Shooting at the Moon

Shooting at the Moon chronicles America's secret military operations in Laos during the Vietnam War era, from 1961 to 1973. The book, written by Roger Warner, examines the CIA and US military's covert activities in the region, which ran parallel to and influenced the larger conflict in Vietnam. The narrative tracks key personnel, strategic decisions, and operations that transformed a contained covert mission into a significant military engagement. Warner draws from extensive research and interviews to document the complex relationships between American operatives, local forces, and political leaders during this period. The title stems from a Laotian folk practice of shooting firearms during lunar eclipses to ward off a mythological giant frog believed to be consuming the moon. The book, winner of the Cornelius Ryan Award, raises questions about the nature of military intervention and the unintended consequences of escalating conflicts.

Readers view this as a detailed account of the CIA's secret war in Laos, with reviews noting its thorough research and first-hand interviews. On Amazon and Goodreads, many mention the book fills historical gaps about a lesser-known conflict. Readers appreciate: - Documentation of local perspectives and voices - Clear explanation of complex political dynamics - Personal narratives from participants - Maps and historical photographs Common criticisms: - Dense political background sections - Time jumps in narrative can cause confusion - Limited coverage of certain key events - Some readers found parts repetitive Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.3/5 (42 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (89 reviews) Several reviewers note it pairs well with other books on the Vietnam War era. One reader called it "the definitive work on the CIA's involvement in Laos" while another said "too much focus on individual personalities rather than broader strategy."

Tragedy in Paradise by Frederick Branfman American war operations in Laos from 1964-1973 are documented through first-hand accounts and primary sources.

The Ravens by Christopher Robbins The secret war in Laos unfolds through the experiences of CIA-operated Air America pilots who flew covert missions.

Honorable Exit by Thurston Clarke The final days of the Vietnam War and the CIA's operations in Laos intersect in this account of evacuations and abandoned allies.

The Most Secret Place on Earth by Karen Coates The impact of America's covert war in Laos continues through unexploded ordnance and generational trauma.

Back Fire: The CIA's Secret War in Laos by Roger Warner The CIA's paramilitary operations in Laos are traced from their origins through their ultimate consequences.

🌟 The practice of shooting at lunar eclipses was common across Southeast Asia, with various cultures believing different creatures - from dragons to frogs - were attempting to devour the moon. 🌟 The CIA's operation in Laos became the largest covert operation in U.S. history prior to Afghanistan, involving over 400 Americans and thousands of local fighters. 🌟 Author Roger Warner spent over a decade conducting research for this book, including extensive interviews with both CIA operatives and Laotian veterans. 🌟 Laos holds the unfortunate distinction of being the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, with more bombs dropped on it during this period than on Germany and Japan combined in WWII. 🌟 During the period covered in the book (1961-1973), Laos was officially neutral in the Vietnam War, despite being a crucial battleground for covert operations.