The Untold Story Of The Air Raids Over North Vietnam: Unveiling the Courage and Controversies

The conflict in Vietnam was one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. While much has been written about the ground operations, guerrilla warfare, and protests back home, the untold story of the air raids over North Vietnam remains hidden from public discourse.

The Start of the Air War

It all began in early 1965 when the United States officially launched sustained bombing campaigns against North Vietnam. Known as Operation Rolling Thunder, these air raids aimed to halt the flow of supplies to the Viet Cong in the South and persuade North Vietnam to negotiate a peace settlement.

The air raids were a massive show of force, with a wide range of aircraft involved, from B-52 bombers to F-4 Phantom fighters. American pilots, many barely out of their teens, embarked on dangerous missions, braving anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles.

Linebacker: The Untold Story of the Air Raids over North Vietnam

by Karl J. Eschmann(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Strategic Targets

The targets selected were crucial to North Vietnam's war effort. Key bridges, roads, railways, supply depots, and military installations were prime targets. The objective was to cripple the enemy's infrastructure and disrupt their supply lines, thereby weakening their ability to carry on the fight.

However, the strikes were not limited to military targets alone. Many areas with suspected Viet Cong presence were also hit, leading to a significant loss of civilian lives. The moral implications of these strikes would later fuel public debate and anti-war movements around the world.

Challenges and Controversies

Launching air raids over North Vietnam was not without challenges. The geographical location, harsh weather conditions, and well-coordinated enemy defenses made these missions extremely hazardous.

One of the most notorious challenges encountered was the deployment of surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Soviet-made SA-2. These missiles were capable of taking down aircraft at high altitudes, leaving pilots vulnerable in an unforgiving landscape characterized by dense jungles and mountains.

Moreover, the use of Agent Orange, a toxic defoliant, has been a lasting controversy. The intent was to clear jungles to expose enemy positions, but the long-term environmental and health consequences affected both Vietnamese civilians and American soldiers.

The Stories of Heroism

Among the grim realities and controversies, the story of heroism and sacrifice emerges. The air raids saw numerous acts of bravery demonstrated by American pilots who risked their lives day in and day out. These pilots often flew multiple missions in a single day, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience.

Their tales resonate with the spirit of camaraderie amongst the pilots, each understanding the immense task at hand. Little recognition was given for their efforts, overshadowed by the controversial nature of the entire Vietnam War.

The Aftermath and Legacy

By the end of Operation Rolling Thunder in 1968, the air raids had dropped approximately 643,000 tons of bombs on North Vietnam. Despite the scale of destruction, the intended results were not fully achieved. North Vietnamese resilience and resourcefulness rendered the bombing campaign ineffective in achieving the desired political outcomes.

The air raids over North Vietnam left behind a mixed legacy. The human and environmental costs continued to shape the region for years to come. It also highlighted the changing nature of warfare and propelled the development of new air defense systems.

The untold story of the air raids over North Vietnam sheds light on the complexities of war, the bravery of those involved, and the moral questions that arise during times of strife. It's a story that deserves to be heard, reminding us of the courage and sacrifices made in the name of a cause, and the lessons we must learn from it.

Linebacker: The Untold Story of the Air Raids over North Vietnam

by Karl J. Eschmann(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1655 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Twelve days that shook the world. The beginning of the end.

In late 1972, the Vietnam peace talks were stalled, with the war at perhaps its most crucial point. The United States was searching for a way to strangle North Vietnam’s war-waging capabilities by shutting down its supply pipelines in order to force it back to the negotiating table.

The solution: Linebacker II, a massive, intricately coordinated twelve-day assault by over 700 combat aircraft against vital targets around Hanoi and Haiphong, enemy cities heavily guarded by MiGs, SAM missiles, and radar-guided anti-aircraft.

Here is an unprecedented look at one of the most critical campaigns of modern air warfare, documented in rich, fascinating detail. It is told in the vividly personal words of the pilots and crews who flew the missions — men who dramatically helped to end the American role in the Vietnam conflict and to bring the POWs home.

Praise for Linebacker :

'Military buffs will appreciate this minutely detailed report of the American bombing raids over North Vietnam and the daring helicopter rescues' – Publishers Weekly

Karl J Eschmann graduated from Texas A&M University in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, and a Master’s Degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Logistics Management in 1989. As a Second Lieutenant in 1972-73, he was a flight line maintenance officer responsible for two squadrons of F-4E Phantom IIs during the Linebacker I & II air offensives, as well as the Cambodian and Laotian campaigns. Since then he has had a distinguished air force career. He retired as a Full Colonel in 1998.