Military Model Scene

Title: Vietnam War Army Helicopter Nose Art Vol.2
Author: John Brennan
Publisher: Fonthill Media
ISBN: 978-1-78155-780-8

A new release from Fonthill Media is a second volume which focuses on Vietnam War Army Helicopter Nose Art from author John Brennan. While the title tells us a lot about the book, there is actually so much more in here than simply the photos, though of course they are significant.
So, what can you expect to find in this 128-page soft-cover book. It is split into 19 sections, and these include specific ones on Attack, Cargo, Observation, Air Ambulance, Utility Helicopter, UH-1 Gunships and doesn't forget the vital work of the Maintenance teams. Lots of archive images, most in colour, and notable for a variety of quality images as the bulk of these have come from veterans who have contributed their own personal photos, rather than official 'professional' shots. So many have not been published before. Add to these there is also some nice neat colour artwork to illustrate even more. I was surprised to see the listing of as many as 500 newly rediscovered helicopter names and as many as 300 surviving AH-1 Cobras and where they are. I see many are in storage in the USA and I have to admit just how much I wish I could preserve one here in my garden in the UK, to help keep the history alive.
The other important thing I liked about this book are the stories from veterans, their experiences of taking part in the Vietnam War. Many lost friends but also lost their obviously close attachment to their helicopters. The nose art was clearly part of the connection with 'their' helos, and how difficult it was to part company with them when they were destroyed or indeed, when the individual returned home and left their machines behind. A similar attachment to machines that many of us have with their cars, but somehow an even stronger bond. Lots of detailed information within the book but the contributions from the veterans themselves I found especially moving. Excellent new book for anyone with an interest in the iconic images of US Army helicopters in Vietnam.
Thanks to Fonthill Media for our review copy.

Robin