Join Del Hardiman as he takes you through the astonishing twists and turns of his life in Dangerous Enclosures. Flying solo clandestine missions from Berlin during the Cold War to dodging enemy fire in Vietnam, Del’s journey is one of courage and adventure. His story isn’t just about the missions or the close calls—it’s about the people he met, the places he saw, and the incredible experiences that shaped his life. Get ready to step into the cockpit and see the world through the eyes of one who’s lived through it all, in this gripping memoir that’s as personal as it is thrilling.
Dangerous Enclosures offers a thrilling glimpse into Del Hardiman’s life as a risk-taking pilot from his teens daring flights under fire in Vietnam, covert missions from Berlin, during the Cold War, to five NASA flights to Moscow in which he witnessed signing of the Russia/U.S Space accords and the 1993 Crisis in Moscow. Each chapter is packed with adventure, close calls, and personal reflections that bring his incredible journey to life.
Del Hardiman’s illustrious career in aviation spans over 60 years, covering both military and civilian sectors. His journey has taken him across the globe, allowing him to witness and play a role in some of the most influential historical moments of the 20th century. From flying secretive missions during the Cold War to serving as a pilot for NASA’s Administrator, Del’s experiences have been nothing short of extraordinary. His first memoir, Dangerous Enclosures, encapsulates the essence of his remarkable life, filled with courage, close calls, and the relentless pursuit of his passions. Through his writing, Del shares the invaluable lessons learned from a life lived on the edge, inviting readers to explore the skies and the world beyond through his eyes.
“Dangerous Enclosures” tells the noteworthy story of Del Hardiman, a man whose life many times was a dance with danger. This memoir takes you from the tense skies above Berlin during the Cold War to the dense, unpredictable jungles of Vietnam. Del’s experiences both as a civilian and military pilot and soldier are more than just a series of thrilling scenes—they are evidence to the strength and the human spirit’s capacity to undergo in the face of overwhelming odds.
Throughout the book, Del doesn’t just recount the events; he shares the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the moments that tested him to his core. Each chapter lay bare a new layer of his life, revealing how those high-stakes events shaped not just his career, but his entire worldview. “Dangerous Enclosures” is more than a memoir; it’s a journey through the highs and lows of a life lived on the edge, and an invitation to understand what it truly means to survive—and thrive—under pressure.
This morning, I am flying a single engine DeHavilland Beaver, powered by a 450 HP Pratt and Whitney radial engine, designated the U6-A by Uncle Sam. It's 1973, and I depart Tempelhof Air Force Base, Berlin, some 110 miles behind the Iron Curtain. Purpose of this flight is to observe and photograph Soviet and East German military installations within a 20-mile radius of the city, equating to 1257 square miles. Prior to departure, I meet SFC St. John, an Intel specialist who, once we get into the aircraft, will make grease pencil markings on my laminated map with current Soviet/East German installations identified he wants to look at...
Del Hardiman was inspired to share his remarkable life story after a close friend suggested he write a memoir, reflecting on his decades of experiences in aviation and the military.
Yes, the book recounts true events from Del Hardiman’s life, including his time as a pilot during the Cold War and the Vietnam War, as well as his experiences in civilian aviation.
Readers will gain insights into the life of a pilot who faced danger head-on, learning about the challenges, decisions, and personal growth that come from living life on the edge.
Del Hardiman spent several years compiling notes, researching, and writing to ensure that the events depicted in his memoir are authentic and true to his experiences.
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