100 Missions North: A Fighter Pilot's Story of the Vietnam War

I was a grade school youngster in the mid-60's living on base at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. It was an everyday occurrence to see F-4 Phantoms and big C-5's in the skies, and while I was old enough to know about Viet Nam (had an uncle in the Marines there) it never quite clicked for me that the same planes I was watching might be on their way over there.Now, seeing the dates throughout Major Bell's book, I can imagine what a little 3rd grade kid would have been doing at the same time these brave fliers were going "Downtown" and risking their lives.It's sobering.Of the many, many books I have read on the Viet Nam war, none has ever given me the "you are there" feeling quite like Major Bell's book. While some authors seem to give in to the urge to embellish a little here and there, Bell really seems to tell it like it was, even up to admitting the occasions when he screwed up. His sense of direct honesty is very refreshing while his bravery is quite understated.From his harrowing flight across the Pacific to Viet Nam to the bittersweet end of his tour, this book is like joining a friend for a sometimes brutal and gut-wrenching tour of duty. I've just finished it, and I miss "the guys" already.My hat is off to Major Bell and all the pilots and airmen that served with him.Long ago I read Jack Broughton's "Thud Ridge" and now will have to pick up another copy somewhere. Reading about him through a contemporary's eyes is quite fascinating and I'd like to compare the two accounts more closely.If you have any interest in flying combat, the Viet Nam experience or the F-105, do yourself a favor and give this a read. It is outstanding.

As I was an Air Force Airman stationed in England at the time of this book's authors stories, his stories would have been a good reminder, at the time, of why we served but often forgot. The book reminds anyone of the work everyone on an Air Force base pilots, of course, but also ground and support crews that kept the air craft in the air. The book is interesting and seems to be an honest review of Brig. Gen. Bell USAF time in Vietnam. A MUST read for anyone interested in a Vietnam accounting of those years!

I hope this book is more fictional than it claims to be.Mr. Bell paints a picture of an alcoholic wild man with little to no insight into his own behavior and how it impacts others.Early on in the book another pilot mentions to Ken the benefits of non-alcoholic drinks prior to flying. Following this is an ongoing account of the incredible amounts of alcohol Ken consumes and at least three times when it caused him potentially serious problems -- among those being late to briefings and getting chewed out by his commanding officer. Throughout this Mr. Bell seems to make no connection between his drinking and his difficulties. This is astonishing given how much he focuses on his drinking and his even relating the incidents in some detail -- including at least one fellow pilot bringing it to his attention.I did learn some things about the nature of air warfare and why the briefings were so important to coordinate attacks, probably the strongest and most interesting part of the book -- which made it even more appalling how much of the time he was drunk. I would have some big time second thoughts about flying with him despite his record and wonder how much of what he attributes to the deficient flying of others was actually due to his own condition.I also want to make it clear that I am not moralizing about his drinking. I fully understand the need for fighter pilots to unwind and the practically legendary amounts of alcohol consumed in this unwinding. Bell goes well beyond that though. He seems to glory in his drinking in a way that is very different and to me, at least, disturbing.Nevertheless, while I had difficulty seeing him as someone to root for, he was an American fighter pilot in wartime and I understand his need to get away from battle and put it far behind him when possible. He survived those 100 missions and talks about what the air war was like from a fighter pilot's perspective. He is clearly an exceptional, and lucky, pilot to have achieved this, but I found his writing to be off-putting.A much better book is Robin Old's "Fighter Pilot." He drinks plenty too, but that doesn't seem to be his primary occupation.

One of the better Vietnam era autobiographical books I have read; probably a dozen or so at this point. The book is well written and flows well from his training to actual missions over North Vietnam to his post combat staff experience (amazingly unvarnished for a career officer that became a general). The F105 that he flew was really not designed for the bombing missions he flew which in large part accounted for the very high attrition rate for the plane and its pilots. Surviving 100 missions over North Vietnam was a tremendous accomplishment involving great piloting skills and luck. Those pilots had stones. I will also note that I particularly liked or got drawn into General Bell's description of his transit to Vietnam---transporting a F105 from California to Vietnam. I highly recommend this book. I salute General Bell who passed away in 2009.

A book written by a pilot and warrior. A must read for any pilot or Vietnam air war interested. It tells the whole story, beginning with pilot training/boot camp. Without telling too much, a thrilling account about ferrying a F-105 across the Pacific to the base in Thailand during transfer for his tour. It also tells a story about the living conditions at the base, other officers, R&R, and of the politics of the war as seen from a fighter pilot's view. If I remember correctly, I believe General Bell is soon having his 50th anniversary for his 100th mission North (June 1967).On behalf of the free world, thank you for your sacrifice, Sir.

Ken Bell's first class account of his time as a F-105 pilot over North Vietnam compliments the memories of Ed Rasimus, another F-105 driver, who published his own recollections under the title 'When Thunder Rolled.' 100 Missions North adds much in the way of additional information that surrounded Ken Bell's time, painting a slightly broader picture of what went on besides his involvement in the stressful strike missions over Vietnam. This books also convey how important it is that those who did not make it home are not forgotten. An excellent read.

Makes you feel that you are in cockpit of an F105. Great read

I enjoyed this book, but I must say that I thought 'When Thunder Rolled' was better written covering the same period, and gave me a better insight into the emotions and shear bravery of what these brave lads went through. 100 Missions North is a great book, but not as compelling as I would have imagined.

I thought this book was an absolutely excellent insight into what the pilots went through to complete their 100 mission tours. well written and compelling, giving a great view of the emotions and tension that they endured. Recommended.

not read it yet,but as it on one of my favourite aircraft, many thanks