Inside the Danger Zone : The U.S. Military in the Persian Gulf, 1987-1988

From the Iraqi attack on the USS Stark to Iranian mine fields to Revolutionary Guard gunboats, the 1987-88 Persian Gulf was a place of shadowy danger for U.S. Navy ships assigned to protect oil tankers during the Iran-Iraq War. A low-profile escort mission quickly became an international test of wills between the United States and Iran. The conflict escalated to involve secret missions and special operations until finally the United States and Iran engaged in open combat, most notably during Operation Praying Mantis in April 1988, the world's largest sea-air battle since World War II. It was the largest deployment of American forces between the Vietnam War and Desert Storm and one with dramatic implications for subsequent events. Yet, the story remained mostly untold and misunderstood for almost two decades. Inside the Danger Zone is the first book ever published to focus on this period, a fourteen-month span that saw an unprecedented series of American military action in this volatile region. Based on declassified documents and extensive interviews with veterans and government officials, many of which spoke out for the first time, Inside the Danger Zone is a fast moving narrative history that tells the story of this quasi-war with Iran from the White House to the front lines. In May 1987, An Iraqi Plane Fired Two Missiles Into Uss Stark, A Lone U.s. Navy Frigate On Patron In The Gulf. The Missiles Severely Damaged The Ship And Killed Thirty-seven Sailors. This Deadly Attack, Which Iraq Claimed Was Accidental, Brought Heightened Attention To The Persian Gulf And Heralded The Beginning Of A New Era In U.s. Middle Eastern Policy. From Then Until The End Of The Iran-iraq War, American Forces Carried Out An Unprecedented Series Of Military Operations In The Gulf. A Planned Tanker Protection Missile Evolved Into A Naval Quasi-war With Iran And Culminated In The Largest Sea-air Battle Since World War Ii. Inside The Danger Zone Is A History Of U.s. Military Involvement In The Persian Gulf In 1987 And 1988-a Time Of Burning Ships, Air Strikes, And Secret Missions-the Prelude To The Iraqi Invasion Of Kuwait, Desert Storm, And The Most Recent Invasion Of Iraq. An Opportunity -- The Attack -- Damage Control -- The Reaction -- Operation Earnest Will -- Guerrilla War At Sea -- Death Waits In The Dark -- The Middle Shoals Buoy -- Operation Nimble Archer -- Change Of Command -- Samuel B. Roberts -- Operation Praying Mantis -- Disaster -- Moving On. Harold Lee Wise. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 252-260) And Index.