Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

by George Marrett

A gripping account of the US Air Force pilots who risked their lives rescuing thousands of downed pilots during covert missions in the Vietnam War. The colorful characters and daring rescues of downed pilots engaged in the Secret War in North Vietnam and Laos are vividly captured by one who was there, in some of the most exciting stories ever written about aerial combat. Sandy Marrett and his squadron colleagues flew some of the most dangerous air missions of the war as on-scene commanders, in charge of rescuing the scores of US Navy and Air Force pilots shot down over North Vietnam and Laos.A Main Selection of the Military Book Club “A great read for everyone and a must book for all aviation enthusiasts.” —C. E. “Bud” Anderson, World War II triple ace and author of To Fly and Fight “‘That others may live’ was their motto and each of us who flew in that war knew should our luck run out they would be there. I cannot recount the times pilots were plucked out of enemy territory, or out of the jungle trees of Laos by those brave men whose call signs were Sandy and Jolly Green. Often they gave their own lives to save another. Greater love hath no man than that. To each of them I give my everlasting respect, admiration, and deep affection. Reach into your hearts as you read this book and understand the lengths to which men can love and support one another in the times of stress. It will make you just a bit prouder to be an American.” —Robin Olds, retired general and triple ace

Genres: Aviation

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Will Sosnowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving and personal account of flying in Laos during the Vietnam war. It is full of heart warming stories while not flinching from the tragedies.

[James Baynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason I took a star away was because of the choppiness of the writing. There’s really not a good flow to the accounts of the rescues and the timeline is tough to keep straight.

Also, the author refers to himself in the 3rd person when describing the lineup of pilots in the rescue missions. And he gives so many names of other pilots there was no way to keep them straight (though I would like imagine he listed their names to document their bravery, and I respect that).

Otherwise I thought it was a fantastic book.

[Brien P Crotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular!

This is SUCH a well-written account of the challenges of flying in Vietnam. It is easy to forget the debt we owe to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who fought for those who served beside them. That message comes through loud and clear here, though the riveting stories of flying a Sandy in Vietnam and Laos. Thank you!

[Kevin Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best air combat books I've ever read. Very well written, with loads of details about each mission. This is one I'll be reading again in a few months. I never would have known about this book had I not seen a interview of Capt Marrett on the Military Tales youtube channel. thats a great channel as there are alot of videos about the Skyraider over Laos, and North Vietnam.

[Paul Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Great story of the pilots who flew an aged WW2 era tail dragging radial engined aircraft in the jet age. Read it twice.