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Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio
Ace is the story of Ace Cozzalio, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot flying with Lighthorse Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War. In his eighteen-month tour of duty, Ace is shot down by enemy gunfire six times and is awarded every medal of valor with the exception of the Medal of Honor, some multiple times. The stories presented in this book tell of Ace’s heroic exploits while fighting the enemy in the Mekong Delta—emphasizing the extraordinary character of this dedicated soldier hero.
In reading these incredible, never-before-told stories, the reader gets a glimpse into who Ace Cozzalio is and why his dynamic presence is oftentimes the pivotal element that turns the tide against the enemy. A relentless warrior and a natural-born leader, Ace is always leading the charge, winning the battle, and bringing the troops home safely. Confident and charismatic, he endears himself to his fellow cavalry troopers and the tales of his courageous deeds soon become legendary.
And, Ace is a maverick—never satisfied to follow the status quo. Uniquely attired in his signature military uniform with white Cavalry hat, saber, and yellow scarf, reminiscent of the U.S. Cavalry of the 1860s, Ace is singularly recognized as the classic image of the cavalry.
Ace is a high-speed, low-level flight through the fascinating life of Ace Cozzalio, focusing on his escapades, adventures, and mishaps in the Vietnam War.
In reading these incredible, never-before-told stories, the reader gets a glimpse into who Ace Cozzalio is and why his dynamic presence is oftentimes the pivotal element that turns the tide against the enemy. A relentless warrior and a natural-born leader, Ace is always leading the charge, winning the battle, and bringing the troops home safely. Confident and charismatic, he endears himself to his fellow cavalry troopers and the tales of his courageous deeds soon become legendary.
And, Ace is a maverick—never satisfied to follow the status quo. Uniquely attired in his signature military uniform with white Cavalry hat, saber, and yellow scarf, reminiscent of the U.S. Cavalry of the 1860s, Ace is singularly recognized as the classic image of the cavalry.
Ace is a high-speed, low-level flight through the fascinating life of Ace Cozzalio, focusing on his escapades, adventures, and mishaps in the Vietnam War.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2015
132 people are currently reading
37 people 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 5, 2022
Great book about a truly remarkable aviator and person. Ace Cozzalio was truly a one-of-a-kind character and lived his life to the fullest, he was also an incredible helicopter pilot and a true leader of men who led from the front. During his time in Vietnam with the air cavalry attached to the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta, he re-wrote the book on airborne scouting flying the Loach and after extending his tour a further six months, he became even more deadly flying Cobra gunships. His exploits are insane in the way he flew these helicopters and there are many GI's that lived because of this. The book is well written and a real page turner where the author takes you into the cockpit with Ace and gives good descriptions of all aspects of flying a helicopter in Vietnam, and there are many interesting facts about the Air Cav that I did not know about and how they operated against the Vietcong. Highly recommended to military readers and to get a bit of inspiration to live each day to the fullest.
May 12, 2015
From the moment I began reading ACE:THE STORY OF LT.COL.ACE COZZALIO, I could not put it down!. This book is so well written that it is truly a "page turner". I could see the action in the book just as if I was experiencing it myself, that's how good it is. Ace, the man, as the books reveals is more than just a good helicopter pilot. He is an honest, decent and charasmatic leader; a man who exemplifies all that is good about being an American Soldier committed to his duty as he saw it. From page to page I could see the character of a real man; nothing about him was phony. To use a cliche, what you see is what you get. The legend of Ace will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and, through this book, those who read about him.
For anyone who is looking for a hero, I recommend looking at the life of Ace Cozzalio as written in this book. You, the reader, will appreciate the selfless sacrifice our soldiers make in the most horrible situations to keep our country safe. I expect the many veterans of the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, who read this book will treasure it as part of their life as I do. On a scale of one to five, I give this books a 10!
Ted Ellis
For anyone who is looking for a hero, I recommend looking at the life of Ace Cozzalio as written in this book. You, the reader, will appreciate the selfless sacrifice our soldiers make in the most horrible situations to keep our country safe. I expect the many veterans of the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, who read this book will treasure it as part of their life as I do. On a scale of one to five, I give this books a 10!
Ted Ellis
May 13, 2015
"Ace" is an outstanding tribute to Lt. Col. Cozzalio, a natural born warrior; a dedicated, tough and unyielding Army helicopter pilot. The author, Rex Gooch, throughly researched this story and has written in a style that kept me turning page after page. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in military history, Army Aviation, the War in Vietnam, and our countries heroes.
August 18, 2025
The story of a true hero.
October 4, 2020
Amazing guy
Ace’s story is truly remarkable. His courage and grace under fire saved countless lives. His disregard for his own safety was demonstrated over and over again. Most people would probably not react to being shot down the way he did, especially after the fourth or fifth time. A true American hero.
Ace’s story is truly remarkable. His courage and grace under fire saved countless lives. His disregard for his own safety was demonstrated over and over again. Most people would probably not react to being shot down the way he did, especially after the fourth or fifth time. A true American hero.
June 24, 2017
Excellent
My father was one of these scouts as Ace was. This just gives me the day to day of how he spent his life. He was a true adrenalin junkie. He did not make it back , but he love everyday of his life and really in the end that's what counts.
My father was one of these scouts as Ace was. This just gives me the day to day of how he spent his life. He was a true adrenalin junkie. He did not make it back , but he love everyday of his life and really in the end that's what counts.
September 5, 2018
I think the author did a good job of developing Ace's personality.
January 15, 2023
Intriguing book about a larger than life Army Aviation hero. While the writing style leaves some to be desired, the exploits of LTC Cozzalio are no less jaw dropping.
April 6, 2023
Interesting biography! The main subject was a real character!
June 29, 2022
A True Hero
Amazing story of a guy that repeatedly put his own life on the line to assist his comrades in arms. Having read many stories of the conflicts in Nam, this is one that will remain in memory.
Amazing story of a guy that repeatedly put his own life on the line to assist his comrades in arms. Having read many stories of the conflicts in Nam, this is one that will remain in memory.
June 15, 2021
Vietnam through the eyes of a cowboy.
This book was real, it was as if the author was there and was telling the story.
I would and have recommended this book to friends But I’d recommend anyone looking into a true account of what our soldiers endured in Vietnam should read the accounts and details of the life of a true American Hero.
Because you didn’t go to a ten star rating.
This book was real, it was as if the author was there and was telling the story.
I would and have recommended this book to friends But I’d recommend anyone looking into a true account of what our soldiers endured in Vietnam should read the accounts and details of the life of a true American Hero.
Because you didn’t go to a ten star rating.
June 21, 2015
Outstanding leader.
A man who led from the front who looked out for his troops.they would follow him through help with Vargas sprayed on them.a true leader.
A man who led from the front who looked out for his troops.they would follow him through help with Vargas sprayed on them.a true leader.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews