Big BUF is a story of a B-52 crew and their adventures (and misadventures) during the Vietnam war. It is based on the fact that war is in itself not humorous, but humorous things happen in war. This is not only true on war, but is also true at home where the wives and children anxiously await the return of their husbands and fathers. It follows a B-52 aircrew from their entry into the Strategic Air Command, through three combat tours and to the end of the Vietnam War. No character in the book is any one living individual. I would say that all characters in the book are based on combinations of individuals.The book is based on actual events that occurred during the war, embellished with a little artistic license. For example, there was a Russian spy at Pataya Beach, Thailand, who sought information from B-52 crew members in exchange for "favors." It became a game to go to Pataya to see if one could be picked up by the lovely spy. There was also a rumor, which had a good basis, that a general's wife opened a house of pleasure on Guam. She had found a need and filled it. Ernie's Hide-Away actually existed under the name of Charlie's Hide-Away and was a favorite restaurant and watering hole for B-52 guys. Merelyn accurately describes life back home. Wives were close. They helped each other cope and took care of the ones who turned to alcohol or other men. She lived through the panic when an airplane was lost and the blue station wagons cruised through the housing areas, carrying the Chaplain and a senior officer to the home of the new widow. I have described the actual combat and bombing runs as accurately as possible. Big BUF is history seen through the eyes of those who lived it.
About the Author: Charles W. Holmes applied for Aviation Cadet flight training in the United States Air Force in 1953. He was awarded his wings and commissioned a second lieutenant in 1955. After flying the C-47 "Goonie Bird" in Korea and two years in troop carrier operations, he was drafted into the SAC and the B-52 program in 1959, where he stayed for the rest of his career. He had over 7,500 flying hours with over 5,000 hours in the B-52, transitioning from copilot to first pilot to instructor pilot. He had 4 combat tours during the Vietnam War, 3 of which were 6 months each flying as combat crewmember from Guam, Okinawa, and Utapao Royal Thai Air Base. At Utapao, he completed 236 combat missions, receiving 11 Air Medals, the Bronze Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross. Returning to civilian life, he qualified for a teaching certificate in mathematics at Florida State University. He was awarded an M.S in 1975, and a Ph.D. in education finance in 1976. He did Government contract work with the BDM Corporation in Washington, D.C. before joining Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, teaching economics as a the senior scientist, then later director, of the Aviation Research Center. He was appointed to Bainbridge College, of the University System of Georgia. He taught economics and statistics for twenty years. Chuck is now retired as Professor of Economics Emeritus. Merelyn Holmes had the toughest job in the Air Force-that of an Air Force wife. Merelyn was responsible for welfare and support of wives coping with family separation. There was the recovering alcoholic who would no longer be able to cope and wanted to turn to drink. Merelyn told her to call when this happened. The telephone would sometimes ring in the early evening and they would talk until sunup when the friend would say that she is now all right. She was always available to assist other wives who might have demonstrated embarrassing behavior at the officers club. She remained active in her social responsibilities. She continued teaching Sunday school and other work in chapel programs. She was leader of The Protestant Women of the Chapel and received a Letter of Commendation for her chapel work from the Air Force Chief of Chaplains. She still managed to have time to raise a child of our own while acting as mother and replacing an absent father. Chuck and His wife Merelyn have been married 55 years and live in a waterfront condo in Gulf Shores, Alabama.