Mark Berent's book, Rolling Thunder not only tells a war story, but educates readers who are not familiar with the terminology and routines of pilots during the Vietnam War. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed this story in which the author follows the adventures of three strangers, soldiers who cross paths on several occasions during their tours and eventually become friends: An Air Force captain and fighter pilot, an Air Force administrative lieutenant and an Army Special Forces Major. Their lives become intertwined in the story - at one time, all three are fighting for their lives in the same battle against an overwhelming enemy, but in different roles. It is early in the war and the military is fighting with their hands tied behind their back, the White House (the president and aides / civilians) are calling the shots: picking targets, identifying others that are strictly off limits and choose not to consider or approving targets recommended by the military. After all, The United States Government is afraid of drawing China and Russia into the conflict, thereby, taking a rather conservative stance in the war, angering those who take on the missions, placing themselves in harms way.

Each story line is filled with adventure and hold your breath suspense. The Lieutenant's character surprises me the most. seemingly having all the ups and downs during his tour. He falls in love with a local girl, then one night on the streets of Saigon, she saves him from the clutches of the VC. He sees her again several weeks later, but only as a witness to her murder when the base perimeter is attacked and breached by the enemy. He has it in his blood to fly...he experiences terror in the cockpit...he becomes a hero!

Court Bannester, fighter pilot, is the son of a famous movie star...he has much to prove to his peers in Vietnam who think he got to where he is because of his father's influence. It doesn't take long to prove his worth! However, on one of his first missions, Courts' wing man is killed because of pilot error. The pilot's father, a general at the Pentagon, and Courts current commanding officer both blame the Captain for his wing-man's death. The father, eventually goes so far as to get Court transferred from his current job of flying support for infantry units in the Delta and III Corps to bombing runs in North Vietnam - the most contested airspace of the war, losing an average of five planes / pilots per week.

The Green Beret is a fighting machine and appears to return from the dead - twice during the story. Wolf is a skilled warrior, leading teams to find and rescue downed pilots before the enemy can take him prisoner. However, his tour ends before he is able to complete some unfinished business. The major is set-up by a double agent on his last mission...both survived and both seek revenge upon the other. I'm certain that all three stories will continue in Mr. Berent's next book when the three military officers return to Vietnam for a second tour.

A most enjoyable read and highly recommended to all. Great job Mark! Welcome Home Brother!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
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