Items related to The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos
Drawing on materials that were, until recently, classified, this account depicts the intense air war fought over Laos and profiles the "Ravens," the pilots who risked their lives in this little-known field of war.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From Publishers Weekly:
The Ravens were American forward air-controllers who directed strikes from vulnerable, low-flying spotter planes, mainly in support of a Meo general named Vang Pao in Laos. "Advised" by the CIA, this fierce warlord fought to keep the North Vietnamese out of the strategic Plain of Jars. Robbins (Air America) conveys the unique flavor of Raven-style combat and also explains how the diplomatic-military dynamics of the clandestine war in Laos fit into the overall American effort in Southeast Asia. The cast of characters is memorable: a swaggering, rowdy bunch of mavericks whom their parent service (the U.S. Air Force) had great difficulty controlling, they seemed to get by on sheer cussedness. According to the author, they suffered the highest casualty rate of the Indochinese War. Robbins describes the poignant plight of displaced Meo/Hmong tribespeople who have settled uneasily in the United Statesincluding General Paoand their ongoing struggle to "propitiate the alien spirits of America." Photos.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal:
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
In 1961-75 the CIA ran a secret war in Laos, using Hmong tribesmen and covert U.S. Air Force air support. Ravens, USAF forward air controllers (FACs), flew low and slow over the battlefields, calling in air strikes on North Vietnamese soldiers. These men exposed themselves to every sort of risk. Robbins provides a detailed, readable account, with ample history and background to provide context. He is critical of U.S. military strategy and command, generally dismissive of extravagant claims against the CIA, and partial to the FACs. Likely to be popular with military buffs. Military Book Club main; Literary Guild alternate. Edwin B. Burgess, U.S. Army TRALINET Ctr., Fort Monroe, Va.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherLondon: Bantam Press, 1988.
- Publication date1988
- ISBN 10 0593010477
- ISBN 13 9780593010471
- BindingHardcover
- Number of pages420
- Rating
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Top Search Results from the AbeBooks Marketplace
Seller Image
The Ravens
Published by
Bantam Press
(1988)
ISBN 10: 0593010477
ISBN 13: 9780593010471
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hard Cover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Seller Inventory # 010339
Buy Used
US$ 55.97
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos
Published by
Bantam Press
(1988)
ISBN 10: 0593010477
ISBN 13: 9780593010471
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. The Ravens were the pilots, all volunteers, who flew through heavy groundfire to identify targets and call in air strikes. Devoted to the hill tribesmen they fought alongside, the Ravens did their job with extraordinary skill and crazy courage and with zany humour that was all their own. This is the story, brilliantly told for the first time, of these extraordinary men. Based on extensive interviews with the survivors, it is a tale of undeniable heroism, blending real life romance, adventure and tragedy. **The jacket has several tape-repaired tears, several very small missing pieces and a stain at the inside front bottom.**. Seller Inventory # 002867
Buy Used
US$ 44.37
Convert currency
Seller Image
The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos
Published by
Bantam Press
(1988)
ISBN 10: 0593010477
ISBN 13: 9780593010471
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Dust jacket has some fading to the spine, a little dust marking to the top edge. Shipped from the UK in recyclable card packaging. Seller Inventory # pb187-524-0078
Buy Used
US$ 58.58
Convert currency
Stock Image
The Ravens: Pilots of the Secret War in Laos
Published by
Bantam Press
(1988)
ISBN 10: 0593010477
ISBN 13: 9780593010471
Used
Hardcover
Quantity: 1
Seller:
Rating
Book Description hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Orders shipped daily from the UK. Professional seller. Seller Inventory # mon0000438564
Buy Used
US$ 52.34
Convert currency