Black Cat 2-1: The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew

by Bob Ford

In the Vietnam War, 2,197 helicopter pilots and 2,717 crew members were killed. Black Cat 2-1 is the story of one pilot who made it home and the valiant men he served with who risked their lives for the troops on the ground. Bob Ford invites readers into the Huey helicopters he flew on more than 1,000 missions when he and his men dared to protect and rescue. For those whose voices were silenced in that faraway place or who have never told their stories, he creates a tribute that reads like a thriller, captures the humor of men at war, and resounds with respect for those who served with honor.

Genres: History, War, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Biography, Military History, Autobiography

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2015

Reviews

[Frank Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can only give this book five stars because six is not available! I absolutely loved this book, Capt. Bob Ford is a true patriot and a great inspiration. This book is well written and is hard to put down, I highly recommended this story of a soldier's life in Vietnam. Captain Ford thank you for your service!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Ford gives a great look into what it was like to be a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He doesn't spend a lot of time analyzing the reason behind the war or whether the United States should have been fighting in it. Instead, he gives the reader edge of your seat details about rescue missions and supply runs. Throughout the book, Mr. Ford continually shows us the courage of all of the brave men who fought and their willingness to step up for even the most dangerous missions. At the same time, he also shows humility in admitting to his own weaknesses. These heroic stories are brought to life with details of the bond between the members of his team and their willingness to sacrifice their own lives for each other and for their nation. It is obvious that although their minds are completely focused on the mission, they never forget those loved ones back home that give them meaning and purpose in the fight. Excellent book!

[Butch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I lived in that period being on active duty with the US Army from 1973 to 1976 having more than my fair share of Huey rides during that period. I came to appreciate the warrants and flying officer of that period. Every one should read this as you will appreciate all the other things a troop had to put up with just to survive the day to day in the zone

[William M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

As a Navy pilot flying from aircraft carriers during the Vietnam crisis, I was always curious about the helo air war in S. Vietnam where so many pilots and aircraft were lost-thanks Capt. Ford for your service and heroism as you dedicated yourself to the job you were asked to do and did in Vietnam-God speed-Lt. Bill Tyrie

[Carol Naille · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and was there right before the Tet offensive. He knew several of the people in this book. It is so refreshing to read an account of "war" that includes the patriotism, the special talents and the personal integrity of the soldier. My husband lived this life,too and thought it was a great part of his life ( he was 20). He looks back fondly on his life in Vietnam. Good book.

[Paul J. Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is what you expect it would be

This is an honest, straight forward book. Not to diminish Bob Ford's service to this country or his well written story, I am simply saying that if you want to read about life as an Army Huey pilot in Nam this is it. No politics, no in depth war strategy, no mysterious plot; it is the true story of a Vietnam helicopter pilot and his crew, just like it says on the cover.

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Ford does a tremendous job of bringing the reader into the helicopter cockpit with him as he flies missions during the Vietnam War. His humility, dedication to his team, sense of humor, and his exceptional flying abilities provide an up-close and personal view during one of the most aggressive battles---Hue during the Tet Offensive in 1968. Highly recommend!!

[John Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brave Huey pilot is an understatement for author Bob Ford. I was a ground pounding infantry soldier and I can't say enough for these guys in the air that kept us alive. I was WIA and extracted, and my two KIA brothers, by a Dustoff/Medivac Huey crew with the dig red "X" on the belly of their Huey. Our enemy used this "X" to aim at.

[Ryan Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Great book and memoir about the authors experience in Vietnam. Great to hear a positive account of what happened during his time at war, and how he kept a positive attitude after returning home as well.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book out of boredom and I couldn't put it down. It is a very engrossing book of what life was like as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He doesn't preach or whine just projects the facts of what his life was like and the missions he flew.

[Randall Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good personal account of helicopter combat in Vietnam

In contrast to Ed Denny's Hornet 33 account (which is very worth reading) Hob Ford doesn't seem to have gone through an ordeal that was as hard on him. Ford seemed far more interested in taking on as big of a challenge he could find than on coming back alive. He flew as much as he could and got himself sent to the northern most (and more dangerous) chopper base so he could make Aircraft Commander faster. This guy was unphased by it all.

I recommend this book and Ed Denny's book as contrasts. I also read and liked Chickenhawk by Robert Mason and 19 Minutes To Live by Lew Jennings.

[Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helicopter pilot's experience in the Vietnam war. This is a highly personal story focusing on an individuals journey. It's not a big picture view of the situation, it's more of a "this is how it was" portrayal. The audiobook is narrated by the author himself. While he's not a professional narrator, he does a good job and it does give the performance a feeling of authenticity. You can feel his emotions come through as he shares his memories.

For the genuine re-telling of a pilot's Vietnam experience, it's worth your time.

[Beverly Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for your service!!!

Wow! What an amazing record you hold. I found your book fascinating. It is hard to comprehend what you did in Vietnam. It's impossible to know how many lives you saved, both directly and indirectly by your actions.

Mr. Ford, you are what I know of as the Backbone of The Great United States of America.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are an inspiration to me to be a better person.

[G Ream · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book intriguing - mostly because my youngest of three sons currently flies a UH - 60 Blackhawk for the US Army. I am always curious as to what and how my boy may face and this was exhilarating yet poignant. I pray God’s protection over hem and his crew daily but I also realize that - for every man, there is a season.
Thank you for your service to our country and brave leadership for your fellow aviators and wounded men you rescued.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for sharing your story Bob Ford

This is an enjoyable and informative read about a young man who lead other young men into battle. Capt. Ford tells it like it was in a meter of fact reading style. The book brings home the fact that wars are fought by the young, accomplishing feats they would have considered impossible in civilian life.

[Patti Merz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero’s of the sky

One of if not the best reading I’ve done on the Vietnam War. The courage and dedication it took for the helicopter pilots were unbelievable. Thanks for your service and for writing this book Black Cat 2 1.

[Donald N Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. The courage Captain Ford demonstrated is a fine example of what true Americans do and did. I am sure that his family and friends are extremely proud of him. To make it through what he did was remarkable.
A great read, especially for those of us who served in that time.

[Allison F. Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be a little biased because this is my dad. But I know what happens and I STILL read this and think “dang him, he’s not going to make it this time!” and I still can’t read a few chapters without crying. I am so proud of him and the men with which he served.

[Sabina Barta · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I’ve ever read. Bob Ford is a real American hero. He does an eloquent job expressing his experience along with thoughts most pilots had during the war. This absolutely should be made into a movie.

[Will Warnuu · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author sure likes to brag on himself while acting like he's not. The author did some incredibly stupid and needless things to ease his boredom while endangering the lives of USA military personnel. A shameless telling.

[William Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

I was a warrant officer pilot during the same time period, but further south. Brings back a lot of memories to read about another pilot's year. Also knew Lenius Lee, afterwards.
The book is an accurate telling of the way it was.

[Alan Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

First person account of a helicopter pilot's year in Vietnam

Amazing account of a helicopter pilot who was all in to do his duty in Vietnam. Well written. Highly readable. I read the entire book in one sitting

[chris dusio · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

awesome narrative of life as a combat pilot. no frills just factual information told in a way that makes you appreciate the sacrifices of all soldiers and the sense of service these people showed. I can’t ima

[Shayne Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

Captain Ford tells a story within just enough humor to let the reader know that the war did not take his spirit.

These soldiers did there duty and came home to raise their families. It almost seems like a tribute to the soldiers who did not come home.

[Howard Congleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book.

How did these helicopter pilots manage to do this kind of flying day after day and not loose their minds? Couldn't put the book down.

[Phil Teves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, from the cockpit history of a single ship Huey driver during the Vietnam war.

[Iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid read, recommended for those interested in autobiographies of Huey pilots in Vietnam.

[Chris Waltham · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read. Just as good as the two best books of this genre, "Chickenhawk" and "Low Level Hell". Well-written, funny at times, and harrowing at others.

[Susan Swensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helo squadron 2, VN, 1967. Med evac. Troop insertion. Pilot’s story. Needed more action.

[Ray Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST NAM BOOK!

As a Mustang Air Force pilot I really enjoyed the flying narrative by Capt Ford. His depiction of chopper fighting in country is without question the very best.