This book recounts four tours of Air Force duty in Vietnam, 1965-1968, and reports firsthand how tactics and the war effort changed each time. The routine and risk of daily airlift operations and the differing air bases are discussed—and colored with personal memories. Cargo included everything from elephants to dancing girls, and accidents and errors were all part of the mission. The author describes the work as a "history-based, humorous, satirical, and bitter recount of a major national wasted effort," with commentary on American attitudes, the costs and the lingering social impact of the war. Photographs. Index.