Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin: A Story of the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind

During the Vietnam War, Navy Lt. William Sharp ejected from his F-8 jet and was rescued by pilots with no combat search and rescue training. Bjorkman's book combines cockiness and camaraderie with heroics to tell a riveting tale of combat rescue in the Gulf of Tonkin. It also explores the human fallout from Vietnam through Sharp's struggles with PTSD.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2020
Publisher: Potomac Books Inc

Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin: A Tale of Combat Survival and the U.S. Military's Commitment to Leave No One Behind

Unforgotten, a gripping novel by author Kristin Bjorkman, takes readers on a heart-pounding journey that unfolds over just 24 hours in 1965. The story begins with Navy Lt. William Sharp's dramatic ejection from his F-8 jet during the Vietnam War, after it is hit by enemy fire. Ejecting from a jet flying at speeds exceeding four hundred miles per hour is a perilous endeavor, with the risk of death or severe injury. However, Sharp miraculously survives, with one arm injured and rendered useless.

After landing in the water, Sharp finds himself facing armed North Vietnamese fishermen, who are determined to capture him. Despite having no formal training in combat search and rescue, the pilots in friendly aircraft valiantly defend him, distracting his captors and allowing him to escape. Bjorkman's vivid descriptions of air combat and flight bring the reader into the cockpit, providing a technical understanding of the events that unfold. She also possesses a talent for making the story come alive for both aviation enthusiasts and casual readers alike.

Unforgotten seamlessly blends the cockiness and camaraderie of Top Gun with the heroics of Sully to create a compelling tale of combat rescue in the Gulf of Tonkin. Bjorkman further enhances the narrative by providing a personalized history of the U.S. Military's unwavering credo: no man left behind. She delves into the human toll of the Vietnam War, particularly through Sharp's struggles with PTSD, adding depth and emotional resonance to the story.

Through the lens of Sharp's experiences, Unforgotten sheds light on the complexities of war and the profound impact it has on individuals. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Military to ensure the safety and well-being of its members, even in the face of extreme adversity.

Unforgotten is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction, military history, or stories of courage and resilience. Kristin Bjorkman's writing is masterful, and her portrayal of the characters and events is both compelling and authentic. This novel is a testament to the human spirit's enduring strength and the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Military to leave no one behind.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640121911