Wayne Mutza Books

The book offers a comprehensive history of Lockheed's Neptune, the first aircraft specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare, tracing its development from World War II through its various roles in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Highlighting its versatility, the Neptune adapted to numerous missions, with over 1,000 units built, many still in use today. It includes unique insights into non-U.S. operations and obscure variants, supported by extensive research, detailed lists of serial numbers, and rare photographs, making it an essential resource for aviation enthusiasts.

Through its remarkable service during the war in Southeast Asia, the Skyraider became legendary. It served with distinction in the hands of U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and South Vietnamese Air Force pilots, who took the war to the enemy, often at low altitude and in the face of devastating antiaircraft fire. And it suffered heavy losses. The Skyraider’s versatility and the mettle of its pilots were unmatched. This book takes not only a look at an old airplane, but at the warriors who flew and maintained the machine they called the “Spad.” This volume captures the essence of combat in the Spad, and explains the broad range of Spad operations. The text, which is rich with the narratives of Spad pilots and ground crew, is complemented by over 300 original photographs, seventy emblems, and detailed listings of every Skyraider that flew in the war, and the colorful units to which they were assigned. This fascinating volume is a must for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and modelers alike.

The Albatross was the premier fixed-wing rescue aircraft for the U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard. Its very colorful history begins in 1946 and spans nearly a quarter of a century, including service with twenty-two foreign nations. With a total of 466 built by Grumman, more than eighty examples still thrive on the civil register. The Albatross also saw extensive service in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The fascinating history of this unique aircraft is complemented by over 200 photographs including many in color showing the great variations in color schemes and markings.

Don’t be fooled by the small size of the H-6/Model 500 helicopter. In the scout role in Vietnam, OH-6As and their aircrew became legends for their high-risk work in the low-level environment. Wayne Mutza presents the small, dynamic helicopter’s story in this well-written, superbly detailed, and lavishly illustrated volume. Much of the OH-6A’s combat record in Vietnam is told in firsthand accounts. Mutza offers fascinating insight to the helicopter’s controversial beginning, its development, and its service with the Army National Guard, the Army’s flight demonstration team, worldwide operators, and law enforcement agencies. In addition, the reader is treated to an entire chapter devoted to the Little Birds of Special Operations. Also included are appendices with factual data, and more than sixty emblems. It’s all here in this highly readable volume.

Focusing on the evolution of fire and rescue boats in America, this book provides a detailed history of marine firefighting from the nineteenth century to the present. It features an array of vessels, from powerful battleship-sized fireboats to modern, high-tech aluminum crafts, highlighting their operational capabilities and the traditions of the profession. Through rich illustrations and historical accounts, the author honors the dedication of marine firefighters who have bravely faced various dangers throughout the years.

The Milwaukee Fire Department has a rich history, beginning as a volunteer organization in 1837 and transitioning to a full-time service by 1874. Known for its pride and tradition, the department also has a legendary reputation for innovation, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of the city it serves.

Focusing on the evolution and execution of air rescue operations, this comprehensive account delves into the strategies, challenges, and successes of the US Army Air Force and the US Air Force. It highlights key missions, technological advancements, and the brave individuals involved in these critical operations, offering an in-depth perspective on the importance of air rescue in military history.

Having spent much of its quarter century of military service in the shadows of more glamorous aircraft, the tough, hard-working H-43 helicopter is brought to the forefront in this long overdue account. Recounting the personal experiences of aircrews, and with dramatic incidents and exclusive illustrations, Wayne Mutza brings to light the H-43’s unique development and numerous accomplishments. The complete details of the helicopter’s colorful past, which have long remained in obscurity, are presented for the first time in this fascinating volume. Coverage includes early U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Service, U.S. Air Force crash-rescue, combat in Southeast Asia, foreign use, commercial operators, and unusual variants and survivors. Whether pulling flyers from fiery crashes, rescuing airmen from enemy lairs in the jungles of Southeast Asia, aiding hurricane victims, or flying plane guard duty off carriers, the H-43 proved itself a most distinct and capable brand of helicopter.

Though Bicentennial aircraft schemes and markings, along with many of the aircraft of that period, have all but faded into obscurity, this colorful volume not only preserves their images, but reflects the spirit that prevailed during that historic period