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Vietnam Saga: Exploits of a combat helicopter pilot
Vietnam Saga is the very personal story of Stan Corvin’s often-perilous times in the
U.S. Army as a two-tour helicopter pilot in Vietnam. It is a true-life story of a pilot who fought for
freedom and often his very life. Vietnams Saga is also a story about the meaning of life. Standing
back from his war experience, Stan reflects on his ever-present faith and how it carried him
through this challenging period of his life. Originally written as a legacy to Stan Corvin’s family-
something that will be passed down for many generations-Vietnam Saga is now an opportunity
for you to share in the legacy and the personal recollections, memories, thoughts, fears and shed
tears of a decorated and dedicated American military pilot. The book also contains numerous
photos.
U.S. Army as a two-tour helicopter pilot in Vietnam. It is a true-life story of a pilot who fought for
freedom and often his very life. Vietnams Saga is also a story about the meaning of life. Standing
back from his war experience, Stan reflects on his ever-present faith and how it carried him
through this challenging period of his life. Originally written as a legacy to Stan Corvin’s family-
something that will be passed down for many generations-Vietnam Saga is now an opportunity
for you to share in the legacy and the personal recollections, memories, thoughts, fears and shed
tears of a decorated and dedicated American military pilot. The book also contains numerous
photos.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2017
95 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 3, 2020
One of the better Vietnam pilot books
If only the bravery of the pilots had been matched with equal amounts of wisdom by Westmoreland and other top officers and LBJ. But no.
Corvin hated the communists. He skillfully took many risks and even innovated his own techniques for carrying out his missions. Whether this was worth doing, well young men have no idea. But he did it.
I came away wondering why LOH pilots had to take so many risks as Singletons while gunships and slicks flew way above them. Why not more LOH choppers down low to turn up the gunfire faster once they found the enemy? Corvin seemed to do a lot of damage per amount of resources deployed. He could find the enemy.
I also recurringly wonder about the efficiency of various ways used to find the enemy and were these ways rigorously compared for effectiveness? What's missing from all these pilot personal accounts is a sense of the quality of thinking at each level command above them. The pilots were running daily risks. Some such as Corvin hated the communists and were eager to win. Others just fought to protect their fellow soldiers and doubted the the wisdom of the war.
I was surprised that when he came back to fly for CIA/USAID that they gave him a two engine Huey so that he'd have a better chance of getting back with no support. Too expensive for the Army? Also, he got way better nav equipment for night time operations. Should the Army have been using that and doing more at night ops all along?
Corvin writes well.
If only the bravery of the pilots had been matched with equal amounts of wisdom by Westmoreland and other top officers and LBJ. But no.
Corvin hated the communists. He skillfully took many risks and even innovated his own techniques for carrying out his missions. Whether this was worth doing, well young men have no idea. But he did it.
I came away wondering why LOH pilots had to take so many risks as Singletons while gunships and slicks flew way above them. Why not more LOH choppers down low to turn up the gunfire faster once they found the enemy? Corvin seemed to do a lot of damage per amount of resources deployed. He could find the enemy.
I also recurringly wonder about the efficiency of various ways used to find the enemy and were these ways rigorously compared for effectiveness? What's missing from all these pilot personal accounts is a sense of the quality of thinking at each level command above them. The pilots were running daily risks. Some such as Corvin hated the communists and were eager to win. Others just fought to protect their fellow soldiers and doubted the the wisdom of the war.
I was surprised that when he came back to fly for CIA/USAID that they gave him a two engine Huey so that he'd have a better chance of getting back with no support. Too expensive for the Army? Also, he got way better nav equipment for night time operations. Should the Army have been using that and doing more at night ops all along?
Corvin writes well.
November 21, 2018
The author has compiled an excellent portrayal of his life as a warrior-helicopter pilot. He is certainly on the aggressive side as is expected of people in the position he is in. He describes some scenes of his own violence as well-justified because of the horror of what he has seen the enemy do. Well maybe, or maybe not. At any rate he is a guy you want on your team when it hits the fan. Along the way he develops some understanding for the bad behavior of a co-pilot in the guy's relations with some Australian troops. He also learns something about fear at the end when he is faced with almost certain death with no real expectation of being extricated from it. He is a hero who made decisions to put his best foot forward and up their azz again and again. He is what Hollywood makes movies out of. The problem is that he has real, live skeletons in his closet. Those will never go away but maybe this book will help some. I hope so. Good luck, my friend.
May 29, 2018
Not the best book I have read, but as Mr Corvin points out, it wasn’t originally meant to be published.
Some of his poetry is heart touching and has incredible beauty.
Overall this book is well worth reading just not a 5 star read, a pity they don’t offer a 4 1/2 star rating.
He does touch on a subject that others seem to skip over, the way the communists gained their power in the rural parts of Vietnam for example. In that respect, I can’t say I blame him for having certain attitudes to his job “Over There”.
All in all a book that should be read by those wanting to see how others saw their time in Vietnam, often many years later. Especially when people such as the author enjoyed what they had to do.
Some of his poetry is heart touching and has incredible beauty.
Overall this book is well worth reading just not a 5 star read, a pity they don’t offer a 4 1/2 star rating.
He does touch on a subject that others seem to skip over, the way the communists gained their power in the rural parts of Vietnam for example. In that respect, I can’t say I blame him for having certain attitudes to his job “Over There”.
All in all a book that should be read by those wanting to see how others saw their time in Vietnam, often many years later. Especially when people such as the author enjoyed what they had to do.
August 5, 2019
Only the Lord & we few that lived it can truly understand!
I was one of the lucky ones like the author who survived 3 hours in SEA mostly where we weren't dispose to be. Assigned to an organization that didn't exist simply ask the bosses in the WORLD. I can only say thank you to the author. You told it like it really was. It probably still is today. Maybe I can finally sleep tonight and not relive SOG
Again. I may even be able to tell my story now. No body will probably believe it.
I was one of the lucky ones like the author who survived 3 hours in SEA mostly where we weren't dispose to be. Assigned to an organization that didn't exist simply ask the bosses in the WORLD. I can only say thank you to the author. You told it like it really was. It probably still is today. Maybe I can finally sleep tonight and not relive SOG
Again. I may even be able to tell my story now. No body will probably believe it.
March 2, 2019
Amazing career and experiences of a Loach pilot in the Nam. Later on he flew top secret missions in Chinooks, Huey slicks and even being trained to fly the Cobra. The author was twice awarded the DFC for heroism. This book almost reads like fiction as Corvin's experiences are so extraordinary. Very well written and definitely worth reading.
February 14, 2020
Great Story
As a fellow Texan I always cheer for the good ol boys I grew up around. Stan seems to be the perfect example of the same guys I knew then and now. This is one of the finest accounts I’ve read of helicopter pilots in Vietnam. Humorous sad touching and frightening. Thanks Stan for a great read.
As a fellow Texan I always cheer for the good ol boys I grew up around. Stan seems to be the perfect example of the same guys I knew then and now. This is one of the finest accounts I’ve read of helicopter pilots in Vietnam. Humorous sad touching and frightening. Thanks Stan for a great read.
March 3, 2022
Best book about Vietnam helicopter pilots
Very good book, written by a very brave American pilot, a true patriot. The book will make you laugh and make you cry as well. The author lets us know his feeling of dread, of shock, of joy and sadness, of fright and of accomplishment.
An excellent read.
Very good book, written by a very brave American pilot, a true patriot. The book will make you laugh and make you cry as well. The author lets us know his feeling of dread, of shock, of joy and sadness, of fright and of accomplishment.
An excellent read.
January 16, 2019
The best
This is the best flying book about the Vietnam war that I have read. I couldn't put it down. Wish it was 1000 pages so I could enjoy it more. What a story; what bravery. Well written by a very intelligent, very courageous, very self sacrificing American flyer
This is the best flying book about the Vietnam war that I have read. I couldn't put it down. Wish it was 1000 pages so I could enjoy it more. What a story; what bravery. Well written by a very intelligent, very courageous, very self sacrificing American flyer
November 13, 2019
Amazing story
This ranks up there as one of my favourite Vietnam war memoirs. This guy did it all, Scout pilot, Huey pilot, CIA pilot. Extremely well written, hard hitting at times. If the end doesn't bring a tear to your eye then you are a cyborg.
This ranks up there as one of my favourite Vietnam war memoirs. This guy did it all, Scout pilot, Huey pilot, CIA pilot. Extremely well written, hard hitting at times. If the end doesn't bring a tear to your eye then you are a cyborg.
May 31, 2021
Vets of Air Mobile Units
I was a grunt' in The 1st Air Cav in Vietnam in 1967. I still look up when a news or police copter go over and thank you brave copter pilots for saving our lives. The " wop, wop, wop always takes me10,000 miles away. Thank You, Captain Corvin
I was a grunt' in The 1st Air Cav in Vietnam in 1967. I still look up when a news or police copter go over and thank you brave copter pilots for saving our lives. The " wop, wop, wop always takes me10,000 miles away. Thank You, Captain Corvin
February 17, 2022
Thank you.
An amazing story of true valor. Glory to God that Stan came through all of this and was able to write and share his experiences in this book. One of the best Vietnam War books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
An amazing story of true valor. Glory to God that Stan came through all of this and was able to write and share his experiences in this book. One of the best Vietnam War books that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
March 22, 2022
Incredible story
This book is the first-hand account of a fearless helicopter pilot who dodged death enough times in Vietnam to make a cat with only nine lives jealous. Highly recommend.
This book is the first-hand account of a fearless helicopter pilot who dodged death enough times in Vietnam to make a cat with only nine lives jealous. Highly recommend.
November 29, 2022
I'm speechless.
It's a powerful memoir, my words can't do it justice, but I'm glad the author wrote it and that I read it. I shed years at the end.
The kindle app kicks you out and to the review page before it's fully over. Go back in because you'll miss his epilogue and pictures.
It's a powerful memoir, my words can't do it justice, but I'm glad the author wrote it and that I read it. I shed years at the end.
The kindle app kicks you out and to the review page before it's fully over. Go back in because you'll miss his epilogue and pictures.
April 23, 2020
Great book
The book was right on. Stan did a great job writing what it takes to be the best. I really feel for the guys at the end of the war with little support.
The book was right on. Stan did a great job writing what it takes to be the best. I really feel for the guys at the end of the war with little support.
November 26, 2021
My review
Great read. I left in Dec 71. 1st 22nd infantry 4th division. Recon. I always appreciated the helicopter support. We made it home! Thank you for your service
Great read. I left in Dec 71. 1st 22nd infantry 4th division. Recon. I always appreciated the helicopter support. We made it home! Thank you for your service
May 20, 2024
superb book
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author provided detailed information on loach hunter killer teams. I found the authors attitude towards the enemy right on!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author provided detailed information on loach hunter killer teams. I found the authors attitude towards the enemy right on!
June 20, 2024
Outstanding
What a great read. Thank you for all you and your brothers did. May God continue to bless you. Thanks so much!
What a great read. Thank you for all you and your brothers did. May God continue to bless you. Thanks so much!
October 15, 2024
For those who have interest in helicopter combat, Corvin's account of his missions will leave a lasting impression on all who open his book. One of the best books on Vietnam.
February 12, 2025
Outstanding book,well worth the read
December 8, 2018
Interesting Active Service to Mercenary to Commando.
You get the impression of a grand Texan flyboy thin grey line on the outermost electron of the keenest molecule in the fight of liberty and freedom.
You get the impression of a grand Texan flyboy thin grey line on the outermost electron of the keenest molecule in the fight of liberty and freedom.
April 9, 2021
Amazing account
I've read many Vietnam books, and this one is truly incredible. Corbin is as aggressive and fearless anyone I have ever read about . Lucky too. God surely was watching over him.
I've read many Vietnam books, and this one is truly incredible. Corbin is as aggressive and fearless anyone I have ever read about . Lucky too. God surely was watching over him.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews