Rolling Thunder is an historical novel about the CRIPPLING role politics played during the Vietnam War. Its characters range from men in the field to the Pentagon and the White House. Fighter pilots and Special Forces warriors try to do their best but are hampered by President Johnson, Secretary of Defense McNamara, and their staff members who despise the military. Only one aging USAF general, who fought in Korea and WWII, is on their side. His clashes with his Commander in Chief, Lyndon Johnson, are epic in proportion and startling in content. In Rolling Thunder, the time is late 1965 and 1966 in war zone places such as Saigon, Hanoi, Bien Hoa, Da Nang, and Tahkli. While back in Washington, LBJ sits over lunch and personally picks bombing targets in an attempt to fight a limited war. In Vietnam the war knows no limits. There, as the hostilities escalate, the fates of three men intertwine: USAF Captain Court Bannister, overshadowed by a famous movie star father who fought in WWII as a B-17 gunner, driven to confront missiles, MiGs, and nerve-grinding bombing raids in order to prove his worth to his comrades -- and to himself...Air Force First Lieutenant Toby Parker, fresh from the States, who hooks up with an intelligence unit for a lark, and quickly finds his innocence buried away by the lessons of war...and Special Forces Colonel Wolf Lochert, who ventures deep into the jungle to rescue a downed pilot -- only to discover a face of the enemy for which he is unprepared. Four airline stewardesses, who fly the civilian MAC contract flights that bring American soldiers to and from the war zone in Vietnam, have difficult love affairs with G.I.s and fighter pilots. After one flight they come under attack while on an airbase. Young American G.I.s are cursed and taunted as they return to the United States. Through their eyes, and those of many others -- pilots, soldiers, lovers, enemy agents, commanders, politicians, profiteers -- Rolling Thunder shows us Vietnam as few other books have, or can. Berent captures all the intensity and drama of that searing war, and more, penetrates to the heart and soul of those who fought it. Rolling Thunder rings with authenticity.
Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of war and politics with Mark Berent's "ROLLING THUNDER: An Historical Novel of War and Politics." Immerse yourself in a world of intrigue, courage, and resilience as the story unfolds against the backdrop of tumultuous historical events.
Experience the gripping tale of a young American pilot, Jake Grafton, who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. As he navigates the treacherous skies over Europe, Jake's missions become entwined with the high-stakes political maneuvers of powerful leaders.
With each daring flight, Jake uncovers a web of secrets and alliances that extend beyond the battlefield. From the halls of power in Washington to the clandestine operations of the OSS, Jake's actions have far-reaching consequences that will shape the course of history.
Berent masterfully weaves a tapestry of historical fiction, seamlessly blending fact and fiction to create a narrative that is both thrilling and enlightening. Through Jake's eyes, readers witness the pivotal moments of World War II, from the D-Day landings to the final days of the conflict.
Beyond the gripping plot, "ROLLING THUNDER" offers a profound exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Jake's unwavering dedication to his country and his fellow soldiers is a testament to the resilience and courage that define the human spirit.
Immerse yourself in the pages of "ROLLING THUNDER" and be captivated by a story that transcends time. Experience the thrill of aerial combat, the tension of political intrigue, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and sacrifice that shape the course of history.
Mark Berent's "ROLLING THUNDER" is a must-read for enthusiasts of historical fiction, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a powerful and thought-provoking tale of war, politics, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
