Da Nang Diary, Tom Yarborough
Da Nang Diary, Tom Yarborough
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Da Nang Diary
A Forward Air Controller's Gunsight View of Flying with SOG

Author: Tom Yarborough

Narrator: Sean Runnette

Unabridged: 15 hr 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 09/15/2020


Synopsis

Da Nang Diary is the story of how, in Vietnam, an elite group of Air Force pilots fought a secret air war in Cessna 0-2 and OV-10 Bronco prop planes—flying as low as they could get. The eyes and ears of the fast-moving jets who rained death and destruction down on enemy positions, the forward air controller made an art form out of an air strike—knowing the targets, knowing where friendly troops were, and reacting with split-second, life-and-death decisions as a battle unfolded.

The expertise of the low, slow FACs, as well as the hazard attendant to their role, made for a unique bird's-eye perspective on how the entire war in Vietnam unfolded. For Tom Yarborough, who logged 1,500 hours of combat flying time, the risk was constant, intense, and electrifying. A member of the super-secret "Prairie Fire" unit, Yarborough became one of the most frequently shot-up pilots flying out of Da Nang—engaging in a series of dangerous secret missions in Laos. In this work, the listener flies in the cockpit alongside Yarborough in his adrenaline-pumping chronicle of heroism, danger, and wartime brotherhood. From the rescuing of downed pilots to taking out enemy positions, to the most harrowing extended missions directly overhead of the NVA, here is the dedication, courage and skill of the fliers who took the war into the enemy's backyard.

About Tom Yarborough

Tom Yarborough, Colonel, USAF (Ret), served in the Air Force for thirty years in a variety of flying and staff assignments. A command pilot, during his two Vietnam tours as a forward air controller, he earned thirty combat decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He currently lives in Springfield, Virginia, where he maintains ties to the academic community as an adjunct history professor at Northern Virginia Community College.


Reviews

Probably one of the finest books I have read on the subject. Having served with MACV-SOG and Special Forces in 1969; having worked with and flown with SOG FACs; and personally knowing of circumstances as described (in detail) by Col. Yarborough in this fascinating book, I was, in a heartbeat, brough......more

Goodreads review by Mike

One of the best books on the air war over Vietnam. Right up there with Fast Movers in its intensity and ability to draw you into the story. If done right, this would make the coolest VN war movie ever.......more

Goodreads review by R_

In "war memoir" books I have read there seems to be a common thread that applies to all war and to both sides: one may be motivated at first by "love of country", but that feeling is soon eclipsed by an even stronger devotion to ones comrades. Tom Yarborough's experience illustrates this observation......more

Goodreads review by Ken

This is a telling of one man's war. As such it is focused on his personal experiences, which are often hair raising and boorish. The first because of the gripping detail of battle and all of its hubris, the second because the author is unvarnished about how warriors often let off steam. A mixture of......more