Unknown aspect of the air war in Southeast Asia

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	• Batcats: The United States Air Force 553rd Reconnaissance Wing in Southeast Asia Jack Sikora AuthorHouse, 2003 - 167 pages average customer review:based on 5 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Batcat Veteran

When I heard that this book was going to be published, I was very eager to read it, and I was not disappointed. I served in the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing for a year and knew one of the authors; since then, I have been in touch with the other author.

This book focuses primarily on a brief history of the 553rd Wing during the Vietnam War but also includes a close look at Thai culture. Taking one without the other tends to give a narrow view of life at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, but the authors have done an excellent job in blending the two.

The mission of the 553rd was one of electronic surveillance and reconnaissance for a project that sometimes was referred to as "McNamara's Wall," a nickname for a program whose objective was to interdict the infiltration of personnel and supplies from North Vietnam into South Vietnam and Laos.

If you are interested in learning more about the electronic war effort from the Vietnam War and/or about Thai culture, religion, customs, etc., then I recommend this book.

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Unknown aspect of the air war in Southeast Asia

A very interesting short read on the 553rd. Recon. Wing by members of the squadrons. Little has been written about the 'electronic' war in Vietnam, and their story is very much the beginning of modern combat.

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BATCATS

Jack Sikora and Larry Westin provided an excellent story line as to the formation and operation of the 553rd Air Wing in its important role of air reconnaissance during the Vietnam conflict. A must read about this long safeguarded information on how the Air Wing served to support the ground effort across much of Southeast Asia.

A Most Enjoyable Book

"Batcats" is an extremely well written book about the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing flying out of Korat RTAFB. The authors managed to capture both the essence of the combat and Thai experience in a very informative and entertaining manner. I was stationed at Korat for two and a half years and can vouch for the accuracy of their recollections. Thailand was and still is a very rewarding and unique experience, one that resides deep in the hearts of all veterans that served or visited during their tour in SEA. As I read the book, I was flooded with warm memories of a time long past. A time when all military members came together to ensure successful completion of the mission, and help each other adapt to the culture "shock" of SEA. Bonds were established that have weathered the test of time and formed a brotherhood of men that the authors were able to convey with amazing clarity. Both men humbly downplay the importance of their role in the success of the mission, but I can assure you that both were valuable assets and great patriots. This book is one of those that you love to read, and feel a sense of sadness as you realize you're almost finished with it. Definitely worth a second reading.

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Was a Batcat propman

The book has a lot of maps and pictures. A perspective leaning towards the flight crews but does have the page with the prop shop goof. Talks of the places we went off duty. I enjoyed the book and have read twice.

Written by men who flew the missions and gathered together the recollections of their comrades, this is an account of the political, social, cultural, technical and combat context of an extraordinary side of the Vietnam conflict. An account touching on topics ranging from Thai supernaturalism to high tech warfare, it is also the very human story of American airmen obliged to keep heady secrets and perform demanding tasks under menacing conditions. A good read for aviation enthusiasts, students of the Vietnam War, veterans and those wishing to learn more about Southeast Asia, this book is more than a history. It is a holistic portrait of a little known and less understood aspect of the Vietnam "era."

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