March 23, 2025: Frank Fox // Doug Bradley

This week we’re joined by Frank Fox, Vietnam Veteran and Author

Host Dale Throneberry talks with Frank Fox, author of “Jersey Boy Takes Flight.”

Frank Fox, LTC, U.S. Army, Aviation (Ret), is a Vietnam War veteran. He served as a helicopter pilot with the 192nd Asslt Helicopter Co. Amassing 500+ hrs of combat flight time. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, with 1OLC, the Air Medal w15 OLC, and the Army Commendation Medal, for Valor. Post-military, Frank furthered his education, acquiring a BA and MA from Benedictine College and Webster University respectively. He’s a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and retired from military service in 1988 after 22 years. He currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland with Kathy, his wife of 54 years. His book Jersey Boy Takes Flight is a compelling narrative of life, loss, and love, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam era.

About the book:

From Humble Beginnings to the Vietnam War: One Man’s Journey of Adventure, Tragedy, and Enduring Love Amidst Turmoil of 60s America.

In Jersey Boy Takes Flight, you are taken on an extraordinary journey through the life of a man whose adventure began as a child, growing up in a middle-class, blue-collar family in Newark, New Jersey. Discover the carefree escapades of a boy in the 1950s and early 60s, engaging in boy scouting, hunting, fishing, and his ultimate passion – baseball. Yet, these innocent exploits soon collided with a country in turmoil, a nation grappling with assassinations, race riots, voting rights protests, anti-war movements, the dawn of space exploration, and the ever-expanding conflict in Vietnam.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a large manila envelope arrives, marking the transition from the security of home to the dangers of war-torn Vietnam. The protagonist finds himself in the U.S. Armed Forces, thrust into the world of military aviation, daring risks, and the harsh reality of war. This is no longer child’s play, but a real-life adventure filled with dangerous missions, potential pitfalls, and the ever-present reality of paying the ultimate price.

Yet amidst the chaos and tragedy, a love story emerges, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The protagonist’s life takes unexpected turns, almost losing his way, but finds salvation in unexpected places and people. The narrative beautifully captures the essence of life’s unpredictability, the fragility of human existence, and the perpetual hope for peace and happiness.

Jersey Boy Takes Flight is a riveting tale of early carefree life, tragic loss, and enduring love. It’s a moving tribute to those who served during the tumultuous Vietnam War era, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the human heart. Experience life through the eyes of a man who dared to venture, dared to triumph over tragedy, and dared to love! This is not just a book; it’s a journey, a life lived to the fullest, an adventure that will leave you moved, inspired, and forever changed.

Bio and book summary from Amazon.com