I Flew With Heroes: Gunship on the Son Tay POW Raid

MWSA Review

I Flew With Heroes by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas R. Waldron; USAF (Retired) is a memoir. Waldron wrote the book from memory and records of the time served, the training involved, and about the dedication of those tasked with the rescue of downed flyers from the various branches of the service.

His career covered three different aircraft; the KC-135 Tanker, and two types of helicopters (H-3 and H-53). It is an emotional journey as many friends were lost in what was a heroic effort to leave no pilot behind to become a POW. The courage of the crews is made quite clear and history buffs will enjoy the read as it is detail oriented.

The raid on Son Tay is well known though it was years before the overall effort became public knowledge. The details of the planning and carrying out of the mission bring you onboard to share the mission on an intimate level.

Waldron has done his fellow pilots, crew members and those involved in the raid justice. You will put this book down knowing each one deserved the awards they received.

Reviewed by: jim greenwald (2015

Author's Summary

True story of rescue and recovery operations during the war, in Vietnam. Including; the Raid at Son Tay Prisoner of War Camp, 23 miles NW of Hanoi, N.V. (1970).

Includes several tense combat rescue missions (1969-70) in which the author was involved as a pilot in HH-3's and HH-53s. Book has been reviewed by Together We Served, and several comments are listed on Amazon.Book/Kindle for sale in Europe and Australia.
Author has spoken to several groups.