Hamfist Over The Trail

Submitted by Jim Greenwald on February 28, 2013 - 09:00

Book Information:
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Cover:

Author's Summary

It's 1968. Hamilton Hancock is on the fast track to become a fighter pilot. He is slated to fly an F-100, F-105 or F-4 in Vietnam. Then, the "needs of the service" intervenes, and he is assigned to fly one of the smallest, slowest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the O-2A. Hamilton becomes a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam, and picks up the nickname "Hamfist". While Hamfist flies in air combat over the Ho Chi Minh Trail and battles an enemy gunner with a deadly record, on the ground he must also battle his inner fears and personal demons. Inspired by actual events. Contains strong language.

MWSA Review

A work of historical fiction, Hamfist Over the Trail transports the reader to the skies above Vietnam in 1968. Hamilton “Hamfist” Hancock joins a squadron of forward air controllers directing fighter jets over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He learns how to fly combat missions in the O-2A, one of the smallest and slowest planes in the Air Force inventory. He also learns how to mourn those close to him who fall victim to the enemy gunners below.

The author’s experience as a pilot shines through every page. The action and dialogue make you feel like you’re part of the crew on each mission. The language is authentic, which is to say occasionally there are expletives. If you like a good action-packed adventure tale, this one is for you.

Reviewed by: Edward Cox (2013)

Author(s) Mentioned: 
Nolly, George
Reviewer: 
Cox, Edward
Work Type: 
Book Reviews
Tags: 
Air Force
Fiction
Historical
Military