What do you think?
Rate this book
Vietnam: A Tale of Two Tours:
A full color hardback edition of a U.S. Army helicopter pilot's candid first-hand account and photos of his Vietnam experience in the air and on the ground at the height of US troop strength (1969-70) and then again when he returned for a second tour of duty (1972-73) at the very end of the war. It is a non-political description of what life was really like for him and others who served with him in Vietnam.
The author describes a first tour in the Central Highlands while assigned to the 4th Infantry Division as a pilot in an Assault Helicopter Company flying the UH-1H (Huey) and then most of his time as an OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) pilot assigned to an Infantry Brigade. The book includes a description of combat assaults, the Cambodian Invasion, ground an air tactics, people he met and worked with, helicopter operations, rescues, combat in the air and on the ground, leadership, unit life and living at four different locations, everyday camp life and conditions, as well as many vignettes as to things both good and bad he witnessed during his first tour.
The book continues with a short section on his experiences between tours while assigned to the Washington DC area with a description of dealing with returning to the USA during massive societal upheaval/changes, War Protests, stateside duty life, and mandatory Reduction in Forces events.
The final part of his book is a history of his second tour around Saigon while assigned to an Air Cavalry Troop and how much the war and other things had changed from his first tour. Events recounted include the Air Cavalry Troop mission and life at Bien Hoa, the cease fire and post-cease fire support missions, moving to Saigon and experiences living there, meeting his former enemy, the prisoner of war exchange, being shot down after the cease fire began, and being on the final flight out of combat troops that closed out the war for America. He closes with his overall reflections on his wartime service.
A Tale of Two Tours is a must for those who want to know a Vietnam War experience without the hype, politics, or hidden agenda that usually was part of Vietnam War reporting during that timeframe.
The author describes a first tour in the Central Highlands while assigned to the 4th Infantry Division as a pilot in an Assault Helicopter Company flying the UH-1H (Huey) and then most of his time as an OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) pilot assigned to an Infantry Brigade. The book includes a description of combat assaults, the Cambodian Invasion, ground an air tactics, people he met and worked with, helicopter operations, rescues, combat in the air and on the ground, leadership, unit life and living at four different locations, everyday camp life and conditions, as well as many vignettes as to things both good and bad he witnessed during his first tour.
The book continues with a short section on his experiences between tours while assigned to the Washington DC area with a description of dealing with returning to the USA during massive societal upheaval/changes, War Protests, stateside duty life, and mandatory Reduction in Forces events.
The final part of his book is a history of his second tour around Saigon while assigned to an Air Cavalry Troop and how much the war and other things had changed from his first tour. Events recounted include the Air Cavalry Troop mission and life at Bien Hoa, the cease fire and post-cease fire support missions, moving to Saigon and experiences living there, meeting his former enemy, the prisoner of war exchange, being shot down after the cease fire began, and being on the final flight out of combat troops that closed out the war for America. He closes with his overall reflections on his wartime service.
A Tale of Two Tours is a must for those who want to know a Vietnam War experience without the hype, politics, or hidden agenda that usually was part of Vietnam War reporting during that timeframe.
324 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2018
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 3, 2018
A good read, informative and authentic. Some editing problems, including creative use of the semi-colon. What struck me about Mooney's narrative was his tendency to make sure his readers understood he was an Alpha personality who consistently challenged the chain of command. True, chopper pilots in Vietnam wrote the book about combat helicopter tactics by the seat of their pants. There was no 'how to' manual to follow. But Mooney takes it a step further, often times suggesting that higher command was more of a hurdle than the war itself. He also seemed to overly emphasize the racial makeup of American troops in Vietnam. Why? I'm not sure. Several passages of the narrative reveal that he had time to leisurely fly friends here and there, letting them take the controls for a while. And--though he says he didn't advocate it then or now--he suggests he flew while drunk.
There's a lot of editorializing in this narrative that I haven't seen in other books recounting Vietnam helicopter pilot experiences. Some may enjoy that, but I thought it was a little odd.
All in all, though, the narrative does provide interesting insight, and it complements the other books I've read about the subject. I thank Mooney for his service and the story he's given us about that time in his life.
There's a lot of editorializing in this narrative that I haven't seen in other books recounting Vietnam helicopter pilot experiences. Some may enjoy that, but I thought it was a little odd.
All in all, though, the narrative does provide interesting insight, and it complements the other books I've read about the subject. I thank Mooney for his service and the story he's given us about that time in his life.
June 2, 2025
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a a straight to the point and frankly honest story by the Author of a time in the Army when things were in an upheaval. There was a War being fought in an unrealistic manner by leaders that were using tactics that did not fit the situation(except in the Special Forces). The people fighting the War knew what needed to be done and tried to do it but their leaders for the most part(Senior Officers and Politicians) would not face up to the facts and adapt. Those that did were frowned upon and called “Mavericks and Pirates.” And suffered from actually getting the results needed by doing what was right. Not to mention the Troops that made the sacrifices and served their Country honorably receiving no support from the folks back home. I am a retired Army Veteran and I applaud the Authors frank and honest effort in his writings. If you are a reader of Military History or even if you’re curious about that era I highly recommend this book to you.
September 12, 2020
A very original and well structured account of the life of a crack helicopter pilot in Vietnam, this book was a pleasure to read from start to finish and featured colorful descriptions of various personalities that he had to deal with in-country, as well as his own experiences from flying both the huey and then later the loach. As largely apolitical book aside from justifiably labeling both the press and the communists as scum of the earth, in it he goes into great detail about all the factors that a pilot has to take into account when flying in a high-risk combat zone, and the thought process his mind goes through each time he takes off into the unknown and faces enormous risks and dangerous situations. He speaks of pulling off both very impressive and sometimes dangerously stupid but brave feats, and often wonders how he survived through it all without great injury. He does not hold back his labeling of the enemy nor certain friendly characters, and picturing his various experiences with the latter in my mind made me laugh out loud quite often. I find my opinions lining up with his very nicely throughout the book, and that along the no less than heroic duties he performed makes me appreciate and respect the author very much.
If you're looking for a more broad account of the Vietnam war perhaps this book is not for you, but i love technicalities and people going into great detail and this book does not lack either of those. Also, there are images and maps to help you get a proper sense of where he was located as well as other key locations which i found very helpful.
5/5, i wish i hadn't delayed reading this for so long.
If you're looking for a more broad account of the Vietnam war perhaps this book is not for you, but i love technicalities and people going into great detail and this book does not lack either of those. Also, there are images and maps to help you get a proper sense of where he was located as well as other key locations which i found very helpful.
5/5, i wish i hadn't delayed reading this for so long.
January 10, 2022
Excellent read very detailed powerfully written. I highly recommend this
The author puts into perspective what a real soldier encounters and goes through and has to mature through and live through. Of all the books that I have read on the Vietnam conflict none of them touch As heartfelt Descriptions for the way the United States Treated our Vietnam veterans. The obvious losers including the incompetent Politicians who didn't participate in this war need to be punished for the way our Vets were treated. Thank you all for your service!!!!
The author puts into perspective what a real soldier encounters and goes through and has to mature through and live through. Of all the books that I have read on the Vietnam conflict none of them touch As heartfelt Descriptions for the way the United States Treated our Vietnam veterans. The obvious losers including the incompetent Politicians who didn't participate in this war need to be punished for the way our Vets were treated. Thank you all for your service!!!!
August 7, 2023
I Am in Awe
I am of an age with America’s Vietnam Vets but lead a relatively sheltered life in England seeing only what the press wanted me to see. Having been on the receiving end of the Fourth Estates version of the truth, I took a lot of what I viewed with a pinch of salt. People like James C Mooney Jr. have opened my eyes to the tragedy and futility that was America in Vietnam. The futility of this war does not detract from the bravery, dedication and downright craziness of the youth of America that participated, either willingly of by the draft. God bless them all.
I am of an age with America’s Vietnam Vets but lead a relatively sheltered life in England seeing only what the press wanted me to see. Having been on the receiving end of the Fourth Estates version of the truth, I took a lot of what I viewed with a pinch of salt. People like James C Mooney Jr. have opened my eyes to the tragedy and futility that was America in Vietnam. The futility of this war does not detract from the bravery, dedication and downright craziness of the youth of America that participated, either willingly of by the draft. God bless them all.
March 29, 2025
An Important Biographical Tome!
This is a truly illuminating biography of the author's service in the US Army during the Viet Nam War and its end. His experiences mimic those of the thousands of other service men and women during this time in America's history. It is important we all read biographies such as this one of gain a better understanding and appreciation for what our young service men and women did and suffered through in support of America. We should never forget, and this biography will help us remember and reflect.
This is a truly illuminating biography of the author's service in the US Army during the Viet Nam War and its end. His experiences mimic those of the thousands of other service men and women during this time in America's history. It is important we all read biographies such as this one of gain a better understanding and appreciation for what our young service men and women did and suffered through in support of America. We should never forget, and this biography will help us remember and reflect.
June 30, 2018
T
I've always been fascinated by the Viet Nam war and especially the use of helicopters and the men that flew them! This book was fascinating and enlightening! The author was the kind of guy that I was proud to have served with after I volunteered in 1975; after being number 16 in the draft in 1972; the year Richard Nixon discontinued the draft and I graduated from high school! This book was also funny at times so an all round great read!
I've always been fascinated by the Viet Nam war and especially the use of helicopters and the men that flew them! This book was fascinating and enlightening! The author was the kind of guy that I was proud to have served with after I volunteered in 1975; after being number 16 in the draft in 1972; the year Richard Nixon discontinued the draft and I graduated from high school! This book was also funny at times so an all round great read!
February 5, 2019
Excellent and Descriptive
You can get a very good understanding of the way it was as you read the material set forth in this book. All of the many facets of the individual events described come together to create a full and genuine portrait of the ' Nam happenings. Situations and events are so well written that any reader can get a clear picture of this WO's tenure in the military.
You can get a very good understanding of the way it was as you read the material set forth in this book. All of the many facets of the individual events described come together to create a full and genuine portrait of the ' Nam happenings. Situations and events are so well written that any reader can get a clear picture of this WO's tenure in the military.
May 3, 2020
Politics at war
A valuable memoir if a bit dry. The author has clearly held back considerably in his recounting of his Vietnam war experiences. This is not a book of war stories, it is a book of daily life as a young man in a war zone managing the stresses of flying helicopters in combat and appeasing the higher ranks. I enjoyed it but it was not a captivating read. But it’s not supposed to be entertainment. Thanks to the author for his service and sacrifice.
A valuable memoir if a bit dry. The author has clearly held back considerably in his recounting of his Vietnam war experiences. This is not a book of war stories, it is a book of daily life as a young man in a war zone managing the stresses of flying helicopters in combat and appeasing the higher ranks. I enjoyed it but it was not a captivating read. But it’s not supposed to be entertainment. Thanks to the author for his service and sacrifice.
March 16, 2022
A great piece of autobiographical history.
This book, in my opinion, puts you in the pilots seat of the helicopter at times. Gives us a bird’s eye view of the nonsense and dangers, so many of the Vietnam Veteran’s had to go through.
More importantly, this book allowed us to see the personal growth of a young thrill seeker, into a respected (rightfully so) pilot and leader.
Thank you for your service sir.
This book, in my opinion, puts you in the pilots seat of the helicopter at times. Gives us a bird’s eye view of the nonsense and dangers, so many of the Vietnam Veteran’s had to go through.
More importantly, this book allowed us to see the personal growth of a young thrill seeker, into a respected (rightfully so) pilot and leader.
Thank you for your service sir.
June 14, 2023
Great Read!!!
First off, Welcome Home Cheif!!!! Your "Antics" regarding your first tour sound allot like mine as an enlisted man starting in 1981....Thank you for your service to all of the folks on the ground who ate the mud and kept the wolves at bay. The book was thus far one of the best I've read about what it was like to be an Aviator in Vietnam. Best wishes sir, and from one Calgary Trooper to another..."If you ain't CAV, you ain't shit"
First off, Welcome Home Cheif!!!! Your "Antics" regarding your first tour sound allot like mine as an enlisted man starting in 1981....Thank you for your service to all of the folks on the ground who ate the mud and kept the wolves at bay. The book was thus far one of the best I've read about what it was like to be an Aviator in Vietnam. Best wishes sir, and from one Calgary Trooper to another..."If you ain't CAV, you ain't shit"
August 6, 2018
Helicopter pilot in Vietnam war
Great book about a young 19 year old who joined the Army and flew helicopters during two tours of duty in Vietnam. He ended up making a career of the Army and served for 21 years. He loves flying and worked very hard at his job and became very good @ flying both the Huey's and smaller Loach helicopters.
Great book about a young 19 year old who joined the Army and flew helicopters during two tours of duty in Vietnam. He ended up making a career of the Army and served for 21 years. He loves flying and worked very hard at his job and became very good @ flying both the Huey's and smaller Loach helicopters.
October 22, 2018
Great book about flying in the skies above Vietnam
The author tells it like it is and no one can tell the story better than a Veteran chopper pilot. He writes about his friends, his near misses, and those officers above him, who should not have been in leadership positions. This book is worth reading and I highly recommend it.
The author tells it like it is and no one can tell the story better than a Veteran chopper pilot. He writes about his friends, his near misses, and those officers above him, who should not have been in leadership positions. This book is worth reading and I highly recommend it.
August 1, 2019
Really Great!
This book is a rare and mature perspective of the war, and I commend the author’s use of hindsight. Certainly a well-positioned Warrant Officer and aviator over the course of two flying tours (plus one domestic posting), this book provides a fantastic window into the coal face of Army aviation. A great read!
This book is a rare and mature perspective of the war, and I commend the author’s use of hindsight. Certainly a well-positioned Warrant Officer and aviator over the course of two flying tours (plus one domestic posting), this book provides a fantastic window into the coal face of Army aviation. A great read!
October 20, 2022
Review
I was infantry in vietnam. Your book was a great read coming from the pilot perspective. I had a 2 year degree before I was drafted. They placed me in the infantry and sent me to shake and bake school. E5 infantry squad leader in 8 months. I'm happy to say that we made it home safely. Thank you for your dedicated servjce
I was infantry in vietnam. Your book was a great read coming from the pilot perspective. I had a 2 year degree before I was drafted. They placed me in the infantry and sent me to shake and bake school. E5 infantry squad leader in 8 months. I'm happy to say that we made it home safely. Thank you for your dedicated servjce
December 8, 2022
This is a real-life piece of history here
I've read many dozens of Vietnam memoirs, a few of which really stand out in my mind and give me a better insight into, and understanding of, the Vietnam war, but this book helped me feel a greater connection to that war and it's place in history more than any other book.
I've read many dozens of Vietnam memoirs, a few of which really stand out in my mind and give me a better insight into, and understanding of, the Vietnam war, but this book helped me feel a greater connection to that war and it's place in history more than any other book.
March 20, 2018
Non fiction good read
Anyone interested in what the boys/men did while flying under some really questionable leadership combined with the dangers of war, were truly hero's in my book! Thank you all for your service to country.
Anyone interested in what the boys/men did while flying under some really questionable leadership combined with the dangers of war, were truly hero's in my book! Thank you all for your service to country.
May 24, 2018
I got out of high school in 1975. My friends older brothers served in the Nam. My own brother is a retired CW4 Army helo instructor pilot. Know I know too a better degree what these brave young men went through. This book is written excellently. Much respect, and highly recommended reading.
May 24, 2018
Realistic view from the air!
I enjoyed this book. Useful for me to get fuller appreciation for the chopper pilot's experience in the war. Especially one who stayed in the Army and was a lifer.Unlike most of us vets.
I enjoyed this book. Useful for me to get fuller appreciation for the chopper pilot's experience in the war. Especially one who stayed in the Army and was a lifer.Unlike most of us vets.
May 29, 2018
Dear diary
Not really about flying, more of an anecdotal account of everything except flying. From ablutions to solutions, the who, why and how of the everyday minutiae, great if you’re researching the infrastructure and operational living conditions.
Not really about flying, more of an anecdotal account of everything except flying. From ablutions to solutions, the who, why and how of the everyday minutiae, great if you’re researching the infrastructure and operational living conditions.
July 6, 2018
Good book
Loved this book, absolutely could not put it down. Will probably read it several more times, being old and forgetful after a few months it will be just like reading a new book all over again, Ha
Loved this book, absolutely could not put it down. Will probably read it several more times, being old and forgetful after a few months it will be just like reading a new book all over again, Ha
August 27, 2018
Best book I have ever read on the real Vietnam we all knew...thanks for the reminder..
Best outline of what really happened..
Thanks again for reminding all of us who served..
May the USA never forget us again
Best outline of what really happened..
Thanks again for reminding all of us who served..
May the USA never forget us again
September 14, 2018
Good Read
This is a really good book. During the Vietnam War, I wanted to be a Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot but didn't pass the vision physical. this guy did what I dreamed about. It's just as well - whatever…
This is a really good book. During the Vietnam War, I wanted to be a Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot but didn't pass the vision physical. this guy did what I dreamed about. It's just as well - whatever…
January 1, 2019
Great book. Brought home alot of memmories about my time in Vietnam. It also added some things that I did not know but wondered about for a number of years. As I was a LRRP I apprecated all that was done for us by these pilots; they saved so many lives.
March 9, 2019
Excellent book
The dedication and the pursuit of excellence were a inspiration to me in reading this book. I'm very thankful for the author's time to put his experiences in print. My most sincere thanks to all vets for their service.
The dedication and the pursuit of excellence were a inspiration to me in reading this book. I'm very thankful for the author's time to put his experiences in print. My most sincere thanks to all vets for their service.
May 26, 2020
Great
Very well written and factual. As a grunt in the Bush he told it like it was. Thank you for being our eye on the sky and our life line to live another day. 25th infantry division 1/27 th. Infantry. Wolfhounds.
Very well written and factual. As a grunt in the Bush he told it like it was. Thank you for being our eye on the sky and our life line to live another day. 25th infantry division 1/27 th. Infantry. Wolfhounds.
March 14, 2021
Great read. A young mans life as a pilot in US army.
This is a great book that follows the adventures of a young man on his first and second tours in Vietnam it’s straddles a unique. Between 1968 to 1973 and it’s definitely worth the read.
It is honest and hilarious at times
This is a great book that follows the adventures of a young man on his first and second tours in Vietnam it’s straddles a unique. Between 1968 to 1973 and it’s definitely worth the read.
It is honest and hilarious at times
April 11, 2021
I enjoyed this book
The title describes the contents of this book. I found it interesting and informative. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in a true, informative glimpse at what it was like for those deployed to Vietnam.
The title describes the contents of this book. I found it interesting and informative. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in a true, informative glimpse at what it was like for those deployed to Vietnam.
August 21, 2021
Vert interesting book about two very different tours of Vietnam. A great look at the life of an Army Warrant Officer (helo pilot), training and life in country. Amazing how much responsibility was given and assumed by these very young men in Vietnam.
June 2, 2018
Awesome!
Wonderful first person account of the war America tried to forget! Never forget! POW/MIA. Until they all come home! Thank you for your service sir!
Wonderful first person account of the war America tried to forget! Never forget! POW/MIA. Until they all come home! Thank you for your service sir!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews