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Eleven Men Down: The harrowing true search and rescue story of Jolly 85 in North Vietnam in 1965
Not yet published
Expected 26 Jan 26In the escalating skies over North Vietnam, a simple rescue became a brutal lesson in sacrifice.
In the unforgiving chaos of 1965, the U.S. Air Force search and rescue teams had a "That Others May Live." But for the crew of the CH-3 rescue helicopter known as Jolly 85, that promise led them on a one-way trip into one of the most perilous zones of the war.
Eleven Men Down meticulously reconstructs the true, harrowing story of their fateful mission. Pilot by pilot, moment by moment, this book takes you inside the horrifying experience when a standard search and rescue operation turned into a desperate, hours and days-long battle against overwhelming odds.
This is more than a military history; it is a profound tribute to the bravery of the SAR crews who risked everything, and a poignant look at the immense cost of their commitment. Discover the truth behind Jolly 85—the heroes, the mission, and the tragedy that time has nearly forgotten.
Pre-order your copy and honor the men who sacrificed so much, to save so few.
In the unforgiving chaos of 1965, the U.S. Air Force search and rescue teams had a "That Others May Live." But for the crew of the CH-3 rescue helicopter known as Jolly 85, that promise led them on a one-way trip into one of the most perilous zones of the war.
Eleven Men Down meticulously reconstructs the true, harrowing story of their fateful mission. Pilot by pilot, moment by moment, this book takes you inside the horrifying experience when a standard search and rescue operation turned into a desperate, hours and days-long battle against overwhelming odds.
This is more than a military history; it is a profound tribute to the bravery of the SAR crews who risked everything, and a poignant look at the immense cost of their commitment. Discover the truth behind Jolly 85—the heroes, the mission, and the tragedy that time has nearly forgotten.
Pre-order your copy and honor the men who sacrificed so much, to save so few.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 26, 2026
About the author
John Vampatella
6 books7 followersI am the Northeast Regional Director with Athletes in Action, an interdenominational Christian sports ministry.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University ('91) in Broadcast Journalism. I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Religion degree from Reformed Theological Seminary.
I am married with four adult kids. My hobbies include skiing, golf, basketball, chess, and a lot of reading.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University ('91) in Broadcast Journalism. I am currently working on my Master of Arts in Religion degree from Reformed Theological Seminary.
I am married with four adult kids. My hobbies include skiing, golf, basketball, chess, and a lot of reading.
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