Scheiding trained as a fighter pilot and volunteered to go to Vietnam. He had heard that volunteers could have a choice in what they did in the war, whereas those who didn’t volunteer got stuck with whatever job the military decided to give them. In Vietnam, Scheiding flew a prop plane that he used as a spotter and to coordinate the airstrikes both from flying aircraft and artillery. He served with distinction, and his actions saved many lives. Also, he helped train young pilots coming into the theater of war. As a result, he was awarded multiple medals for his service. When he returned to the States, he earned a master’s degree in engineering and enjoyed a long career in the Air Force.

Scheiding’s writing is precise, and he gives interesting details about his experiences in Vietnam and the difficulties he faced when he returned home to a country that had undergone political and cultural changes while he was serving. In addition, he expertly details a return trip when he was with a group tasked to find out what caused a C-5 A aircraft carrying U.S. embassy personnel along with almost 250 children and infants to crash. He also candidly discusses the changes to military goals, which he attributes to the interference of politicians. The author provides a healthy number of photographs and other addendums that add appeal. Readers interested in Vietnam, and particularly in the role of the Air Force, will find plenty to digest in the author’s book.

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