Despite there being books all over the place with artwork on pretty much every aircraft since WWI, the helicopter in Vietnam has been largely ignored. Sure, we see some decal sheets trickle out from time to time as when a book on a specific type is published, we may see a smattering of the artwork put on these aircraft. However, there has not been a book that has dedicated itself to this subject until now.

Stackpole books has produced a volume that has literally hundreds of Vietnam War helicopter artwork. Just like their USAF counterparts, putting art work on these aircraft ranged from simply names to some pretty incredible material. Unlike WWII, nude art was severely frowned upon and there is only a single example that lasted long enough to be recorded. Still, the work that was put on these helicopters is very much a reflection of the times. As a person of a certain age, I recognize each and every one of these slogans and most of the art, as frequently the artist will reach into his current culture for inspiration.

As you can see from the few images provided from the cover and the back of the book, the work was often quite complex and frequently quite revealing.  It very much seems that when at war, those who did the artwork would generally consider themes that are related to the job at hand. This all shows through in the works in this book. So does the popular culture and the political situation of the time.

The author went through thousands of images drawn from thousands of inputs, much of it from the men flying, maintaining, or painting the aircraft in the photo. Dividing the book by aircraft type, we see what was applied to all the helos that fought in Vietnam, which includes the AH-1 Cobra, H-21, H-47, H-54, OH-6 Loach as well as the UH-1 gunship and the more standard UH-1 Huey. Medevac and dustoff types are covered as well. In fact, the only type not included is the H-58, but perhaps that is because it wasn't in combat enough to be decorated. There is also a section of the work that has been saved, most of it by the artists, and darn little of it at that.

It makes for a superb reference book for some, a look back at our youth for others, and a look into an important part of America's history for others. It is a book that I completely enjoyed browsing through and reading. A book that I can unreservedly recommend for you.

December 2012

Review book courtesy of www.stackpolebooks.com where you can get yours.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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