First In, Last Out

Ed Rock brings the reader Wild Weasel Stories from more than 40 authors, mostly Wild Weasel pilots and Electronic Warfare Officers (EWOs). These are the true, first person, accounts written by the men whose primary mission was, and is today, to find, attack and destroy enemy Surface to Air Missile (SAM) sites and other radar directed weapons systems. They fly into the enemy heartland through skies filled with MiG fighters, SAMs, and Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA). Losses are heavy and courage and heroism are commonplace. The stories also include accounts by a cross section of Wild Weasel associates without whose support the mission could not have been successfully performed including a contractor, Flight Surgeon, Chaplain Maintenance technician, and the wife of a pilot killed in action (KIA). Some are shot down and rescued, others captured or killed, and many successfully complete their missions. All wonder if there will be a tomorrow. The stories take place in peace and war. Many are thrilling accounts of combat action, some are funny, others tragic, all are interesting. It is a moving testament to all Wild Weasels and their families especially to those that paid the ultimate price with courage and honor.

Ed Rock flew two combat tours of duty during the Vietnam War as an F-105 Wild Weasel pilot and commanded two F-105 fighter squadrons with the Wild Weasel mission. He also flew combat missions in the F-4 and EB-66 aircraft in Southeast Asia. He received numerous awards and decorations including the Silver Star twice, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross three times, and the Air Medal 17 times. He retired from the Air Force in 1977. He retired from Boeing (Formerly McDonnell Douglas) in 1997 where he was Manager Engineering for nearly 15 years. He is the co-holder for two US patents and now writes and lives with his wife of more than 46 years in Chesterfield, MO.