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The following books and articles have been recommended by one or more members of the Air America Association. The Association does not endorse these books or articles in any manner whatsoever and is not responsible for their content.  The opinions and facts expressed by the authors are their's alone.  Any person who approves, disagrees, or finds fault with the content of the following books or articles should address their views to the authors. 

 

The Last Hookers, by LTC Carle E. Dunn, USA-Ret A message from the author to the members of the Air America Association:  "It is my desire that your members know that I held Air America in high regard. I also want them to read what I wrote". Interested parties can contact me from your organization to receive a few books at a considerable discount. I am doing this to let you know that I did not let you down as I said during my research. You can reach me through email or at my official web site."  This book is also available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com.

The Ravens, by Christopher Robbins 476 pp, 2000 Asia Books paperback. Friday 26 January 2001 Segments of the Book Review; by Bernard Trink the Bangkok Post. British journalist Christopher Robbins made an in-depth investigation of that secret war, penning Air America and then The Ravens under review. His extensive research includes interviews with numerous players, diaries, classified material and long bibliographies. United States presidents and ambassadors come and go, Washington's policies change, but the communists remained single-minded and focused in their determination to take over the country. The FAC's losses become unsustainable. One after another they are shot down, fall out of the sky in blinding fog because of fuel shortages or slam into mountains. After too many missions, many lost their wariness, feeling they were invincible. Perhaps the saddest part of The Ravens is the hostile reception the survivors were subjected to when they returned home. All were proud of having fought the good fight for their flag, and so were unprepared when friends and neighbors turned on them with a vengeance ("Baby killers!" etc). It's little wonder that some took to drink and became bitter. Through good photos, solid facts, and excellent quotes, Robbins reveals the secret. I wish I'd known a quarter-century earlier.  http://www.dcothai.com/books/ravens.htm

Across the Mekong.  Charles O. Davis.  Charlie provides a deeply personal view of his life as an Air America pilot. Order direct from Charlie for $28 including shipping. PO Box 19031 - Alexandria, VA 22320

Air America (motion picture review).  Time, v. 136 (Sept. 10 1990): 82.  "Director Roger Spottiswoode's Air America has been criticized for its distorted portrayal of historic events. Air America, the CIA-run airline that brought arms and supplies to anti-Communist forces in Indochina during the Vietnam War, is depicted in the movie as a front for heroin smuggling condoned by the CIA as a way of funding America's secret war in Laos. According to articles in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, this version of the events is a disservice to the real-life pilots of Air America and to the historical record. Air America screenwriter John Eskow argues that the film is not a documentary and doesn't advertise itself that way. Films help shape people's view of history, however, and the distortion of sensitive issues cannot be justified by calling it creative."  

Air America (Revision).  Christopher Robbins. Asia Books - Link to Supplier http://www.asiabooks-thailand.com/newasiabooksonline/NewsArr/newsarr.asp

Air America.  Christopher Robbins. Avon Books - 1790 Broadway - New York, NY 10019. http://www.dcothai.com/books/airamerica.htm

Air America' Flies into Pilots' Flak. Diana West.  Insight, v.6, n. 37, (September 10, 1990): 60-61.  "A number of pilots who flew missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era are disgruntled with "Air America," a comedy film that is depicting pilots from that era as frequently running drugs.   Pilots say the movie is not an accurate portrayal."

Air America Replays the CIA's War in Laos.  Christopher Robbins.  Robbins supplies the history the film leaves out."  Vogue, v. 180 (Aug. 1990): 216+.  "Director Roger Spottiswoode's film Air America is overblown and historically inaccurate. The script concerns American servicemen in Laos during the CIA's secret war there. It presents a muddled conspiracy theory that implies that the war was fought to gain control of the country's poppy fields. The film's attempt to make a comedy out of the war is objectionable, particularly when one considers the realities of the war that are not presented by the film."

Air America The Story of the CIA's Secret Airlines.  Christopher Robbins.  (Hardback) Printed in 1979 by G.P. Putnam's Sons - 200 Madison Avenue - New York, NY 10016.

Air America:  Flying the U.S. into Laos.  Peter Dale Scott.  Ramparts, Feb. 1970.

Air Commando One: Heinie Aderhold and America's Secret Air Wars.  Warren A. Trest. Brigadier General Harry C. "Heinie" Aderholt worked at the heart of both USAF and CIA special operations worldwide. In 1964 he became commander of the famed First Air Commando Wing, fighting to build up special operations capabilities for both American and South Vietnamese airmen. In 1966-67 he and his men set the record for interdicting the flow of enemy trucks over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos and North Vietnam.  This first biography of Heinie Aderholt, "Air Commando One" tells the story of a renowned leader of counterinsurgency operations. The book also integrates USAF and CIA accounts of some of the most pivotal events of the past fifty years.  The book will be available sometime in May and can be ordered from BG Aderholt, 25 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548. Tel. (850) 243-0442, Fax (850) 243-3568, email - [email protected]. $31.00 includes postage and handling. Cash or money order only.

At War in the Shadow of Vietnam: United States Military Aid to the Royal Lao Government, 1955-75.   Timothy N. Castle.  Columbia University Press.  $47.50 Paper back versions are available for $16.00. To order call 1-800-944-8648.

Barley & Kohlrabi.  Steve Wurtz.  This is the story of Steve's experiences as a POW in Germany.  No price or ordering information available but you can contact Steve at 14623 Trading Post Rd. - Sun City West, AZ - 85375

China Pilot.  Felix Smith.  Felix became one of the first pilots of CAT, the story is about fearless pilots such as the legendary James "Earthquake Magoon" McGovern, killed flying supplies to the French forces at Dien Bein Phu. It is about determined women such as Sue Buol, who fought five years to force the communist Chinese to release her pilot husband, only to see him die eight months after his release.  For an autographed copy send $24.95 plus $3 shipping to: Felix Smith - 12600 W. Prospect Dr. New Berlin, WI 53151.

Classified Secret: Controlling Air Strikes in the Clandestine War in Laos.  Jan Churchill.  Well illustrated with many good photos and contains many individual stories. It deals with the air war in Laos, featuring Air America, CASI, and the usual set of main players (Pop, Tony, Lair, etc). $30.00 postage included. Order from Jan Churchill, POB 32, New Castle, DE 19720. Tel. (302)325-2718 or email - [email protected].

Code Name Mule:  Fighting the Secret War in Laos for the CIA.   James E. Parker, Jr.  The story covers Jim Parkers role in the Laotian War as an agency case officer.  The book covers a five year time frame. $27.95 plus $4 shipping. River Kwai Collection - Box 9 - Pinehurst, NC 28370 - Fax 910-295-8909

Feet to the Fire:  CIA Covert Operations in Indonesia 1957-58.  Ken Conby & James Morrison. The first detailed story of the Eisenhower administration's operation to unseat the left-leaning Sukarno government. The book is a veritable case study of all the intricate aspects of the program. CAT/Air America readers should find the air portions particularly interesting. That effort includes focus on the American and Polish crews flying arms and supply drops as well as attack strikes; the Filipino P-51 Mustang pilots; and the involvement of the Chinese Nationalist civilian and military aircrews. Naval Institute Press - ISBN 1-55750-193-9, $28.95 Available after November 16, 1999. Telephone (410) 268-6110.

Flying Tiger Joe's Adventure Story Cookbook.  Joe Rosbert.  This is an autobiography with great recipes.  The cookbook may be ordered direct from Joe for $21.45 including postage. 22022 Cimarron Pky.  Apt. 1080, Katy, TX  77450-3438.

Himalayan Rouge:   A Pilot's Odyssey.  Peter Gourtiere.  Peter is an associate member of CAT, and this is his autobiography.  $34.95 including postage - Turner Publishing Co. - PO Box 3101 - Paducah, KY 42002-3101.

Hollywood Goes to War. (Attacks on motion picture Air America) John Eskow.  Esquire, v. 114 (Dec. 1990): 168-70.  "The writer and co-producer of Air America recount the controversy the film caused when it was released in August 1990. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal printed allegations that the film was inaccurate in its depiction of the CIA's involvement with the opium trade in Laos during the Vietnam War. It was eventually discovered that Christopher Robbins's book Air America, on which the film was loosely based, had been revised to eliminate references to the CIA's drug involvement."

Honored & Betrayed.  Richard Secord.  This book is still available in some bookstores. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-57328-0 $24.95.

Last Man Out.  James "Mule" Parker. On May 2, 1975, two days after the US Embassy in Saigon was evacuated, Jim was still in Vietnam, still at war. He was the last man evacuated. Autographed copies can be ordered from the above address for $23.95 plus $4 shipping.

One Day Too Long - Top Secret Site 85 and the Bombing of North Vietnam.  Timothy N. Castle.  A saga of courage, cover-up, and intrigue this book tells how, in a shocking betrayal of trust, for thirty years the U. S. Government has sought to hide the facts and now seeks to acquiesce to perfidious Vietnamese explanations for the disappearance of eleven good men.  Columbia University Press $24.95 Cloth. To order call 1-800-944-8648.

Out of Laos:  A Story of War & Exodus.  Told in Photographs by Roger Warner. Order direct from Roger Warner - 171 Argilla Rd. - Ipswich, MA 01938 $20 plus $2 for shipping in the US.

Out There Beyond Beyond.  Edward W. Ulrich with Lany M. Lake.  The author served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a flight instructor in the B-26 Martin. He worked with Air America for 14 years as Chief Pilot and Base Manager. Alliance Press $9.99 Postpaid in the USA from Captain Ed Ulrich - 145 Buhl Blvd. - Sharon, PA 16146. Tel. (724)347-2178 or Email [email protected]. Due out in May.

Perilous Missions: Civil Air Transport and CIA covert operations in Asia.  William. Leary.  This is out of print but Dr. Leary has a few copies that can be purchased from him for $30. 1141 Summit Cir. - Watkinsville, GA 30677.

Pioneer Aviator in China.  Max Springweiler. This book is about early aviation in China and the experiences of Max Springweiler. It provides the reader a better understanding of how CAT evolved and may represent a forward for all the other books about CAT and Air America in South East Asia.. This English translation is jointly published by the daughters of Max Springweiler, Jerry Fink and the Associations of CAT and Air America. The proceeds of this book go to the endowment fund for the Archives of CAT/Air America held at the University of Texas at Dallas. It was translated from German by Dr. Larry Sall. $30.00 CAT/AirAmerica Archives University of Texas at Dallas Richardson Texas 75083 [email protected].

Project Coldfeet.  William Leary.  Availabe from Naval Institute Press. $27.95. Call 1-800-233-8764.

The Ravens of Long Tieng.  Ralph Wetterhahn.  Air & Space Smithsonian, v.13, n.4, October 1998, 50-59. "During the Vietnam War, the air base at Long Tieng was the hub for Air America, Air Commando and Raven forward air control. A look at the biggest clandestine operation ever run by the CIA is presented."

Shadow War:  The CIA's Secret War in Laos.  Kenneth Conboy with James Morrison. With the exception of books by Dr. Leary, Tim Castle, and Jane H. Merritt, there have been few books of substance written on Laos.   This is another one worth reading.  Paladin Press - PO Box 1307- Boulder, CO 80306 $49.95.

Shadow Warrior:  The CIA Hero of a Hundred Unknown Battles.  Felix I. Rodriguez & John Weisman.  This is the autobiography of Felix Rodriguez. (Note: Felix was one of our guest speakers at the San Diego reunion) Plublished by Simon & Schuster. $19.95.

Shoot at the Moon.  Roger Warner.  Order direct from Roger Warner - 171 Argilla Rd. - Ipswich, MA 01938.

Sky Is Falling:  An Oral History of the CIA's Evacuation of the Hmong from Laos.  Gayle L. Morrison.  The U.S. government had quietly pledged to General Vang Pao and the Hmong that the Americans would take care of them in the unlikely event that Laos fell. In May 1975, this promise was redeemed when the CIA generated an air evacuation that moved more than 2,500 Hmong officers, soldiers and family members out of their mountain-ringed airbase. $39.95 McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers * Box 611, Jefferson, North Carolina 28640 336-246-4460 * FAX 336-246-5018 * Orders only 1-800-253-2187  http://www.mcfarlandpub.com

Tragedy & Triumph: A Pilot's Life Through War & Peace.  James "Paladin" Fore & Larry Jacks. This is the story of Jim Fore's career as a professional pilot that spanned 43 years and three wars. Skyward Press - PO Box 10104 - Colorado Spgs. CO 809031-1104 $26.95.

Tragedy in Paradise: A Country Doctor at War in Laos.  Charles Weldon M.D. The following is an excerpt of a review for the Bangkok Post by Alan Dawson:  “Charles Weldon has done us and the future a favor by writing his account of what surely was one of the most heroic, saddest wars of the 20th century. A legend in his prime during the height of the conflict in Laos, "Doc" Weldon paints a highly personal, sometimes emotional picture. It starts with Drs. Weldon and McReedy manipulating their way to the kingdom of a million elephants and ends with Dr. Weldon departing the country, alone, in tears. In between, he fought for aid money from skinflint Washington, he worked to establish a health system in a country which had nothing but a desire for one. He details his successes and failures.” Asia Books ISBN 974-8237-38-9. Available in the U.S. by late December for approximately $18.00 plus shipping and handling. Contact: Tamarind Books, P. O. Box 49217, Greensboro, NC 27419, Tel. (336)852-1905 (Fax. (336)852-0750, Email: [email protected] or http://www.abebooks.com/home/tamarind/. It can also be ordered from www.dalleybookservice.simplenet.com. Tel. (540)382-8949. http://www.dcothai.com/books/tragedy.htm

Tragic Mountains:  The Hmong, the Americans, and the Secret Wars for Laos, 1942-1992.  Jane Hamilton Merritt. $29.95 from Indiana University Press.  (Note: This book was published in 1992 and may not be available.)

Vietnam.  Joe Patrick.  Oct. 1, 1998. v. 11, n. 3, p.10+  "Air America was the most famous, but it was only one of George Doole's several "spook" airline."

Wings Of Air America.  Terry Love. It is basically a photograph book of all of the aircraft that was operated by Air America. It includes a small history of CAT and Air America. $19.95 ISBN number 0-7643-0619-7. The publisher is as follows: Schiffer Publishing Ltd. 4880 Lower Valley Road Atglen, Pennsylvania 19310 (610) 593-1777 (610) 593-2002 FAX E-Mail [email protected]. Terry M. Love 9415 West 178th Street Lakeville, Minnesota 55044-9605 (612) 435-6974 E-Mail [email protected].

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