Pretzel 06: Memories of a Forward Air Controller

Forty-eight years ago, Tom Petitmermet was assigned as a FAC in Southeast Asia. This book recalls the many "war stories" that occurred during that one-year tour and attempts to answer the question from his grandchildren; "What did you do in the war Grandpa"?

Tom flew 535 combat sorties and was awarded numerous military decorations for his service. Tom relates both humorous and often dangerous happenings during Combat Search and Rescue Missions, Commando Vault, and varied other missions. The book gives the reader the chance to ride alongside him on airstrikes for a clear view of want it was like to fly missions across thick, dense jungles often in severe storms raging across the region.

Tom retired as a Colonel after completing a 26 year Air Force career flying fighter aircraft, testing air to air munitions, and many command and staff positions including Commander of an Aggressor flying squadron in Alaska and Base Commander of a remote Alaska base. He retired in 1995 as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the North American Defense Command (NORAD).