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Flight Quack: The true story of the Vietnam War’s most decorated flight surgeon, who became a CIA assassin
"Why do I need a gun? I'm a doctor!" Over fifty years ago, I was a Harvard-trained pediatrician drafted as a Navy Flight Surgeon, thrust into the Vietnam War and onto the front lines, stationed in Dong Ha, leading up to the massive Tet Offensive. It was early 1967 when I arrived. I was scared sh*tless. I had a reason to be.
As U.S. Marines, our motto is “Never Leave a Man Behind.” That means Medevac helicopter crews were rushed into live combat under the protection of Huey gunships to rescue wounded comrades. During these thunderous extractions, often in a state of sheer terror, I frantically tried to save as many young Marines as I could, practicing crude but life-sustaining procedures in the belly of a chopper, under intense fire, as we fought for our own lives.
My first enemy kill came during a night incursion onto our base. I was attacked in my bunker by a teenaged Viet Cong fighter. I stabbed him mortally with a single thrust of my blade. I felt his heart stop beating. In Vietnam, I knew I would either die or go insane. When my close friends began getting killed in action, including a pilot buddy who burned to death when his chopper crashed, I snapped mentally.
As I sank deeper into my psychosis, my desire to kill grew stronger. While in-country, I volunteered for the CIA’s Operation Phoenix, a counter-insurgency campaign, designed to conduct psychological warfare on local leaders who were enemy sympathizers. I was assigned to assassination teams, strictly targeting civilians. Such missions were extremely risky, but I had a death wish. Unfulfilled, fortunately.
Miraculously, I did survive to pursue a career in medical research and law, love my wife and walk my dogs. For my actions, I was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Valor, a Combat Action Ribbon and an Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars. However, I’m not bursting with pride. I’m still grieving. It’s hard to cope with the guilt of surviving and of what I was directed to do. War is not glorious, like the movies or video games.
No one wins. Except those few who greatly profit from it.
As U.S. Marines, our motto is “Never Leave a Man Behind.” That means Medevac helicopter crews were rushed into live combat under the protection of Huey gunships to rescue wounded comrades. During these thunderous extractions, often in a state of sheer terror, I frantically tried to save as many young Marines as I could, practicing crude but life-sustaining procedures in the belly of a chopper, under intense fire, as we fought for our own lives.
My first enemy kill came during a night incursion onto our base. I was attacked in my bunker by a teenaged Viet Cong fighter. I stabbed him mortally with a single thrust of my blade. I felt his heart stop beating. In Vietnam, I knew I would either die or go insane. When my close friends began getting killed in action, including a pilot buddy who burned to death when his chopper crashed, I snapped mentally.
As I sank deeper into my psychosis, my desire to kill grew stronger. While in-country, I volunteered for the CIA’s Operation Phoenix, a counter-insurgency campaign, designed to conduct psychological warfare on local leaders who were enemy sympathizers. I was assigned to assassination teams, strictly targeting civilians. Such missions were extremely risky, but I had a death wish. Unfulfilled, fortunately.
Miraculously, I did survive to pursue a career in medical research and law, love my wife and walk my dogs. For my actions, I was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Valor, a Combat Action Ribbon and an Air Medal with 3 Gold Stars. However, I’m not bursting with pride. I’m still grieving. It’s hard to cope with the guilt of surviving and of what I was directed to do. War is not glorious, like the movies or video games.
No one wins. Except those few who greatly profit from it.
- GenresWarNonfictionHistory
294 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2022
265 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 15, 2022
flight surgeon in Vietnam.
The author has written a compelling book about his life, his experiences in Vietnam, and his trials and tribulations after coming back home. His ego proved to be his undoing, but, yet again his service to the country and to the countless lives he saved, suggests he deserved better. I read intently trying to understand that as important as he was to Marines in the DMZ, he could transition, without any Official permission, be allowed to run around the country side killing people with the CIA.
The war has been over for 50 years and to me the heart of the book is the good doctor’s fight to hold people in high places accountable for the deaths of so many marines, when the M16 was first issued to line duty marines during the hill fights.
I wish the doctor well, he has immortalized his cause by writing his story. However, I strongly believe that his everyday alcohol consumption will do, what the NVA could not accomplish.
I recommend this book.
The author has written a compelling book about his life, his experiences in Vietnam, and his trials and tribulations after coming back home. His ego proved to be his undoing, but, yet again his service to the country and to the countless lives he saved, suggests he deserved better. I read intently trying to understand that as important as he was to Marines in the DMZ, he could transition, without any Official permission, be allowed to run around the country side killing people with the CIA.
The war has been over for 50 years and to me the heart of the book is the good doctor’s fight to hold people in high places accountable for the deaths of so many marines, when the M16 was first issued to line duty marines during the hill fights.
I wish the doctor well, he has immortalized his cause by writing his story. However, I strongly believe that his everyday alcohol consumption will do, what the NVA could not accomplish.
I recommend this book.
December 25, 2022
An intimate and no BS account of the absolute hell suffered by American troops in Vietnam. Levin was brutally honest about how deeply the war impacted him while in country and also when he returned to the states. It truly pains me thinking of all the Vietnam vets that came home to a country that hated them; and now expected to carry all of the horrendous sights, sounds and smells of the war with them for the rest of their lives. Levin’s accounts as a flight surgeon made me question how anyone could come out of such a heinous situation without completely losing their mind, which Levin himself speaks about throughout the book. I deeply appreciated his vulnerability in discussing the mental turmoil he went through in Vietnam and in the years following. I was especially enraged by Levin’s accounts of the malfunctions of the M-16 rifle and all the lives that were lost due to this fault, especially considering top military leaders were aware of this issue and chose to turn a blind eye. I additionally took great interest in Levin’s telling of the My Lai massacre that was carried out by American troops who killed hundreds of unarmed South Vietnamese citizens. This book has really kick started my interest in the Vietnam war, I highly recommend it!
July 30, 2023
Now I think I understand
As a rookie history teacher in 1967 I thought our government was telling us the truth. By 1968 I was questioning our reasons for being in Southeast Asia. Since then I became engrossed in finding out what actually happened there. I have diligently put out an effort to read many hundreds of books and articles by those who served . In my opinion their experience gave me a better understanding of the war encompassing Vietnam Nan. Why and how did this war happen. In the last month I have read what in my opinion is the truth about our nation’s involvement . If you wish to get a better understanding of the WHY OF VIETNAM , read Flight Quack by Alan Levins and Kill Any Thing that Moves by Nick Turse. May we support our government but verify everything they tell us . Bless the men that served. For our mistakes blame those that made the wrong decisions. It all starts at the top, not a the bottom with boots on the ground.
As a rookie history teacher in 1967 I thought our government was telling us the truth. By 1968 I was questioning our reasons for being in Southeast Asia. Since then I became engrossed in finding out what actually happened there. I have diligently put out an effort to read many hundreds of books and articles by those who served . In my opinion their experience gave me a better understanding of the war encompassing Vietnam Nan. Why and how did this war happen. In the last month I have read what in my opinion is the truth about our nation’s involvement . If you wish to get a better understanding of the WHY OF VIETNAM , read Flight Quack by Alan Levins and Kill Any Thing that Moves by Nick Turse. May we support our government but verify everything they tell us . Bless the men that served. For our mistakes blame those that made the wrong decisions. It all starts at the top, not a the bottom with boots on the ground.
November 22, 2022
MASTERCLASS ! Simply a mighty fine, honest read
The author, a noteworthy doctor, is straightforward in admitting his foibles, warts and all about his upbringing, his university days. Typical of such a character to piss off a Navy brass hat who fixed his wagon by sending him to fly with Med-evac helicopters into harms way to save the lives of wounded marines. Flying into hot landing zones was often the norm and all while the med-evac helicopter was being turned into a sieve by the VC this courageous doctor tried to save lives.
He became the most decorated doctor in all of Vietnam. Read his story, his regrets, the price he paid while there and after he returned to the ‘World’. He may not be a saint but if I needed an emergency doctor he is the one I would choose every time.
The author, a noteworthy doctor, is straightforward in admitting his foibles, warts and all about his upbringing, his university days. Typical of such a character to piss off a Navy brass hat who fixed his wagon by sending him to fly with Med-evac helicopters into harms way to save the lives of wounded marines. Flying into hot landing zones was often the norm and all while the med-evac helicopter was being turned into a sieve by the VC this courageous doctor tried to save lives.
He became the most decorated doctor in all of Vietnam. Read his story, his regrets, the price he paid while there and after he returned to the ‘World’. He may not be a saint but if I needed an emergency doctor he is the one I would choose every time.
November 28, 2022
This was a haunting book. While there have been many Vietnam-era books written, Levin captures both the horrible living and working conditions which marines and soldiers and their coporsmen and doctors faced, but also the unfathomable arguments used by military brass to use what was clearly no longer working (e.g. early M-16 weapons which jammed) or to justify the unforgivable slaughter of so many young men who were left defenseless with failing weapons.
I am truly grateful for the post-Vietnam careers enjoyed by both Levin and his partner Vera. They clearly contributed significantly to the areas of immunological R&D, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
The book reveals Levin's humanity and vulnerability as well as his acute intelligence and conscience. I benefited in many ways from reading this book.
I am truly grateful for the post-Vietnam careers enjoyed by both Levin and his partner Vera. They clearly contributed significantly to the areas of immunological R&D, and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
The book reveals Levin's humanity and vulnerability as well as his acute intelligence and conscience. I benefited in many ways from reading this book.
June 19, 2025
Crucial history and perspective one doesn't hear related often enough, particularly from someone with firsthand experience who directly witnessed and was personally involved in it.
"The Air America aircraft that were participating in the operation would bring munitions to the anti-Communist warlords in the "Golden Triangle" - the corners of Laos, Burma, and Thailand. They would return loaded with heroin, a major cash crop worth millions of dollars, with portions of the black money used to fund the CIA's covert operations that also enriched corrupt local government and military leaders, along with multinational drug traffickers..."
"The Air America aircraft that were participating in the operation would bring munitions to the anti-Communist warlords in the "Golden Triangle" - the corners of Laos, Burma, and Thailand. They would return loaded with heroin, a major cash crop worth millions of dollars, with portions of the black money used to fund the CIA's covert operations that also enriched corrupt local government and military leaders, along with multinational drug traffickers..."
March 20, 2022
Compelling Story
Having read dozens of experiences in Nam, this is the most compelling, fact-based indictment of conflicts such as those in Nam and possibly other recent areas of our world. Dr. Levin has exposed his experiences in a way that most would not dare do. His ups and downs during and since his Marines experience must surely resonate with so many who served in combat. He has so clearly and completely put forward the ups and downs that this is likely the final story I will read of this conflict. Kudos to him!
Having read dozens of experiences in Nam, this is the most compelling, fact-based indictment of conflicts such as those in Nam and possibly other recent areas of our world. Dr. Levin has exposed his experiences in a way that most would not dare do. His ups and downs during and since his Marines experience must surely resonate with so many who served in combat. He has so clearly and completely put forward the ups and downs that this is likely the final story I will read of this conflict. Kudos to him!
April 2, 2022
Truth sometimes Hurts
I believe every word Written. I was depressed and sad ad well. The truth is the facts of life. The more stars, stripes and medals you show the better off you were. The rich got richer but not the remaining grunts.
If you came from money, if you served in gravy jobs..not the grunts.
You don't have to read a book.. Go to the VA in your neighborhood and talk to the vets. Are they crazy? Do they have separate rooms with x dictated doctors and nurses?
Your eyes are ears will hear the truth that's for sure.
I believe every word Written. I was depressed and sad ad well. The truth is the facts of life. The more stars, stripes and medals you show the better off you were. The rich got richer but not the remaining grunts.
If you came from money, if you served in gravy jobs..not the grunts.
You don't have to read a book.. Go to the VA in your neighborhood and talk to the vets. Are they crazy? Do they have separate rooms with x dictated doctors and nurses?
Your eyes are ears will hear the truth that's for sure.
April 7, 2022
Al! Most unbelievable, But shows the true!
A true story of how the US government,drafted a class of young MD's and used them up in Vietnam. It shows that a number of Officers were only interested in their next promotion!
The really natural of our politicians, then and even now! Get into wars to get into office or stay in office with no intention to win require less of the cost to our young men,in death,pain and suffering ,leaving men broken physically and mentally, and family wounded and destroyed!
A true story of how the US government,drafted a class of young MD's and used them up in Vietnam. It shows that a number of Officers were only interested in their next promotion!
The really natural of our politicians, then and even now! Get into wars to get into office or stay in office with no intention to win require less of the cost to our young men,in death,pain and suffering ,leaving men broken physically and mentally, and family wounded and destroyed!
September 18, 2022
Another truth about war
Wars are expensive on two levels, the cost of changed lives and the fiscal costs in terms of dollars spent. Dr. Levin, author, does a magnificent job describing both and more specifically from a personal standpoint through his experiences in Vietnam. His material includes data current as of 2021 which will be relevant to vets of Afghanistan. I can highly recommend this book as I was there and find Dr. Levine's descriptions cathartic !
Wars are expensive on two levels, the cost of changed lives and the fiscal costs in terms of dollars spent. Dr. Levin, author, does a magnificent job describing both and more specifically from a personal standpoint through his experiences in Vietnam. His material includes data current as of 2021 which will be relevant to vets of Afghanistan. I can highly recommend this book as I was there and find Dr. Levine's descriptions cathartic !
June 13, 2023
terrifyingly true account of veterans war
You great book explains an exceptional tour of duty of one our great American veterans. The details and options at the end of your book shows the selfishness of our elected, military and money hungry masters and their self interest puts our world in jeopardy when the next war begins.
Thank you brother veteran you help ease our pain.
Australian Vietnam veteran
You great book explains an exceptional tour of duty of one our great American veterans. The details and options at the end of your book shows the selfishness of our elected, military and money hungry masters and their self interest puts our world in jeopardy when the next war begins.
Thank you brother veteran you help ease our pain.
Australian Vietnam veteran
July 6, 2023
A Bit Over the Top
Overall I enjoyed the book. Many times, however, I was struck with the feeling that the author either overstated or overreacted his anger and actions. For example, he was pleased to report an incident where he tried to shoot down a congressional aircraft of US politicians. I wondered how he would have felt if that act had
successfully brought down the aircraft. The ramifications outside his own court marshal would have been staggering.
Overall I enjoyed the book. Many times, however, I was struck with the feeling that the author either overstated or overreacted his anger and actions. For example, he was pleased to report an incident where he tried to shoot down a congressional aircraft of US politicians. I wondered how he would have felt if that act had
successfully brought down the aircraft. The ramifications outside his own court marshal would have been staggering.
March 27, 2022
very interesting story of one marines actions in VN
This book helps to expose the hypocrisy of war. The coming of America by politicians who were merely profiting from the war. As a soldier in ‘67-‘69 it was readily apparent that the military industrial complex was greedily coming to life. Read the book, enjoy the story, contemplate all its misconceptions and misinformation.
This book helps to expose the hypocrisy of war. The coming of America by politicians who were merely profiting from the war. As a soldier in ‘67-‘69 it was readily apparent that the military industrial complex was greedily coming to life. Read the book, enjoy the story, contemplate all its misconceptions and misinformation.
Read
August 14, 2022Well written brutally honest about what he experienced
This is a unique book. Levin had the guts to tell you what happened, what he did, and how he felt about everything. The guy is really smart and accomplished great things even though he had lots of opposition in everything. I learned a lot! Thank you!
This is a unique book. Levin had the guts to tell you what happened, what he did, and how he felt about everything. The guy is really smart and accomplished great things even though he had lots of opposition in everything. I learned a lot! Thank you!
January 30, 2023
Thank You.
An intimate, first hand account of the atrocities that man can bring against others as can only be told by one who literally saw it first hand. I rarely if ever comment on the books that I have read but admire that the author had my interest that lead me to reading this in about two days. To Dr. Levin, I thank you for sharing your pain and more so, for coming home!
An intimate, first hand account of the atrocities that man can bring against others as can only be told by one who literally saw it first hand. I rarely if ever comment on the books that I have read but admire that the author had my interest that lead me to reading this in about two days. To Dr. Levin, I thank you for sharing your pain and more so, for coming home!
May 28, 2023
Welcome back
Welcome back Sir, Thank you for all the lives you did save and those lives that you eased into the next life, it shows in spite of your personal feelings, you still had enough empathy and compassion for your battle brothers to ease their pain and suffering when they needed it most.
Great book and Thank you for sharing.
Be well.
Welcome back Sir, Thank you for all the lives you did save and those lives that you eased into the next life, it shows in spite of your personal feelings, you still had enough empathy and compassion for your battle brothers to ease their pain and suffering when they needed it most.
Great book and Thank you for sharing.
Be well.
August 11, 2023
truth of war
The dr states with knowledge and experience the horror of war, one we should not have been in, or forget about. Just for the profit of politicians and the few who made billions on the back of young Americans soldiers trying to survive the war. I tried to enlist the Navy, failed the physical, was sent home. Thank you Lord.
The dr states with knowledge and experience the horror of war, one we should not have been in, or forget about. Just for the profit of politicians and the few who made billions on the back of young Americans soldiers trying to survive the war. I tried to enlist the Navy, failed the physical, was sent home. Thank you Lord.
April 22, 2022
Review
Good read. I enjoyed very much from a doc perspective. Thank you. It was hell no doubt. I'm sorry that you had so many bad experiences. I was 1st 22 infantry 4th division in 1971. An Khe
Good read. I enjoyed very much from a doc perspective. Thank you. It was hell no doubt. I'm sorry that you had so many bad experiences. I was 1st 22 infantry 4th division in 1971. An Khe
September 29, 2022
to much I, My, Me!
A long yarn with a lot of “poor me” and B.S. as well. A doctor doing hand to hand combat as well as assassinations is beyond the pale. He says beware the military, industrial complex. Well they don’t work without being funded by Congress!..
A long yarn with a lot of “poor me” and B.S. as well. A doctor doing hand to hand combat as well as assassinations is beyond the pale. He says beware the military, industrial complex. Well they don’t work without being funded by Congress!..
May 29, 2023
educational
The things our young men and women endure for our so called freedom. Must so much be asked? Dr Levin presented his duties and calling very vividly. Praise to him for never giving up.
The things our young men and women endure for our so called freedom. Must so much be asked? Dr Levin presented his duties and calling very vividly. Praise to him for never giving up.
October 19, 2023
Deeply moving story of a mans emotional fight
An honest story told through one man's experience both in Vietnam and more so at home.
One of the best reflects on Vietnam and it's true horror.
An honest story told through one man's experience both in Vietnam and more so at home.
One of the best reflects on Vietnam and it's true horror.
April 1, 2022
Great book - Well done, Doc
One of the best books on Medical missions in the Vietnam war. Rings true on each page. Thank you for your service !
One of the best books on Medical missions in the Vietnam war. Rings true on each page. Thank you for your service !
April 16, 2022
Excellent Book
It gives the reader the good, the bad and the ugly of the war; unfortunately it’s mostly the bad and the ugly.
It gives the reader the good, the bad and the ugly of the war; unfortunately it’s mostly the bad and the ugly.
June 11, 2022
couldn’t sleep well while reading it.
Makes me realize how easy I had it in Vietnam 66-67. Thank you for doing all you could for the guys in the crotch.
Makes me realize how easy I had it in Vietnam 66-67. Thank you for doing all you could for the guys in the crotch.
Read
June 12, 2022O....M...G!!!
This is probably the most in-depth and honest account of the affects no just the Vietnam war, but all war has on the people who fought them!
This is probably the most in-depth and honest account of the affects no just the Vietnam war, but all war has on the people who fought them!
September 20, 2022
Different
An intriguing and educated insight into the war. It adds and contrasts with other accounts from airmen and soldiers. Well written and frightening.
An intriguing and educated insight into the war. It adds and contrasts with other accounts from airmen and soldiers. Well written and frightening.
September 23, 2022
This is the guy you talk to for 2min, realize all he wants to talk about is how great he is, then you turn away and hope you never see him again. Though, when he’s not bragging about himself, he writes a compelling story.
October 6, 2022
Wow, just wow.
Whom would I recommend this book to? Anyone who blindly follows political parties. Gritty, disturbingly factual, and absolutely nothing but the truth. Well written.
Whom would I recommend this book to? Anyone who blindly follows political parties. Gritty, disturbingly factual, and absolutely nothing but the truth. Well written.
October 24, 2022
Emotional Read
Painful memories vented. Good argument that all who experience combat in any war experience PTSD. May God help them all.
Painful memories vented. Good argument that all who experience combat in any war experience PTSD. May God help them all.
December 16, 2022
Good read
From the battle good to the home coming . A good look at the way vets had a lot to deal with life
From the battle good to the home coming . A good look at the way vets had a lot to deal with life
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews