Flying Black Ponies: The Navy's Close Air Support Squadron in Vietnam

by Kit Lavell

The tragic, the comic, the terrifying, the poignant are all part of the story of the Black Pony pilots who distinguished themselves in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War. Flying their turboprop Broncos "down and dirty, low and slow," they killed more of the enemy and saved more allied lives with close-air support than all the other naval squadrons combined during the three years they saw action. Author Kit Lavell was part of this squadron of "black sheep" given a chance to make something of themselves flying these dangerous missions. The U.S. Navy's only land-based attack squadron, Light Attack Squadron Four (VAL-4) flew support missions for the counter insurgency forces, SEALs, and allied units in borrowed, propeller-driven OV-10s. For fixed-wing aircraft they were dangerous, unorthodox missions, a fact readers quickly come to appreciate.

Genres: Military History, Aviation, Nonfiction

376 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mustang USMC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this an excellent account of the Black Pony Squadron in Vietnam and offer my highest recommendation for those interested in combat aviation. Here we find true American heroes; some might describe them as men with true grit. Individually, they remind me of the caliber of pilot who worked with Claire Chennault in World War II, and a decade later, flew for him and Air America. This was a fantastic read; I offer a crisp salute to Kit Lavell, USN.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great storytelling about little known Navy unit during Vietnam. Would make a great movie, and I say that as a compliment.

[Jesper Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of my all time favorites

[Geoffrey Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the writing and editing is far from perfect, this is still a great read unearthing the significance of one Navy Close Air Support squadron in The Vietnam War. The book follows a loose chronological order, telling the stories of the heroic pilots and support staff of VAL-4, interweaving themes and longer-spanning stories throughout. Highly recommended to all aviation enthusiasts and history buffs!

[Jens · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not bad, it's not great. It's worth your time if you like war stories from young, wild & free pilots.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, well researched and well written. Students of Naval Aviation will discover a squadron unique in the history of Navy flying. Those with an interest in air power generally will find the application of light attack aircraft, supporting both Army and Navy ground forces, to be a cautionary tale. Coordinated support by aircraft with greater speed/range than attack helos, but slower than near-supersonic jets, saved the day many times in this corner of the Viet Nam conflict.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine is written about in this historical narrative.