Sock It to 'Em, Baby: Forward Air Controller in Vietnam,   ISBN:9781741148497

Customer Rating: 

Its a pretty good book about an Aussie FAC Pilot in Nam. He talks a lot about the struggles and politics of his dealing with the Aus government keeping him from getting the American awards that he earned and deserved.

Customer Rating: 

Having been a FAC myself I can appreciate this pilots acts of valor and his representation of how Fac's felt such a great loyalty to those they were helping on the ground. Even if it meant going into the jaws of death. I was disappointed to learn that the Australian government prohibited their pilots from being properly recognized for their acts of heroism.

Customer Rating: 

Certainly, this book is a grand read, a real page turner from beginning to the end. I can tell you first hand that Garry Cooper, not only was correct about the technical aspect which kept me interested, but was able to also add color for the non-flying public as well. I was not aware of the position of the Aussie government with regard to the accolades of the American combat awards, which steams me. I hardly ever read books a second time. However, this one might just generate the urge for me to revisit it in the future, it was that interesting.
As a writer myself, I am very impressed with Cooper's presentation and its continuity which kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a grand read. This book is a great representation of the real story, and what it was like as a Forward Air Controller in Vietnam.
JR Hafer, author, pilot, veteran and a proud American.

Customer Rating: 

Excellent! An unvarnished account of precisely what it was like to be a forward air controller in Vietnam. The author pays tribute to, and included a photo of, (the late retired) Lt Col Richard F. Nelson in the book. Richard replaced him and endeavored, unsuccessfully (because Cooper is Australian), to have him receive the American commendations due him. Cooper sent my sister Ruby an autographed copy of the book. Of particular interest is the fact that Richard, a former fighter jet pilot and Air Force military attaché in Tunisia for three years, served in Vietnam (and all over the world, including sitting in Florida in a bomb-equipped jet during the Cuban missile crisis) and was a decorated forward air controller himself -- although he opposed the Vietnam war. He supported the first Iraq war because Hussein was a bully who had invaded Kuwait and had to be stopped. He absolutely opposed the second, which was based on lies and greed, and DETESTED Bush, who didn't even serve long enough to "repay" his jet training. Richard went to Law School in Arkansas, had Bill Clinton for one class, and once said that Clinton was braver than he for his opposition to Vietnam. I asked him once why those in "the military" did not speak out more, and he replied that: "We all thought we were the only ones." He supported Wesley Clark for president, but, then and now, would have supported any Democrat or ANYONE else who opposed the war. Richard also felt strongly that the vets who served NEVER got their due. For the record, I am proud to say that Richard F. Nelson is my brother-in-law. Ricky Lacina (Ms)