Low and Fast:: Memories of a Cold War Fighter Pilot

by Charles Banks

This is the story of a pilot who flew the F-4, the F-105, the F-111, and the O-2 in defense of his country. In addition, he spent several years working on the ground with Army front line forces as an Air Liaison Officer integrating airpower into the ground battle.He prepared for fighting at high or low speed and high or low altitude with most of the missiles, rockets, and bombs that a fighter aircraft could carry. This required him to fly radically different aircraft from the Mach 0.2 O-2 to the Mach 2.0 F-4. His seven months of missions in Vietnam steeled him for deadly combat. This combat experience prepared him to protect our country and our allies throughout a loyal career.In the 1970’s and 80’s, during the tensions of the Cold War, numerous borders around the world were being contested. Communist and Socialist dictators were taking over many countries. There was a worldwide feeling that it could all explode into World War III at any moment. In that climate, military pilots worldwide constantly prepared for the worst, hoping that being fully prepared would deter political and military action and to be prepared to fight if it didn’t.Many people have asked what it feels like to fly jet fighters. In fact, most people have never flown in a small plane. With no relevant reference, it’s very hard to describe. They truly are missing the most incredible feeling of being airborne alone, among the clouds, looking down at the ground and feeling amazingly free. That feeling doesn't change much between aircraft. It's what you do with the aircraft that adds the excitement. The USAF motto at that time was "To Fly and To Fight."

Genres: Aviation

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2020

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book to read if you are interested in cold war Air Force History, including Vietnam. The author describes his career in the Air Force fighter world in bite size chunks that are easy to read and fun to follow. His career included a wide variety of aircraft at different bases so he had a great perspective on flying. I was on active duty at the same time so his stories were especially interesting to me. He certainly had a knack for pointing out the good and the bad of Air Force life. Any vet who likes real life war stories that are succinct and personal will enjoy this book.

[Jim Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shows how dangerous it is to fly

I was surprised how often you can crash flying fighters. This book has a unique perspective and I enjoyed reading of the progression through the various types of fighters, their particular quirks and how pilots had to quickly react to prevent crashes. This book is one of those that had to be written to preserve all the stories in it. Well done, Mr. Banks!

[Dave O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, thoroughly entertained

Enjoyed this book a lot, me being a jet geek that couldn't get into a service due to an accident in high school. My ex father in law worked on F-4's, F-105's in Vietnam. I grew up watching the FB-111'S of the 509th FW at Pease AFB in NH which the author forgot to mention when saying Plattsburgh, NY was the only FB base.

[Bev Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Chuck & Barbara Banks.

I liked the in depth way he explained about his training and combat assults. He and his wife had a very interesting career while raising a family. I hope that mom and dad's work ethics was instilled in them. Thanks to both of for your many years of service and all the sacrifices you made over the years.
Thank you and God Bless.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different sort of military memoir.

Most military memoirs tend to focus largely on wartime experiences. This one starts, more or less, with his experiences as a pilot early in the Vietnam War and continues through his retirement after the Gulf War, including a lot of non-flying assignments.

Interesting and informative.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's writing style captures the reader's interest in reading more in one sitting. Short collective thoughts about a specific event helps to reader to be engaged and wanting to learn more about his military experiences, his flying engagements during the Vietnam conflict, and his interests in aviation. Highly recommended reading.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended. I almost didn't read this as it was in a pile of books my mother in law gave me after her husband passed that I got rid of. I'm glad I picked it up.

If you are a plane junkie, military or especially Air Force, this is for you. A personal first hand account of life in the Air Force.

[Dennis Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

We were in UPT at the same time, just different bases. We were in Vietnam at the same time. I was fascinated by the stories and action. A book you can’t put down. Thank you for your service and a great career.

[Francis W Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting story that you need to experience

Good book that you will agree when read. It shows why the author decided to learn to fly and goes into his career in the service. He described the places where he served and the adventure s during the time.

[Bill Sims]

Very enjoyable book.

A good book regarding becoming a USAF pilot in early 60's and the ups and downs of flying some of the best war birds of the 60's and threw the late 1990's, F105,F-4's, O-2,F111's and working with the A-10.

[Chris Lofting · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest read

A good and gripping account of the author’s combat experience. It never felt embellished despite the many dramatic events that are described.

[Regina Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Found book to be very entertaining but somewhat repetitious throughout . I kept looking for something new and exciting and it just wasn't there.