BOOK  REVIEW

TAILHOOKER

WILLIARD G. DELLICKER

 

I am quite impressed by Bill Dellicker's book chronicling his service as a carrier combat pilot during the Viet-Nam war.  As a fellow Navy Veteran of this time period, I felt some of the same emotions that we all experienced having to deal with the specter of the draft in our early life. This was an interruption of plans and hopes for millions of young men at the time.

 

Bill relates his experiences from applying to the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, through training, and finally serving three tours of duty as a combat pilot.  He also chronicles his meeting of his future wife and her loyalty while he was away for long tours of duty. He is a very fortunate man and he acknowledges that fact.

 

He relates many details about his aircraft, his missions, and his close bonds with his fellow aviators. Bill also relates his disappointment with our political leaders and fellow citizens back home. We all were doing what was expected of  us, by family and society. I often felt these same emotions, and still do today, when our servicemen are sent into harms way without the support of political leaders.

 

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who served in war. It is important reading for young people of today, who did not have to face conscription. It is a historical chronicle that is a worthwhile record of the times.

 

Bill Dellicker was a reluctant warrior who accepted his fate and served with honor.  Like all servicemen, he realizes how Faith in God and Family back home were essential to keep him going.

 

This book is available on Amazon.com for a very reasonable price.