August 19, 2008 at 12:01 am · Filed under Book Reviews, Books, History, International, Mathematics, Military, Publishing, Writing
Dave Richardson’s Vietnam Air Rescues is now in its fifth edition, proving that his story is still relevant to a world that very much remembers the Vietnam War. I took to reading Dave’s book mostly because my own father (biological) had served in Vietnam. When he became estranged from my mother, my access into the world of an American soldier in Vietnam was limited to what I could find in movies and in books.
Dave’s book came about through years of prodding and consideration. It had never been his intent to write a book that could access the coffers of a national, or perhaps international audience. But the simple fact is that this is exactly what Mr. Richardson is poised to do. In my humble opinion, this book is a great read, and well worth the day or two (at most) that it will take to read.
Because the interview is a little bit long for the narrow column view afforded by the theme here at Words From, I will also provide a Word document that you can download and read offline.
Please enjoy the following interview with author and Vietnam rescue pilot Dave Richardson. Then, head over to Amazon and throw it on your wish list—or better yet, order yourself a copy!
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JMK) First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for writing this book. As the son of a Vietnam War veteran, and a veteran myself, I can’t tell you how valuable the stories in your book are. Vietnam is a subject that many American veterans are simply not willing to talk about. I understand that your children were a major part of the process of writing your story down; can you please share with my readers the story behind what motivated you to write this book?
DR) “Thanks for your comments, Justin. Yes, my children did play a major part in this project. The book has a somewhat convoluted history. When I finished my tour in Vietnam, I was assigned to Germany as a helicopter pilot flying VIP’s and light cargo.
“While in Germany, our family participated in the Volksmarch program, which consisted of walks of varying length through the German countryside. Each participant who finished the route earned a souvenir medal. To pass the time while on these hikes I began relating my Vietnam experiences to my two older sons.
“After 24 years in the Air Force, I retired, returned to California, and began teaching 8th grade Math in the public school system, retiring from that in 1999.
“In 1998, thirty years after my last rescue, my second son, Craig, who was by then an Army helicopter pilot stationed in Korea, found an Internet listing searching for me. With the connivance of my wife, he furnished my contact information to the requesters.
“So it was that, on a Sunday afternoon, I received a call inquiring if I was ‘Jolly 09′. I was flabbergasted and asked who wanted to know. Turns out it was one of the ‘Sandy’ pilots who said the Air Force had requested that the surviving participants of that rescue travel to Nellis AFB in Nevada to brief them on that mission.
“I jumped at the chance and my wife and I traveled to Nellis. It was there that I met (under much more desirable circumstances!) many of the folks who had flown on my final mission. One of them was the survivor I had picked up. We began an on again/off again correspondence via email.
“Having gotten the ball rolling, so to speak, Craig began pestering me to write down all those stories he and his brother had heard so many years earlier. I, however, was reluctant to do this as it sounded like a lot of work. So, the project just faded away.
“A year later, I retired from my teaching job and my wife and I moved to Kansas where Craig and his family (with, at the time, our only grandchildren) resided. Craig began pestering me anew about writing a book, but I wasn’t interested.
“Then, I received an email from the survivor of that last rescue. In it he jotted down the essentials of what had occurred; at least from his point of view. Intrigued, I wrote a counterpoint and found the task to be enjoyable.
“I decided to attempt a written record of those events from so long ago. A key ingredient was locating my old flak map and discovering that I had recorded the dates and location of each rescue on the back. Then began a lengthy period wherein I would write down the particulars of each rescue, while Craig researched and produced maps from the grid coordinates I supplied. We were also able to scan and use the old pictures I had taken while over there.
“We decided to produce our efforts on standard typing paper, bound with a ‘comb’ format. Since this would be a ‘legacy’ of sorts to my children, I was faced with the problem of what sort of style to use. After much soul-searching, I decided to write my own (very unauthorized) history of the Vietnam War for their benefit.
“In January of 2003, we printed 10 copies under the title, ‘An Old Helicopter Pilot Remembers Vietnam’ on a laser printer and distributed them between the boys and myself. It had been fun, but I was glad it was over. This was the first edition.
“Apparently, however, it was not over. Friends and other family members found out about this project and began requesting copies for themselves. Initially, I copied everything onto a CD and sent one to those who asked. I also added a few anecdotes which I had failed to include in the original version. This became the second edition.
“The third edition came about when I discovered a method of producing your own paperback books. Determined to try it, I produced six copies, which included minor typographical changes. My experience was that, although producing your own paperback books is fun, it is also extremely time-consuming, so I once again resigned from the book writing business.
“But that was not to be. After awhile my eldest son, David, suggested that I produce the whole thing as an e-book. At first, I resisted this effort, but finally decided it was the way to get me out of the CD production business. David insisted I change my ‘stogy’ title, so, after much thought, I renamed the book, ‘Vietnam Air Rescues’. Producing the material in e-book form was a lot of work, but we finally got it ready. This became the fourth edition.
“Once again, I ‘retired’ from the book business. Or, at least I thought I had. It wasn’t long before David came up with the idea of having an actual book printed and began bugging me to do just that.
“As always, I was reluctant. I had heard horror stories about rejection notices and the general inability to get a private venture published. David countered these objections by locating several POD (Publish on Demand) companies.
“So I embarked on the fifth version of my book. After looking at several POD publishers, I concluded that Amazon offered the best package through their CreateSpace program.
“They offered exactly what I wanted, a no cost upfront, quality product with no minimum number of books required. They also provided a free sales website.
“I already had my own website (www.vietnam-air-rescues.com) which I had developed after relying heavily on both David and son #4, Mark.”
JMK) Why now? Why not publish your story sooner?
DR) “That’s a fair question, which I think I alluded to earlier. Initially, I was a rather reluctant author, not because it bothered me to write about my experiences in Vietnam, but I simply did not think anyone would be very interested in hearing my stories. I give full credit to my 2nd son, Craig, who got the thing started, and to my other 3 sons, David, Eric and Mark, who quietly encouraged (pushed) their Dad to keep on with the project.”
JMK) I understand that you published this book through CreateSpace. What was the primary reason for going this route rather than seeking a traditional publisher?
DR) “Basically, my focus was still on the book being for the benefit of my sons. I was not sure how to approach a traditional publisher, nor did I want to be ‘smothered’ by an outside force.
“As I mentioned earlier, I was very reluctant to get involved in the marketing process. CreateSpace offered what was to me, the perfect solution. So called ‘Vanity’ publishers have been around for years and they and those authors they publish have had a certain stigma in some circles.
“I was intrigued at the thought of having a book actually published, but, at the same time, I was not interested in investing large sums of money and having a few thousand copies lying around that I could not get rid of. With their no cost process and their ties to Amazon as an outlet, CreateSpace seemed a perfect fit. They have met and surpassed all my expectations.”
JMK) Did you have any trouble with DoD or the Air Force in publishing this title?
DR) “No, perhaps because I did not involve either DoD or the Air Force in any of this. I have tried to be very careful not to discuss any situations that might still be classified. The things I mention are all now a part of the public record.”
JMK) What has been the reaction to this book of your surviving peers from the war?
DR) “Very positive. On my website (www.vietnam-air-rescues.com), I have reproduced some of the written comments I have received from people in all walks of life.”
JMK) Early on in the book you describe the daily process of being a Jolly Green pilot, including being on “alert status.” This was a condition that would place you “up North” in enemy controlled territory. Even though Laos was not officially part of the conflict you do mention enemy forces sneaking up on you to take potshots at your crew. Can you describe what it was like to sit in a plywood shack, completely exposed to the enemy, waiting only for a distress call on your radio? Did you feel vulnerable at those locations?
DR) “Initially, I was very apprehensive. As time and the number of visits increased, it became quite boring. Sitting and sweating in what amounted to a small box with 7 other men was never my idea of excitement. Listening to the strike missions and wondering when and if we would be called on did, however, provide a measure of anticipation.
“Did I feel vulnerable? Oh, yes, but normally, nothing happened. We had 4 sets of double bunk beds, so some would nap, but that gets old after awhile. Others would play cards or talk. I did a lot of reading. Basically, we just endured.
“I remember one PJ blurting out one day that he wished someone would get shot down, so we would have something to do. He was roundly criticized for that, but he meant no harm; just wished for something, anything, to do.
“We had our one canteen apiece of water, which could be refilled from a canister in the helicopter. Due to the hot weather and high humidity, it was important to drink a lot of water, but drinking tepid, bordering on hot, water is not a pleasant experience.
“Our food consisted of whatever we personally purchased and carried. After some experimentation, my favorite was a box of crackers and a can of cold chili. Since we were not legally ‘there’, we were not authorized to draw rations. When we could, we would trade with anyone else who had them, before we left Thailand, but that did not occur often.
“Bathroom facilities were non-existent. You just carried your M-16 or pistol and walked out in the brush a ways and did your thing.”
JMK) It seems odd to sit in enemy territory with your American made choppers sitting out in plain view and with no ground forces to provide security. Were any Jolly Green crews ambushed at those sites, or were the CIA recruited tribesmen who guarded them actually effective against the enemy forces?
DR) “Yes, in retrospect, it does seem odd, and yes, the tribesmen were effective. We were still in Laos, however, and off the beaten track. There was nothing of any value around us for miles and therefore we were apparently of little interest to the enemy. The unofficial war in Laos appeared to be centered around the PDJ and Vientiane, the capitol. I do not know of any Jolly Green personnel who were ground causalities at the sites. Apparently, the tribesmen were a sufficient deterrent during the daylight hours.”
JMK) It seems that much of the war effort revolved around a careful balance between local friendly forces and local enemy forces. The Muong Tribesmen are a good example of this. Another thing you mention in your book were the “blood chits” that your crews would carry with you. Can you explain what those were? Did you or your crew ever hand any “blood chits” out?
DR) “The ‘Blood Chits’ were remnants of World War II. They were printed on a silk-like cloth about 10 x 18 inches, if memory serves me right. They featured an American flag and a message in various languages stating that the bearer was an American fighting man and the United States Government would offer a reward to anyone who assisted him in his escape efforts.
“Fortunately, I never had the occasion to use one, nor do I know of anyone else who did.”
JMK) A recurring theme in your book is something that you refer to as the “Shekinah glory of God.” This was embodied by the appearance of a white light during most of your missions. You took great comfort in the presence of that light, equating it to the protection of God. In your opinion, was God really with you on your missions during the Vietnam conflict?
DR) “Oh yes, absolutely.”
JMK) Have you considered the possibility that the enemy may have been using some sort of reflecting device in an attempt to blind you, the pilot? I won’t argue with you about the presence of God, but is it conceivable to you in any sense that the source of that light may have been more ephemeral? In my mind I can picture a Vietnamese soldier shining that light in your eyes, thinking that he was making your life difficult when actually he was providing you with comfort and a sense of calm. I smiled to myself at that thought, and so I decided to run the idea by you. What do you think?
DR) “In essence, anything is possible. However, common sense would indicate that an enemy who was close enough to aim a beam of light into my eyes was also close enough to just shoot me. The enemy had, obviously, absolutely no advance notice of when or where an American aircraft would be shot down. Attempting to deploy, or even use on an ad hoc basis, such a device does not seem reasonable. Occam’s Razor seems to apply here-the simplest, most obvious answer is most likely the correct one.”
JMK) Roughly two thirds of the way through your tour you encountered a bit of a professional hurdle. The arrival of a new Operations Officer (in the Navy we called them “Ops Boss” or sometimes just “OPS”) who did not like you very much and, as a result, became a constant frustration for you. This is something that probably most military members have encountered in their careers. I know that I had a very serious problem with my Command Master Chief at JICPAC. I think that advice on how to approach such a hostile superior would be valuable to young service members. Can you describe the problems that he created for you and then explain how you managed to deal with him and avoid trouble at the same time?
DR) “We were a very small, tight knit unit. This man was apparently frustrated because he had to play ‘2nd banana’ as a co-pilot, due to his lack of helicopter experience. I say this, although I have the suspicion he would have acted as he did anyway.
“He was able to inflict himself on the Squadron because, in my opinion, we had a very weak Squadron Commander. If you were willing to ‘kiss up’, he basically would leave you alone, although he liked to have his ‘cheerleaders’.
“I was never openly disrespectful to him, but did adamantly refuse to play along with his games. I found it was best for me to just avoid him where possible, which was not easy to do in such a small unit. Strangely enough, he never openly confronted me, just used others to harass me.
“Since I was unwilling to succumb to his games, I found the best way was to avoid dealing with him directly. That is, I attempted to use others as a go between where possible. No matter how much I tried to avoid him, I was always on his ‘s— list’, so to speak and suffered from that in many ways.”
JMK) In one instance he appointed you to prosecute your own roommate during what basically amounted to a show trial. You mention that this should have been a conflict of interest, and I think that any rational person would see that it is. How did that Operations Officer get away with such blatant violations of policy and selective harassment of his men? Did you ever consider beginning an official complaint against him? Do you think that he would have been found guilty if you had?
DR) “No, I did not attempt any official complaint. Remember, I was a Captain; he was a Lt. Col. My job was to rescue downed American pilots; not challenge senior officers’ policies. Did I have an official case? I doubt it. Someone had to do the investigation. I think he would have been able to invent a reason why it had to be me. The worst that would have happened would be that I was excused from that duty, but now at the mercy of an enraged senior officer. Our headquarters was in Saigon, an eternity away. Any complaint would have to be worked up through channels to people who did not participate in our missions and did not understand what we went through.
“A case in point: The policy was that if you arrived as a co-pilot, you stayed a co-pilot. We were fighting a war and did not have an upgrade program. The Ops Officer, however, insisted that an upgrade program be implemented solely for him, and used alert helos in Thailand to gain flying time. Of course he had to fly with an IP (Instructor Pilot). On one flight he mishandled the controls and caused a crash. No one was injured, but a helicopter was lost. The Ops Officer mounted an aggressive campaign against the IP, who was subsequently sent home in disgrace, even though the fault clearly lay with the Ops Officer. After that, people were reluctant to chance their careers by resisting him. This left me highly visible and basically alone in opposing him.”
JMK) During the course of your stay in Vietnam you managed to earn eleven medals, some of which were awarded multiple times. You rescued nine people on seven separate pick-ups, during the course of flying over 100 missions. In my experience it is fairly common for service members to be passed up for recognition, and indeed in your book you describe several rescues that the Air Force chose not to recognize you for. Did this have any effect on your morale or on your commitment to the mission?
DR) “No. I was not there on a medal hunt, I just wanted to do all I could to save American lives. I felt extremely fortunate to be able to perform a few rescues. There were several other pilots who pulled the same alerts I did, yet never participated in a single rescue during their one year term.”
JMK) One mission that comes to mind would be that of your 5th rescue. Overloaded by Special Forces troops-only three of whom were actually wounded-you nearly died in a crash just trying to take off. You saved 13 American lives that day, but were only credited for 3. Additionally, you were nearly subjected to court martial, thanks once again to your new Operations Officer. Many people don’t realize how actively the military seeks to destroy the careers of their own people. What advice would you give to young American service members who might find themselves in a similar position-that of being prosecuted for a “job well done,” as the military likes to put it?
DR) “Technically, I was in the wrong on that rescue. I had elected to pursue a course of action that, while potentially laudable, was not part of my mission profile.
“My advice? Perform your mission, while following your heart. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable to the ‘Sunday morning quarterbacks’. Although I occasionally ‘stretched’ my orders or operating procedures, I was careful to follow military procedures. I would do all that was in my power to complete the mission, yet I would also refuse to perform morally questionable acts.”
JMK) Because of my intelligence background I was very much drawn to the parts of your book detailing your encounters with the boys from “The Farm.” One event in particular stands out in my mind. During one of your stays “up North” a pair of biplanes attacked your position. Almost out of nowhere came a CIA helicopter, which then made quick work of those biplanes. In a rare opportunity you managed to get a look inside one of the aircraft and you mention the presence of some Russian made equipment. You also describe the crew of those biplanes as not being Asian. It seems that you’re hinting at clandestine Russian intervention in the Vietnam War, but you never quite come out and make the claim. Am I on target with this assessment? If so, can you elaborate at all?
DR) “I am not attempting to hint at anything beyond what I saw. There is not much else to tell. I took my pictures and made my observations. What was portable was quickly whisked away. We did not remain overnight at the forward site. When I returned, the biplane and all traces of the incident were gone. I never heard it mentioned again.”
JMK) You got to fly around with an agent from “The Farm” and see things that many U.S. troops were not privy to. Did any of those experiences change your views on your role in the war?
DR) “No. My role was to rescue downed American pilots. Although it was both fun and exciting to get to see, first hand, some of the other side of the war, it was not really relevant to my mission. I firmly believed we were fighting for the right cause and found it interesting to see how low tech methods were implemented.”
JMK) At one point in your Vietnam tour an unidentified man supplied you with an illegally appropriated AK-47. You mention that you felt that he might have been CIA as well. What do you suppose was the reason for your being so heavily exposed to the spooks and their world of secret-squirrel missions?
DR) “We were using their, then secret, bases. This necessitated a certain level of interaction since we also stayed in their living huts when at the overnight site. I do not have any idea why they chose to deal with me individually, other than the fact I could keep my mouth shut.”
JMK) Are there any other tidbits of CIA related activity that you might feel comfortable sharing with my readers and I but did not include in the book?
DR) “No, I was not really ‘in the loop’ regarding CIA activities. What was going on in Laos was an open secret. Amazingly, correspondents who knew the score, would ask us in jest where we had been when we returned. They know full well what we were doing, but, to my knowledge, never publicized any of the details.”
JMK) On your final two rescues you describe a massive rescue operation for a single downed pilot. While rescuing pilots was your business, this particular operation would cost the U.S. seven fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter, as well as the cost of launching 189 sorties-all for the rescue of that single Navy pilot. At what point does enough become enough? Should we have continued through all 189 sorties? Did we come out ahead on that one, or did we cost ourselves more than we should have, coming out on the bottom?
DR)“That, of course, is the big question. What is a single man’s life worth? Is his life worth the lives of others? Our motto, in rescue, was and is, “That others might live”.
“The United States Government asked the fighter pilots to fly against the worlds’ top air defense system (provided by the Soviets) and operate under ridiculously restrictive rules of engagement. It seemed those pilots sole comfort was that we would, if humanly possible, get them out if things went wrong. Of course, we weren’t always successful. But we always tried.
“We did not measure the cost of any mission by the amount of fuel consumed or the hours flown. We measured each mission by whether we made the rescue. Naturally, common sense had to apply. That is why the RCC (Rescue Crew Commander, the helicopter pilot), had the final say as to whether he felt the risks were worth it, or even attainable.
“I personally know of several helicopter pilots who decided the risk was too great and pulled the plug on a mission. They retain my respect and I do not engage in ‘Monday morning quarterbacking’. At the time they did not feel the rescue was worth the exposure and risk of crew. Would I have performed differently? We will never know. I wasn’t there. They made what they thought was the best decision at the time.
“Now, decades later, one might question whether we were right in continuing that particular mission. My only response is, ask the survivor.”
JMK) Finally, what do you hold as the most valuable lesson taken from your time in country?
DR) “‘To thine own self, be true’.
“I did not attend West Point, but have always admired their motto of ‘Duty, Honor, Country’.”
JMK) Thank you for your time Mr. Richardson! I look forward to publishing the final version of these questions on August 19th. Thank you for including me in this tour, thank you for writing this book, and most importantly-thank you for your service!
DR) “Thank you Justin, for your kind remarks.”
JMK
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