Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam

It is required by law that I give this book a five star review. After all, I've known Mike virtually all of my life and am proud that he is my friend. We attended school together in his (and my) hometown of Tipp City, Ohio. Most of our group barely cracked a book, created harmless mischief, and had fun doing all of those things you would expect of the last naive 50's & 60's generation. The story you will read here is honest and true. It reflects not only Mike's story but those of countless others whose stories may never be told. Mike will insist that he is not a war hero so I will not call him one here. I'm just glad he made it back alive.

I am puzzled as to why this book has not been front and center in the Kerry-Bush debate. Although it does not take a political stand, it does cover thoroughly the character of the men who served in the unpleasantness of 1962 to 1975. Frankly, I am not sure it would make either candidate look good as it emphasizes the sterling qualities of those who actually served in Vietnam, and for more than a few weeks: those who lived day-to-day, crosing off each day lived-through and hoping for more. I had the great fortune to hear the authors speak recently and I have included here in my commentary from another web site. I can only hope that this book will outlive the political season and will offer more than a triumphant footnote to the contentious debate of late. I have just purchased additional copies for several friends who do not seem to understand what Vietnam was or who the men were who fought and died there. We had the good fortune to not only read this powerful book but hear its authors speak at a recent book event. There are many very good books about Vietnam. This is the best we've ever read from a personal perspective. Mike Jackson's warmth, humor and vitality helps you see how the average Joe adapts to combat and to the military in general. As good as the book is, it would make an even better movie. It is written in a manner that paints very clear images and holds your attention with every sentence. Listening to this couple speak is also a wonderful experience. Their conviction and patriotism rings very true. They have an entertaining back and forth routine that is both funny and sweet. Reading the book and hearing them speak is almost a celebration, something that is long overdue for America's vietnam veterans.

It is hard to admit that I never thought too much about Vietnam veterans or the whole Vietnam experience, except to believe what I saw in movies like Platoon or TV shows where it seems like the men who served in Vietnam are always troubled or haunted. I was raised to respect the men who fought in World War II and even those who went to Korea but Vietnam was something different. It was drugs and low lifes and torture. I never thought that the men who served there could have been brave or patriotic or all-around good guys. This book by Jackson and Dixon-Engle has given me an entirely new opinion of the soldiers of Nam. I feel stupid that it never occured to me that I wasn't getting the whole story. Like so many, I guess I only accepted what I was fed by newsmen and protesters. I don't remember much of Vietnam but I remember the aftermath and I remember always being very hesitant about meeting men who identified themselves as Vietnam veterans. I guess I was always waiting for them to snap. Naked In Da Nang makes me ashamed of that point of view and very proud of the young men who served during such a negative time. I will recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It has more heart and depth than just about anything I've ever read. It is like a love letter to the men who served, but not in an overly emotional way. Just the plain truth and one soldier's unique but typical (I would guess) experiences. Wonderful. I plan to reread it before I let my family borrow it. Great work to the authors. I will remember this story always.

Naked in Da Nang eliminates extraneous political discussion and opens a new debate: who are the boys we send to war and who are the men they become? What do the fires of conflict do to a man's psyche and how does he grow and change? This book makes no bones about the fact that combat changes a man, and its author freely admits that some of those changes are not for the better, but he also dispels the myth of the Vietnam veteran as damaged property. Jackson and his coauthor skillfully present a very simple but deeply moving account of a young man's journey from his midwestern "cocoon" toward an uncertain future that includes fear, trauma and a disabling injury. That you laugh through much of the book does not diminish its power. In fact, Jackson's self-inflicted humor seems to sharpen the impact of this brilliant memoir. Naked is as well written as anything on the market, and better than most. These two authors have done what once seemed impossible, they have made the men who fought in Vietnam seem like regular folks. Suddenly you see these men as true heroes, who not only answered their nation's call but did so at a time when it was exceedingly unpopular on the home front. Jackson and DixonEngle have painted the SEA veteran with a "greatest generation" brush and it makes for a surprisingly accurate and long overdue picture!

Mike Jackson and Tara Dixon Engle have written a book that gives readers a look at the individual warrior's take on combat. We not only ride alongside Jackson through his topsy-turvy Air Force adventures, we actually crawl into his head and begin to understand that soldiers are moved and motivated by the same emotions that influence us all. What a wonderful message to send to those who do not understand the military mindset. These two show the readers through humor and insight the innermost workings of a soldier's mind. Thus it dawns on the reader that they might react similarly in a similar situation. By allowing his thoughts and emotions to be laid bare, Mike Jackson has done a tremendous service to our military. He has proven that one can be a career soldier, a human being and a combat veteran, all coexisting within one normal, rational and decent individual. These two need to write more books that create such a profound emotional connection between soldiers and "real" people. They have deveoped a formula that can and should lead to greater understanding. Bravo.