Pen & Sword | U.S. Aviation & Naval Weapons in the Vietnam War
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Author: David Doyle
Publishing Date: 2026
ISBN: 978-1-52674-372-5 (Hardcover)
Pages: 259
I don't recall that this choice of subject has been done many times before, or at least not to this extent. This is a bold attempt to examine the wide diversity of weaponry used by US Naval forces in Vietnam, as well as the plethora of US air power subjects brought to bear during that conflict. It would seem that if it flew, we used it.
David Doyle is certainly one prolific writer, I'll give him that. I have numerous titles authored by him and enjoy each and every one.
During the Vietnam war, the US Air Force, Navy, Marines and Army all used various aircraft from their respective branches to press the war against the North. While not a complete list, some of the numerous and varied aircraft shown here are the A-1 Skyraider, A-7 Corsair II, B-52 Superfortress, A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, C-130 Hercules, C-141 Starlifter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-4 Phantom II, F-100 Super Sabre, A-37 Dragonfly, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-104 Starfighter, F-101 Voodoo, C-119 Flying Boxcar, KC-135 Stratotanker and OV-1 Mohawk. The US Navy aspect is provided in the way of photos of aircraft carriers, cruisers (both heavy and light), destroyers and battleships.
The book itself is presented in a handsome hardbound package, using good quality paper for great photo reproduction, and a thoughtful, well organized overview of air power and misc. naval vessels involved.
On a Personal Note
No mention is made of Riverine forces, nor the various helicopters (used in both assault and Medevac roles) also used during this time-frame. An old co-worker, a .50 Cal gunner on a PBR working the delta, recorded a wicked firefight between his boats and a 200 man strong group of NVA regulars which had attempted a crossing of the river one night. The resultant gunfight between the PBRs, AC gunships and Seawolf helicopters, sounded like a really bad dream (or nightmare), for the NVA guys.
Typical Photos to be Found Throughout
All in all, this volume is pretty much a "one stop shop" of data as regards US air power in Vietnam, just as the title implies.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a solid 10.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Many thanks to Casemate, it's a good presentation, offering, as it does, a sort of step-by-step of the weaponry, logistics and tactical use of massive US firepower in the war.
© Kevin Williams 2026
This review was published on Tuesday, September 22 2026; Last modified on Sunday, September 27 2026