Air America and the war in Laos, 1959--1974
by Ferguson, J. Michael, M.A., THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS, 2010, 96 pages; 1485099

Abstract:

Secretly owned by the CIA, Air America operated as a civilian airline in the hazardous conditions of war-torn Laos from 1959 to 1974. Since the delicate diplomatic situation in Laos prevented the use of U.S. military forces, the largely unarmed Air America functioned as the CIA’s paramilitary air force, flying in support of indigenous troops who fought against communist forces. It engaged in a wide variety of operations, from aerial supply to combat assault missions. Air America pilots forged an altogether different experience of the war in Indochina, even though they encountered the same kinds of danger as the military pilots who operated next door in Vietnam. Many express nostalgia for their time with the company, despite the many dangers they faced on a daily basis while flying in Laos. This paper explores some of the reasons why these men formed such a different outlook on the war in Indochina.

 
AdviserMichelle Nickerson
SchoolTHE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
SourceMAI/ 48-06, p. , Aug 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsAsian history; American history; Modern history
Publication Number1485099
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