Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat

( 28 )

Overview

151 combat missions
21 hard kills on surface -to -air missile sites
4 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor
1 Purple Heart

First into a war zone, flying behind enemy lines to purposely draw fire, the wild weasels are elite fighter squadrons with the most dangerous job in the Air Force

One of the greatest aviation memoirs ever written, ...

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More About This Book

Overview

151 combat missions
21 hard kills on surface -to -air missile sites
4 Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor
1 Purple Heart

First into a war zone, flying behind enemy lines to purposely draw fire, the wild weasels are elite fighter squadrons with the most dangerous job in the Air Force

One of the greatest aviation memoirs ever written, Viper Pilot is an Air Force legend's thrilling eyewitness account of modern air warfare. For twenty years, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hampton was a leading member of the Wild Weasels, logging 608 combat hours in the world's most iconic fighter jet: the F-16 "Fighting Falcon," or "Viper." He spearheaded the 2003 invasion of Iraq, leading the first flight of fighters over the border en route to strike Baghdad. Earlier, on 9/11, Hampton's father was inside the Pentagon when it was attacked; with his dad's fate unknown, Hampton was scrambled into American skies and given the unprecedented orders to shoot down any unidentified aircraft. Viper Pilot is an unforgettable look into the closed world of fighter pilots and modern air combat.

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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
Hampton, one of America’s most renowned fighter pilots—a retired, decorated Air Force lieutenant colonel—shares a brash and bold account of his 20 year military service in this fast-paced adventure memoir. He recounts his early education at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma, his personal experience of September 11th, and the hair-raising missions of two Gulf wars. A member of the Wild Weasels, an elite group of pilots who fly into enemy territory to draw fire so that threats can be exposed and eliminated, Hampton has amassed an almost unbelievable collection of tales, including how he survived the Khobar Towers bombing and countless other experiences "seeing the Elephant" as he engaged in close calls that forced him to acknowledge the probability of his demise. While military buffs and those who have endured combat will enjoy Hampton’s fast, unfiltered tales, civilian readers may have a more difficult time, as each chapter contains so much military jargon that a glossary of terms has been appended at the end of the book. Still, Hampton’s honest, audacious style makes for an entertaining read, and those instances where the author digresses, offering unfiltered opinions or a rare glimpse of life outside of the cockpit, are especially intriguing. (Oct.)
New York Post
“Hampton’s one of the most decorated pilots in Air Force history. ... We may never see his like again.”
Booklist (starred review)
“Offers a gripping cockpit view of modern air combat ... Hampton is a vivid writer and an unabashed warrior. ... An outstanding work.”
Booklist
"Offers a gripping cockpit view of modern air combat ... Hampton is a vivid writer and an unabashed warrior. ... An outstanding work."
W.E.B. GRIFFIN & WILLIAM E. BUTTERWORTH IV
“A rare riveting memoir of a highly decorated fighter pilot that’s packed with grit, swagger, and great humor. Do not miss this one!”
ALEX KERSHAW
“Viper Pilot is an awesome adrenaline rush. If you love action packed modern day war stories then strap yourself in and get ready for a gut-wrenching, g-force defying thrill ride!”
DALE BROWN
“Viper Pilot is fantastic. Lt. Col. Dan Hampton offers a personal, irreverent, no-holds-barred look into the life of an Air Force fighter pilot. A great read!”
BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID L. MOODY (Retired USAF)
“Viper Pilot is an instant aviation classic. Dan Hampton’s thrilling portrayals of combat missions kept me glued to the story, and he has captured the essence of Wild Weasel fighter operations as no one has before.”
COLONEL JACKSEL BROUGHTON (USAF
“Dan Hampton’s Viper Pilot truly impressed me--if you’re a combat vet, it’s sweaty palms again; if not, strap in and get ready. Filled with lots of action, here’s a real and up-close look at modern fighter combat, told straight from the cockpit.”
W.E.B. Griffin & William E. Butterworth IV
"A rare riveting memoir of a highly decorated fighter pilot that’s packed with grit, swagger, and great humor. Do not miss this one!"
Alex Kershaw
"Viper Pilot is an awesome adrenaline rush. If you love action packed modern day war stories then strap yourself in and get ready for a gut-wrenching, g-force defying thrill ride!"
Dale Brown
"Viper Pilot is fantastic. Lt. Col. Dan Hampton offers a personal, irreverent, no-holds-barred look into the life of an Air Force fighter pilot. A great read!"
David L. Moody
"Viper Pilot is an instant aviation classic. Dan Hampton’s thrilling portrayals of combat missions kept me glued to the story, and he has captured the essence of Wild Weasel fighter operations as no one has before."
Colonel - JACKSEL BROUGHTON (USAF)
"Dan Hampton’s Viper Pilot truly impressed me—if you’re a combat vet, it’s sweaty palms again; if not, strap in and get ready. Filled with lots of action, here’s a real and up-close look at modern fighter combat, told straight from the cockpit."
Colonel - Jacksel Broughton (USAF)
"Dan Hampton’s Viper Pilot truly impressed me—if you’re a combat vet, it’s sweaty palms again; if not, strap in and get ready. Filled with lots of action, here’s a real and up-close look at modern fighter combat, told straight from the cockpit."
COLONEL Jacksel Broughton (USAF
“Dan Hampton’s Viper Pilot truly impressed me—if you’re a combat vet, it’s sweaty palms again; if not, strap in and get ready. Filled with lots of action, here’s a real and up-close look at modern fighter combat, told straight from the cockpit.”
Tyler Rogoway
“The best air combat memoir I have ever read... An incredible look into the unique culture of Wild Weasels.”
Kirkus Reviews
A colorful memoir of a pilot who had a great deal of fun during his career, which included 726 career combat hours flown and service throughout the world, including Iraq during both wars. Hampton emphasizes that he performed a fighter pilot's most dangerous assignment--and it wasn't air-to-air combat, which is probably a dying profession. He was a Wild Weasel, a member of the group of first planes sent into a conflict whose mission it is to suppress surface-to-air missiles. Barely mentioning his personal life, the author delivers 300 pages of aviation fireworks and strong opinion--noncombatant airmen, politicians and most foreigners do not come off well--accompanied by a torrent of technical details and military acronyms that will mystify military buffs but not discourage them. Hampton is not shy about recounting brushes with death, many of which involved mechanical failure, bad weather or human error (occasionally his). Though the Iraqi air force struck fear into no one's heart, the author's accounts of fending off anti-aircraft missiles during the 2003 Iraq invasion provide the book's most dramatic combat experiences; however, none of the enemy missiles reached their targets. As a result, Hampton never describes a routine occurrence in memoirs of earlier wars: the deaths of comrades. A patriot and a warrior, the author expresses incomprehension that America's crushing victories over evil Saddam Hussein have brought so little satisfaction. The author concentrates on the fighting and does a fine job communicating the camaraderie, adolescent horseplay, conservative politics and hair-raising incidents of service in the elite macho fraternity of American fighter pilots.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780594667018
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 10/2/2012
  • Pages: 336
  • Sales rank: 51591
  • Product dimensions: 6.30 (w) x 9.10 (h) x 1.20 (d)

Meet the Author

The New York Times bestselling author of Viper Pilot, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Dan Hampton flew 151 combat missions during his twenty years in the USAF (1986-2006). For his service in the Iraq War, Kosovo conflict, and first Gulf War, Col. Hampton received four Distinguished Flying Crosses with Valor, a Purple Heart, eight Air Medals with Valor, five Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other citations.

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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 28 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(17)

4 Star

(6)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(2)
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 28 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Nov 08 00:00:00 EST 2012

    Great Read

    I was impressed with the story and with the author's literary skills in portraying the complexities of air combat in heavily defended areas. I was an Air Force fighter pilot, but a generation earlier. Like the author, I too "have seen the elephant" in Vietnam. (You'll have to read the book if you don't know what that phrase means.) Like all true fighter jocks, Lt Col Hampton has little use for staff weenies and ticket punchers looking for another promotion. He makes that crystal clear throughout the book.

    The author displays a sense of humor, albeit at times somewhat sarcastic and irreverant, that reminded me of John Corey, Nelson DeMille's fictional NY counter-terrorist detective. Actually, this made the book far more interesting and readable.

    The author did an excellent job of walking the fine line between telling a fascinating tale while necessarily preserving classified information on aircraft equipment, software and tactics. His point that UAV's, like the Predator and others, are unlikely to survive in a hostile air environment must be impressed upon the current Administration, which appears to be totally enamored with them. There will always be a need for strike fighters and weasels and especially for guys like Dan Hampton to help the troops on the ground. Sierra Hotel!

    8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Great book !! As former member of VA-215 attack squadron, it got

    Great book !! As former member of VA-215 attack squadron, it got to me in many places! Read it!!

    5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Oct 13 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Couldn't put this book down.

    I heard the author on radio and immediately bought the book. I wasn't disappointed. Great read and a true hero. We're lucky to have men like him defending us.

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Do not recommend unless you are a pilot.

    Starts out great then becomes repetitious and very boring towards the end. It certainly gets the point across as to what a jet fighter pilot goes through from traing to the action.

    2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Mar 21 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Save the boots, it is getting deep!

    The author is a legend in his own mind. This is reflected by his inappropriate comments regarding other officers, other commands, and other services. He's an equal opportunity offender. He tells more than one appalling story (re his actions) and sadly, he boasts about an incident regarding disobeying an order and attempts to justify his actions. Most civilians would not understand the situation and probably laud his behavior, but so far, every person I have had to read this book has made uncomplimentary statements regarding the author's character, or lack thereof. This includes enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, warrant officers, and other commissioned officers of varying rank, all of whom "have seen the elephant". I am also a member of the Old Bold Pilots (there are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old, bold, pilots...). However, the book does cover interesting technical and tactical updates over the author's service and these are written in an entertaining manner. So if you can get past the baloney this might be the book for you.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Dec 27 00:00:00 EST 2012

    I Also Recommend:

    Vipers in the Storm: Diary of a Gulf War Fighter Pilot
    Eye of the Viper: The Making of an F-16 Pilot
    Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds
    Return with Honor
    Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War

    This book is hands down one of the best reads for military and a

    This book is hands down one of the best reads for military and aviation enthusiasts! Dan Hampton recounts his intense experiences as an F-16CJ "Wild Weasel" fighter pilot, ranging from his undergraduate pilot training (UPT) days to his near death encounters facing the "Elephant" in combat. I purchased this book two days ago and have not been able to put it down! I strongly recommend this book.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Oct 26 00:00:00 EDT 2012

    Couldn't put it down

    Great read. Very well written and very exciting.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Fri Jul 18 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Highly Recommended! You won't regret it.

    An excellent book about a subject most folks will never experience, but that many fantasize about. Dan Hampton may come across to some of you as cocky, but consider this...if you really ARE that good and you KNOW it, is it cockiness, or just supreme confidence? I say it's confidence, and since I work with a lot of people who are supremely confident in life or death situations, I feel competent to judge him. This is a very interesting look at what it is like to be a modern day fighter pilot. I know a retired F-15 jock, and I can't wait to ask him about the characterization (I'm sure tongue-in-cheek in the same way Marines feel about Navy) of F-15 drivers. Please read all of Dan hampton's books, especially if you are, or ever were interested in fighter planes/pilots. He gives a particularly vivid representation of a fairly unknown fighter pilot role, that of the Wild Weasel. Basically, A Wild Weasel pilot is like a matador in a bull fight, except he is fighting surface to air missiles instead of bulls! Someone needs to make a movie about this guys life, because the stories int his book are that good. Top Gun had nothing on Dan Hampton's story!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Apr 04 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    interesting

    good book

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Apr 02 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    One big ego trip. Fortunately, most USAF pilots, fighter or othe

    One big ego trip. Fortunately, most USAF pilots, fighter or otherwise, aren't so stuck on themselves. Boring book totally written to make the author look better than everyone else. There are so many other good aviation books out there. Pass on this one.

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  • Posted Tue Mar 25 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    High excitement.

    A great red. Excellent insight to the mastery of aerial warfare and it's technologies. I am impressed at by the human element of military air skill and involvement. Must read for Viet-Nam era military study.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted Sat Mar 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    very interesting

    well written bits of the protection the USAF protects the country.

    0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Thu Mar 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014

    Aqua to garett

    Y r u here?

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Jan 24 00:00:00 EST 2014

    Good read

    Good book on a combat pilot's experiences. Fun read for Walter Mitty types.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Sat Nov 09 00:00:00 EST 2013

    snakeclan

    apprentinces den for snakeclan

    0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Feb 13 00:00:00 EST 2013

    hoo ha rubbish

    hoo ha rubbish

    0 out of 11 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Mon May 20 00:00:00 EDT 2013

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted Sun Feb 17 00:00:00 EST 2013

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Fri Oct 12 00:00:00 EDT 2012

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  • Anonymous

    Posted Wed Nov 07 00:00:00 EST 2012

    No text was provided for this review.

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