Bat-21

I had seen the movie first, it was enjoyable, and typically the book is better. I was able to put a face to the main character, Gene Hackman, but it was a little difficult for Danny Glover's character since he is white in the book. Since I served in Viet Nam the book was of interest to me. I was not disappointed. I served on the ground not in the air but I found it interesting and enjoyable. Especially since I have golfed one of the courses mentioned (Tucson). I was glued to the book and had a hard time putting it down. Very Good Work!!!

This is a nice little adventure story. It is about a pilot who was shot down over Northern South Vietnam during the NVA invasion of 1972. Gene Hambleton was a 53 year old navigator for an electronics aircraft. When he landed, he was smack dab in the middle of a huge concentration of NVA troops. One survelliance airplane and a rescue copter were shot down trying to retrieve him. During the course of his two week ordeal, he managed to evade capture even though he had little food and water. His story is an inspiration for those who had to deal with hardships. His rescue involved an imaginary golf course so that he could work through the enemy soldiers surrounding him. This is a nice little read, even though at times the writing sounds a little corny. I read this in less than a day. Gene Hambleton was a hero. I remember the movie starring Gene Hackman, and wish I could view that again and how it relates to the book.

I have recently met LtCol Hambleton in person. He has become a friend of mine and I enjoy every moment we have together to talk things over on his experience. He is a very interesting Gentleman. I have never met personally a person like this before, so I do cherish his friendship.Mel Lehman Usaf, Ret (1971)

BAT 21 is the true story of Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton. This story details his 2 week long struggle to avoid capture by the Vietcong. The reader gets to experience with Col. Hambleton the harrowing experience of being shot down in Vietnam and trying to avoid capture, and the thing that makes the book even better is the fact that it's true.

Lt.Col. Hambleton is a man among men. The 5 stars is for his intelligence, determination and humanity. Sir, I salute you.