Notice: the above order directly to Indiana University Press was
before Amazon.Com!
608 Pages (Paperback Edition - Dec'99)
Best price deal! $15.16
ISBN 0253207568
Usually ships within 24 hours.
580 Pages (Hardcover Edition - Jan'93)
Low price deal! $20.97
ISBN 0253327318
Usually ships within 2-3 Days.
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"Sky is Falling: An Oral History of the CIA's Evacuation of the Hmong from Laos"
By
Gayle L. Morrison
Hardcover Edition - Feb'99
$39.95
ISBN 0786405120
Usually ships (with notification) 4-6 weeks.
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"Tragedy in Paradise : A Country Doctor at War in Laos"
By Dr. Charles Weldon (His story)
Paperback (284 pages) - Oct'99
$20.00
ISBN 9748237389
Usually ships within 1-2 weeks.
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"Across the Mekong: the True Story of an Air America Helicopter Pilot"
Hardcover Edition - 225 pages
$22.95
ISBN 0963960520
Usually ships (with notification) 4-6 weeks.
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From the Inside Flap -
When Charlie Davis arrived in Udorn, Thailand as a helicopter pilot for Air America
in January, 1965, the United States was deeply involved in the war against Communism
in Southeast Asia. While the U.S. military was fighting in South Vietnam, it
was not directly involved in the war is Laos. Air America, a civilian airline,
was providing a military support function to the government in Laos.
Reviewer: James E. Lee from Pleasant Hill, California
April 12, 2000 Source: Amazon dot-Com
Real truth is one of the rarest things that I have ever encountered.
Charlie Davis is my best friend. That is because he is honest and truthful to
a fault. He is also extremely intelligent, sensitive, and very articulate, in his
homespun way. If you value absolute truth, that is what you will find in his book
-- no sugar-coating and no bull (that's another reason he is my friend).
It is a very moving and satisfying experience to have a glimpse at the private thoughts of
this wonderful man. Enjoy!
Visit the Lao Veterans of America, Inc. Bookstore for rare, hard-to-find books on the subject.
For those that somehow, or rather came across this print-out from my web site,
and do not have access to the Web, but want to get your hands on these books offered
through the L.V.A. (Lao Veterans of America, Inc.) Bookstore, you may write or
telephone them at the address listed below:
Lao Veterans of America, Inc.
Attention: Bookstore
1945 N. Fine Avenue, Suite 102
Fresno, CA 93727 |
Telephone No.
(209) 252-3921
Faxes to -
(209) 252-3901 |
Email Addresses
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
|
Visit Dalley Books for an extensive list of independent book authors,
and of interesting books on Laos, the period of the Secret War -
Keyword: Laos or Hmong - returned 245 Titles...
http://www.abebooks.com/home/DALLEYBK/.
Author Look-up:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/abe/ClientQuickList.
National Geographic Society published two stories about Laos in '60/61
that referred to a
Dr. Thomas Dooley. You will find two-book
volume on his story in
his humanitarian efforts in Northern Laos,
and
how MEDICO then launched similar medical relief programs
around the world!
Suggested Title from
Dalley Book Service:
"Organizing and Managing Unconventional War in Laos, 1962-1970 (U)"
By
Douglas S. Blaufarb
Paperback Binding
A photocopied reprint in softcard cover.
Rand Studies, January 1972 $12.50
Book #LBKSP04771
An excellent declassified study by a former CIA Station Chief in Laos
on the war in Northern Laos involving the Hmong.
Also suggested by L.A.V.
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WorldNetDaily's roving international correspondent
Anthony C. LoBaido.
During the past year, LoBaido has traveled throughout Thailand and Laos,
at considerable personal risk, documenting the plight of Laos' Hmong tribesmen
-- including former CIA / Special Forces soldiers who fought side-by-side with
American soldiers during the Vietnam war. Among the most Christianized of the
hill tribes in Southeast Asia, the Hmong have been the object of great persecution
by both the Stalinist government of Laos and the Communist government of Vietnam.
But their biggest betrayal of all is still coming -- from the United States
government and the United Nations. Until now, no reporter from any other news
organization worldwide has been willing or able to document this important story.
What follows is some news articles of interest regarding the Hmong today, written
by Anthony C. LoBaido.
I salute Mr. LoBaido's correspondent efforts to make such informative stories
reality for all us veterans and non-veterans with an interest in the topics
associated with an ally such as the Hmong and their plight today.
Photo credits to
World Net Daily dot-Com
For more background rhetoric...
Don't believe the (extremist) articles on human rights towards the Hmong (above???)
Well, then - for those that find creditability in one of our nations best
publications (in any category) - National Geographic!!!
"THE HMONG OF LAOS: No place to run"
By W.E. Garrett
Senior Assistant Editor
National Geographic
Vol. 145, No. 1, January 1974, Pp 78-111
Other National Geographic Articles on Laos:
"Little Laos, Next Door to Red China,"
By Elizabeth Perazic
Vol. 117, No. 1, January 1960, pp 46-69
"Report on Laos,"
By Peter T. White and W.E. Garrett
Vol. 120, No. 2, August 1961, pp 241-275
Click on cover(s) for selected photos.
U.S. Book Ordering Details
"This novel could be called �Non-Fiction� or a �Documentary Novel�.
It is about the �Hmong� (minority tribrspeople) in the Kingdom of Laos who had to fight
to survive during the Vietnam War era. In relating its story about the hard and
difficult war the Hmong fourth in order to retain freedom, and their long plight to help
stop the Communists� aggression in Southeast Asia, the book reveals the so-called
�American�s Secret War� in detail."
"Since there are so many Hmong from Laos living in the United States at the present, and
the majority of them know no other language but English because they are born in America,
we would like to ask any interested retail bookstore to please carry the English version
of �Chao Fa� in your prestigious bookstore for us. We feel that, for the Hmong in
the United States, this book is the book that will represent them in the international
community and will inform their friends and the world of how they have come to be refugees,
have to disperse in all directions and have become permanent residents in so many countries,
from Australia, Canada, France, Japan to the United States of America."
"Other than the Hmong that should be interested in �Chao Fa�, we think that the US servicemen
who used to be stationed in Southeast Asia might also be interested as well. Most of
them know very little about the fighting in Laos since there was no U.S. military personnel
assigned to the ground operation in that country. This is a good opportunity for them
to learn what else was going on when they were fighting in Vietnam."
- [email protected]
About the Author -
Piriya Panasuwan was born in 1943 in Chiangmai, Thailand. He attended the
Prince Royal's College in his home town for the primary and secondary education, and the
Bangkok Christian College in Bangkok for his pre-university courses. He spent five
years in the United States to study music at various institutions. Upon returning
from abroad, he immediately went to work in Laos for an international volunteer organization
helping displaced people. He had to leave Laos when the situation changed in 1975.
Other than Chao Fa, Piriya Panasuwan has written 10 more novels and three of which
received the national awards. Chao Fa is his first novel that has been translated
into foreign language. Besides being a novelist, he is also a well-known translator.
Under his real name, he has translated many books and novels from the English language
into the Thai language and vice versa. The English language edition of Chao Fa is also
one of his translation works. As a translator, Piriya Panasuwan is planning to translate
another award winning novel of his by the name of "Louis, E-Kaw, and friends" into English
language. This novel is another heart breaking story about a group of Amerasian children
in post Vietnam War era that were left behind to face their own destiny alone without fathers.
U.S. Book Ordering Details
U.S. Benya Publishing House is offering you a 30% discount or $9.00 US Dollars
on your orders placed through the U.S. Manager, Ms. Jettanaporn Suwannakoon.
Including $8.00 shipping charges, please make your check payable to:
Jettanaporn Suwannakoon for the total amount of $28.95 US.
Please mail your order for "Chao Fa," the English Language version, to:
Ms. Jettanaporn Suwannakoon
Manager
Benya Publishing House
2 Greglen Ave., Suite 414
Nantucket, MA 02554
Telephone: (508) 325-5842
Email:
[email protected]
Notice: shipping charges covers both domestic and international orders.
We will also be very honored if you would visit our web site at
http://www.benyapublishing.com
to learn more about "Chao Fa" and view the cover of this book.
Your comments and/or your order are most welcome.
Sincerely,
Pongkaset
Benya Publishing House
Chiangmai, Thailand
[email protected]
"The Rescue of Bat 21" ***
Paperback Edition - 272 pages, Feb'99
$5.20
ISBN 0440226546
Usually ships within 24 hours.
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Hardcover Edition
Large Print Edition
***
Suggested reading by L.V.A. (Lao Veterans of America, Inc.) Bookstore
Reviewer: Rick (Amazon dot-Com Top 50 Reviewer) from Canberra, Australia
June 13, 1999
This was a well written and researched account which told the true story behind the numerous missions to rescue Bat-21 Bravo and other fliers downed during subsequent missions during April 1972. Firstly I must say I was amazed to read of the neglect shown in the passage of information and/or Intelligence between the American Air Force and Army. How this could come about or allow to continue amazes me considering it had some bearing on the lives of American soldiers and airmen and also on the prosecution of the war.
I was unaware of the full details of the rescue of Lt. Col. Hambleton and the role and involvement of Navy SEALS and Sth Vietmanese troops. I had only seen the movie 'Bat 21' before and figured that it portrayed the 'true' story - how wrong can you be.
I think the authors attempt to answer a number of questions in relation to the 'worth' of one man during the 1972 Easter Offensive is well done but I would recommend that readers should take the opportunity to read 'Trial by Fire' by Dale Andrade which offers a detailed and excellent account of America's last Vietnam battle and which could also place this episode in perspective.
'The Rescue of Bat 21' is a good, quick book (164 pages) to read, the narrative flows along and the story never gets bogged down. If you want to read about man's un-selfish devotion to duty and his fellow man during a terrible war this is the book to read. Well done to the author and well done to those men who played a part in this story, especially those who did not return.
A Must Read! February 8, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from Air Cav vets from Washington State, USA
Most veterans are aware of the rescue of BAT-21 (Bravo), Lt. Col. Iceal "Gene" Hambleton,
that was shot down by an enemy missile during the April '72, NVA Easter Offensive.
In the initial stages of this powerful enemy thrust into I Corp, U.S. intelligence failed
to brief U.S. personnel who were flying in the area that the enemy had crossed the DMZ and
had brought with them SAM missiles and an incredible amount of AAA fire support to provide
protection to the massive NVA armored invasion.
Brave men were caught off guard by these formidable air defenses south of the DMZ, and they
paid dearly. The earlier movie, "BAT-21," touched on some of the truth about this
rescue mission. But much of what was shown was purposely fictitious due to national
security issues. Since that time much of the information surrounding this rescue
mission has been declassified allowing the facts to be known to all for the very first time.
Author, Darrel Whitcomb, has done an incredible job of collecting files, first-hand interviews,
grid maps and photos to describe the events leading to the downing and rescue of BAT-21, and
has written about the ultimate sacrifice of those who perished or were captured in attempts to
rescue Hambleton. For example, just minutes after BAT-21 landed just south of the DMZ,
Blueghost 39 and his crewmembers of F Troop, 8th Cavalry were killed or captured when
encountering extremely heavy enemy fire when they entered the recovery area which unknowingly
was in NVA hands. Days later the entire crew of Jolly Green 67 would perish when hit by
massive enemy AAA fire as the NVA sprang a trap.
Whitcomb fluidly reports of repeated and aborted attempts to extract BAT-21 and of the cost to
the Nails, the Sandys, the Jolly Greens, the USAF, the VNAF, and ultimately the few MACSOG-80
personnel still in-country. All were involved during the course of not only rescuing
BAT-21, but other downed airmen in the immediate area during what has to be one of the most
intense -- if not THE most intense battles involving combined U.S. forces during the Vietnam
War.
"The Rescue of BAT-21" is much more than its title indicates. Whitcomb's book is also
a well researched historical look at the Easter Offensive and how the war very suddenly and
dramatically changed in the closing days of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. In
"The Rescue of BAT-21," Mr. Whitcomb has done a service to the veterans who participated and
perished on this rescue mission. He has told their story, one which needed to be told.
It is a fitting tribute to the countless brave and dedicated men who flew the air
support and rescue missions throughout the war -- often times at great personal risk and
sacrifice. From Vietnam to the rescue mission in Somalia, Darryl Whitcomb has captured
the moment in his incredible work, and warns of the "dangers of drawn-out coalition warfare
without defined objectives."
Darrel Whitcomb, who is a highly decorated veteran who served three tours himself in Southeast
Asia as a cargo and Nail FAC pilot, has captured the spirit of America's fighting men...
the 'how' and 'why' many willingly risked their lives to save even one fellow America in danger
of being captured or killed by enemy forces. This is a true story of "duty, honor &
country."
In his poignant postscript the author details the return of Blueghost 39 in 1994 and more
recently in 1997, the return of Jolly Green 67 and crewmembers who perished during this 15-day
SAR mission. All of them were buried with full military honors at Arlington National
Cemetery. They are now, finally, "home." We offer our sincere and personal thanks
to Nail 25 for writing this important work and setting the record straight. His take of
the prevailing attitudes of the aircrews in the chapter entitled 'A Long, Bitter, and
Frustrating War' were precisely on the mark. And, his 'Disconnect' chapter was
especially insightful, describing the evolution of the American experience in the war
brilliantly. We sincerely thank the author for newfound understanding and pride.
We hope many will take the opportunity to read it. For many fellow veterans this work
will be a very special addition to their collection.
Mike Austin -- Blueghost 23 Roger Young -- Silver Spur Scout C.E.
From one who was there January 25, 2000
Reviewer: John van etten from Indiana
This book is an extremely accurate history of this rescue and its heros. I was the on scene commander who arrived to find the Jolly in flames. There are other books written about this rescue but none are as accurate and well presented. The author did an excellent job in allowing a "non" military reader to understand this rescue situation without missing the power of the enviornment.
Awesome book September 7, 1999
Reviewer:
[email protected] from Pretoria, South Africa
I recently purchased this book through a South African bookstore and it rocks !
It is great book to read.
"Cleared Hot!: A Marine Combat Pilot's Vietnam Diary" ***
Paperback Edition - 328 pages, May'99
$5.59
ISBN 0312929412
Usually ships within 24 hours.
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***
Suggested reading by L.V.A. (Lao Veterans of America, Inc.) Bookstore
 Edited Reviews -
Col.Stoffey is not a writer, but then he was a military man first.
I know that most Nam Vets will agree with me that when you are in a hot spot and you hear the blades,whether it be from a chopper coming to get you or one coming with enought firepower to help you get out of the hot spot you don't care if he is a writer or not.
Negative or Disappointed Reviewers (edited) Comments -
I only wish that Col. Stoffey had had the good sense to have someone else do the writing. As it is, it comes across as self-serving, poorly fabricated, tedious task that will test even the best intentioned reader. I honestly can't believe the other reviews--avoid this book, you'll wish you had your money back!
Dear Mom A Sniper's Vietnam February 16, 2000
Reviewer: Eileen M. Kordic from United States
Very good - couldn't put it down. Gives a moving account of what he had to encounter in Vietnam. Very knowledgable for anyone wishing to learn more about marine snipers and what they endured. Touching memoir to his mother. Recommend this to anyone who wants to get a first hand account of sniper fighting in Vietnam.
The Real Vietnam form a Marine Corps Pilot's Perspective
February 6, 2000
Reviewer: Dale Stewart from Knoxville, Tennessee
After reading Col. Stoffey's account of his lengthy involvement in Vietnam you arrive at the conclusion that that this man and many like him would have won the war if given the opportunity. Every day that they were "in country," unsung acts of heroism occurred that the general public never had access to until now. Col. Stoffey's book gives new perspectives on our early and late involvement in Vietnam from the persepctive of a Marine aviator. It's battle descriptions are gripping. You can't put it down until you've finished it, and then you're sorry that its over. Well done!
"War in Laos: 1954-75"
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and "War in Laos: 1960-75"
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Note: Out of Print Books
Both books by Kenneth Conboy
See "Shadow War" (below - for another Conboy book)
Also suggested by L.A.V.
"Shadow War: The CIA's Secret War in Laos"
By Kenneth Conboy and James Morrison
464 Pages Hardcover Edition - May'95
Best price deal! $38.47
ISBN 0873648250
Usually ships within 24 hours.
Don't let this one slip by!
"One Day Too Long : Top Secret Site 85
and the Bombing of North Vietnam"
368 Pages (Hardcover Edition - Apr'99 ; Paperback will be available in June, 2000
Best price deal! $17.47 (Hardcover)
ISBN 0312963408
Paperback -
$12.76 when available!
ISBN 0231103174 (Paperback Edition - Jun'2000)
Usually ships within 24 hours.
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Background Information :
Major (General) Secord's book entitled "
Honored and Betrayed"
WARNING:
READ "ONE DAY TOO LONG.." BEFORE YOU PURCHASE ANY OTHER ACCOUNT OF LIMA 85!
I FOUND SECORD'S ACCOUNT TO BE A SELF-SERVING PORTRAYAL OF THE EVENTS
VERSUS CREDITABLE RESOURCE.
READ THE INTERNET VERSION ONLY AND COMPARE; ONLY ONE CHAPTER OF THE ENTIRE BOOK
DEDICATED TO THIS ACTION.
"Covert Ops: The CIA's Secret War in Laos"
Paperback Edition - Nov'97
Best price deal! $4.79
ISBN 0312963408
Usually ships within 24 hours.
"A must read for all veterans proud to have
served their country"
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- Military Magazine
SAME BOOK AS HARDCOVER (BELOW) "CODENAME MULE" By James E. Parker, Jr.
No Cover
"Codename Mule: Fighting the Secret War in Laos for the CIA"
(Naval Institute Special Warfare Series)
193 Pages Hardcover Edition - Aug'95
Best price deal! $24.47
ISBN 155750668X
Usually ships within 2-3 Days.
SAME BOOK AS PAPERBACK (ABOVE) "COVERT OPS" BY James E. Parker, Jr.
PERSONAL NOTE : If you do not have a tight budget, I suggest you purchase
the hard cover release, "Codename: Mule" vs. the paper back release, "Covert Ops."
I believe the photo pages are similar, may be more in the hard cover and
the print size is better, easier reading for some of us old vets... <gd&r>
PERSONAL REVIEW : I have never read a book that was so well written, down-to-earth
as Mr. Parker's personal writing style. I enjoyed it for the fact that it made me
think of similar situations and brought back more memories than I deserve to have.
Mr. Parker made it possible for me to feel like "I was there" or developed a really good
picture of the chapter, the experience.
"Shooting at the Moon: The Story of America's Clandestine War in Laos"
Paperback Edition - Jan'97
Best price deal! $14.40 *
ISBN 1883642361
Usually ships within 24 hours.
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* Bought from
Book Close Outs for $4.49 plus S&H $4.00 - Priority
(Amazon Auction Vendor "zShop")
Note: as of 26 Apr 00, I have all the above books on order.
Via Amazon (dot) Com -
shopping for these "Secret Wars" books, I was pleasantly surprised to
see (via the Amazon Auction) "zShop" a.k.a. "Book Close Outs (dot) Com
special discount offer of $4.49 (a $10 savings over Amazon (every day)
low price!)
This is the third (3rd) time I was fortunate enough, through
Amazon (dot) Com, to get a special deal - the other two were for an Out-of-Print
book and a 1983 VCR Tape Movie of "Swing Shift"!!!
The Tape was through a auction clearance by a video shop in Colorado!
My point being, with a little shopping effort, on-line, you
can get some really good "steals"!
I have provided this information especially to my fellow veterans that are
also interested in learning more about a part of the Vietnam War not known
to many. As a courtesy, set up "page links" to the specific
Amazon (dot) Com bookstore pages for each of the above books.
Tip/suggestion: when you set up an account, make sure you require all
books shipped at the same time and not individually as available to save on
the S&H (shipping and handling charges.) My personal experience has
been Amazon (dot) Com will overstate their availability, ie, 24 hours and
will ship individually, but promise to guarantee the one-shipment S&H!!!
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