Publisher's Synopsis
The history of Southeast Asia covers the people of Southeast Asia from prehistory to the present in two distinct sub-regions: Mainland Southeast Asia (or Indochina) and Maritime Southeast Asia (or Insular Southeast Asia). Mainland Southeast Asia comprises Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (or Burma), Peninsular Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam whereas Maritime Southeast Asia comprises Brunei, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, East Malaysia, East Timor, Indonesia, Philippines, and Singapore.
Forty-eight years ago, Tom Petitmermet was assigned a Forward Air Controler in Southeast Asia supporting SOG and 5th Special Forces Group. Of his 535 sorites, Tom re-tells both humorous and dangerous experiences during Combat Search and Rescue Missions, Commando Vaults, and other declassified operations. The book gives the reader the chance to ride alongside him on airstrikes for a clear view of what it was like to fly with stacks of maps guiding him across thick, dense jungles often in severe storms. Photos taken from his Cessna 0-2A during sorties puts the reader in the seat during and after missions, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a young FAC. After a 26 year Air Force career flying fighter aircraft, Tom retired in 1995 as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the North American Defense Command (NORAD).
