The first comprehensive account of fire and rescue boats in America, this profusely illustrated book sheds light on a heroic tradition dating to the nineteenth century. From coast to coast and in cities large and small, it documents everything from battleship-size fireboats so powerful their monitors could reduce concrete structures to rubble, to small waterjet-powered fireboats, and everything in between. Included are operational details that showcase the proud traditions of marine firefighting. The author traces the evolution of mammoth wood and iron fireboats to modern, high-tech aluminum vessels whose role is dictated by ever-changing dangers and technology. This book pays tribute to marine firefighters who served with purpose and pride, and who continue to answer the call of danger.

Famously pictured in the opening credits of the popular television series M.A.S.H., Bell's Model 47 helicopter was the first helicopter certified for civilian use in March 1946 and went on to serve a wide variety of military and civilian applications. With its signature bubble canopy, the Model 47, and particularly its H-13 Sioux military variant, served in both Korea and Vietnam. It became a stalwart in civilian aviation with a variety of uses: agricultural aerial sprayer, aerial firefighting, police work, aerial oil exploration, medevac, news coverage, and mail service. More than 5,600 Model 47s were built, many under license in Japan, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The type retains its popularity in the civilian market to this day.

Having spent much of its quarter century of military service in the shadows of more glamorous aircraft, the tough, hard-working H-43 helicopter is brought to the forefront in this long overdue account. Recounting the personal experiences of aircrews, and with dramatic incidents and exclusive illustrations, Wayne Mutza brings to light the H-43's unique development and numerous accomplishments. The complete details of the helicopter's colorful past, which have long remained in obscurity, are presented for the first time in this fascinating volume. Coverage includes early U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Service, U.S. Air Force crash-rescue, combat in Southeast Asia, foreign use, commercial operators, and unusual variants and survivors. Whether pulling flyers from fiery crashes, rescuing airmen from enemy lairs in the jungles of Southeast Asia, aiding hurricane victims, or flying plane guard duty off carriers, the H-43 proved itself a most distinct and capable brand of helicopter.

Don't be fooled by the small size of the H-6/Model 500 helicopter. In the scout role in Vietnam, OH-6As and their aircrew became legends for their high-risk work in the low-level environment. Wayne Mutza presents the small, dynamic helicopter's story in this well-written, superbly detailed, and lavishly illustrated volume. Much of the OH-6A's combat record in Vietnam is told in firsthand accounts. Mutza offers fascinating insight to the helicopter's controversial beginning, its development, and its service with the Army National Guard, the Army's flight demonstration team, worldwide operators, and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the reader is treated to an entire chapter devoted to the Little Birds of Special Operations. Also included are appendices with factual data, and more than sixty emblems. It's all here in this highly readable volume.

Though Bicentennial aircraft schemes and markings, along with many of the aircraft of that period, have all but faded into obscurity, this colorful volume not only preserves their images, but reflects the spirit that prevailed during that historic period in U.S. aviation history. Presented here for the first time are the vivid, patriotic colors and schemes worn by aircraft during a time when the nation, still trying to purge itself of Vietnam, was swept with overdue patriotism; a time that compelled legions in civil and military air service to proudly wave their flag by decorating the aircraft that were their livelihood, or simply their hobby. One can only marvel at the meticulously-applied designs that transformed many aircraft into flying billboards of Americana. This volume is a boon to aviation enthusiasts, historians and modelers alike. Wayne Mutza is also the author of Grumman Albatross, and Lockheed P2V Neptune (both titles are available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

This informative and long overdue account provides an extraordinary amount of insight into the Neptunes lengthy history, beginning with its inception during World War II to the present day survivors. Lockheeds Neptune was the first aircraft designed exclusively as an anti-submarine patrol bomber and was progressively developed throughout its operational career. Versatility became a byword as the Neptunes role as the U.S. Navys premier sub-hunter greatly expanded. A veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, the venerable Neptune proved highly adaptable to nearly any mission. More than 1,000 examples were built, many of which thrive today as fire bombers and warbirds. Presented here for the first time are the many fascinating details describing Neptune service with non-U.S. air arms, and obscure operations to include gunships, U.S. Army variants, and CIA operations. Clearly evident is the in-depth research that makes this extensive volume accurate, detailed and redable. Complete with serial and bureau numbers lists that correspond to its many assignments, plus many rare photographs, this comprehensive history does justice to the legendary Neptune. Wayne Mutza is also the author of Grumman Albatross: A History of the Legendary Seaplane(available from Schiffer Publishing Ltd.).

Through its remarkable service during the war in Southeast Asia, the Skyraider became legendary. It served with distinction in the hands of U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and South Vietnamese Air Force pilots, who took the war to the enemy, often at low altitude and in the face of devastating antiaircraft fire. And it suffered heavy losses. The Skyraiders versatility and the mettle of its pilots were unmatched. This book takes not only a look at an old airplane, but at the warriors who flew and maintained the machine they called the Spad. This volume captures the essence of combat in the Spad, and explains the broad range of Spad operations. The text, which is rich with the narratives of Spad pilots and ground crew, is complemented by over 300 original photographs, seventy emblems, and detailed listings of every Skyraider that flew in the war, and the colorful units to which they were assigned. This fascinating volume is a must for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and modelers alike.

In this fascinating, detailed account, Wayne Mutza takes a look deep inside this extraordinary, little-known, but very special unit of the U.S. Air Force. Published here for the first time is the colorful history of the men and their helicopters that made their living with the legendary SOG teams of the Army Special Forces. From secret cross-border missions during the Vietnam War to current operations in the Middle East. Also included is a special section of Green Hornet emblems, and detailed lists of every aircraft flown by the 20th Special Operations Squadron.

With vivid detail and many exclusive photographs, Wayne Mutza chronicles the Convair's F-102 Delta Dagger's unsteady course through history, from its inception to present-day survivors. Presented for the first time are the fascinating details surrounding the F-102 in the air defense role, special projects, its unconventional use during the war in Southeast Asia, service with foreign air arms, the Air National Guard and its extensive involvement with the drone program. Special features include a detailed listing of each aircraft's assignment history and many of the insignia associated with the F-102. Through in-depth research, the author has produced a most informative and interesting volume on a classic aircraft.

The Albatross was the premier fixed-wing rescue aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard. Its very colorful history begins in 1946 and spans nearly a quarter of a century, including service with twenty-two foreign nations. With a total of 466 built by Grumman, more than eighty examples still thrive on the civil register. The Albatross also saw extensive service in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The fascinating history of this unique aircraft is complemented by over 200 photographs including many in color showing the great variations in color schemes and markings.

This definitive work on air rescue operations of the US Army Air Force and US Air Force takes the reader from the birth of the service during World War II, through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, to present-day operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Detailed text, accompanied by numerous photos-including many never before published-presents all aspects of air rescue operations, from the service's founding, specialized training and equipment, and discussions of such varied aircraft types as the Stinson L-5, Douglas SC-47, Douglas HC/SC-54D "Rescuemaster," Fairchild SC-82A "Packet," Boeing HC-97G "Strato-Rescuer," Bell H-1 "Huey," Sikorsky H-3 "Jolly Green Giant," and many more. During the Cold War, this air arm expanded greatly and added the new mission of astronaut recovery through the early years of the US space program, as well as providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters worldwide. Air rescue came into its own during the war in Vietnam, when it became a highly skilled and effective force, rescuing thousands of fliers downed in combat, along with beleaguered ground troops. The present USAF air rescue service continues to live up to its motto "That Others May Live."

A former City of Milwaukee firefighter, the author writes his memoir with candor, depth, spice and emotional insight. He lays out the tumultuous events that led him as a youth into the profession, and the wealth of eye-opening experiences along the way. He plumbs the character of the firefighters and paramedics who answer the call for rescue--but also the character of those who make the call, the rescuer and the rescued.

The author keeps the reader close with vivid details of fighting fire and dealing with the anguish of loss and destruction. He pulls no punches; he also describes the promotion process, the politics in stations and in the service as a whole, the struggle of teaching young firefighters, and the heavy price of dedication. The book fully displays the humanity of members of the fire service and the flavor of fire service tradition.