During the Vietnam War, one out of every eighteen helicopter pilots never made it home alive. At age nineteen, Tom Johnson flew in the thick of it, and lived to tell his harrowing tale. Johnson piloted the UH-1 "Iroquois"-better known as the "Huey"-as part of the famous First Air Cavalry Division. His battalion was one of the most decorated units of the Vietnam War, and helped redefine modern warfare. This riveting memoir gives the pilot's perspective on key battles and rescue missions, including those for Hue and Khe Sanh. From dangerous missions to narrow escapes, Johnson's account vividly captures the adrenaline rush of flying and the horror of war, and takes readers on an unforgettable ride.
Tom A. Johnson Reihenfolge der Bücher (Chronologisch)
Tom Johnson, ein Klassizist und Musiker mit einem Hintergrund in der Technologie, beschäftigt sich in seinem Debütroman mit dem ewigen Thema des Lebens nach dem Tod. Sein Werk bietet Trost für diejenigen, die mit dem Verlust von geliebten Menschen ringen, und erforscht die Möglichkeit einer fortgesetzten Existenz in einem hoffnungsvollen Jenseits. Johnsons Schreibstil verbindet meisterhaft tiefgründige philosophische Untersuchungen mit fesselnder Erzählung und lädt die Leser ein, über Existenz und Hoffnung nachzudenken.
To the Limit
- 352 Seiten
- 13 Lesestunden
Helicopter pilots in Vietnam kidded one another about being nothing but glorified bus drivers. But these “rotor heads” saved thousands of American lives while performing what the Army classified as the most dangerous job it had to offer. One in eighteen did not return home.Tom A. Johnson flew the UH-1 “Iroquois” — better known as the “Huey” — in the 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion of the First Air Cavalry Division. From June 1967 through June 1968, he accumulated an astonishing 1,600 flying hours (1,150 combat and 450 noncombat). His battalion was one of the most highly decorated units in the Vietnam War and, as part of the famous First Air Cavalry Division, helped redefine modern warfare. With tremendous flying skill, Johnson survived rescue missions and key battles that included those for Hue and Khe Sanh and operations in the A Shau and Song Re valleys, while many of his comrades did not. His heartfelt and riveting memoir will strike a chord with any soldier who ever flew in the ubiquitous Huey and any reader with an interest in how the Vietnam War was really fought.