Marble Mountain: A Vietnam Memoir

by Bud Willis

Marble Mountain presents a personal account of a young man's 1966 combat tour as a Marine helicopter pilot. Of the many books I have read about Vietnam, Marble Mountain wins hand down for its raw honesty, youthful naiveté, and pure readability.Through riveting imagery, Bud Willis finally opens a window of understanding for readers of any age to experience the conflicting drama of one of the most challenging periods of American history. Gripping, heart-wrenching, and realistic, Bud's poignant memoir lingers with the reader well beyond the conclusion of the book with a powerful message that is as relevant today as it was 45 years ago. I thank the author and all of the men of VMO-2 for the patriotism, courage, and bravery that they demonstrated for future generations. They truly sparkled as shining examples othe Marine Corps's promise of "a few good men." This book should be required reading for all Americans, and its timing could make it a bestseller. Dr. Dianne Sawyer American Literature and English Language Instructor

484 pages, Hardcover

First published November 29, 2010

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was journaling while in Vietnam which became this book. It is certainly a close up look at the Marines and the conditions of the war but without emphasis on the gore and horror. The book made me laugh and cry and sometimes shudder. I think it was an honest account of 13 months of hell.

[John Podlaski · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Vietnam Infantry veteran, I have always held chopper pilots in the highest regard for always being there when needed. Without them, many more of us would have perished. I had jumped from choppers into hot LZ's, seeking the deepest depression or fattest tree for protection, while the crew functioned cool as cucumbers during this ordeal. These chopper pilots were relentless and continued to ferry reinforcements and pick up the wounded with not much protection for themselves. They flew their machines through steady streams of gunfire, some exploding in the air or crashing, and yet, the crews continued as if they were invincible. Dust off's, ash and trash runs, troop deployments, evacuations, resupply, over-head support, VIP taxi's and tour guides were all part of their everyday job - sometimes having to fly by themselves when short on personnel. Additionally, Mr. Willis informs us that all pilots also have secondary duties (administrative functions) while on the ground.....sleep was at a premium and a single shift sometimes lasted 24 plus hours or more

Bud Willis does a wonderful job with this well-told story and offers the reader an in-depth look at the everyday life of these flying Marine warriors, which isn't, by the way, a nine to five job. Bud's memoir also includes pictures, copies of reports and written statements from those he had served with. The book follows "BOO" through training and then during his tour as a chopper pilot in Vietnam; his tour lasting 13 months from March, 1966 through April, 1967. The author also has a fantastic sense of humor and wit that sometimes catches me off-guard, making me laugh out loud. When I thought about the antics and games these officers orchestrated - I had to remind myself that even as officers, many of them were only 19 - 21 years old and still kids themselves. However, war steals that naivety and innocence, leaving in its place deep scars, both physically and mentally. After reading Marble Mountain, I have bumped up these pilots a couple more notches on my high esteem list. I also have a much better understanding of what these sky warriors thought about and had to endure in order to survive...sadly, many did not!

Five stars and highly recommended!

John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel