First edition hardcover book titled 'Thud Ridge' by Colonel Jack Broughton, USAF (Ret)

Published in 1969, 'Thud Ridge' is Colonel Jack Broughton's firsthand account of flying F-105 Thunderchief missions over North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The book provides a gripping narrative of aerial combat operations and the challenges faced by American pilots during Operation Rolling Thunder. The title refers to the ridge of mountains near Hanoi that pilots had to cross on their bombing runs, and the 'Thud' was the nickname for the F-105 Thunderchief aircraft. This book is highly valued by military history enthusiasts, aviation collectors, and Vietnam War historians for its authentic perspective and detailed accounts of aerial warfare. First edition copies with dust jackets are particularly sought after by collectors of military aviation literature and Vietnam War memorabilia. The book remains one of the most respected firsthand accounts of the air war in Vietnam and is considered essential reading for understanding the pilot experience during this conflict.