 [Larger view] | Pak Six: A True Story
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 A short but powerful air combat memoir | |
| As others have pointed out, Pak Six is a short book compared to most combat memoirs, and has an unusual layout, but it nonetheless is one of the most intense and powerful air combat memoirs I've read in a long time; the raw emotional impact the book conveys was stunning. Basel definitely has a way with words; even his descriptions of more mundane events are told in a way that captivates the reader. His accounts of air combat in the F-105 flying against the most devastating air defences ever assembled, fighting his way through SAMs, AAA and MiGs are some of the best I've read, and truly do make the reader feel they are right there in the cockpit. Well worth the read. | |
| A great, exhilirating ride | |
| The only negative I have on this book is the horrible typesetting and editing; its horsey type and amateurish layout looks like it was ditto-copied from a bad PC manuscript, and the book is riddled with spelling errors and malapropisms. This one could definitely use a reprint and graphic upgrade. On the other hand, the story is excellent, giving the reader lots of action, and a good insight into the frustrations, fears and challenges the Vietnam pilots must've felt. A quick, brisk read, laced liberally with the "you are there" details that grognards crave. | |
| Take a ride on Thud Ridge | |
| The typos and odd layout of this book reinforce its authenticity as a combat pilot's unadorned effort to retell his experiences and offer some insight into the mind of a fast mover - from tactics to politics. Its straightforward delivery makes for an accessible and gripping account of the arduous work of flying the Thud downtown. Avoiding false heroism and false virtue, this slim volume has much to say about combat over North Vietnam, the men engaged, and their effort to focus on their mission despite the loss of comrades, poor military leadership, and no political direction or support. A valuable contribution to any library about combat avaition in Southeast Asia. |
