Jim DeFelice - Going Deep

The destruction of the Iraqi ground intercept stations on the first day of the Gulf air war by the A-lOAs was one of many great achievements of Desert Storm. As indicated here, the missions were far beyond the Warthogs’ paper specs, but not the planes’ or pilots’ real capabilities. All planes returned safely.

A-10A pilots are credited with shooting down two helicopters during the war, an Mi-8 Hip and what is believed to have been a Bo 105, a light multi-role helicopter. The second helicopter was so badly damaged that it couldn’t be positively identified.

While this book was inspired by actual events in the first Gulf War, it should be emphasized that none of the people are. A great deal of what might be termed poetic license has been employed, starting with the creation of the Devils Squadron and Hog Heaven. In addition, locations such as The Depot and Cineplex are entirely fictional, as are any actions contrary to proper Air Force procedure, military law and/or regulations.

The Hog, of course, is real. If anything, actual A-10A Thunderbolt II Warthogs — and their pilots and crews — are tougher and more capable than fiction can depict.