North Sar: A Novel of Navy Combat Pilots in Vietnam

by Gerry Carroll

Book Overview

A powerful first novel in the bestselling spirit of Flight of the Intruder--a dramatic and vivid recreation of the air war in Vietnam from one of the war's most decorated combat veterans. Chock full of the real stuff.--Stephen Coonts. The best first novel I have ever read.--Tom Clancy.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671731823
• ISBN13: 9780671731823
• Release Date: November 1991
• Publisher: Pocket Books
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.6" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

AWESOME!

As a civilian pilot I always wondered what my father experienced as an A-7 pilot in Vietnam. This incredible book puts you right the cockpit. He doesn't assume your an idiot and skim over the techical details of the experience, rather he does an excellent job of explaining them in short but accurate words. I finally now understand what my dad was talking about when he'd shout "DEAD BUG" at the table. :)

A book that recalls the stress of rotorhead SAR

North SAR has refreshed for me the memory of the Navy and Marine Corps pilots who daily flew SAR duty off the coast of the RVN. LCDR Carroll's images of sweat-soaked pilots and crews, gorgeous expanses of green jungles and sparkling, reflective rice paddies, and the odor of jet fuel, and burned flesh are powerful for this former Navy doctor, who served on an LPH in the Northern I Corps in 1967. I appreciate Mr. Carroll's sharing of the sounds, sights and smells of Southeast Asia with us.The radio frequencies, procedures( click,click ) and call signs rang my bells. I am sad to learn of his passing. I would have have wanted to hear a bit more about Olongapo, Subic,Okinawa, and Clark from him. I have read the book twice since finding it, and will doubtless return to it. Peace, from me to you, Gerry Carroll, Mike Santy, Tim Boyle, Pete Wilson and Andy Fisher.

A masterpiece by the man who had "been there, done that".

It is difficult to limit this to "content alone" as a part of myself was in this book as well as the two Gerry Carroll books which followed to complete the trilogy. I got the book directly from Gerry when he was at a book signing not far from his home in Southern Maryland. I'll not forget the pain it caused when I read of his untimely death on September 30, 1993. This young author and ex-Naval Aviator was able to express himself in ways that put the reader in the cockpit of the SAR helo, and make them feel the urgency of the mission. I flew SAR missions myself and could feel, smell and hear all the action so well written by Gerry Carroll. This first novel is only the beginning of an exciting adventure for the reader. The subsequent books do not lose any of that excitement, as so often happens with sequels. Gerry is not forgotten here in Southern Maryland. We are proud to have known him, even briefly. At Christmas time one can drive by his house in the evening and see a replica of his SH-3A SAR helicopter, brightly decorated and lit, on the roof. He comes home for Christmas. Read this, and all of Gerry's books for a real good look at an area of Naval Aviation seldom visited; you'll not regret it, nor ever forget it. cannotexprss