam people wanted them gone but did not have the military might to do it.
there was very little american involvement at this point, but this series of books let you see where events were headed,
there was very little american involvement at this point, but this series of books let you see where events were headed,
April 5, 2020
Great insight for Vietnam War set up
I often wondered what happened pre Gulf of Tonkin. I knew Japan was in China and Korea but knew nothing of WW2 Vietnam. I knew the French lost a big battle but that was it. This series walks you from WW2 into the late 40’s and early 50’s. I can’t wait to see what’s next in WE STAND ALONE!
I often wondered what happened pre Gulf of Tonkin. I knew Japan was in China and Korea but knew nothing of WW2 Vietnam. I knew the French lost a big battle but that was it. This series walks you from WW2 into the late 40’s and early 50’s. I can’t wait to see what’s next in WE STAND ALONE!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews