“A gripping story of a young man forced to grow up at a live-or-die speed.”

Feel the intensity as he embarks on a life-altering experience that will take him from a farm boy into a hardened veteran amidst the bloodlust of battle. Witness his dramatic transformation as he navigates the devastating realities of war and encounters acts of heroism, moments of mercy, and a mysterious silent wound that will stay with him for years after the conflict.

Join Mack and the 'Angels of the Air' on the ultimate journey of bravery, resilience, and a job well done in Bikini Beach.

Bikini Beach

Best-Selling Debut Novel

Praise for Bikini Beach

  • “Bikini Beach, is a fact based story of how the Viet Nam War affected him (and so many others) emotionally, physically and personally. This is a well written account of a soldier who loves his country, what it means to be an American and the pain and sacrifices made in a time of war. I laughed, cried and just sat in silence while reading. A must read!”

    Beckey Gear
    Congresstional Aide (Retired)

  • "As one of our nation's valiant soldiers who fought in Vietnam and served the U.S., and then continued his outstanding service with a long stint as my congressional and Governor’s aid on behalf of and for the citizens of New Mexico and the country, Butch Maki has written an inspiring, fact-based story that tells of his real-life experiences that everyone should read and thank him for."

    Bill Richardson
    American politician, author, and diplomat
    30th governor of New Mexico 2003 - 2011

  • “I have read a book every two weeks for years, and Bikini Beach is the only one I read twice.”

    Bill Pedace
    Vice President (Retired), General Dynamics

  • “Bikini Beach is a compelling story of our young soldiers as they faced combat in Vietnam. Many of these young men were away from home for the first time in a conflict that was very controversial. Butch Maki brings out how these soldiers grew from boys to men. You are drawn into their lives as they face combat for the first time. The story is captivating – a must-read for what these soldiers experienced.”

    Bill Kangas
    U.S. Army - 1968-1970

  • “Events of the late 1960s and early 1970s tested the resolve of the U.S. like no period since the Civil War. I was too young for the draft but had a heightened awareness of the drama playing out on our national stage. One window to the world was the daily headline on The Boston Globe newspapers I delivered to doorsteps across town. Another was through eyes of young boys, not much older than me, leaving for Vietnam and returning as men, forever changed. Butch Maki expertly tells their story. His story. Boys who had fathers that fought a clear and righteous WWII with a country united in support and sacrifice for whom the Vietnam experience provided neither. Men cast in the mold of a country at odds with itself. Butch does not preach, nor does he take sides. This is the essence of his message and storytelling style. Using actual events from combat and then the home front, he tells a compelling drama of innocence, conflict, growth, love, failure, and triumph. Loved this book. Could not put it down."

    Bill Haigis
    Senior Vice President (Retired), ABB

  • “Bikini Beach is a great read. It starts out slow but quickly picks up the pace and maintains that cadence throughout.  It is the story of a helicopter crew chief during the Vietnam War and his experiences while riding in the back of a Huey. When he wasn’t twisting wrenches, he was sitting as an M-60 door gunner in that very same helicopter. This is more than a war story because it dredges up the reader’s own memories of the conflict. The war’s participants got very good at putting their own experiences into mental compartments. Throughout their working life, they were too busy slaying dragons to remember what they did and saw. Later, after they retired, they had time to recall events long since forgotten. This book will unleash some of those memories, but this is not all bad because some of the monsters are funny as well as evil. Butch Maki writes a real and readable story.”

    CWO Jon Landstrum
    Veteran of Vietnam and Iraq wars

  • “As a former slick and gunship pilot with the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, all of Butch Maki's stories ring true. Apparently, the names have been changed to protect the ‘innocent.’ Bikini Beach gives an authentic feel to the experiences of the pilots, crew chiefs and door gunners. It contains fun and real stories of the Army Aviation men of the Vietnam War.”

    Roger "Fuzzy" Weaver
    Bikini 19/Buccaneer 3

  • “An innocently told tale of how war ‘happens’ to someone, and what war is guilty of doing to them.”

    Tom Avitabile
    Bestselling Author

  • "I’m not a reader so having Bikini Beach less than a week, I’ve completed and can’t wait for a follow up. You’ve done an amazing job. And I’m proud to say I was a classmate."

    Maury Lizotte

  • “I couldn’t put down your book. Have shared it with a cousin ‘who was there’ and he was hooked in just a few pages.  Congratulations on your achievement & Thank You for your Service & Sacrifices!”

    Peter Markham

About The Best-Selling Author

Walter "Butch" Maki has achieved the American dream of success from decorated war veteran to a senior advisor to a presidential campaign and beyond. Yet beneath this tale of success lies a darker truth of the honor and trauma of serving his beloved country. With his debut best-selling novel, Bikini Beach, Butch offers a glimpse of the special forces of love, understanding, and friendship that have helped him battle the unseen wounds of war.

Updates & Upcoming Events

  • Guest Speaker Series at the CAF Museum: The Helicopter War

    DATE:
    8 March 2025
    TIME:
    13:00 (1:00 PM)

    LOCATION:

    Arizona Base of
    the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
    2017 N. Greenfield Rd. Mesa, AZ, 85215 
    (Northeast corner of Greenfield and McKellips)

    ABOUT THE EVENT:

    Join us at the Arizona Base of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) for a live, in-depth discussion on the critical role helicopters played in Vietnam—their challenges, triumphs, and the brave crews who flew them. Learn how these aircraft revolutionized military strategy, altered the battlefield, and became a symbol of resilience and service.

    While you're there, explore the CAF Museum, home to a remarkable collection of historic military aircraft. Dedicated to preserving and honoring aviation history, the museum showcases fully restored warbirds, exhibits on military aviation, and interactive displays that bring the past to life!

    DIRECTIONS

  • November 2024

    Bikini Beach has just added another prestigious honor to its collection, winning a national award from the Military Writers Society of America for historic fiction. This award adds to the many accolades this compelling narrative has earned in 2024! Check them out!

    Bikini Beach Awards