Bullwhip 26

The journey of a rookie airman flying reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War. To leave the war and its haunting memories behind, he locks them in silence.

Thirty-six years after his rescue, his phone rings.

Bullwhip 26 book cover

A Year Flying Combat in Southeast Asia with a Recce WSO

Bullwhip 26 takes you along the journey of a rookie airman, John Stiles, flying reconnaissance missions during the Vietnam War. Despite being shot down, ejecting from his plane, and escaping through enemy territory, survival of deadly missions made him feel bullet proof. To leave the war and its haunting memories behind, he locks them in silence.

Thirty-six years after his rescue, his phone rings.  “John, I think I know what happened to you in January 1972.  I met the MiG pilot who shot you down.  He wants to meet you.”  Facing his past and finding the truth is a test of faith, character, and endurance—one that brings reconciliation with his former adversary and peace to himself.

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Aviation Heritage Park

The home of Phantom II the actual plane (#550) that Brig. Gen. Dan Cherry flew in the Vietnam War when he shot down Hong My.

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Old Guys and Their Airplanes

A media production group producing films, educational resources, podcasts, livestream for history geeks.

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Wayne Community College

Proceeds will be donated to a scholarship fund for military students or their dependents attending Wayne Community College, Goldsboro, NC.

old guys and their airplanes episode

OGTA #5 “The History Lesson”

It really is an improbable situation: a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot meets the North Vietnamese fighter pilot who blew him out of the sky during the Vietnam War…on the former enemy’s home turf, Hanoi.

This episode proves out WWII fighter pilot “Morrie” Magnusson’s assertion that, “War is a cruel act of diplomacy, of finance, of politics, of personality. But rarely between two (humans).”

“The History Lesson” is a truly positive story.

MEET THE AUTHOR

JOHN L. Stiles

John Lowell Stiles grew up as an Air Force “brat”, living all over the United States and in several foreign countries. John believes the military lifestyle of his early years directly influenced his adaptability in complex situations and with diverse populations.

Discover more on the story

Recent news & Press Coverage

Foes in war, friends in peace

A former Vietnamese pilot and two American foes he confronted in the Việt Nam War four decades ago have become the best of friends now

Escape After Being Shot Down

John Stiles story from Vietnam War Stories From All Sides.

Vietnam pilot shares his dogfight story and reconciliation with MiG pilot

Cherry shared his story on Aug. 10 of that day, and a subsequent unique reconciliation with more than 90 veterans at the North Georgia Veterans monthly luncheon at the Big Canoe, Georgia clubhouse.

Giving Back

The journey of a rookie airman

Proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to a scholarship fund for military students or their dependents attending Wayne Community College, Goldsboro, NC.