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19 Minutes to Live - Helicopter Combat in Vietnam: A Memoir by Lew Jennings
"19 Minutes to Live" illustrates the incredible courage and determination of helicopter pilots and crews supporting those heroes that carried a rucksack and a rifle in Vietnam. Over 12,000 helicopters were used in the Vietnam War, which is why it became known as "The Helicopter War". Almost half of the helicopters, 5,086, were lost. Helicopter pilots and crews accounted for nearly 10 percent of all the US casualties suffered in Vietnam, with nearly 5,000 killed and an untold number of wounded. Lew Jennings flew over 700 Air Cavalry Cobra Gunship Helicopter missions and received Three Distinguished Flying Crosses for Valor. This memoir describes first-hand the harrowing experiences of helicopter pilots and crews in combat operations, from the far South to the DMZ, including the infamous Ashau Valley, Hamburger Hill, LZ Airborne and others.
376 pages, Paperback
Published July 13, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
December 1, 2020
The author flew more than 700 missions between Jan 69-Jan 70 for the 101st Abn's CAV SQD (2/17 Cav), including supporting the Assault on Hamburger Hill.
In the afterword, the author cites some stats on Helo losses in Viet Nam - over 12,000 Helos of all type were deployed, of those almost 50% were lost. There were 1200 OH-6s deployed and over 800 were lost. UH-1s had the second highest percentage, just under half were lost. Helicopter crews had the second highest casuality rate behind the Infantry
I found his very readable and just inhaled it. While I was in the Army, I rode in a lot of Copters and when I left the Army I decided that if I ever rode on another Helicopter, it would be too soon, this narrative did nothing to change that conviction, if anything it reinforced it :)
Solid 4 stars
In the afterword, the author cites some stats on Helo losses in Viet Nam - over 12,000 Helos of all type were deployed, of those almost 50% were lost. There were 1200 OH-6s deployed and over 800 were lost. UH-1s had the second highest percentage, just under half were lost. Helicopter crews had the second highest casuality rate behind the Infantry
I found his very readable and just inhaled it. While I was in the Army, I rode in a lot of Copters and when I left the Army I decided that if I ever rode on another Helicopter, it would be too soon, this narrative did nothing to change that conviction, if anything it reinforced it :)
Solid 4 stars
October 17, 2025
Another reviewer noted that they “inhaled it” in reference to Mr. Jennings’s memoir and I don’t think I can find another way to better describe my time reading it. I’ve read quite a few wartime memoirs and Lew Jennings can lay it all out with the best of them. I THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading this one. It felt more like I was sitting beside him hearing his story while sharing a beer, rather than reading the pages in front of me. He and his brethren featured in this chronicle are natural born storytellers that take you along for some harrowing flights through the A Shau Valley and share the air during combat ops up and down the many ridges and hills in South Vietnam. He can get a little technical and maybe lose you in the details of all the ground troop movements (especially in the Hamburger Hill chapter), but he doesn’t dwell in the minutiae for long. Each chapter has a purpose and that purpose is to catch a glimpse of the day to day of a Cobra pilot, and in that regard he does a damn fine job.
October 24, 2017
Lew Jennings' my new hero
I really stepped out of my comfort zone on this one. I usually read romance and cheesy books or children's books to my kiddos, but I felt like something different. I really enjoyed this memoir even though the whole time the theme song from MASH played in my head. I could almost hear the stories like they were being told by my grandfather and his war buddies. The emotional upheaval is strong. From holding your breath to laughing along and finally being happy he enjoys peace now takes you on a rollercoaster. I really enjoyed this memoir and wish Lew and his family nothing but the best! W
I really stepped out of my comfort zone on this one. I usually read romance and cheesy books or children's books to my kiddos, but I felt like something different. I really enjoyed this memoir even though the whole time the theme song from MASH played in my head. I could almost hear the stories like they were being told by my grandfather and his war buddies. The emotional upheaval is strong. From holding your breath to laughing along and finally being happy he enjoys peace now takes you on a rollercoaster. I really enjoyed this memoir and wish Lew and his family nothing but the best! W
September 10, 2021
I really wanted to like this book.
I expected a book like Chickenhawk or Xin Loi Vietnam.
Surely author has a lot to talk about.
But he blew it.
It started really well but it became disjointed between his own experiences and other people's.
I expected a book like Chickenhawk or Xin Loi Vietnam.
Surely author has a lot to talk about.
But he blew it.
It started really well but it became disjointed between his own experiences and other people's.
January 24, 2020
So vividly told, I feel as though the heart stopping, bloody combat missions described throughout are my own memories. The average lifespan of a US Army combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam was 19 minutes. Thankfully, Lew Jennings is still around to tell us all about it.
5 amazing stars
5 amazing stars
November 14, 2017
Excellent!
One of the best combat memoirs I've read so far. Lee puts you right in the cockpit where you experience Vietnam first hand. I really appreciated his account of the Hamburger Hill battle. The fall after that action i was taking training in the Infantry School at Ft Benning when my class had a chance to hear an account by Col Honeycutt whose battalion made the assaults. We were influenced by the sensationalized and dishonest reporting of that battle so had quite a few critical and hostile questions for him. Only now did I learn that Honeycutt was hit three times during that eleven day battle and refused to leave his battalion. He also pleaded for his battered battalion to take part in the final assault with a fresh battalion. That was actually an honor only a true soldier would appreciate. So instead of being a villain, Col Honeycutt was a hero!
In summary, this is a vivid, exacting and we'll written account of one year in the first Helicopter War! Well done, Lew!
One of the best combat memoirs I've read so far. Lee puts you right in the cockpit where you experience Vietnam first hand. I really appreciated his account of the Hamburger Hill battle. The fall after that action i was taking training in the Infantry School at Ft Benning when my class had a chance to hear an account by Col Honeycutt whose battalion made the assaults. We were influenced by the sensationalized and dishonest reporting of that battle so had quite a few critical and hostile questions for him. Only now did I learn that Honeycutt was hit three times during that eleven day battle and refused to leave his battalion. He also pleaded for his battered battalion to take part in the final assault with a fresh battalion. That was actually an honor only a true soldier would appreciate. So instead of being a villain, Col Honeycutt was a hero!
In summary, this is a vivid, exacting and we'll written account of one year in the first Helicopter War! Well done, Lew!
October 12, 2018
I wish I liked the book more. 19 Minutes to Live is the Story of Lew Jennings time as a Cobra Gunship pilot in Vietnam. He flew hundreds combat hours fighting an enemy that was often unseen but extremely deadly. Troops on the ground relied on pilots like Lew Jennings and he never failed to do his job. He was very skilled and modest about his work.
Combat can often be short and very intense. However, I did not feel the intensity that Mr. Jennings surely felt as he flew his missions. For that I was a bit disappointed.
19 Minutes to Live is a good read and is basic enough for someone who is interested in the Vietnam War and for the role that Attack helicopters played a large part in. I just wanted more.
Combat can often be short and very intense. However, I did not feel the intensity that Mr. Jennings surely felt as he flew his missions. For that I was a bit disappointed.
19 Minutes to Live is a good read and is basic enough for someone who is interested in the Vietnam War and for the role that Attack helicopters played a large part in. I just wanted more.
March 24, 2023
This book was one exciting and perilous situation after another. The author has put together a suburb memoir of war and a very humble telling of his experience. I also liked the fact that he got other members of his unit to contribute their stories as well.
March 9, 2025
The military information was over my head, but Lew’s personal story was very interesting
October 20, 2017
Good book!
I arrive in Vietnam on February 1971 and was assigned to A Troop 2/17th Cavalry, the same unit as the author. He had ready departed. As I read the book, I recognized many of the places a d names from his story. We worked the same area of Operations as Lew Jennings; A Shau, Khe Sahn, etc. I flew Scouts for six month's and finishef my tour flying Hueys. Lew's stories ring true and align with my experiences. Most books on this era concern action further south where tactics and the enemy were different. I think the largest difference was that up North, we fought North Vietnamese Army regulars. I hope Lew is at the next troop reunion.
I arrive in Vietnam on February 1971 and was assigned to A Troop 2/17th Cavalry, the same unit as the author. He had ready departed. As I read the book, I recognized many of the places a d names from his story. We worked the same area of Operations as Lew Jennings; A Shau, Khe Sahn, etc. I flew Scouts for six month's and finishef my tour flying Hueys. Lew's stories ring true and align with my experiences. Most books on this era concern action further south where tactics and the enemy were different. I think the largest difference was that up North, we fought North Vietnamese Army regulars. I hope Lew is at the next troop reunion.
September 14, 2017
Helicopter pilot in Vietnam
Excellent book on the Vietnam war,explaining the extensive training that the author went thru before being sent to Vietnam. Never realized how difficult it was to learn to fly helicopters. The author became a Warrant officer and was flying Cobra attack helicopters for the year he was in Vietnam. Had some close calls and was shot just a few days before he was to Zeros back to U.S. Luckily he was not seriously hurt and continued his career in the Army! Very good book I didn't want to put it down!!
Excellent book on the Vietnam war,explaining the extensive training that the author went thru before being sent to Vietnam. Never realized how difficult it was to learn to fly helicopters. The author became a Warrant officer and was flying Cobra attack helicopters for the year he was in Vietnam. Had some close calls and was shot just a few days before he was to Zeros back to U.S. Luckily he was not seriously hurt and continued his career in the Army! Very good book I didn't want to put it down!!
April 18, 2018
A great memoir
As an avid reader of memoirs, I was truly impressed with this one. I was delighted to find it well edited and reader friendly, with enough technical information to inform without sending the average reader into a state of glazed-eye confusion. I feel like I learned a lot about the helicopter pilots and the Vietnam War, for which I am grateful. I am exceedingly stingy with 5 star ratings, but I was so impressed with this book, I simply could not give it anything less.
As an avid reader of memoirs, I was truly impressed with this one. I was delighted to find it well edited and reader friendly, with enough technical information to inform without sending the average reader into a state of glazed-eye confusion. I feel like I learned a lot about the helicopter pilots and the Vietnam War, for which I am grateful. I am exceedingly stingy with 5 star ratings, but I was so impressed with this book, I simply could not give it anything less.
February 26, 2021
An interesting book. Most helicopter pilot memoirs of Vietnam are by Huey pilots so it was good to get the perspective of a Cobra pilot. I particularly liked the way he handed over to comrades to tell their personal stories of particular incidents.
December 14, 2023
Outstanding!!!!
February 14, 2018
Kindle version (367 pgs)
This book is called a memoir and it is that, but Jennings adds to his personal experiences with accounts from other pilots and soldiers and descriptions of the tactics used by hunter-killer helicopter teams. Jennings flew Cobra gunships in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.
To me, the best parts of the book were actually those accounts provided by Mike Talton (Chapter 17, “Assault 27 Disappears,” was amazing: Over enemy territory with complete failure of tail rotor pedals and full radio malfunction, Talton explains and demonstrates the problems to his copilot. “I showed him what happened when I kicked the pedals. He wasn’t impressed but those pedals swishing back and forth without the aircraft responding did get his undivided attention.” And this pearl, “If you are going to war, it’s always a good idea to have a weapon. John (copilot) had his .38. I had nothing, but I did have John.” This last passage describing the situation after a crash as they try and get away from the downed Cobra.). In addition, Jennings provides some background on the development of helicopter use in combat, the push and pull of “ownership” of air power between the Army and the Air Force, and an explanation of the rank progression in the Army (ok, my eyes glazed over a bit through this part).
Good book if you’re into this kind of thing (and I am). This isn’t a “how I won the war all by myself,” memoir. It’s more of a “part of a great team and grateful for it,” memoir.
This book is called a memoir and it is that, but Jennings adds to his personal experiences with accounts from other pilots and soldiers and descriptions of the tactics used by hunter-killer helicopter teams. Jennings flew Cobra gunships in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970.
To me, the best parts of the book were actually those accounts provided by Mike Talton (Chapter 17, “Assault 27 Disappears,” was amazing: Over enemy territory with complete failure of tail rotor pedals and full radio malfunction, Talton explains and demonstrates the problems to his copilot. “I showed him what happened when I kicked the pedals. He wasn’t impressed but those pedals swishing back and forth without the aircraft responding did get his undivided attention.” And this pearl, “If you are going to war, it’s always a good idea to have a weapon. John (copilot) had his .38. I had nothing, but I did have John.” This last passage describing the situation after a crash as they try and get away from the downed Cobra.). In addition, Jennings provides some background on the development of helicopter use in combat, the push and pull of “ownership” of air power between the Army and the Air Force, and an explanation of the rank progression in the Army (ok, my eyes glazed over a bit through this part).
Good book if you’re into this kind of thing (and I am). This isn’t a “how I won the war all by myself,” memoir. It’s more of a “part of a great team and grateful for it,” memoir.
January 27, 2019
Hunter/Killer outfits consisting of the Hughes OH-6 helicopter (the hunter) and the Bell AH-1 Cobra (the killer) called "pink teams" in the Vietnam War helped the US to win the battles by seeking out and picking fights with NVA communists infiltrated in South Vietnam. This book is a collection of memoirs authored by Lew Jennings a Cobra pilot in this conflict. The author ties in his story with the recollections of those he flew with and those who participated in ground operations that the "pink teams" assisted. These memoirs show with humor and frankness the heroism demonstrated and required of the dangerous up close and personal encounters the hunter/killer choppers experienced and mention too the indispensable role of the UH-1 "dust offs" in what history remembers as the "Helicopter War".
September 9, 2017
This is non-fiction that's as easy to read as fiction, including recollections by other pilots besides the author. These are the stories that a soldier would have a hard time relating in person, but reading about them gives us the chance to really think about them. There is a good overview of the Vietnam war and military organization and jargon from the helicopter pilot's perspective along with detailed descriptions of missions flown. I have a better understanding and appreciation for the helicopter pilots' courage and focus on duty. Lew Jennings is a fascinating person!
August 19, 2018
Brings back memories
I spent some time in the National Guard working on Hueys, Cobras and Kiowas in an AVIM unit. Several of our pilots were Vietnam vets and some of the best you will ever see. They actually wanted to be maintenance test pilots to ceritify the aircraft after we put them back together.
This book is the type that can only be written by people who have been there. Even as someone who never served in combat, I could still almost smell the hydraulic fluid, pro-seal and JP-4.
I spent some time in the National Guard working on Hueys, Cobras and Kiowas in an AVIM unit. Several of our pilots were Vietnam vets and some of the best you will ever see. They actually wanted to be maintenance test pilots to ceritify the aircraft after we put them back together.
This book is the type that can only be written by people who have been there. Even as someone who never served in combat, I could still almost smell the hydraulic fluid, pro-seal and JP-4.
February 11, 2019
Excellent book about the heroism of these young men so long ago. Even after reading the story, I can't imagine what it must have been constantly knowing that they would be going in harms way every day. Lew and others tell the story of how they manage to survive while helping those on the ground that were alive, wounded or dead.
Many did not treat you with honor when you returned. Hopefully some of them will read this book and realize that their anger was not justified against you.
God bless Lew, his buds and all that were in the jungles of Vietman.
Many did not treat you with honor when you returned. Hopefully some of them will read this book and realize that their anger was not justified against you.
God bless Lew, his buds and all that were in the jungles of Vietman.
September 30, 2017
A must read book
Lew Jennings brings the helicopters war in Vietnam to life.
His explanations of various things are truly enlightening, whilst remaining interesting and in some cases inspirational at the same time.
I have read many books on warfare, especially Vietnam, and this rates all five stars and is certainly a book I am glad I read.
Thank you for this book, unlike many this one qualifies.
Lew Jennings brings the helicopters war in Vietnam to life.
His explanations of various things are truly enlightening, whilst remaining interesting and in some cases inspirational at the same time.
I have read many books on warfare, especially Vietnam, and this rates all five stars and is certainly a book I am glad I read.
Thank you for this book, unlike many this one qualifies.
November 13, 2017
Over the years, and thanks to Amazon's Kindle and Prime, I have read many good memoirs that came out of the VietNam experience. This may be added to that list. Thank you Mr Jennings. Several years after that war I developed the opinion that we shouldn't have been there, but the dedication of our soldiers, sailors and airmen, to their fellow buds, is to be commended above all else in my opinion, and is what makes me proud to have been some small part. U-Tapao, 1967-68.
May 18, 2018
As a retired Army Aviator who flew Cobras and Apaches, I appreciate and honor the Army Helicopter Pilots who flew in Vietnam. They set the standard for what it means to be an Army Aviator. Their skill, dedication, bravery, and professionalism can be seen today in the skies of Iraq and Afghanistan. This book tells the story od our dedication to our brother aviators and the ground soldier who we support. Well done Lew!!
June 13, 2018
Interesting book for all that want more information on Vietnam
The training and experience gained by the Vietnam pilots has far reaching value to saving lives in public emergencies. As a former Maryland State trooper we had Vietnam trained pilots flying our medical evaluation helicopters. As a trooper on the ground you could tell the Vietnam pilots because they would land in places no other pilots would.
The training and experience gained by the Vietnam pilots has far reaching value to saving lives in public emergencies. As a former Maryland State trooper we had Vietnam trained pilots flying our medical evaluation helicopters. As a trooper on the ground you could tell the Vietnam pilots because they would land in places no other pilots would.
September 6, 2018
Good read, like going home!
Nice detail without getting too far into the weeds and although I knew a lot of the terms and background I understand the need to provide that information to the civilian public. Let's face it you can't sell too many copies to us old Vietnam Helicopter Pilots (and crews) since there weren't that many then and a Hell of a lot less now!
Good job Lew, thanks for helping to tell the true story!
Nice detail without getting too far into the weeds and although I knew a lot of the terms and background I understand the need to provide that information to the civilian public. Let's face it you can't sell too many copies to us old Vietnam Helicopter Pilots (and crews) since there weren't that many then and a Hell of a lot less now!
Good job Lew, thanks for helping to tell the true story!
September 26, 2018
I served in both Vietnam and Iraq. I was wounded in Vietnam and was Medevaced out by these wonderfully brave pilots. My son recommended this book as he has started to take an interest in Vietnam. These memoirs are a great place to start understanding the terrible conditions in which our best fought and died.
I remember like it was yesterday the bravery of helicopter pilots who I owe my life.
I remember like it was yesterday the bravery of helicopter pilots who I owe my life.
September 19, 2019
The first third of this book was 4-star. As the child of an Air Force pilot, I had never had the military ranks explained to me as well as this author did. In addition, his description of boot camp & further training did well at explaining the real purpose of that--to prepare soldiers for realistic combat situations. The rest of the book, describing situations in Vietnam, was hard for me to follow in any detail. I rate that as 3-star, for readers unskilled in 3-D visualization.
November 23, 2017
Fascinating to read
The whole memoir is so interesting. I have heard boot camp is tough, but the schooling for Warent Officer and pilot is also grueling. If you have a family member or friend W who is a VietNam vet this book will be helpful to understand the forgotten war. Most vets I have met don't want to talk about it.
The whole memoir is so interesting. I have heard boot camp is tough, but the schooling for Warent Officer and pilot is also grueling. If you have a family member or friend W who is a VietNam vet this book will be helpful to understand the forgotten war. Most vets I have met don't want to talk about it.
January 25, 2018
Sky Drivers
Excellent detailed history of attack helicopters in Vietnam War. Reading this made you feel like you were in the helicopter with them. Ends with sobering statistics about all types of helicopter missions flown & losses of helicopters & personnel. God Bless Them All!
Excellent detailed history of attack helicopters in Vietnam War. Reading this made you feel like you were in the helicopter with them. Ends with sobering statistics about all types of helicopter missions flown & losses of helicopters & personnel. God Bless Them All!
February 7, 2018
Loved it
Lew mixes his own experiences with those of his brethren to describe the fear and exhilaration of being the tip of the spear, bringing the fight to the enemy from above. My sincere thanks to all the helicopter crews including the maracas the flew me too Can Rahm Bay from an outpost near Dalat around Thanksgiving 1970.
Lew mixes his own experiences with those of his brethren to describe the fear and exhilaration of being the tip of the spear, bringing the fight to the enemy from above. My sincere thanks to all the helicopter crews including the maracas the flew me too Can Rahm Bay from an outpost near Dalat around Thanksgiving 1970.
February 22, 2018
Great book for anyone who is interested in what it was like to fly combat helicopters in Vietnam
Five star reality by a young helicopter pilot
The war was fought by men like Les Jennings, who gave so much for their country and their comrades in arms
Highly recommended
Important piece of history
Helicopter pilots in Vietnam were a breed apart
Five star reality by a young helicopter pilot
The war was fought by men like Les Jennings, who gave so much for their country and their comrades in arms
Highly recommended
Important piece of history
Helicopter pilots in Vietnam were a breed apart
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews