Honor Denied
     by Allen Cates

     Air America flight crews, hired as civilians, but castigated as mercenaries, malcontents, and psychopaths, operated military aircraft and performed yeoman service for twenty-five years until the war in Southeast Asia ended on a rooftop in downtown Saigon. They have never been recognized for their sacrifices. Author and former Air America pilot Allen Cates cuts through the myths and subterfuge surrounding this elite stealth Air Force used by the United States to fight a secret war in Honor Denied. The culmination of Cates's years as a pilot and his in-depth research into Air America's murky past, this intense study follows his escape from rural, small-town America to the US Marines, as well as his time as an officer and pilot flying combat operations in Vietnam and rescue missions for Air America. Peppering the narrative with vivid personal details, Cates describes the background and purpose of this unique organization and then discloses the startling casualties-both those killed in action and those wounded and injured with permanent disability. He shines the light on their cause, long hidden from the general public, and reveals how these brave men and women were denied recognition and benefits by those who knew the truth, including the US President, secretaries of state and defense, and even the director of the CIA. Proud, yet never boastful, Honor Denied tells a story that needs to be told-and heard.

To purchase, please visit Amazon or Barnes & Noble or www.honor-denied.com

A message from Link Luckett:  "There is a book out now in paperback called The God Machine.  Please see the web site about this book here:  http://www.thegodmachine.us/

The book makes frequent mention of me and my flying career before Viet Nam. Its good reading in general and should be widely available since now in paperback.  Best regards to all, Link"

Book Review of Alfred McCoy's The Politics of Heroin in Southeast Asia by James Quigley

(Also available online is the text of McCoy's book)

Flight of the Erawan

John Wiren was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. A graduate of Omaha south high he earned nine athletic letters in football, basketball, baseball and track. He played two years of professional baseball before entering the military service as a naval aviation cadet. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps and served a total of four and one-half years on active duty, followed by service in reserve squadron at Olathe, Kansas while returning to the University of Omaha to complete his education. He later served with the secret service in Dallas, Texas prior to his involvement with Air America in Southeast Asia.  He holds a BA in foreign trade.

Following his service with Air America, he flew for Inter-Mountain aviation on the North Slope of Alaska, Royal Air Lao, Global Associates on Kwajalein Island, Aero Union (fire fighter), Dominicana Airlines, Air Yemen, Singapore Airlines, for the Saudi intelligence as chief pilot, personal pilot for the Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, personal pilot for Prince Walid bin Talah. He ended his aviation career with the Federal Aviation Administration, first as an aviation safety inspector and then as an instructor at the FAA academy in Oklahoma City.  Following his retirement, he now resides with his wife, Carolyn, in Mountain Home, Arkansas. 

Spies in the Himalayas On October 16, 1964 China tested a nuclear weapon in Xinjiang. Other channels of spying could yield only limited information. The book Spies in the Himalayas by MS Kohli and Kenneth Conboy is the account of the joint RAW-CIA efforts to place a permanent electronic intelligence (Elint) device powered by a nuclear fuel cell, a device that could detect and report data on future nuclear tests. The first attempt to place such a device on the Nanda Devi, under the cover of a mountaineering expedition failed as the team had to retreat in the face of adverse conditions after having hauled the device to just short of the peak. When another Kohli led expedition returned the following year to recover the device, it was found to be missing.... Visit here for more information

NAM-A-RAMA: A Novel Phillip Jennings is a decorated Marine Corps Captain who served three years in Vietnam and Laos, including flying for Air America, and then worked for the CIA. Like Heller and Hooker, he did his duty, but he did it with his eyes open. Now, transformed by his wild imagination, he shows us what he saw. Never before has the insanity of the Vietnam war been so scathingly and entertainingly depicted. Visit the website

Fourth Uncle in the Mountain: A Memoir of a Barefoot Doctor in Vietnam has already received acclaim in the academic world, from documentary film director Ken Burns, from the renowned Dr. Leon Hammer in the filed of Asian Traditional Medicine, from Cornell University Professor of Vietnamese Cultural Studies Keith Taylor, and The Yale Journal for Humanities in Medicine.

Across the Mekong.  Charles O. Davis.  Charlie provides a deeply personal view of his life as an Air America pilot. Order direct from Charlie for $28 including shipping. PO Box 19031 - Alexandria, VA 22320

Air America (motion picture review).  Time, v. 136 (Sept. 10 1990): 82.  "Director Roger Spottiswoode's Air America has been criticized for its distorted portrayal of historic events. Air America, the CIA-run airline that brought arms and supplies to anti-Communist forces in Indochina during the Vietnam War, is depicted in the movie as a front for heroin smuggling condoned by the CIA as a way of funding America's secret war in Laos. According to articles in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, this version of the events is a disservice to the real-life pilots of Air America and to the historical record. Air America screenwriter John Eskow argues that the film is not a documentary and doesn't advertise itself that way. Films help shape people's view of history, however, and the distortion of sensitive issues cannot be justified by calling it creative."  

Air America (Revision).  Christopher Robbins. Asia Books - Link to Supplier http://www.asiabooks-thailand.com/newasiabooksonline/NewsArr/newsarr.asp

Air America.  Christopher Robbins. Avon Books - 1790 Broadway - New York, NY 10019. http://www.dcothai.com/books/airamerica.htm

Air America' Flies into Pilots' Flak. Diana West.  Insight, v.6, n. 37, (September 10, 1990): 60-61.  "A number of pilots who flew missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era are disgruntled with "Air America," a comedy film that is depicting pilots from that era as frequently running drugs.   Pilots say the movie is not an accurate portrayal."

Air America Replays the CIA's War in Laos.  Christopher Robbins.  Robbins supplies the history the film leaves out."  Vogue, v. 180 (Aug. 1990): 216+.  "Director Roger Spottiswoode's film Air America is overblown and historically inaccurate. The script concerns American servicemen in Laos during the CIA's secret war there. It presents a muddled conspiracy theory that implies that the war was fought to gain control of the country's poppy fields. The film's attempt to make a comedy out of the war is objectionable, particularly when one considers the realities of the war that are not presented by the film."

Air America The Story of the CIA's Secret Airlines.  Christopher Robbins.  (Hardback) Printed in 1979 by G.P. Putnam's Sons - 200 Madison Avenue - New York, NY 10016.

Air America:  Flying the U.S. into Laos.  Peter Dale Scott.  Ramparts, Feb. 1970.

Air Commando One: Heinie Aderholt and America's Secret Air Wars.  Warren A. Trest. Brigadier General Harry C. "Heinie" Aderholt worked at the heart of both USAF and CIA special operations worldwide. In 1964 he became commander of the famed First Air Commando Wing, fighting to build up special operations capabilities for both American and South Vietnamese airmen. In 1966-67 he and his men set the record for interdicting the flow of enemy trucks over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos and North Vietnam.  This first biography of Heinie Aderholt, "Air Commando One" tells the story of a renowned leader of counterinsurgency operations. The book also integrates USAF and CIA accounts of some of the most pivotal events of the past fifty years.  The book will be available sometime in May and can be ordered from BG Aderholt, 25 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548. Tel. (850) 243-0442, Fax (850) 243-3568, email - heinieac@gnt.net. $31.00 includes postage and handling. Cash or money order only.

At War in the Shadow of Vietnam: United States Military Aid to the Royal Lao Government, 1955-75.   Timothy N. Castle.  Columbia University Press.  $47.50 Paper back versions are available for $16.00. To order call 1-800-944-8648.

Baret Jingga: The First Airborne Force in Indonesia.  Ken Conboy. (English language tranlation), Gramedia, 2000.

Barley & Kohlrabi.  Steve Wurtz.  This is the story of Steve's experiences as a POW in Germany.  No price or ordering information available but you can contact Steve at 14623 Trading Post Rd. - Sun City West, AZ - 85375

China Hands.  James Lilley with Jeffery Lilley.  Public Affairs 417 pages.  $30.00.  This is the memoirs of a covert agent and diplomat in the Far East from the 1950's through the Vietnam War.  This book was reviewed in the Wall Street Journal May 6, 2004. 

China Pilot.  Felix Smith.  Felix became one of the first pilots of CAT, the story is about fearless pilots such as the legendary James "Earthquake Magoon" McGovern, killed flying supplies to the French forces at Dien Bein Phu. It is about determined women such as Sue Buol, who fought five years to force the communist Chinese to release her pilot husband, only to see him die eight months after his release.  For an autographed copy send $24.95 plus $3 shipping to: Felix Smith - 12600 W. Prospect Dr. New Berlin, WI 53151.

The CIA's Secret War in Tibet. Ken Conboy. University Press Kansas, 2002.

Classified Secret: Controlling Air Strikes in the Clandestine War in Laos.  Jan Churchill.  Well illustrated with many good photos and contains many individual stories. It deals with the air war in Laos, featuring Air America, CASI, and the usual set of main players (Pop, Tony, Lair, etc). $30.00 postage included. Order from Jan Churchill, POB 32, New Castle, DE 19720. Tel. (302)325-2718 or email - janfly02@aol.com.

Code Name Mule:  Fighting the Secret War in Laos for the CIA.   James E. Parker, Jr.  The story covers Jim Parkers role in the Laotian War as an agency case officer.  The book covers a five year time frame. $27.95 plus $4 shipping. River Kwai Collection - Box 9 - Pinehurst, NC 28370 - Fax 910-295-8909

Commandos and Spies:  How America Lost the Secret War in North Vietnam. Ken Conboy. University Press Kansas, 2000.

Elite Forces of India and Pakistan. Ken Conboy. Osprey Press, 1992.

Feet to the Fire:  CIA Covert Operations in Indonesia 1957-58.  Ken Conby & James Morrison. The first detailed story of the Eisenhower administration's operation to unseat the left-leaning Sukarno government. The book is a veritable case study of all the intricate aspects of the program. CAT/Air America readers should find the air portions particularly interesting. That effort includes focus on the American and Polish crews flying arms and supply drops as well as attack strikes; the Filipino P-51 Mustang pilots; and the involvement of the Chinese Nationalist civilian and military aircrews. Naval Institute Press - ISBN 1-55750-193-9, $28.95 Available after November 16, 1999. Telephone (410) 268-6110.

Flying Tiger Joe's Adventure Story Cookbook.  Joe Rosbert.  This is an autobiography with great recipes.  The cookbook may be ordered direct from Joe for $21.45 including postage. 22022 Cimarron Pky.  Apt. 1080, Katy, TX  77450-3438.

Full Throttle.  John Deakin.  Tells his stories — from flying goods back and forth to Central America in a B-25 at the age of 19 to flying for Air America and later Japan Airlines, where he became the world's highest-time 747 Captain. LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Each copy of Full Throttle will be signed by John Deakin at no extra charge. Order your signed copy of this great book by calling  (888) 362-7123  
Chris and Walt Darran 351 Idyllwild Circle, Chico, CA 95928 Phone (530) 898-0792 Cell (530) 518-1437

Himalayan Rouge:   A Pilot's Odyssey.  Peter Gourtiere.  Peter is an associate member of CAT, and this is his autobiography.  $34.95 including postage - Turner Publishing Co. - PO Box 3101 - Paducah, KY 42002-3101.

Hollywood Goes to War. (Attacks on motion picture Air America) John Eskow.  Esquire, v. 114 (Dec. 1990): 168-70.  "The writer and co-producer of Air America recount the controversy the film caused when it was released in August 1990. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal printed allegations that the film was inaccurate in its depiction of the CIA's involvement with the opium trade in Laos during the Vietnam War. It was eventually discovered that Christopher Robbins's book Air America, on which the film was loosely based, had been revised to eliminate references to the CIA's drug involvement."

Honored & Betrayed.  Richard Secord.  This book is still available in some bookstores. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN 0-471-57328-0 $24.95.

Intel: Inside Indonesia's Intelligence Service. Ken Conboy. Equinox Press, 2003.

Kopassus: Inside Indonesia's Special Forces. Ken Conboy. Equinox Press, 2003.

Last Man Out.  James "Mule" Parker. On May 2, 1975, two days after the US Embassy in Saigon was evacuated, Jim was still in Vietnam, still at war. He was the last man evacuated. Autographed copies can be ordered from the above address for $23.95 plus $4 shipping.

The North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong. Ken Conboy. Osprey Press, 1991.

One Day Too Long - Top Secret Site 85 and the Bombing of North Vietnam.  Timothy N. Castle.  A saga of courage, cover-up, and intrigue this book tells how, in a shocking betrayal of trust, for thirty years the U. S. Government has sought to hide the facts and now seeks to acquiesce to perfidious Vietnamese explanations for the disappearance of eleven good men.  Columbia University Press $24.95 Cloth. To order call 1-800-944-8648.

Out of Laos:  A Story of War & Exodus.  Told in Photographs by Roger Warner. Order direct from Roger Warner - 171 Argilla Rd. - Ipswich, MA 01938 $20 plus $2 for shipping in the US.

Out There Beyond Beyond.  Edward W. Ulrich with Lany M. Lake.  The author served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a flight instructor in the B-26 Martin. He worked with Air America for 14 years as Chief Pilot and Base Manager. Alliance Press $9.99 Postpaid in the USA from Captain Ed Ulrich - 145 Buhl Blvd. - Sharon, PA 16146. Tel. (724)347-2178 or Email ewulrich@infonline.net. Due out in May.

Perilous Missions: Civil Air Transport and CIA covert operations in Asia.  William. Leary.  This book  is out of print but you may order one from the used book section of amazon.com, or order a new paperback, with a new preface, from Smithsonian Institution Press for $29.19 including shipping.

Pioneer Aviator in China.  Max Springweiler. This book is about early aviation in China and the experiences of Max Springweiler. It provides the reader a better understanding of how CAT evolved and may represent a forward for all the other books about CAT and Air America in South East Asia.. This English translation is jointly published by the daughters of Max Springweiler, Jerry Fink and the Associations of CAT and Air America. The proceeds of this book go to the endowment fund for the Archives of CAT/Air America held at the University of Texas at Dallas. It was translated from German by Dr. Larry Sall. $30.00 CAT/AirAmerica Archives University of Texas at Dallas Richardson Texas 75083 sall@utdallas.edu.

Project Coldfeet.  William Leary.  Availabe from Naval Institute Press. $27.95. Call 1-800-233-8764.

Sticky Situations (Stories of Childhood Adventures Abroad) by Leigh Platt Rogers

A unique collection of autobiographical stories of life overseas as the daughter of a CIA agent. Surviving eleven years of living in Europe and Southeast Asia, Leigh Rogers captures the reader’s attention with entertaining, witty and insightful accounts of the adventures and "sticky situations" she and her family experienced.  

Sticky Situations is available for $11.95 by ordering directly from the author. Also, for those wishing to contribute a small contribution to the Humane Society for the care and protection of animals, if you pay $12.00 for the book, the additional 5 cents per book sale will be a donation. 

The book will also be available for purchase through Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.