Editor's Note: Daring dogfights in the air over the Ho Chi Minh trail are contained this riveting tale of combat, loss and love from G.E. Nolly!
It was over before I was ready for the book to endam looking forward to more adventures with "Hamfist" Hamilton.
Book Description: Air Force pilot Hamilton Hancock has volunteered for Vietnam, and soon finds himself flying over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in the slowest, smallest aircraft in the Air Force inventory - the O-2A. As he battles an enemy gunner with a deadly record, he must also battle his personal demons, as his friends are lost in combat. His life finally starts to take a turn for the better as he discovers his soul-mate while on R&R. But first, he must make it home from Vietnam alive.
Readers who enjoy Mark Berent, Stephen Coonts, James Michener will like HAMFIST OVER THE TRAIL.
Author's Inspiration: This novel was inspired by my experiences as an O-2A Forward Air Controller (FAC) in Vietnam, flying over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Most of the stories in the book are based on actual events.
Actor Who Would Play the Main Character: Jake Gyllenhall
From the Book: There were a few letters from cousins and other relatives. The Mortuary Affairs Officer told me that, under no circumstances, should I be the person to inform any relatives of Mitch's status, so I just put the letters in the box with his clothing, to later send to his next-of-kin.
There was a letter from a girl, I couldn't tell if it was his girlfriend or just a friend from college. I sent the form letter of notification to her, along with my contact information.
Finally, there was a letter from his mother. It had been written on December 28th, three days after we left for Vietnam. It was written in real ink, not ballpoint pen, with the kind of careful cursive script that indicated the letter had meant a lot to the author:
“My Dearest Son,
Words can't describe how proud your father and I are of you. You were always the one we counted on whenever we needed anything. I know it wasn't easy for you to help us on Second Lieutenant pay, and we really appreciate it.
Your sister really feels bad about the way she treated you right before you left. I don't think she really meant all the things she said, I think her boyfriend put some of those anti-war ideas in her head. Right after you left, she got in a big argument with him and broke up with him, and I heard he ran off to Canada. Good riddance, I say. She's better off without him. She said she's planning to write to you soon. She wants to send you some cookies she's planning to bake, but she's worried they might go stale before they get to you. What do you think?
We love you very much. We think of you every day, and we pray for your safe return every night. Please stay safe!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy”
I put down the letter from Mitch's mother and cried uncontrollably.
Get the Free Kindle eBook Now ➤
This book is free 3/30.
G.E. Nolly
George Nolly served two tours of duty in Vietnam, the first flying the O-2A featured in this book, the second flying the F4 Phantom II over North Vietnam. George served 11 years in the Air Force, then became a pilot for United Airlines. During his 5-year furlough from United, he spent another six years as an Air Force pilot. After his retirement from United, he flew B-777s for Jet Airways in India for three years. He has Master of Science Degrees in Systems Management and Education, and has a Doctor of Business Administration Degree, specializing in Homeland Security. He is currently a Flight Instructor in the B-777 and B-787.
Favorite Food: I'm not a vegetarian, but I avoid most meat. Basically, I don't eat anything that knew its mother - lamb, cow, deer, pig, etc. I eat lots of fish and poultry, as well as vegetables.
Favorite Place to Write: Most of my writing is done in my head while I walk my dog, Rocky. Then I sit down for several hours and it all spills out, thousands of words at a time. I wrote the second sequel to this book in 29 days. I just let the story percolate inside me until it has to come out. Writing the Hamfist Trilogy has been very cathartic. At some point I'd like to return to Vietnam and put some ghosts to rest.
Favorite Music: My favorite music is oldies from the sixties and anything by Frank Sinatra.
Favorite TV show: Television-wise, I'm a news junkie. Most of the time I'm home I'm watching either the news channels or financial shows. In the evening I love to watch reruns of King of Queens and Frasier.
http://www.genolly.com/
Connect with G.E.: