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Seawolf28: Branded a Maverick as a Junior Officer this is a true account of naval aviation as seen through the eyes of one of the most decorated Navy pilots of the Vietnam era | 
 enlarge | Author: Al Billings
Publisher: BookSurge Publishing
Category: Book
Buy New: $16.99
New (4) Used (1) Collectible (1) from $15.95
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 369622
Media: Paperback
Pages: 430
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.2
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.2
ISBN: 1594572992
Dewey Decimal Number: 370
EAN: 9781594572999
ASIN: 1594572992
Publication Date: July 8, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Seawolf 28 Summary An exciting action filled novel of one of the top decorated naval aviators of the Vietnam era brings the reader a dramatic story of a twenty-two year career of a Navy helicopter pilot. By the end of the Vietnam War he was a four tour veteran with well over 600 missions and the recipient of more than thirty-nine citations, including the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Throughout his career he qualified in over 20 different types of aircraft and rose from the enlisted ranks to squadron Commanding Officer. This is not just another Vietnam combat action story. Seawolf 28 is a timeless, powerful, honest and uncompromising first hand account of a man that knew no limits when it came to standing up for his men and what he believed in. What makes this novel stand out is the unparalleled successes they enjoyed while others stood by and watched to see if they would fail. They took on every challenge including the military bureaucracy and could not be defeated. Driven as a young man to find the person he truly was, he risked everything to complete that journey. Even though it took years, he learned to honor himself for what he accomplished in an environment where he was overmatched and out of his league when it came to politics and manipulation. Through it all he was able to maintain his integrity, and loyalty to his men. These actual accounts are a testament of the determination of one individual to meet life head-on and challenge those intrusions and aggression of others. He was labeled a Maverick by the Navy because he would not compromise his beliefs or the men he served with. Even with his directness and at times boldness they were unable to stop him as long as he had the support of his men. The story spans the gamut from a young cadet full of exuberance and high ideals to nine engine failures and dozens of life threatening incidents and hair raising combat stories, to his biggest battles challenging senior officers to do the right thing, at the risk of his own career. As his distinguished career comes to the end he finds himself battling the crippling results of medical mismanagement from the doctors at Balboa Naval Hospital. Even then he refuses to accept the inevitable and fights back to restore his dignity and physical well-being. The story ends with the Naval Hospital doing everything they can to cover up their incompetence and total disregard for the men who served. Through his internal strength and undefeatable character he never loses faith in the Navy and the men who served so gallantly. Out of shear determination and on his own he was able to overcome the debilitating affects at the hands of the Navy doctors. It is a compelling story that will cause young people to think about what lies ahead and let them see the sacrifices that are needed to serve their country and bring back the memories both good and bad for those who were there.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Unsolicited Review December 13, 2007
Seawolf 28 (Columbia SC)
Mr. Billings,
I have not had a book like this that I had difficulty putting down in years. In addition to everything else, you are quite the writer. I think this should be required reading by all medical students and psychiatry residents. I plan to purchase a few and assign it as reading for anyone I supervise. I have to keep the one you sent me to myself as it means so much to me. Hope things are going ok for you. Didn't you tell me you are in the process of a second book, and if so, will that be a continuation or on a different topic. I can think of several people involved in the treatment and assessment of veterans and a few politicians I may send a copy. I also plan to make it one of my primary gifts throughout the year for special occasions, because I think it is a great read in addition to the insight into the realities of war and the effect on the people involved. You are truly a great man. Lanette
Dear Al:
Morris and I want you to know how much we have enjoyed your book. Your keen ability to take the reader right into whatever action or feeling you're experiencing speaks volumes about your talent. I could literally feel the story you were talking about. I realized the first night I started the book that I could not keep from constantly clenching and unclenching my toes. Morris felt the same way - our daughter who is 31 experienced the exact same thing so your reach is for these younger ones who have such an interest in this war. She read all night the first night - could not stop herself. Thank you for the hours and hours of work that went into this book. Please write another - about any subject! You have captured the Pendleton audience. We have great appreciation for some of the pain that must have come to you in this process. You are a true gentleman and officer.
Dianne
 Amusing if only for the poor spelling and grammatical errors. August 27, 2007
Coco (flying 200 feet and below)
4 out of 9 found this review helpful
The Seawolves have a great story that needs to be told. Unfortunately, this is a poorly written, poorly edited book that does a great disservice to men who made that story great. If you can endure the abundant spelling and grammatical errors, you are certain to be turned of by what boils down to be one long, pointless and self promoting sea story. One look at the picture on the back cover told me all I needed to know: cheesy mustache, choker whites unbuttoned down to his chest hair, awkwardly posing on a wicker chair with a San Miguel in his hand. The entire book is an embarrassment to Navy Pilots.
Perfect Veteran-very PROUD!! December 26, 2006
Michael Parker (Elkhart, Texas)
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book, in my view, is a one-of-a-kind! This author has served his country to the utmost, and then some. He was an outstanding pilot that went where his beliefs took him; being it doing the honorable thing by rescuing servicemen in need, or fighting the politics because of what he did.
This is such a great book! Not only for the "war stories-which are NOT war stories", but for the way he stands his ground ; not only for himself, but especially for his fellow military servicemen.
Bill McDonald - President of the MWSA April 13, 2006
Hollywood Al (Columbia)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
A Navy Maverick With True Grit!
Seldom do I ever read a military aviation book where I come away thinking that I would have really loved to have flown with the author of that memoir. Author Al Billings is a veteran's veteran! He is a man among men. It was men like Al that made flying in Hueys the heroic aviation adventure it was. His book "Seawolf 28" explodes with energy and action and much more. His personality certainly comes shinning through and shows him for whom he was.
Billings was awarded over 40 medals and citations including the Silver Star and The Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a member of the Navy's most decorated helicopter attack squadron in the Vietnam War. I have met several members of the Seawolfs when filming the documentary film "In the Shadow of the Blade." You could not find any better group of honorable men for sure. It is not surprising to read how well they did in combat. This book not only honors the role of the author but also adds to the almost myth like tales of those fine young men.
The book is well written and is a great read. I admit that the last chapters in the book were not the way I would have liked to see it end for the author, but Billings is true to himself all the way to the end and shows a lot of class. When you finish reading his book you will be left with many emotions about the war, the men, leadership in the military and what it means to stand up and be counted when someone has to be accountable and honest. Al Billings is a true leader in the real sense. I think most veterans will agree that he would be the guy that you would like to have had in the pilot's seat on your flight!
This is a must read book and receives the MWSA's HIGHEST RATING - FIVE STARS!
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