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ACE: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio
Second Edition of ACE
This latest edition is truly a game-changer. Chapter 28, "The Battle of Phu My," is packed with new material discovered during the exhaustive research for Ace Cozzalio’s Medal of Honor submission. But that's not all - the entire book has been enhanced to create a more captivating and compelling reading experience. With an extra thirty-six pages and ten new images, this improved version is an absolute must-read!
ACE is the gripping tale of Ace Cozzalio, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot who flew with Lighthorse Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War. The stories in this book vividly portray Ace’s heroic exploits as he battled the enemy in the Mekong Delta, highlighting the exceptional character of this dedicated soldier hero. As you delve into these remarkable, untold stories, you will gain insight into the indomitable spirit of Ace Cozzalio and understand why his commanding presence often proved to be the decisive factor in turning the tide against the enemy.
The ACE book is a high-speed, low-level flight through Ace Cozzalio's captivating life, highlighting his brave deeds, escapades, exploits, and misadventures during the Vietnam War.
This latest edition is truly a game-changer. Chapter 28, "The Battle of Phu My," is packed with new material discovered during the exhaustive research for Ace Cozzalio’s Medal of Honor submission. But that's not all - the entire book has been enhanced to create a more captivating and compelling reading experience. With an extra thirty-six pages and ten new images, this improved version is an absolute must-read!
ACE is the gripping tale of Ace Cozzalio, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot who flew with Lighthorse Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War. The stories in this book vividly portray Ace’s heroic exploits as he battled the enemy in the Mekong Delta, highlighting the exceptional character of this dedicated soldier hero. As you delve into these remarkable, untold stories, you will gain insight into the indomitable spirit of Ace Cozzalio and understand why his commanding presence often proved to be the decisive factor in turning the tide against the enemy.
The ACE book is a high-speed, low-level flight through Ace Cozzalio's captivating life, highlighting his brave deeds, escapades, exploits, and misadventures during the Vietnam War.
330 pages, Paperback
Published October 16, 2024
9 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Rex Gooch
5 books1 followerRex Gooch, former Lighthorse Air Cavalry helicopter pilot, writes from his combat experience and the wealth of information gleaned from interviews with U.S. Army pilots, crew members and other military personnel.
Rex’s first book, Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio, tells the incredible journey of Ace, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the air cavalry during the Vietnam War. This captivating narrative highlights Ace’s exceptional bravery as he confronts the enemy in the Mekong Delta, revealing the extraordinary character of this dedicated soldier and aviator. Through vivid tales of adventure, unexpected challenges, and acts of valor, the book is a powerful tribute to the courageous troopers who served in the Air Cavalry in Vietnam.
In 2024, Rex published the Second Edition of the ACE book, now packed with never-before-revealed details about the Battle of Phu My, unearthed during the research for Ace’s Medal of Honor submission. This enhanced version boasts improvements across all chapters, and a bonus of thirty-six extra pages and ten captivating new images.
Rex’s second book titled, The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat
in the Vietnam War, 1971-72 tells the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in a distant land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy, put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers, and come to grips with the realization that their lives are changing forever.
Rex’s first book, Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio, tells the incredible journey of Ace, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the air cavalry during the Vietnam War. This captivating narrative highlights Ace’s exceptional bravery as he confronts the enemy in the Mekong Delta, revealing the extraordinary character of this dedicated soldier and aviator. Through vivid tales of adventure, unexpected challenges, and acts of valor, the book is a powerful tribute to the courageous troopers who served in the Air Cavalry in Vietnam.
In 2024, Rex published the Second Edition of the ACE book, now packed with never-before-revealed details about the Battle of Phu My, unearthed during the research for Ace’s Medal of Honor submission. This enhanced version boasts improvements across all chapters, and a bonus of thirty-six extra pages and ten captivating new images.
Rex’s second book titled, The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat
in the Vietnam War, 1971-72 tells the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in a distant land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy, put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers, and come to grips with the realization that their lives are changing forever.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 9, 2025
This book describes the air cavalry war in Vietnam better than anything that has been written to date. At the same time, it tells the story of one of the greatest heroes of the Vietnam War, Ace Cozzalio.
Ace became a legendary cavalry commander during the war. He led from the front and inspired those who followed him to fight with courage. He faced death again and again, miraculously surviving to fight again. His heroism in one battle was so extraordinary that he was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The recommendation was downgraded to a Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s equivalent of the Air Force or Navy Cross, America’s second highest heroism award.
In this Second Edition of his book, author Rex Gooch shares, for the first time, new information he uncovered that strongly supports the upgrade of the previous award to the Medal of Honor., for posthumous presentation to retired Lieutenant Colonel Rex Cozzalio.
Every American should read this book to learn about one of our greatest military heroes. Thank you Rex for writing it!
Ace became a legendary cavalry commander during the war. He led from the front and inspired those who followed him to fight with courage. He faced death again and again, miraculously surviving to fight again. His heroism in one battle was so extraordinary that he was recommended for the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The recommendation was downgraded to a Army Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s equivalent of the Air Force or Navy Cross, America’s second highest heroism award.
In this Second Edition of his book, author Rex Gooch shares, for the first time, new information he uncovered that strongly supports the upgrade of the previous award to the Medal of Honor., for posthumous presentation to retired Lieutenant Colonel Rex Cozzalio.
Every American should read this book to learn about one of our greatest military heroes. Thank you Rex for writing it!
November 21, 2024
While words alone cannot begin to describe the ‘beyond remarkable’ life of Ace, I can say without question that Mr. Gooch has painted a picture of Ace and the warriors in Viet Nam that is as accurate, entertaining, and well researched as humanly possible within a single exciting, , succinct, informative, and easily readable non-fiction book. In this 2nd edition, Mr. Gooch has added 36 pages of recently discovered information and even more pictures further enhancing the details, flow, and provenance of both the biography and events.
Being allowed by fate the rare privilege of growing within a family of truly exceptional people on our Klamath River ranch, encompassing a time, place, and ethos rapidly disappearing from the consciousness of current comprehension, my brother and best friend, Ace, was a shining light and energy that would not be dimmed. His light was further fired by the love, honor, and responsibility found for his brothers in arms whose bonds can forge as close or closer than many families, and by those superiors for whom he had such great respect.
Displaying so many similar characteristics of Ace, having the good fortune of meeting with Mr. Gooch over time respective to his extensive research, I now have the audacity and pleasure to consider the author to be my ‘other brother Rex’. I could not recommend his book more, and sincerely feel that anyone even remotely interested in a riveting true-to-life story of real world warriors will find it an outstanding read!
With much appreciation,
Rex Cozzalio
Being allowed by fate the rare privilege of growing within a family of truly exceptional people on our Klamath River ranch, encompassing a time, place, and ethos rapidly disappearing from the consciousness of current comprehension, my brother and best friend, Ace, was a shining light and energy that would not be dimmed. His light was further fired by the love, honor, and responsibility found for his brothers in arms whose bonds can forge as close or closer than many families, and by those superiors for whom he had such great respect.
Displaying so many similar characteristics of Ace, having the good fortune of meeting with Mr. Gooch over time respective to his extensive research, I now have the audacity and pleasure to consider the author to be my ‘other brother Rex’. I could not recommend his book more, and sincerely feel that anyone even remotely interested in a riveting true-to-life story of real world warriors will find it an outstanding read!
With much appreciation,
Rex Cozzalio
November 16, 2024
This second edition is just as interesting and riveting to read as was the first edition. When I started reading the book. I almost did not put it down until I was finished, it is just that good.
For anyone who wants to read the first hand account of a true American hero you should get a copy of this book and read it from cover to cover.
I repeat, it is just that good.
Ted Ellis
For anyone who wants to read the first hand account of a true American hero you should get a copy of this book and read it from cover to cover.
I repeat, it is just that good.
Ted Ellis
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews