Historian garners Frank Futrell award

Published June 3, 2008
By Holly Birchfield
78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- A simple phone call from someone inquiring about a piece of Air Force history inspired Dr. William Head, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center historian, to write a book about AC-119G Shadow and AC-119K Stinger gunships in the Vietnam War.

One year later, his book is being recognized at the Air Force level.

Dr. Head, who holds a doctorate in the history of U.S. foreign relations with East and Southeast Asia, recently earned the 2008 U.S. Air Force History and Museums Program's Frank Futrell award for excellence in historical publications for his book, "Shadow and Stinger: Developing the AC-119G/K Gunships in the Vietnam War."

The historian said his book, which was based on action reports and histories, focuses on the gunship's impact on the Vietnamese and later the American forces against enemy ground forces, among other parts of the gunship's history.

Dr. Head said while he's pleased his book was recognized with such a prestigious award, it's whom the award is named for that really excited him.

"I think the greatest honor is in fact that it's named after Frank Futrell who truly was one of the pioneers of Air Force history and a real gentleman," he said.

Early in Dr. Head's career, he was able to meet Mr. Futrell.

Jim Balletto, retired art director for the Museum of Aviation who designed the award-winning book's cover, said he couldn't be more proud of his friend's accomplishment.

"I think it's great," he said. "He's one of the best writers in history with the Department of Defense I've ever met. I love his books, all of them. They're great stuff. I think it's a privilege to get to work with him."