Afterburner: Naval Aviators and the Vietnam War

Flight Journal, Oct 2004 by DeGroat, Robert S

Afterburner: Naval Aviators and the Vietnam War by John Darrell Sherwood; New York University Press, 838 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003; 352 pages; illustrated; $32.95.

The Vietnam War came back into focus recently when unfavorable comparisons were made with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Some of the reasoning was flawed, to be sure. The weapons and the tactics used were different. The political considerations were certainly different. But what was the same were the motivation and dedication of those American warriors who fought in each conflict. Reinforcing that view is John Darrell Sherwood's new book.

Sherwood is well placed to tell the story; he is an official historian for the United States Navy. His other works, "Officers in Flight Suits" and "Fast Movers," were both exceptional in their explanations of the difficulties American pilots faced and their motivations for success in such demanding and limited engagements as Korea and Vietnam. Sherwood's latest effort again exceeds expectations.

This book is interesting because of its emphasis on the Navy experience late in the Vietnam War. Sherwood wisely selected 21 personal accounts, from pilots to POWs to F-4 backseaters, that help emphasize the intense atmosphere of combat amid tepid prosecution by civilian leaders and wavering support at home. Sadly, the accounts of these proud, dedicated men describe their thoughts as the mood in the U.S. changes from trying to win the war to just trying to get the POWs home.

Here is more excellent reading by Sherwood, who has found another angle to pursue in learning what really motivates such men. It should be required study for those interested in the Vietnam air war and the men who were tasked to fight it.

-Robert S. DeGroat