Backseat View from the Phantom
Discover the gripping memoir of Fleet S. Lentz in Backseat View from the Phantom, published by McFarland & Co Inc in 2020. At just 26 years old, Lentz served as a Marine radar intercept officer, flying 131 combat missions in the back seat of the supersonic F-4 B Phantom II during the final stages of the Vietnam War. This captivating account offers a personal and accessible glimpse into the high-stakes world of military aviation. Lentz vividly recounts the challenges faced by pilots and RIOs as they undertook perilous air-to-ground bombing missions across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. With 229 pages of riveting storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in military history, aviation, or personal tales of bravery and resilience. Dive into this extraordinary journey and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of war from a unique perspective.