"...this book finally tells a story that has not been told but should have been."
Kris Barnett
Graybeard Magazine Book Review
One of the most insidious effects of war is the way unforeseen and unplanned circumstances can intersect so many lives. Baited Trap: The Ambush of Mission 1890 presents the surreal events that followed what was hoped to be a successful rescue mission in the Korean mountains. But what happened to the pilots and the rescuers leads to long-term ramifications for the men and their families.
Tracy D. Connors [author of Truckbusters From Dogpatch], the nephew of one of the F-51 pilots from the Rescue Combat Air Patrol sent to protect a downed Navy fighter pilot that day, presents the results of his extensive research regarding Mission 1890.
Connors' interviews with the families of the rescuers, original documents such as military records and official correspondence, and personal letters and experiences are woven together to create comprehensive depiction of the ill-fated mission as well as a riveting portrayal of each of the man (and their loved ones) whose lives changed on June 25, 1952.
After providing helpful background with a brief history of the procedures and equipment used in many military rescue missions, Connors introduces the men whose fate intertwined in what is described as "the deadliest helicopoter rescue mission of the Korean War."
Readers get to know Navy Fighter Pilot Ensign Ron Eaton, whose combat mishap sets in motion the rescue mission. Readers meet Rescue Combat Air Patrol pilot Archie Connors and the extended Connors family. Also profiled is Captain Wayne Lear, the pilot of the rescue helicopter sent to rescue Ensign Eaton. We also meet Elliot Ayer, flight leader for the combat rescue mission, and Bobby Dale Holloway, the medical technician who flew the rescue mission with Captain Lear.
Connors skillfully weaves personal and professional details about each man, bringing depth and interest to the book. However, he never loses sight of his purpose in publishing the details of this little-known event in military history: to bring to light the daring mission and what it represented for the men and their families. The dramatic plot twists and turns are continually surprising, even for the reader who is most familiar with the circumstances surrounding the Korean War.
The reader may easily forget that the events depicted are not fictional. Furthermore, the men involved in the mission were never officially recognized for their sacrifices as part of Mission 1890. However, this book finally tells a story that has not been told but should have been.
After detailing the mission, Connors describes its aftermath. At the time, the whereabouts of the servicemen involved in the initial crash as well as the rescue mission were unknown. With credible information, the families clung to hope that their loved ones were alive as prisoners of war. Each man was listed as Missing in Action, leaving the families in heartbreaking limbo.
A remarkable amount of correspondence between the families and military officials is presented in the book, capturing the frustration and uncertainty. As the men's lives did, the families begin to intertwine as they connect with one another in the years that follow the mission. Sadly, one by one, the belongings of the men make their way back to their families, as do some of their remains. Nonetheless, the returned belongings and remains are not enough to provide closure for many family members.
Connors includes final thoughts in his concluding section: "Slowly, as one set of hopes died, others would begin to grow, as Baited Trap recounts. Lives, however battered and broken, could be put back together again. All of them tried...not all were successful. The eventual toll for Mission 1890 was much greater than the three servicemen, as it turned out."
By Kris Barnett
in Book Review, Graybeard Magazine, Korean War Veterans Association, Jan-Feb, 2008
...includes a ‘gold mine’ of documentary and photographic evidence at the family level. I believe the story will resonate with many readers..."
“This story is a tragic, but wonderful, example of how war may affect the loved ones of those who are lost. It includes a ‘gold mine’ of documentary and photographic evidence at the family level. I believe the story will resonate with many readers, especially the families of those U.S. Servicemen lost in military operations since 2001. In ‘Baited Trap,’ deaths in combat, perceived or actual bureaucratic insensitivities, and human failings combine with the sometimes sorrowful and failed--and sometimes encouraging and successful--efforts of loved ones to cope with their respective losses. There are undoubtedly many American families today who would draw a measure of strength and courage from a poignant reminder that they are not the first to experience a war for whom there may never be final closure in this life.”
Dr. Forrest L. Marion, Oral Historian, USAF Historical Research Agency
Author: That Others May Live, USAF Air Rescue in Korea
"There should have been some Silver Stars and a Medal of Honor award for those that participated in Mission 1890..."
Col. Baylor Haynes, USAF-Ret
“When we were in combat we lived in a different world. We approached
life differently. The other guy may get killed, but not us. If you do
get killed then it’s all over for you. But, it’s only the beginning for
our loved ones we left behind. At home our loved ones wait, afraid to
look out the window for fear of seeing a car stop in front and military
personnel get out. It it is over for us, it is just beginning for them
and they will be affected all of their lives by the loss. Every
birthday, anniversary and holiday they will feel the effects. I think
your approach will be welcomed by the families of those you profiled in
Baited Trap. In many respects, they are still going through the
waiting-to-know and through the loss. Those who never went through it
will get new insights into what pain and anguish it brings. There
should have been some Silver Stars and a Medal of Honor award for those
that participated in Mission 1890--and Bob Holloway should have been
rescued. He would have been in 1965-66. Good story!”
Col. Baylor Haynes, USAF (Ret)
Founding President, The Jolly Greens and the Air Rescue Association
Captain Tracy Connors has presented a remarkably accurate picture of the courage and dedication of those pilots and airmen who risked and sometimes gave their lives that others may live during the Korean War. At the same time he has also identified and described some of the shortcomings of Air Force leaders and the chain of command at that time who lacked adequate knowledge of rotary wing capabilities and potential--a relatively new branch of aviation. Those of us fortunate enough to have participated in the combat rescue of downed airmen live for the rest of our lives with a sense of gratitude that we were graced with that very rare opportunity.
The loss of any American warrior in the service of his or her country
is a tragedy to all of us and most painfully to their loved ones. The
author has captured both the pride and the distressing sorrow felt by
families when they realize their warriors will not be returning home to
the hero’s welcome they so richly deserve. Baited Trap is a long
overdue tribute to the Air Rescue Service and particularly for these
airmen whose bravery, airmanship and dedication to life saving duty is
unsurpassed in military history.
Lt. Col. John W. Caldwell, USAF (Ret)
Author: Bless 'Em All
"Della...I just had to let you that I am enthralled by the book...I'm nearly finished chapter 6 and it is fascinating...I will let you know more as I get farther in the book...Thank you so-o-o-o much for sending it...is in indeed a part of history that should be told!"
Judy, Virginia
[A recent letter to Bob and Della Holloway]
"Dear Bob and Della, I finally finished [Baited Trap, the Ambush of Mission 1890]. Probably one of the hardest reads I have ever done since I know you both personally. Many nights I had to put the book down because I couldn't see through my tears. Della, you are a very courageous and gutsy woman!!!!!! I admire you for all you did. I don't know how you kept your sanity all those years, but Faith is a great thing."
"And Bob, as I was reading with complete awe, I would "TRY" and read certain things to [my husband], but my emotions got the better of me and told him to read it himself. Who knew? You look at people you have known for years, and yet there is always a story that you don't know about. The way [Baited Trap was written], I felt I was with you on this horrible journey all the way. I had such a heavy heart reading this book, but then thought about the outcome and what two wonderful people you are. You are both heroes in your own way."
"Bob, I have always told you no one says the Pledge of Allegiance like you. Now I know why. I cry at the National Anthem (I’m Italian, what can I say!) I'm sure the next time the Pledge comes up I will let the tears flow. I am so very happy that I was able to read this book. Your children and grandchildren must be just so proud of the two of you. I know I am. Love, M.
P.S The next time I see a ham and cheese sandwich I know exactly what I will be visualizing!!!!!! "
M.S., San Rafael, CA
"I received Baited Trap over the weekend and have not been able to put it down! While I ordinarily don't go for 'war' themes, I've found the personal family histories irresistible."
P.B., Jacksonville, Florida
"Last night we received a phone call from a friend, who is a school
teacher, telling us that it is the very best history book he has ever
read and it will definitely be part of his library for future use. This
morning we received a phone call from a friend in Colorado who has one
of the books and just can't put it down. It arrived at his home
yesterday and he stayed up last night to continue reading it. Don't
know what comments you are receiving from the general public, but our
friends are definitely intrigued by the book."
DLH, Marin County, CA
"What amazing reading...a true story of an event never before
documented and has illustrations never published before...the book is
worth reading to learn what one of our nobles went through..."
Asiya Salaam (California) Shrine Newsletter, November 2007
"So many take for granted what is done to preserve our Freedom, and I
sincerely hope that Baited Trap will be read across the entire country.
It certainly provides a tribute to those about whom you write, but it
transcends this."
F.K., Jacksonville, Florida