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Undaunted Valor #1
Undaunted Valor: An Assault Helicopter Unit in Vietnam
…American troops are in contact…
The UH-1H helicopter swoops in to bail them out…
…Tracer fire everywhere, the windshield shatters, the door gunners returning fire…
Will Colonel Cory’s helicopter be able to rescue the pinned down soldiers?
Undaunted Valor is the first hand account of helicopter pilot, Colonel Dan Cory as he flies combat missions in the jungles of Vietnams. From dodging enemy ground fire and RPGs, to constant mortar and rocket attacks on his base, Colonel Cory stared down the enemy to bring his fellow soldiers’ home.
Join Colonel Cory as he recounts some of the most intense helicopter and ground combat of the Vietnam war from the eyes of a man who spent two combat tours there. From being shot down by enemy fire, to leading his air crew to repel an enemy assault, Colonel Cory’s firsthand accounts of the Vietnam War are awe inspiring. Awarded the Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars for Valor, Cory’s hair-raising accounts of what it was like to fly over the Jungles of Vietnam will make you feel as if you are right there with him.
Grab your copy of this gripping, true-life story of an American war hero today!!
Praise for Undaunted Valor – “If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly a helicopter in combat or what goes through the minds of those who do, you have to read this book. Incredible story of an American Hero!” – Author James Rosone of the Red Storm Series
The UH-1H helicopter swoops in to bail them out…
…Tracer fire everywhere, the windshield shatters, the door gunners returning fire…
Will Colonel Cory’s helicopter be able to rescue the pinned down soldiers?
Undaunted Valor is the first hand account of helicopter pilot, Colonel Dan Cory as he flies combat missions in the jungles of Vietnams. From dodging enemy ground fire and RPGs, to constant mortar and rocket attacks on his base, Colonel Cory stared down the enemy to bring his fellow soldiers’ home.
Join Colonel Cory as he recounts some of the most intense helicopter and ground combat of the Vietnam war from the eyes of a man who spent two combat tours there. From being shot down by enemy fire, to leading his air crew to repel an enemy assault, Colonel Cory’s firsthand accounts of the Vietnam War are awe inspiring. Awarded the Silver Star, and two Bronze Stars for Valor, Cory’s hair-raising accounts of what it was like to fly over the Jungles of Vietnam will make you feel as if you are right there with him.
Grab your copy of this gripping, true-life story of an American war hero today!!
Praise for Undaunted Valor – “If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to fly a helicopter in combat or what goes through the minds of those who do, you have to read this book. Incredible story of an American Hero!” – Author James Rosone of the Red Storm Series
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
789 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Matt Jackson
4 books13 followersBorn into a Navy Submarine Family, he traveled the world as a child. Enlisted in the Army in 1968 after two worthless years of college and became an Army helicopter pilot serving for 18 months in Vietnam. Was promoted to a commissioned officer while serving in Vietnam and stayed on active duty until 1993. In that time he commanded rifle companies at Fort Lewis Washington and Anchorage Alaska where he commanded an airborne company. Highlight of his career was commanding an air assault infantry battalion during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. The Army sent him back to college to finish his bachelors degree and later working on my own, two master degrees. Once he retired he went into private business and finally retired in 2015. He has two sons, both Army officers who rose up through the ranks like their grandfather and father.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 2, 2020
UNDAUNTED VALOR by Matt Jackson is the first of a three-book series about helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. Readers will learn what training was like and they'll see why many potential pilots washed out, unable to meet the physical or mental standards; the author tells his story through a protagonist named, Dan Cory.
Although classified as fiction, only to protect the identities of those mentioned in the book and the inability to quote exact conversations as they took place fifty years ago, this story is a narrative about the author's personal experience.
As an infantry soldier, we always held chopper pilots and crews in the highest regard. They came when needed. No matter what. We always thought these crewmembers had nerves of steel and remained cool and collected even under the most extreme conditions. The book shows readers what it was really like under that facade.
In critiquing this book, I found the author repeating himself in every mission when checking the aircraft, start-up, and checking for clearance. Other than names mentioned, I knew very little about other crewmembers joining him on these missions and fellow pilots. It would also have been interesting to know what the maintenance Group did every night to keep the birds "flyable". I also found several typos, one that stands out is Tan Son Nhut airport, which the author writes as Tan Son Nhat several times through the chapter. Others are real words but used in the wrong context.
All in all, UNDAUNTED VALOR is a great read for anyone interested in learning what it takes to become a helicopter pilot and what the job was like during the Vietnam War. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Matt Jackson!
Although classified as fiction, only to protect the identities of those mentioned in the book and the inability to quote exact conversations as they took place fifty years ago, this story is a narrative about the author's personal experience.
As an infantry soldier, we always held chopper pilots and crews in the highest regard. They came when needed. No matter what. We always thought these crewmembers had nerves of steel and remained cool and collected even under the most extreme conditions. The book shows readers what it was really like under that facade.
In critiquing this book, I found the author repeating himself in every mission when checking the aircraft, start-up, and checking for clearance. Other than names mentioned, I knew very little about other crewmembers joining him on these missions and fellow pilots. It would also have been interesting to know what the maintenance Group did every night to keep the birds "flyable". I also found several typos, one that stands out is Tan Son Nhut airport, which the author writes as Tan Son Nhat several times through the chapter. Others are real words but used in the wrong context.
All in all, UNDAUNTED VALOR is a great read for anyone interested in learning what it takes to become a helicopter pilot and what the job was like during the Vietnam War. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice Matt Jackson!
January 19, 2021
From another Vietnam Army helicopter pilot
Just as accurate as if it was me telling you my story. That is how it was 68-70. From Fort Polk to getting on the DEROS bird to go home. The nature of the different people here in is just as I found it, from hero’s to cowards, from idiots to gifted pilots and leaders, no matter their rank, they were all there. Playing on the two way rifle range quickly let’s you see the true nature of any man, good or not so good. The author’s premonitions were not that uncommon among the guys in the field and survivors learned to pay attention to their “gut.” Those who did not were likely to get themselves and others hurt or killed.
Just as accurate as if it was me telling you my story. That is how it was 68-70. From Fort Polk to getting on the DEROS bird to go home. The nature of the different people here in is just as I found it, from hero’s to cowards, from idiots to gifted pilots and leaders, no matter their rank, they were all there. Playing on the two way rifle range quickly let’s you see the true nature of any man, good or not so good. The author’s premonitions were not that uncommon among the guys in the field and survivors learned to pay attention to their “gut.” Those who did not were likely to get themselves and others hurt or killed.
March 16, 2023
A salute to all Vietnam Helicopter Pilots
This book had brought back memories I had in June of 68. I volunteered to join the Navy . I placed well on a test to qualify for submarine school. Leaving the room , I was immediately approached by the Army Recruiter The Army will offer you a Warrant Officers position as a Helicopter Pilot. At 18 , I came close to taking his offer. Instead , I choose a Naval School instead. Years have passed . Did I make the right decision ? After reading this book, I believe I did. I salute all the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots . Thank you for your service.
This book had brought back memories I had in June of 68. I volunteered to join the Navy . I placed well on a test to qualify for submarine school. Leaving the room , I was immediately approached by the Army Recruiter The Army will offer you a Warrant Officers position as a Helicopter Pilot. At 18 , I came close to taking his offer. Instead , I choose a Naval School instead. Years have passed . Did I make the right decision ? After reading this book, I believe I did. I salute all the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots . Thank you for your service.
February 8, 2020
Everyday Heros!
Reading about a persons life in the Service of his country
Can be xciting, scary, proud and funny
Especially helicopter Pilots, they are the best.
This story is all of those.
If you have served in wartime you know what it’s like.
If you haven’t be glad you missed it
I can go on and on about this book, it’s a great read and one
I won’t soon forget
When you do read this book and I know you will,
Remember the “monkey” I’m still laughing and will
Always laugh whenever I think about it
Reading about a persons life in the Service of his country
Can be xciting, scary, proud and funny
Especially helicopter Pilots, they are the best.
This story is all of those.
If you have served in wartime you know what it’s like.
If you haven’t be glad you missed it
I can go on and on about this book, it’s a great read and one
I won’t soon forget
When you do read this book and I know you will,
Remember the “monkey” I’m still laughing and will
Always laugh whenever I think about it
April 20, 2020
Excellent read on flying helicopters in Vietnam. Much of the book is fact based. I was at Lia Khe during ‘this period in a different helo company (Robinhoods). Radio calls and coordination with crew is spot on; even the harassment of the new guy ( exact same screams first time I picked up in a revetment) I remember very well the helo crashing carrying the titter totter ( however it crashed in our company area, hitting some hootches). Very good read. Best I have seen on flying in Vietnam. Nice job
March 13, 2022
What can be said.
This description of Valor is an amazing experience. I remember the war in Vietnam. I was lucky enough to not be in this situation. I lost friends and had relatives return home changed forever. This was an awesome explanation and description of this event. I knew it was a really unnerving thing this book helped me understand some things that I never heard about as so many don't want to explain what happened to them. These men deserve our respect for their actions to preserve freedom and democracy. God bless them all.
This description of Valor is an amazing experience. I remember the war in Vietnam. I was lucky enough to not be in this situation. I lost friends and had relatives return home changed forever. This was an awesome explanation and description of this event. I knew it was a really unnerving thing this book helped me understand some things that I never heard about as so many don't want to explain what happened to them. These men deserve our respect for their actions to preserve freedom and democracy. God bless them all.
March 7, 2023
This book had a ton of characters that you never got to learn anything about. That made it difficult to keep track of them or remember who was who. I would’ve been very interested in getting to know other’s stories/backgrounds and what their duties were. This book focuses on one guy and is mostly lots of different flight scenarios, over and over. If you fly or have flown helicopters you’d probably enjoy this much more than I did. I expected more about the Vietnam experience specifically. This seemed like flight experiences that could’ve been anywhere. 🤷🏻♀️
December 29, 2019
The life of a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
I liked the way the writer exsplained what it was like being a helicopter pilot from basic training to his tour while being in Vietnam. I would have liked to hear about how he met his wife. I was in the Navy and In the Gulf of Tonkin the same time he was. I recommend this book for reading. It wasn't boring like some other books written.
I liked the way the writer exsplained what it was like being a helicopter pilot from basic training to his tour while being in Vietnam. I would have liked to hear about how he met his wife. I was in the Navy and In the Gulf of Tonkin the same time he was. I recommend this book for reading. It wasn't boring like some other books written.
March 3, 2020
One of the best Helicopter Vietnam books I have read to date. The book has been edited to make it into a free-flowing story, unlike the some of the others I have read where the author just recounts his experiences during the war and the stories just seem to meander on until the end of the book when he runs out of things to say.
This book joins all the story into one free-flowing, continuous and very interesting book. I struggled to put it down. Excellent read
This book joins all the story into one free-flowing, continuous and very interesting book. I struggled to put it down. Excellent read
March 4, 2020
I was in the Army in the late 80s and early 90s, we still had those same Hueys from Vietnam! I went back over old logbooks for some of them and saw battle damage and engines shot out. It was amazing. Now reading this book I could totally see how those things happened.
The book was very well written, I could hardly put it down. Great pacing and balance between military facts and personal stories.
Really enjoyed the book.
The book was very well written, I could hardly put it down. Great pacing and balance between military facts and personal stories.
Really enjoyed the book.
July 12, 2020
A well written book, showcasing the authors intelligence, both street and book smarts. Our veterans deserve respect and acknowledgment of the sacrifices they made and continue to make
Truly an eye opening experience demanding attention of the reader. The narrative illustrates the reality of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and all the additional trauma and valor that accompanied that era. Thanks for your service veterans.
Truly an eye opening experience demanding attention of the reader. The narrative illustrates the reality of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, and all the additional trauma and valor that accompanied that era. Thanks for your service veterans.
May 30, 2022
The books in this series are "Faction"—based in an actual historical context, with representational depictions and dialogs. As such, I enjoyed Book 1.
From conversations with my brother (in-country, 1971), the backdrop, accounts, and texture of the story squares pretty well with his recall (captured in 'Echoes of Vietnam | A Soldier's Voice is Heard').
Enjoyed this read (four-stars only due to some editing inconsistency).
From conversations with my brother (in-country, 1971), the backdrop, accounts, and texture of the story squares pretty well with his recall (captured in 'Echoes of Vietnam | A Soldier's Voice is Heard').
Enjoyed this read (four-stars only due to some editing inconsistency).
July 3, 2023
A must read for those who appreciate our nation’s warriors
I have a love of flying and an admiration for those professionals who fought for our freedoms. Was Vietnam a just war requiring the losses and suffering our warriors and what their families endured, only they can answer this question. This story brings you closer to the reality of what it was like to be there. It makes me wonder if I could have measured up to their standards, this I’ll never know. It enlightened me to the skill and valor of such young men and women who perform this duty. I am great full to have found this story.
I have a love of flying and an admiration for those professionals who fought for our freedoms. Was Vietnam a just war requiring the losses and suffering our warriors and what their families endured, only they can answer this question. This story brings you closer to the reality of what it was like to be there. It makes me wonder if I could have measured up to their standards, this I’ll never know. It enlightened me to the skill and valor of such young men and women who perform this duty. I am great full to have found this story.
March 22, 2025
The book excels in its realism, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the challenges faced by helicopter pilots and crews. It doesn’t just glorify combat but also explores the psychological and emotional toll on those who served. Jackson’s writing is engaging, fast-paced, and accessible, making it an excellent read for both military history buffs and general readers looking for an authentic war memoir.
February 5, 2020
Helicopter pilots, the best
I salute every helicopter pilot and crew who flew in Vietnam. I was a grunt with the Big Red One and can attest , that they would go anywhere , and through a jail of bullets to take out a wounded soldier. you saved many lives. God bless you all, and may your comrades who did not make it home test in peace.
I salute every helicopter pilot and crew who flew in Vietnam. I was a grunt with the Big Red One and can attest , that they would go anywhere , and through a jail of bullets to take out a wounded soldier. you saved many lives. God bless you all, and may your comrades who did not make it home test in peace.
February 12, 2020
Being an army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam war.
Well written book and very interesting. I especially enjoyed this book as I was supposed to be a helicopter pilot in Vietnam but due to a medical issue, this never happened. I am very indebted to the flight surgeon that flunked me.
Well written book and very interesting. I especially enjoyed this book as I was supposed to be a helicopter pilot in Vietnam but due to a medical issue, this never happened. I am very indebted to the flight surgeon that flunked me.
March 4, 2020
Revveting
I was there at the time. It felt the intensity, understand the mindset of the people when I came back January 1969 and was a resident of Balboa Naval Hospital for nearly a yea,.when I went over 1966 it John Wayne, Apple pie, and mom. I came back to a world I didn't understand. Jlturner3829@aol.com
I was there at the time. It felt the intensity, understand the mindset of the people when I came back January 1969 and was a resident of Balboa Naval Hospital for nearly a yea,.when I went over 1966 it John Wayne, Apple pie, and mom. I came back to a world I didn't understand. Jlturner3829@aol.com
May 28, 2020
I Salute You Warriors
As an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam, I basically thought of choppers as air taxis, where the pilots were back at base in time for “ happy hour”. I had no idea of the true nature of their job and the sacrifices they endured. Thank you for enlightening me. The book makes my 10 ten list on the war. A must read.
As an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam, I basically thought of choppers as air taxis, where the pilots were back at base in time for “ happy hour”. I had no idea of the true nature of their job and the sacrifices they endured. Thank you for enlightening me. The book makes my 10 ten list on the war. A must read.
January 18, 2021
Great read.
I was 16-17 during this time frame. I enjoyed learning some of what our soldiers had to do in Vietnam Nam. I was captivated from the beginning of this book. It was very well written in the first person and was easy to visualize what he was describing. God bless our military.
I was 16-17 during this time frame. I enjoyed learning some of what our soldiers had to do in Vietnam Nam. I was captivated from the beginning of this book. It was very well written in the first person and was easy to visualize what he was describing. God bless our military.
October 15, 2021
The best book about service in Viet Nam.
Absolutely wonderful book regarding helicopter service in the Viet Nam war. The author brings the personal side of not only his viewpoint of the war, but also the viewpoint of those he interacts with. THE BEST BOOK regarding the VIET NAM war. Could not put it down.
Absolutely wonderful book regarding helicopter service in the Viet Nam war. The author brings the personal side of not only his viewpoint of the war, but also the viewpoint of those he interacts with. THE BEST BOOK regarding the VIET NAM war. Could not put it down.
April 10, 2022
Riveting read
This book was hard to put down. Very well written and gives you a very good mental visual of everything the pilots and crews we through. Jumps around a bit but still easy to follow. Being in the military definitely made reading this easier but I believe it would be easy to follow for all readers.
This book was hard to put down. Very well written and gives you a very good mental visual of everything the pilots and crews we through. Jumps around a bit but still easy to follow. Being in the military definitely made reading this easier but I believe it would be easy to follow for all readers.
March 11, 2023
Flight School Mentors
These pilots later became my mentors during flight school in the late 1980's. They taught us Lts/WOCs what the books did not. Flying Hueys was the greatest thrill of my life. Reading about late 60's flight school was almost identical 25 years later. Great book about life as an Air Assault pilot.
These pilots later became my mentors during flight school in the late 1980's. They taught us Lts/WOCs what the books did not. Flying Hueys was the greatest thrill of my life. Reading about late 60's flight school was almost identical 25 years later. Great book about life as an Air Assault pilot.
June 10, 2023
Fantastic read
Loved this one from start to finish. I love all things helicopter, along with military history, and veterans first hand accounts, so this was right up my alley. I work as a civilian flight nurse so it was a great blend of the military side and the aviation end that I’m involved with as well. Will be recommending this one to my friends and coworkers.
Loved this one from start to finish. I love all things helicopter, along with military history, and veterans first hand accounts, so this was right up my alley. I work as a civilian flight nurse so it was a great blend of the military side and the aviation end that I’m involved with as well. Will be recommending this one to my friends and coworkers.
December 29, 2019
Hero's in Hueys
Colonel Jackson has written a great accounting of some of pilots serving in Viet Nam. The story is of his time from flight school through his tour ending. Wonderful stories about brave Americans who sometimes have all. Book will make you laugh and cry.
Colonel Jackson has written a great accounting of some of pilots serving in Viet Nam. The story is of his time from flight school through his tour ending. Wonderful stories about brave Americans who sometimes have all. Book will make you laugh and cry.
January 24, 2020
An Accurateaccount of actions in Vietnam
This book grabbed me from the start and showed the hardships and sacrifices of the helicopter pilots and crews in Vietnam. This is a must read.
This book grabbed me from the start and showed the hardships and sacrifices of the helicopter pilots and crews in Vietnam. This is a must read.
February 5, 2020
Great read and I have read just about all the Prime Vietnam books
Honest views with relevant experience of combat flying and the unit politics that they faced. Highly recommend read if you like autobiographies.
Honest views with relevant experience of combat flying and the unit politics that they faced. Highly recommend read if you like autobiographies.
August 22, 2020
I didn't realize all the training that goes into helicopter pilots. Much of the areas in this novel were very familiar as I was in those areas with the 25th ID 1969-70. Sure gklad I got out before the invasion of Cambodia. Looking forward to reading the 2nd book in this series.
October 2, 2020
Wow!
Great read. Really captures the essence of being an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. For those readers without a military and/or aviation background, the author thoughtfully included a glossary.
Great read. Really captures the essence of being an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. For those readers without a military and/or aviation background, the author thoughtfully included a glossary.
November 7, 2020
Undaunted Valor
Truly enjoyed reading this book, found it difficult to put it down . Very well written and informative. Amazing insight to an area of the Vietnam War many of us have not really understood. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service.
Truly enjoyed reading this book, found it difficult to put it down . Very well written and informative. Amazing insight to an area of the Vietnam War many of us have not really understood. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service.
December 30, 2020
Wow! If you are interested in what happened in Viet Nam within our helicopter wings , this is an excellent book . Seemingly very factual and extrememly well written. I would highly recommend it.
and seems to be well documented ,very difficult to put it down and the last chapter was a tear jerker.
and seems to be well documented ,very difficult to put it down and the last chapter was a tear jerker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews