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Drafted!: My Year in Vietnam
2024 IBPA Gold Ben Franklin Award Winner • 2024 Foreword Review INDIES Finalist
Morgan and I both served in the very same unit, and his memoir brought back many powerful memories for me. Our tours overlapped for eight months, so many of the events described in Drafted! coincided with my own, especially the losses of the brave young men serving with A Troop, 3/17th Air Cavalry.
Morgan’s memoir captures not only that bond, but also the profound bravery and sacrifices made. Ultimately, we fought for each other. We are truly a special Band of Brothers that time and space cannot separate!
Salute! –Roger “Bear” Young, Silver Spur Scout Crew Chief & Scout Line Chief, 1969-1970
Drafted tells the story of Henry Morgan Miller’s year in Vietnam at the invitation of Lyndon B. Johnson. It is the story of a meat-cutter—wannabe commercial airline pilot—whose life was rudely interrupted by being inducted into a war that he considered someone else’s battle for a lost cause. It’s a story that could describe many of the almost 300,000 men drafted in 1968 along with Morgan, or, for that matter, the 1.85 million drafted between 1964-73. It is the story of your brother, your son, your friend—some who came home safe and sound, and others who perished, or were no longer whole.
In his book, Morgan also exposes a major mechanical issue with Vietnam-era Cobra helicopters; so serious that had they been Ford cars they would have been subject to a major recall. He suggests that Cobra helicopter pilots were guinea-pigs for aircraft plagued with serious, not to mention deadly, hydraulic problems.
Drafted is for readers who want to experience what it was like, on a day-to-day basis, to go through basic training, learn to fly gunships, and then be shipped out to the Vietnam war zone. What it’s like to be shot at and shot down. To serve your country honorably, while fighting a war you don’t believe in, only to return and be ostracized by a misguided faction of the general public.
Morgan and I both served in the very same unit, and his memoir brought back many powerful memories for me. Our tours overlapped for eight months, so many of the events described in Drafted! coincided with my own, especially the losses of the brave young men serving with A Troop, 3/17th Air Cavalry.
Morgan’s memoir captures not only that bond, but also the profound bravery and sacrifices made. Ultimately, we fought for each other. We are truly a special Band of Brothers that time and space cannot separate!
Salute! –Roger “Bear” Young, Silver Spur Scout Crew Chief & Scout Line Chief, 1969-1970
Drafted tells the story of Henry Morgan Miller’s year in Vietnam at the invitation of Lyndon B. Johnson. It is the story of a meat-cutter—wannabe commercial airline pilot—whose life was rudely interrupted by being inducted into a war that he considered someone else’s battle for a lost cause. It’s a story that could describe many of the almost 300,000 men drafted in 1968 along with Morgan, or, for that matter, the 1.85 million drafted between 1964-73. It is the story of your brother, your son, your friend—some who came home safe and sound, and others who perished, or were no longer whole.
In his book, Morgan also exposes a major mechanical issue with Vietnam-era Cobra helicopters; so serious that had they been Ford cars they would have been subject to a major recall. He suggests that Cobra helicopter pilots were guinea-pigs for aircraft plagued with serious, not to mention deadly, hydraulic problems.
Drafted is for readers who want to experience what it was like, on a day-to-day basis, to go through basic training, learn to fly gunships, and then be shipped out to the Vietnam war zone. What it’s like to be shot at and shot down. To serve your country honorably, while fighting a war you don’t believe in, only to return and be ostracized by a misguided faction of the general public.
543 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2023
196 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 28, 2024
A very fine book, read it!
The author takes th3 reader from the lottery of the draft to his becoming a Warrant Officer and flying gunships for a year in Viet Nam. While there are not battles you’ve read in other memoirs this story takes the reader for an interest in ride through basic, AIT, pilot training and the transition to gunship pilot to maintenance chief to a life back in the US as a civilian. A great bo9k, well worth you time. Thank you for your service Mr. Miller, welcome home!
The author takes th3 reader from the lottery of the draft to his becoming a Warrant Officer and flying gunships for a year in Viet Nam. While there are not battles you’ve read in other memoirs this story takes the reader for an interest in ride through basic, AIT, pilot training and the transition to gunship pilot to maintenance chief to a life back in the US as a civilian. A great bo9k, well worth you time. Thank you for your service Mr. Miller, welcome home!
April 22, 2025
Super Read
Citizen soldiers are the backbone of America's fighting forces. The best of the best come forth from the masses. In times of war the dreaded draft rears its ugly head only to produce great men who enter military life as though it's part of their DNA. Without a draft the military gets the job done, but with John Q Public enjoined, the military becomes whole. I'm not sure these men would agree, but it is so.
This book represents a citizen soldier who like others before him by the score have served their country and their people s with great honor... Thank you Sir !
Citizen soldiers are the backbone of America's fighting forces. The best of the best come forth from the masses. In times of war the dreaded draft rears its ugly head only to produce great men who enter military life as though it's part of their DNA. Without a draft the military gets the job done, but with John Q Public enjoined, the military becomes whole. I'm not sure these men would agree, but it is so.
This book represents a citizen soldier who like others before him by the score have served their country and their people s with great honor... Thank you Sir !
June 20, 2024
Another top-notch Vietnam Memoir
I've read many Vietnam books and this ranks with the best. A draftee no less who works his way into helicopter school and a guaranteed tour in Nam I enjoyed his story of life in a Air Cav squadron...the routines, the drudgery, the danger, and the shock.of having fellow pilots killed or seriously hurt. Despite all the flying he still did not qualify for commercial.fixed wing aviation and eventually settled.into a normal small business owner career ....just doesn't seem fair but that's the way life goes for most of us.
I've read many Vietnam books and this ranks with the best. A draftee no less who works his way into helicopter school and a guaranteed tour in Nam I enjoyed his story of life in a Air Cav squadron...the routines, the drudgery, the danger, and the shock.of having fellow pilots killed or seriously hurt. Despite all the flying he still did not qualify for commercial.fixed wing aviation and eventually settled.into a normal small business owner career ....just doesn't seem fair but that's the way life goes for most of us.
April 26, 2024
Wow. Brings it all back.
As a fellow drafted person, this book was for me a memory of a year in that far off land. I'm living with injuries sustained from agent Orange so reading this book brought it all back. I think what hit me hardest, was the loss of friends I made there as I never had a chance to see them again. It was one if not the best book I've read about that conflict. Thanks.
As a fellow drafted person, this book was for me a memory of a year in that far off land. I'm living with injuries sustained from agent Orange so reading this book brought it all back. I think what hit me hardest, was the loss of friends I made there as I never had a chance to see them again. It was one if not the best book I've read about that conflict. Thanks.
March 18, 2024
Non Sugar Coated War Reality
Thank you, Mr. Miller! A true American hero. Some people are born to be a leader. Mr. Miller is one of them. We can all learn from Mr. Miller’s story: don’t take our anger out from the regular people who are being drafted into the event which they don’t have the control.
Thank you, Mr. Miller! A true American hero. Some people are born to be a leader. Mr. Miller is one of them. We can all learn from Mr. Miller’s story: don’t take our anger out from the regular people who are being drafted into the event which they don’t have the control.
April 5, 2024
Incredibly Good
I have been wanting to know what really happened in Viet Nam and finding Morgan's book was an eye opener. I live in East County in the area where Morgan grew up. So much of what he disclosed in the book resonated with me and I wanted to say, "Thank you for your service and bravery, Mr. Miller and welcome home."
I have been wanting to know what really happened in Viet Nam and finding Morgan's book was an eye opener. I live in East County in the area where Morgan grew up. So much of what he disclosed in the book resonated with me and I wanted to say, "Thank you for your service and bravery, Mr. Miller and welcome home."
April 8, 2024
A Great Book About The Vietnam Tour of Duty
I just started reading books about the veterans experiences in Vietnam and have enjoyed every one of them. This one is a good one. The books I liked the best have pictures of their experiences. Mr. Miller has pictures that help people like me understand what he experienced during his tour. Mr. Miller thanks for sharing your story.
I just started reading books about the veterans experiences in Vietnam and have enjoyed every one of them. This one is a good one. The books I liked the best have pictures of their experiences. Mr. Miller has pictures that help people like me understand what he experienced during his tour. Mr. Miller thanks for sharing your story.
May 9, 2024
Thank you and all veterans for your service.
Most of the men and women I served with throughout my career were dedicated professionals who gave unflinchingly of themselves to complete the mission. The brotherhood that was shared has no comparison. This story reminds me of those times when stress and anxiety prevailed and that bond helped to overcome these troubles.
Most of the men and women I served with throughout my career were dedicated professionals who gave unflinchingly of themselves to complete the mission. The brotherhood that was shared has no comparison. This story reminds me of those times when stress and anxiety prevailed and that bond helped to overcome these troubles.
September 13, 2024
My year in Vietnam.
As a USAR enlistee (to avoid the draft) I relate well to the Vietnam war times. The book was well written and so interesting that it was difficult to put down. In fact I read it in a few days. I recommend it for anyone interested in recalling that time period in our collective history.
As a USAR enlistee (to avoid the draft) I relate well to the Vietnam war times. The book was well written and so interesting that it was difficult to put down. In fact I read it in a few days. I recommend it for anyone interested in recalling that time period in our collective history.
January 22, 2024
Great read, lots of detailed Cobra ops
Very good presentation regarding the state of the minds of Americans attitudes toward soldiers and sailors during the Vietnam War, highly disrespectful of those that served. I'm very glad to finally see America has learned.
Very good presentation regarding the state of the minds of Americans attitudes toward soldiers and sailors during the Vietnam War, highly disrespectful of those that served. I'm very glad to finally see America has learned.
March 31, 2024
Warrant Officers are the best
I was drafted from the San Diego east county in 1965. Served in Pleiku (Camp Holloway) Vietnam '67-'68. A transportation outfit. It was a lot safer than the assault units. The book was an exciting read.
I was drafted from the San Diego east county in 1965. Served in Pleiku (Camp Holloway) Vietnam '67-'68. A transportation outfit. It was a lot safer than the assault units. The book was an exciting read.
May 10, 2024
Military Service
draftee’s were the life blood of the military and their training made there training and experience continued after their service to add to the success of the NATION
draftee’s were the life blood of the military and their training made there training and experience continued after their service to add to the success of the NATION
June 12, 2024
loved it! We are of an age and we’re both drafted but I didn’t go! A Great insight.
An excellent first person perspective of service in the US army during the Vietnamese war without the politics or drug’s!
An excellent first person perspective of service in the US army during the Vietnamese war without the politics or drug’s!
August 23, 2024
Interesting read
I chose this book, reliving a time in my past when two brothers left home for the Army in the 1960s. One brother had enlisted, the other was drafted, like the author. That was a difficult time in America, and the world. The book brought back a lot of memories.
I chose this book, reliving a time in my past when two brothers left home for the Army in the 1960s. One brother had enlisted, the other was drafted, like the author. That was a difficult time in America, and the world. The book brought back a lot of memories.
March 7, 2025
QuanLoi memories
Very enjoyable read. I was a Huey crew chief as well as a Cobra crew chief during my tour in Vietnam with Blue Max, and my last area was at QuanLoi. This book brought back many memories. Thank you, Morgan.
Very enjoyable read. I was a Huey crew chief as well as a Cobra crew chief during my tour in Vietnam with Blue Max, and my last area was at QuanLoi. This book brought back many memories. Thank you, Morgan.
October 9, 2025
Detailed description of a wartime helicopter pilot's Vietnam Tour.
Drafted is a detailed memoir of the journey from draft day to homecoming. It includes vivid descriptions of airborne adventures and wartime danger.
Drafted is a detailed memoir of the journey from draft day to homecoming. It includes vivid descriptions of airborne adventures and wartime danger.
April 4, 2024
Perfect
Great read really felt like I was there! Written well and like you were having a beer with a friend
Great read really felt like I was there! Written well and like you were having a beer with a friend
June 18, 2024
Awesome read.
The only problem that I find with this book is getting anything else done. Lol
Great read that was hard to put down. I was definitely left wanting more.
USAF 1968-1971
The only problem that I find with this book is getting anything else done. Lol
Great read that was hard to put down. I was definitely left wanting more.
USAF 1968-1971
July 11, 2024
Drafted: My Year in Vietnam
Just a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a informative read on our brave helicopter crews. You won't be disappointed.
Just a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a informative read on our brave helicopter crews. You won't be disappointed.
September 10, 2024
Excellent read.
The way this book was told made me feel that it was me in his stead. I felt like I was right there . Very well written book, thoroughly enjoyed it.
The way this book was told made me feel that it was me in his stead. I felt like I was right there . Very well written book, thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 16, 2025
great book
Great book totally enjoyed it, great perspective on helicopter operations,maintenance and the hunter teams that carried out dangerous missions during the war
Great book totally enjoyed it, great perspective on helicopter operations,maintenance and the hunter teams that carried out dangerous missions during the war
May 17, 2025
great read
Really enjoyed. Going to read again. A a a a a a a. A a a a a a a .
Really enjoyed. Going to read again. A a a a a a a. A a a a a a a .
Read
May 20, 2025Awesome Read
Enjoyed this book immensely. Glad you made it home safely. Thank you for your service and the book. Was hard to put it down.
Enjoyed this book immensely. Glad you made it home safely. Thank you for your service and the book. Was hard to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews