The Tale Of Two Bridges And The Battle For The Skies Over North Vietnam [Illustrated Edition] (USAF Southeast Asia Monograph Series Book 1)

Illustrated with over 30 maps, diagrams and photos

This is a story of war. A parable of men and machines, of friend and foe. A drama of moves and countermoves, played out in the skies over North Vietnam and having for its backdrop two bridges — the majestic Paul Doumer and the infamous bridge at Thanh Hoa.



These bridges know well the script of war. The silent contrails high in the blue, the growing dialogue of anti-aircraft fire, the scream of engines, the thunder of bombs, all building to a crescendo. Then subsiding, only to start again in another act on another day. An old play that reopens regularly with new actors — and therein lies our tale.



The curtain went up at the Thanh Hoa Bridge in April 1965, and, as the Vietnam drama unfolded, many new players made their acting debut. Fighters named “Thunderchief” and “Phantom,” missiles known as SAMs and SHRIKEs, bombs called “Walleye” and “Smart,” and the credits go on. Wild Weasel, Jolly Green, Young Tiger, and MIG Cap — all starred in our long running play as did such names as Carolina Moon and Flaming Dart. Names that flashed brightly across the stage and then were gone.



Actors in a historical play that has now passed into history — leaving us to tell THE TALE OF TWO BRIDGES.