Undaunted Valor: An Assault Helicopter Unit in Vietnam

Generally I stay away from self published books, but Undaunted is clearly an exception to the rule. It's very informative, the narrative pacing is consistent, and the voice of the young man who matures to be a great Huey pilot is very authentic. The sense of place is extremely strong and the author gives the reader the right amount of detail to feel emotionally involved without being overcome by a lot of useless trivia. With a good editor's help the prose could have been a bit more polished, but after reflection, it would have interfered with getting close to the main character. A great airplane read, a great arm chair read, and a very strong narrative of what it was really like to pilot a helicopter in the war. I won't forget this book for a long time.

I really enjoyed this well written story. I served as an infrantyman in III Corp and during the Cambodia incursion with the First Cavalry Division during 1970 - 71. I was with the 2/5, Alpha Company. Our helicopter assault unit was the 229th Aviation Regiment. I have the utmost appreciation and respect for those brave pilots and their crews who supported the grunts. Colonel Matt Jackson gave a very detailed and accurate account of how the day to operations were carried out during this period.

The book confused me. It is supposedly a true account of a Huey pilot in Vietnam named Dan Corey, but the author is Matt Jackson. Since the book is told in the first person, you would think it was the author speaking. I'm not really sure. The book is good and relates a lot of situations that were very typical of being a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, especially having commanders trying to force you into doing things that were unsafe or downright stupid. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the book.

He said many of the things in the book we discussed everyday after we returned from flying missions all day. I also felt that the South Vietnamese didn’t care if we were there or not. War was all they knew and it did not appear that was ever going to change. We lost too many of our best and brightest over there for nothing.

Well presented story about our WO pilots in Nam. I could almost hear the distinctive sound of the Hueys flying on missions. About the author: to advance from an E-1 at Fort Polk (Fort Puke - been there 1969) to Warrant to 0-6 is very commendable. I was really happy to make 0-5. I gave this book Five Stars only because I can’t give more.

This book is an excellent factual narrative about real soldiers in a real war and yet maintains a very readable and at just the right times humorous tone. It is less about the strategy and technology of warfare and more about the camaraderie that is so unique to the military. The helicopter was used extensively and in myriad ways during the Vietnam war. The heroic men piloting their aircraft in ways never beforehand imagined made this war different from all other wars. The author’s ability to detail events that occurred 50 years ago is amazing. If you wish to have a better understanding of how this all went down then get this book and read it…you wouldn’t be disappointed!

Excellent book, great detail. I usually like happy endings, I cried with this one. Why doesn't the military have a system to give the best leadership reins? I have noticed. A lot of these books, stories seem to always have leaders that care more for their careers than of the men they are supposed to be leading. I have seen this for myself working for the military . I believe a lot of them the lousy ones have blood on there hands, hopefully they have the courage and knowledge to know who they are.

Simply the best book on the helicopter war I've read. "Chickenhawk" was a great book, but just got bumped out of the #1 slot. My highest recommendation.

I was a helicopter pilot during those years in RVN. My experience was so terribly different that at times I had a hard time believing we were at the same vicinity. If you have interest in that time in history there are not a lot of books written by real pilots so it does have some value. I just did not relate a lot of the time and found the author whinny and self serving a lot of the time.

UNDAUNTED VALOR by Matt Jackson is the first of a three-book series about helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. Readers will learn what training was like and they'll see why many potential pilots washed out, unable to meet the physical or mental standards; the author tells his story through a protagonist named, Dan Cory. Although classified as fiction, only to protect the identities of those mentioned in the book and the inability to quote exact conversations as they took place fifty years ago, this story is a narrative about the author's personal experience. As an infantry soldier, we always held chopper pilots and crews in the highest regard. They came when needed. No matter what. We always thought these crewmembers had nerves of steel and remained cool and collected even under the most extreme conditions. The book shows readers what it was really like under that facade. In critiquing this book, I found the author repeating himself in every mission when checking the aircraft, start-up, and checking for clearance. Other than names mentioned, I knew very little about other crewmembers joining him on these missions and fellow pilots. It would also have been interesting to know what the maintenance Group did every night to keep the birds "flyable". I also found several typos, one that stands out is Tan Son Nhut airport, which the author writes as Tan Son Nhat several times through the chapter. Others are real words but used in the wrong context. All in all, UNDAUNTED VALOR is a great read for anyone interested in learning what it takes to become a helicopter pilot and what the job was like during the Vietnam War. Highly recommended. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Matt Jackson!

Generally I stay away from self published books, but Undaunted is clearly an exception to the rule. It's very informative, the narrative pacing is consistent, and the voice of the young man who matures to be a great Huey pilot is very authentic. The sense of place is extremely strong and the author gives the reader the right amount of detail to feel emotionally involved without being overcome by a lot of useless trivia. With a good editor's help the prose could have been a bit more polished, but after reflection, it would have interfered with getting close to the main character. A great airplane read, a great arm chair read, and a very strong narrative of what it was really like to pilot a helicopter in the war. I won't forget this book for a long time.

I really enjoyed this well written story. I served as an infrantyman in III Corp and during the Cambodia incursion with the First Cavalry Division during 1970 - 71. I was with the 2/5, Alpha Company. Our helicopter assault unit was the 229th Aviation Regiment. I have the utmost appreciation and respect for those brave pilots and their crews who supported the grunts. Colonel Matt Jackson gave a very detailed and accurate account of how the day to operations were carried out during this period.

The book confused me. It is supposedly a true account of a Huey pilot in Vietnam named Dan Corey, but the author is Matt Jackson. Since the book is told in the first person, you would think it was the author speaking. I'm not really sure. The book is good and relates a lot of situations that were very typical of being a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, especially having commanders trying to force you into doing things that were unsafe or downright stupid. Overall, though, I really enjoyed the book.

He said many of the things in the book we discussed everyday after we returned from flying missions all day. I also felt that the South Vietnamese didn’t care if we were there or not. War was all they knew and it did not appear that was ever going to change. We lost too many of our best and brightest over there for nothing.

Well presented story about our WO pilots in Nam. I could almost hear the distinctive sound of the Hueys flying on missions. About the author: to advance from an E-1 at Fort Polk (Fort Puke - been there 1969) to Warrant to 0-6 is very commendable. I was really happy to make 0-5. I gave this book Five Stars only because I can’t give more.

This book is an excellent factual narrative about real soldiers in a real war and yet maintains a very readable and at just the right times humorous tone. It is less about the strategy and technology of warfare and more about the camaraderie that is so unique to the military. The helicopter was used extensively and in myriad ways during the Vietnam war. The heroic men piloting their aircraft in ways never beforehand imagined made this war different from all other wars. The author’s ability to detail events that occurred 50 years ago is amazing. If you wish to have a better understanding of how this all went down then get this book and read it…you wouldn’t be disappointed!

Excellent book, great detail. I usually like happy endings, I cried with this one. Why doesn't the military have a system to give the best leadership reins? I have noticed. A lot of these books, stories seem to always have leaders that care more for their careers than of the men they are supposed to be leading. I have seen this for myself working for the military . I believe a lot of them the lousy ones have blood on there hands, hopefully they have the courage and knowledge to know who they are.

Simply the best book on the helicopter war I've read. "Chickenhawk" was a great book, but just got bumped out of the #1 slot. My highest recommendation.

I was a helicopter pilot during those years in RVN. My experience was so terribly different that at times I had a hard time believing we were at the same vicinity. If you have interest in that time in history there are not a lot of books written by real pilots so it does have some value. I just did not relate a lot of the time and found the author whinny and self serving a lot of the time.

UNDAUNTED VALOR by Matt Jackson is the first of a three-book series about helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. Readers will learn what training was like and they'll see why many potential pilots washed out, unable to meet the physical or mental standards; the author tells his story through a protagonist named, Dan Cory. Although classified as fiction, only to protect the identities of those mentioned in the book and the inability to quote exact conversations as they took place fifty years ago, this story is a narrative about the author's personal experience. As an infantry soldier, we always held chopper pilots and crews in the highest regard. They came when needed. No matter what. We always thought these crewmembers had nerves of steel and remained cool and collected even under the most extreme conditions. The book shows readers what it was really like under that facade. In critiquing this book, I found the author repeating himself in every mission when checking the aircraft, start-up, and checking for clearance. Other than names mentioned, I knew very little about other crewmembers joining him on these missions and fellow pilots. It would also have been interesting to know what the maintenance Group did every night to keep the birds "flyable". I also found several typos, one that stands out is Tan Son Nhut airport, which the author writes as Tan Son Nhat several times through the chapter. Others are real words but used in the wrong context. All in all, UNDAUNTED VALOR is a great read for anyone interested in learning what it takes to become a helicopter pilot and what the job was like during the Vietnam War. Highly recommended. Thank you for your service and sacrifice Matt Jackson!

Just as accurate as if it was me telling you my story. That is how it was 68-70. From Fort Polk to getting on the DEROS bird to go home. The nature of the different people here in is just as I found it, from hero’s to cowards, from idiots to gifted pilots and leaders, no matter their rank, they were all there. Playing on the two way rifle range quickly let’s you see the true nature of any man, good or not so good. The author’s premonitions were not that uncommon among the guys in the field and survivors learned to pay attention to their “gut.” Those who did not were likely to get themselves and others hurt or killed.

While the category is fiction, in reality this is a detailed history of the author's 18 months as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. It is very detailed, starting out with training and moving on to his deployment. He places the reader in the chopper mission after mission. He describes the other pilots in his unit and makes the book a very interesting read. He identifies a few of the truly incompetent senior officers throughout the book. If you have any interest in helicopter units in Vietnam, this is the book for you. My only complaint is that at the end of his tour, the books ends kind of abruptly. Since the author became a career soldier, I would have been interested in a more detailed finish, but I am guessing it would not have been able to be a work of fiction. It is well written and very technically sound and accurate.

i am only a third of the way thru this book and it rings true. i went thru wolters and mother rucker,class 71-49,white hats. when he got to flight school stuff i was hooked! everything else from there on was icing on the cake. the u.s was sorta winding down in viet nam so the only people in my class that went back were previous service grunts,eveyone else got germany,korea or go back to your home state guard unit...i got the guard,not bad actually as 95% of the guys in my unit were ex-nam aviators...i spent the next 14 years learning form the best....that's all i got...i'm outta here....clear.

I've ridden into battle hundreds of times on these Huey's and never knew much about the pilots except most all were young and brave. This book opened the door for me to peek into their lives and the training they went through to become pilots. A pilots job I learned is far more complicted than simply flying the aircraft. The skill level is quite demanding. I salute the author for his talents and skills in giving us grunts assistance in getting our jobs done. You guys were always there for us. Thanks for all your sacrifices and the bravery you guys displayed every mission. I have to admit hot LZ's were never any fun, but as a combat medic I sure enjoyed the ride out after our missions were completed. RIP to all that didn't come home from their tours of duty, Vietnam.

I flew fast movers in VN 71-72. You will never forget what a Huey sounds like after one passes over you. But I had no idea what dangerous missions those guys flew nearly every day, sometimes 6 or 7 sorties per day. Those guys deserve so much more praise for all that they did in VN than I have seen them receive. Good book. Can't wait to read the next volume! Thanks, Col Jackson.

I always thought the men jumping out of the Assault Helicopters were the bravest soldiers. After reading this book I now know the crews of the helicopters were even braver. These crews must fly men and supplies into and out of Landing Zones many times every day. Sometimes while being shot at and taking hits. You will also learn about “Hover Holes”. Unsung heroes were the maintenance crews who maintained, repaired battled damage and kept the helicopters flying. I was drafted in 1972 and served as a “Red Leg” in the First Calvary Division.

This is a true-life story as told through the eyes of Colonel Dan Cory as he flies combat missions during the Vietnam War. This is a well-written account of various service personnel caught up in the war, from cowards to heroes, and from imbeciles to gifted pilots and leaders, told by someone who experienced it. Whether you supported the war or not, this rendition will give you an honest picture of how our people lived and died. Well worth a read!

This is a great book! In my opinion it's a good combination of technical aspects of flying and stories of combat. I don't understand why the main character doesn't have the same name as the author. Another criticism, perhaps nitpicking, is the use of current sayings. People didn't answer "I'm good" back in 1969 when asked if they wanted something, nor did they say "Have a good day". But don't let that stop you, it's authentic. I looked up the names of some of the casualties, and they checked out. This is a very good book.

This tale starts at the beginning, it seems, from induction to war to return home. As such there are all the stars, black holes and dark spaces we would expect in any large organization such as the US Army. Parts drag, parts are disgusting, but mostly it is a worthy read.

Having always been interested in helicopters, I find the book very interesting and detailed, when you're done reading you feel you could (almost) fly the Heliocopter. MY stomach tightens we go into a hot LZ or hover hole and I'm reading the book.

As an avid reader of Vietnam history this was a wonderful read. I read it in 2 days. A genuine read where you feel like you are with the author every step of the way. After the book is read take a moment and look at the list of the young men that died in that short period of time in his unit. Very Humbling.

I was in the same area the author was in which added to the story for me. I was with the 2/2nd, Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) until March of 70. One thing I really love about ‘Vietnam Helicopter Veteran/Authors is they always give great respect to those of us in the Infantry. God Bless our Helicopter Pilots and Crews. They saved thousands of Infantry lives in Vietnam.

My most memorable times as a Marine in Vietnam in ‘66 and ‘67 was being transported to and from the battle field by helicopter. Undaunted Valor opened the curtain and revealed how the magic happened. It’s a great read and brought back memories that never go away.

Detailed account of an aviators experience during Viet Nam. More mission coverage would have enhanced the read and told of the other experience there.

This author is so full of himself lm be surprised if his inflated head wouldn’t keep him flying if the helicopter rotor blades quit turning. I’ve been in aviation for over 38 years and I know this type of person. They are the ones who usually get other people killed.

After reading the kindle version, I've purchased the print version to put among my mementos of my Viet Nam flying days (the same time described in the book). But there is one unexplained element which casts doubt on the authenticity of the book. It seems to be an oxymoron to have an apparent autobiography written by someone with a different name. It is unexplained why the first person account of Dan Corey is written by Matt Jackson. Ghost writer? No, because Matt Jackson seems to have led the identical life of Dan Corey who apparently also exists. What elements -- all, some, none -- are fictionalized. The author needs to explain.

Truly enjoyed reading this book, found it difficult to put it down . Very well written and informative. Amazing insight to an area of the Vietnam War many of us have not really understood. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service.

The author presents a harrowing and engrossing account of his training and then time as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. This really gave me another perspective on how the war was fought and the bravery of the men fighting it. This is an outstanding book.

Great read. Technically correct. Tells a great story without overdoing the details. I liked that he included his crew members in his anecdotes

This book detaile the life and struggles of Vietnam Nam helicopter pilots in actual combat. Riveting and exciting with also the sadness of lost comrades. A great and fast read.

Throughly enjoyed this book as it revealed so much regarding the helicopter efforts to the war in South Vietnam. I was a Naval aviator flying combat missions against North Vietnam from aircraft carriers in the Tonkin Gulf-Go USA!

This was a very interesting and truthful account of the author's time incountry. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam war.

Having served in Vietnam from Jan 68 to Mar 70 with the 57th AHC, in Kontum, as a crew chief on both our slicks "Gladiator" and gunships "Cougar" I can say that this could have just as easily been a story of our unit. Well done, accurate, and full of the language, highs and lows we also experienced.

Hated to put this book down each night. I have read a number of other books covering the chopper pilots and crews of the Vietnam war and this one ranks as one of the best.

I was 16-17 during this time frame. I enjoyed learning some of what our soldiers had to do in Vietnam Nam. I was captivated from the beginning of this book. It was very well written in the first person and was easy to visualize what he was describing. God bless our military.

Well written and informative. I will lay it aside in my library to read it again which is not something I do often.

MattJackson does an outstanding job of putting in the cockpit of his Huey with him and his crew. Very informative, educational and exciting visualization of his time in Vietnam. Well done Sir and thank you for your service,!

I have served in this area of operations as a helicopter crewman on CH47's in 1966. Since i was familiar with the area, I could picture many of the locations and situations described in the book. Well written.

very well written and easy to read. finished it quickly as I couldn't put it down.

I loved this book. It was edited very well and the author created a story from his experiences rather than just meandering through his memory like some of the other books that I've read. The end was a bit too abrupt. I would highly recommend this read

I loved this book! Easy read and you felt like you were in the aircraft with them!

I was amazed to discover how little flight time the Army gave the helicopter pilots. I’m surprised we didn’t lose any more crews than we did. It was a book that informative and interesting to read.

Very engaging and never boring. A great first hand account of the Army Air War in Vietnam. Worth the time.

Well written book,read like it was non-fiction which it was not. Author knew terminology for the time period and used it well. Sadly the men listed at the end did not make it back.

Nicely written book that covers his tour from Basic Training to Vietnam. The Author shows a sense of humor at the start of training, but gets serious once he arrives in Vietnam.

The perfect description of what a slick pilot experienced during a typical tour of duty. I would recommend this book to all who enjoy superb military history.

Wow, this book was very well written and depicted the daily duties of this US Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

I'm not a fan of military stories—although I do like aviation. On the basis of other reviews I saw here, I decided to take a chance on this military novel, and I was not disappointed. It turned out to be a great book. Very engaging, informative, well paced, even-handed, no melodrama, clichés, or wildly exaggerated tales, and provides great insight into what Vietnam was like and how it was for pilots (I've always wondered exactly how helicopters were used during the war, and now I know).

An awesome read. Very detailed account of fighting in Vietnam. Well written. Couldn’t put it down.

A very realistic representation of a rough time in our past. I didn't have to go to the glossary on this one.

I liked this book from the beginning to the end. I have just bought the next book in the series. I am ready to start it. If you were in country you should like this book.

The flow of these words was smooth and pleasant, there a very minimum of curse words exhibited. In all it was a very good book.

I was a USMC helicopter crew member 70 to 74. Great details. Would recommend as high school reading. Shockingly real!

The author rote his story well, it was clear he cared for the men on the ground. His lost is felt for his friends and their parents

This book grabbed me from the start and showed the hardships and sacrifices of the helicopter pilots and crews in Vietnam. This is a must read.

Very well written account of life as a combat pilot in Vietnam. The beginning of each chapter has some formatting issues with line spacing, but that certainly does not distract from the book. As a former army helicopter engine repairer, this is a must read for anyone interested in army aviation.

This an amazing book. Well written and fast paced, it reminded me of how thankful I am for those who served in Vietnam for an ungrateful country. Well done, Colonel Jackson!

True stories of helicopter pilots and crews in action in Vietnam. Matt has taken the time to research the events and created a historical record of the accomplishments of this unit during the Vietnam War by telling his story. Highly recommend and look forward to the next book.

A good read! I have to say it is the first book I have read about Nam and it brought back a lot memories. Good luck in your new career. Chickenman 32

GREAT BOOK-HOPE THE AUTHOR WROTE MORE

This is an excellent book. You will have a hard time putting down. I hold this book up there with the book "Chickenhawk". Great read!!

I didn't realize the responsibilities of the helicopter gunners, of which my cousin was one. A reminder of the significant loss of life in Vietnam.

The book is great! As a person who was in Vietnam with chicken man this is a very accurate account of the events. Everything that was written was exactly as it happend. This is a true first hand experience. Highly recommend!

You won’t go wrong getting this three set of books.

Great read especially if you're a vet of this era.

Loved the book. It was easy to follow and I didn’t want to stop reading once I started. Hell of a man. His sons are chips off the ol block.

I have read Undaunted Valor at least 3 times and will probably read it again. Thanks Matt Jackson, your book has reminded me of many feelings I experienced in Vietnam in 68 and 69.

Helicopter pilots as a group were remarkable most individuals were incredibly brave I was always amazed at the calmness they displayed at the most terrifying moments.

It gave me a feeling of what it was like to be there.

Exccellent! Well written! A must read!!

Good read

Listened to the author on the Jocko podcast. Inspired me to buy all of Colonel Jackson’s book. I am inspired.

Good read for history buffs from the guy who went through it.

Exciting and excellent read. Ex AF Pilot, Vietnam era but US Europe flying - brought some memories back. Highly recommend!

Well written. Once the book was started it was impossible to put down. Very realistic. I would read more of this author.

Couldn’t put it down. Action was detailed and there was no pages I wanted to skim over to get back to the story. Anyone who wants to read about actual actions, this is it.

This book is a real page turner. Most folks could never understand what Army helicopter pilots went through in Vietnam. This book is riveting.

About a third of the pages are upside down, backwards, and in reverse order.

I chose this book because I served in the 1st Cab at about the same time. It is historically accurate, well researched, and an exciting story of a unit I am familiar with. Read it and enjoy.

Superb

This is the first I’ve read about the Vietnam war & it was quite interesting. Basically the helicopter pilots were either dropping off supplies or picking up at current troops in the back country. It was a good way to learn about the war, from the pilot’s view. I lived thru this time after finishing college. In the book, the pilots were recently sent to Nam after completing their training in the US. You felt their exhaustion as the war heated up & how the loss of crews affected their lives. The use of call signs & procedural’speak’ bothered me as to who was speaking , but it wasn’t bad. The viciousness of the war wasn’t as prominent as it could be for the blood & guts of the war. Just like if you are working now & had management issues the same was addressed in the book. Not sure if I’ll pursue this series or not.

I really REALLY wish that I had read this while I was on active duty, my history might have turned out differently. When I think of the hundreds of hours of flight time performing Air Missions all over Europe, I should have gotten one of the WOs to help me put together a flight packet. I was THAT inspired by Col. Jackson's pen. As I'm over the half century mark now, it's a little late, so I got to enjoy the writings on flight and tactics vicariously. This was a tough one to put down, and led me to the rest of his writings, which were a pre-bedtime treat every night for almost 2 weeks, all told. I enlisted 9 years after Vietnam, and the Army was still hungover from that experience. The 80's were....odd, as we attempted to reforge our identity as a force. Desert Storm came along and we were firing on all cylinders again. Had a pair of AH1's save our bacon on a patrol one afternoon that I'll never forget while there near Sirsenk. This series was a keeper, and has earned a place on my book shelves full of militaria. Well done, sir.

The author says the book had to be a work of fiction; read between the lines, the book is not fiction. As a former Vietnam helicopter pilot, I attest to the fact that this book gives an accurate representation of what it was like to fly helicopters during the Vietnam War. In particular, the contribution made by warrant officers has been underplayed largely due to the fact that commissioned officers displayed bravado in order to get promoted. Again, reading between the lines of this book the author brings to light some of the tensions that existed between RLO and Warrants. Sadly, the Air Force no longer has warrant officers in the ranks probably because flying is an RLO job. Flying a fixed wing aircraft is intricate. Flying a helicopter is almost impossible and only a select few can master the skill required to do it. This book is a tribute to those that could and under extremely hazardous conditions.

It has been some weeks now since I have read Undaunted Valor. I turned 18 in 1973, an unpopular year for the military. I got my draft card, received a high number (276) but I don’t think there was a draft that year anyway as I recall. Nevertheless, that summer was impactful for all Americans; Watergate hearings and continued protests about our involvement in Southeast Asia. I read Undaunted Valor because, even though I have had, for nearly 50 years, a general understanding of the Vietnam war, I have never had a clear picture what it may have been like to actually have been “in country” during the years of conflict. I do now; I now have an understanding of the motivations, the daily lives and activities, the fears and the courage to overcome those same fears by not only the aviators, in this first war directed in large part by aviators, but in the hearts and minds of all those engaged. I consider this a must read; an important read For anyone in this country who has been effected by our war in Vietnam; and that group includes all Americans. This book emphasizes what I already know. I am fortunate and proud to be an American. In great anticipation of the 2nd book of the series, “Undaunted Valor”, thanks to the author, Matt Jackson, for his service to our country and for his excellence in telling the story.

Had to return the book to Kindle. Having flown in Vietnam and more importantly went through Flight School at Ft. Wolters, and later returned as a Flight Instructor and Flight Evaluator, the young men going through flight school were Candidates not Cadets. This put me over the edge as this error appears several times in the beginning of the book. Surprised it was not mentioned by others.

I am biased, having been in Vietnam as a Navy corpsman, operating room technician, but then again, I think my experience also lends credibility to the authenticity and quality of this author's work. He just reeks of intelligence, stability, and competence - and, luck. You have to be lucky - and Matt Jackson recounts his many fortunate outcomes, and the opposite for others. A great account of Vietnam, just well written, and a book that is difficult to read, as it is about war, and one that is difficult to put down. Just ordered the other two volumes. Highly recommend this author's books. Thank you Matt Jackson, and I salute you.

Wow! The author gives a very detailed account of his time in Vietnam. I am amazed at the detail and knowledge of so many missions. I spent time as an RTO on a C&C bird out of Phu Loi with the Big Red One artillery commander and in 1968 was moved to Lai Khe. We landed at many of the places mentioned in this book and it brought back many memories. I also turned down flight school in 1966 and this story tells me what I would have encountered if I had decided to fly. The author was not just a pilot but a real leader, something that was often missing in Vietnam. Thank you for writing your story.

This is an interesting personal history of a Vietnam War helicopter pilot. As a Vietnam vet who was not involved in such operations, I found it very informative. Unfortunately, it has way too much repetitive detail. On almost every flight, we get all the detail of backing out of the revetments, of the radio calls, etc. After once or twice, this was unnecessary. Similar repetition happens throughout. Still, if you want an in depth look into the life of a helicopter pilot in that war, this will give it to you.

It's been 50 years, but your book made it seem like just yesterday. I don't know if I'm happy or sad, but I still weep for my stick mates. I hope any young man or woman reading this book realizes this isn't some book or movie novelty. We fought, bled, and watched the nation's finest die. Gruesome reality that burns to the bone.

Very humanistic and well told story of Helicopter training and operations during the Vietnam War. An honest appraisal of the capabilities and training of helicopter pilots, RLO's and their Commanding Officers. A well detailed account of ALL phases of training, in Country fine tuning, relationships with Officers, tricks of the trade and strategy. One of the best books written on the trials and tribulations of grunts, pilots, tactics, training and challenges. Highly recommended.

Amazing, scary, felt like I was in the cockpit of the Huey! It continues to amaze me as I study combat in the Vietnam war that many of these men felt such a responsibility for their fellow soldiers that they volunteered for second or even third tours of duty. As a fixed wing pilot, I cannot imagine the concentration required to fly with such precision while being shot at, and the stakes couldn't be higher! And the horror of dying in a fire is always on one's mind if a mistake is made or your luck just runs out. These pilots and crew upheld the highest levels of honor and duty to one's fellows, and are a testament to why the US has the best military in the world!

I found the book to be very informative. It told me a lot about what life was like for flyers. Grunts had live on the ground for days at a time while flyers kind of got away from the war (at least for a few hours). I do realize their jobs were very dangerous and am grateful for those that did get home. I have always believed the Vietnam veterans got a bad homecoming.

Anybody who served in Vietnam under combat conditions is a hero as far as I am concerned. And while pilots had better living conditions( hot food, showers, etc), their job was no less dangerous than the grunts. I recommend this book highly.

Hard to explain. So many emotions as you read what our guys went thru over there. Very shameful how they were treated when they came home. Can wait to read the next book. Everyone should read this. Thank you for your service.

I served during this time period, but in II corps. I found the authors description and writing skills excellent. Having spent many hours in a huge as a passenger , I enjoyed the flight descriptions. Well done

I also flew helicopters in Vietnam for 18 months for an Assault Helicopter Company (71st AHC) and the author excellently captured the day to day experiences of the crews and support personnel. I can't count how many books I have read about helicopters in Vietnam, but this is a step above them all.

This is the real deal from someone who lived it. The author was an instructor pilot who not only flew those dangerous missions, but taught others how to do them. He then describes those conditions in a way that leaves you feeling like you are there. You walk away with pride in America and gratitude for those selfless heroes who gave so much. We can never thank our troops enough for what they went through in that war. This book will make you proud of our Vietnam vets.

The author takes you along with him from the amateurish mistakes of a rookie chopper pilot to his gallant experiences as an accomplished combat pilot. Hearing the technical side of flying a helicopter, especially in combat, was a special treat as most authors glaze over the challenges of flying an aircraft that basically does not want to fly. As a veteran, I found this book especially meaningful and poignant. Bravo!

A very real account of a helicopter pilot service in Vietnam. Very informative. I would suggest you read this especially if you are a vet.

Brought back good memories and bad memories. A clear and concise picture of life as a pilot in the 1st Cav in 1969-1970 Of course, everyone thinks that their particular unit was the only one that really fought the war, but that's why we have war stories, and each and every one of them is true, at least in the teller's mind. Masher Yellow 1, Bravo 227th AHB, 1st Cavalry Division Air Mobile.

Enjoyed reading this book and found it hard to put down. Recommended to anyone who has an interest in what flying a helicopter in Vietnam was like. The younger generation would be well served by reading this book,and understanding the sacrifice our service personnel made in this war.

This book was a really great read . It told the story of a lot of extremely brave men. Also written in a very clean manner . Hard work bravely and integrity shows up threw out the book . Well done Colonel Jackson and Welcome Home sir , Thank You for your outstanding service 🇺🇲

This could have been an interesting story. Unfortunately it read as an unedited journal. Maybe thart is all it was intended to be - I expected more.

As an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam, I basically thought of choppers as air taxis, where the pilots were back at base in time for “ happy hour”. I had no idea of the true nature of their job and the sacrifices they endured. Thank you for enlightening me. The book makes my 10 ten list on the war. A must read.

I originally chose this book as I was processing to be a helicopter pilot for Viet Nam in 1968. This did not happen as I failed the physical. I wanted to see what really happened there. Matt's writing gave me a feel of what I might have experienced. Thank you Matt.

Reading about a persons life in the Service of his country Can be xciting, scary, proud and funny Especially helicopter Pilots, they are the best. This story is all of those. If you have served in wartime you know what it’s like. If you haven’t be glad you missed it I can go on and on about this book, it’s a great read and one I won’t soon forget When you do read this book and I know you will, Remember the “monkey” I’m still laughing and will Always laugh whenever I think about it

Excellent book! Tells the good, the bad, and the ugly from a first person perspective. For anyone veteran, you will understand and enjoy the humor, the joys, pain, and tragedy portrayed. For a non-veteran, you really can learn something about what service and brotherhood is all about.

Brings back memories when the 11Air Assault concept was being carried out at Ft Drum, NY. The ground shook when 50 plus UH-1's flew overhead. It was scary the first time, but you got used to it. The work horse and main weapon of the Vietnam Nam war.

This book grabbed me from the moment I picked it up. Despite a few errors, which can easily be attributed to the passing of time, the author did an outstanding job of really bringing Vietnam to life through the eyes of a young helicopter pilot. His descriptions of both the good times, and of heart-wrenching losses were spot on...something that Vietnam vets to Iraq/Afghanistan vets can all relate. Well done, Sir!

Havi g served as an enlisted man US Afmy Infantry in VietNam and the recipient of two Air Medals, I can honestly report this novel to be a winner! It is factual, honest and hard hitting. I felt, while reading g the book that I was back in country, I was riveted. Loved it!

As a former Crew Chief in an Assault Helicopter Company, 1965 and again in 1968 (A Co, 229th AHB) The COL has it right. One of the best helicopter novels that I have read and I have read most of them! With a couple of minor exceptions that were probably editing errors not writing errors, this book nails it. It gave me chills and brought back memories I had buried for years. This book is exactly how it was in an Assault Helicopter Unit. Read it, you won't be disappointed.

I am a 'blue water' veteran of the Vietnam war and have done a lot of reading about the guys who were in the thick of it. This is an especially well written, objective look at one person's deeply felt Vietnam experience. Good reading.

This was one of my favorite books that I have read about helicopter pilots during the Vietnam war. I felt it was well written and full of lots of facts and information. Very well done. I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes war stories that are factual.Thank you all who served our country during an unpopular war.

I was there at the time. It felt the intensity, understand the mindset of the people when I came back January 1969 and was a resident of Balboa Naval Hospital for nearly a yea,.when I went over 1966 it John Wayne, Apple pie, and mom. I came back to a world I didn't understand. Jlturner3829@aol.com

I have read a number of books about The Vietnam war, specifically the helicopter’s role. So far, this book is in the top two in my judgement. The story was told in such away that I felt I was there. It is an excellent read. It will help anyone understand the frustration through which these soldiers went on a daily basis.

This is a story that needs to be told, and Matt Jackson has done it extremely well. All Americans should read this riveting, personal account of what it's really like to be a U.S. Army helicopter pilot in an assault helicopter company in the Vietnam war. The young men described here are true American heroes! As a U.S. Army helicopter pilot myself in the Vietnam war, I am honored to have served along side such courageous Americans! Hope this series can be made into a movie. Everyone needs to know this story. Highly recommend it.

For the duration you able to feel as though you were a part of this crew. Can’t believe author wanted to extend, but in addition to being a real quiet, and a very smart guy, he was a also a little bit Nuts.

Very well written from a readers stand point. It was easy to understand and follow, almost like the author was sitting next to me and telling me the story personally. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it.

A very good, easy read. Great insight into the lives of these incredible, brave men. I highly recommend this book.

Book was detailed, accurate and entertaining. Enjoyed the personality traits of each WO and officer, especially Dick Weed! Many good men die in war and Army aviators would do anything for there grunts!

Of the hundreds of books I have read, this and the follow-up books are written well, but more important to me, they are like a window into the men who fought in Viet Nam. I have avoided the history of Viet Nam, but these books opened a window for me. I will read more about the Viet Nam war. I am 78 and was in the Navy from 1960 until late 1963 then was a Maryland State Trooper. I have been embarrassed about the way America treated these great fighting men.

Comprehensive and accurate. Communicates the challenges and consequences of all out effort to support ground operations in RVN. Well written with the appropriate human touch and understanding of the sacrifice that accompanies combat operations. A noble tribute to those who served!

I was in the 229AHB 1970-71 as a very young RLO. Our tours overlapped by several months. I thought there would never be a better VN helicopter book than Chicken Hawk but this book is. I flew in the same AO, to many of the the same bases and LZs, and into Cambodia. Everything in this book is told as it was. I noticed no factual or descriptive errors. This book is the real thing. And superb.

Truly an eye opening experience demanding attention of the reader. The narrative illustrates the reality of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and all the additional trauma and valor that accompanied that era. Thanks for your service veterans.

This is one of the better books I have read about the chopper pilots. Still makes me wonder how anyone can go thru all this and come out the other side normal!!

Well written account of one WO's time in-country. Excellent detail with little embellishment and honest recollections. Definitely worth the read.

More realistic than most war books. Not over loaded with the horrors of war but shows how death was handled. Had to just get on with the job.

A absolutely gripping story. Especially since the author lived it. I remember bitching cause the air Dale's had such good living conditions but after reading this I have another opinion. They deserved it.

US Army Aviators fly "Above the Best" A well written memoir that exemplifies the experiences of the US Army Aviator in Vietnam

I liked the way the writer exsplained what it was like being a helicopter pilot from basic training to his tour while being in Vietnam. I would have liked to hear about how he met his wife. I was in the Navy and In the Gulf of Tonkin the same time he was. I recommend this book for reading. It wasn't boring like some other books written.

Was glued to this book, a real life story of mi Italy life. Took me back years, thanks so much.

Well written. Easy to read you will.not want to put it down. Thank you Colonel for writing it. Larry Booth.

Well written but maybe lacking some personal details. Interesting facts about the life of a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

I got my kindle for Christmas. I've read several books since then. This is by far one of the best I've had the privilege of reading. Recommend it to everyone.

and seems to be well documented ,very difficult to put it down and the last chapter was a tear jerker.

It is hard to accept that the war in Vietnam was a war that we shouldn’t have fought. Perhaps it wasn’t. I don’t really know. In any case, the men and women who fought it, did so for the rest of us who stayed home. We should all honor them for their sacrifices.

First thank you Colonel for your service and I can only speak for an old combat engineer that with out you and so many of your flying compadres a lot of us would not be reading your factual account. May God let all warriors rest in peace.

It is impossible to understand Vietnam but is possible to understand what heroes are made of. Reading this book makes a case that every helicopter pilot that served in that war qualifies.

From the mind of a person who lived it. Amazing what American soldiers endured. Did their duty. Many died in what ended up being a wasted war. Sad.

This book is very difficult to put down. It is well written and very interesting. This book almost makes you feel as though you are in the helicopter with th author.

Reads as an autobiographic account, though the protagonist has a different name than the author. Extremely convincing as a true account nevertheless and an excellent read.

Well done. You did a great job, telling how difficult it was inserting into a hot LZ. Not much fun for the pilots and grunts.Looking forward to book two or chapter two. Brings back many memories.

Two of my friends were helicopter pilots and I now understand their reluctance to talk about their experiences.This was enjoyable reading.

Too much technical terminology

Well written book and very interesting. I especially enjoyed this book as I was supposed to be a helicopter pilot in Vietnam but due to a medical issue, this never happened. I am very indebted to the flight surgeon that flunked me.

Served at the same time, same AO. Well written, pulls no punches. If you want to know how the “HELICOPTER WAR” was really fought. Bountyhunter Six

Had a very hard time putting this book down.

Enjoyed reading this book. Would recommend.

Well written, you feel like you were there with him. One of the better books on the war in Vietnam

The book took me back 53 years. I was in country during this same time frame. I agree with the author, the Vietnamese didn’t are as much as we did.