This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
George Nolly served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, flying 315 combat missions on two successive tours of duty in Vietnam, earning 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 24 Air Medals, flying O-2A and F-4 aircraft. He was the last Air Force pilot to complete 100 missions over North Vietnam. While in the Air Force, George received the Tactical Air Command Instructor Pilot of the Year Award. Following his Air Force duty, he hired on with United Airlines and rose to the position of B-777 Check Captain. He also served as a Federal Flight Deck Officer. After his retirement from United, George accepted a position as a B-777 Captain with Jet Airways, operating throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In 2000, George was selected as a Champion in the Body-for-LIFE Transformation Challenge in 2000, and is a Certified Fitness Trainer and self-defense expert with more than 30 years' experience in combative arts. George received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Air Force Academy and received a Master of Science Degree, in Systems Management, from the University of Southern California. He completed all of the required studies for a second Master of Science Degree, in Education, at the University of Southern California, and received his Doctor of Business Administration Degree, specializing in Homeland Security, from Northcentral University. He now flight instructs in the B777 and B787.
Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite
Hamfist at DaNang by G.E. Nolly is a story about LT Hancock Hamilton. “Ham” wanted to be a fighter pilot since he was a kid. As result, he dedicated himself at the Academy and graduated top of his class. However, after graduation, Hamilton is greatly disappointed when he is informed that no “fighter” slots are available. Instead, he would be a FAC (Forward Air Controller), flying a 0-2A out of DaNang, Vietnam. The mission of the FAC was to be eyes and ears of the fighter pilot, to observe and control fighters in an airstrike. Prior to leaving for duty, LT Hamilton saves a man’s life in a dark alley in San Francisco. Unaware of the future chain of events that would result from his heroic deed, he leaves for Vietnam, Christmas Day, 1968. Upon his arrival at DaNang, he is issued his call sign - Covey 218, and given his military nickname - “Hamfist.” Face to face with the enemy, he remembers his training, “Never give up. Make them earn you.” In one terrifying moment, alone, and in danger, “Hamfist” discovers what really is important.
G.E. Nolly writes Hamfist at DaNang in first person narrative. In doing so, the reader sees through the eyes and feels the emotions of “Hamfist” Hamilton. Nolly’s word choices, especially the use of military vernacular, brought realism to the story. He gave detailed explanations regarding aircraft avionics and military terminology. He even alluded to pilot superstitions regarding luck - good and bad. Readers who love military stories will embrace this novel wholeheartedly. The author did not use much figurative language, but one line really stuck with me: “The day Dad was killed was the watershed moment of my life story. It was the yardstick I used to mark events in my life.” I really felt that this was the demarcation line for Hamilton’s character growth, the line that divided the child from the man. Mr. Nolly wrote with intensity, he shared experiences, emotions and feelings, making you feel as if you were there as an observer. All the while, the author maintained a good pace and rhythm. Long sentences were minimal and the exchanges in the dialogues made the conversations engaging and easy to follow. The author’s references to Thomas Jefferson, Patton, Clausewitz, Kathryn Lee Bates, Thomas Hardy and especially, the American Fighting Man’s Code of Conduct authenticated the work. Hamfist at DaNang depicts the life of an air force pilot with realism, displaying the devotion of the character’s love for country and military code of conduct.
