Taking Fire!: Memoir of an Aerial Scout in Vietnam

by David L. Porter

As a first lieutenant in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Army pilot David Porter was section leader in an Aerial Scout platoon in Vietnam. Their mission was to conduct reconnaissance in OH-6 aircraft (a.k.a. Light Observation Helicopter or "Loach") near the Cambodian border. Finding and engaging the enemy at low altitude in coordination with an AH-1 Cobra gunship circling above, these units developed a remarkable method of fighting the Viet Hunter-Killer Operations. The tactic had great local success but died with the war. Few today are aware of the hazards these pilots faced during times of intense combat. Porter's vivid memoir recounts the internal workings of a legendary air cavalry troop, in-the-cockpit combat actions, and the men who were key players on this perilous battleground.

182 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2020

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rare insight into the workings of the legendary 'Hunter Killer' helicopter teams of the Vietnam war in its later stages post 1968. The bravery of the scout pilots is unquestionable, literally flying into the face of danger in the tiniest military chopper in service then and now - the venerable OH-6 or 'Loach'. Though his stint was the standard 12 month tour of duty, Porter saw a variety of action during his even briefer 5 months with the 'Thunderhorse' unit of aviators situated just south of the Cambodian border. Against such terrifying machines and devastating firepower it is always a wonder how the communist North ever stood any chance but as this war demonstrated so unfailingly, winning battles can be irrelevant to winning a war.

This was a short but enjoyable read, though the author's memory must have been quite stretched writing about events after half a century. There was not much philosophizing about the war thankfully, just straight up recollection of characters and events.

[Bev Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank God for men like David.

I liked the indeph story telling of David's many trips into Indian Country. I admired his dedication to his job performance and his country.God Bless and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

[Tom Dinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book on helicopters in VietNam

Slow start,but overall a great reading. God Bless our Veterans and families of those lost. Let’s keep America Great, Yes

[Warren S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A succinct peeling back of the onion from a colleague and friend. Easy to read and should be for anyone interested in how scouts operate and if you've ever had "little birds" escorts on patrols!

[Wharton Sinkler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear head, passionate heart

This book began as the author built up the backstory to as an extraordinary coda to his 364 days of service.
A strange perceptual shift : There was joy in his company when Nixon announced the invasion into Cambodia. I was in my second year of medical school , and the response to that invasion was that most of the faculty and students marched on Washington.

Both responses were correct!