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The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat in the Vietnam War, 1971-72
In The Aviators, former Lighthorse Air Cavalry helicopter pilot Rex Gooch airlifts you back in time to the Vietnam War in 1971-72, telling the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in an controversial war in a foreign land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy, put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers, and come to grips with the realization that their lives are changing forever.
After each riveting story—from a horrific Scout helicopter crash, to a valiant attempt to rescue POWs held in a jungle prison camp, to a covert flight into remote areas of Cambodia, and many more—the book addresses the question not often asked: What happened to those heroic men after Vietnam?
After each riveting story—from a horrific Scout helicopter crash, to a valiant attempt to rescue POWs held in a jungle prison camp, to a covert flight into remote areas of Cambodia, and many more—the book addresses the question not often asked: What happened to those heroic men after Vietnam?
- GenresMilitary History
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2019
About the author
Rex Gooch
5 books1 followerRex Gooch, former Lighthorse Air Cavalry helicopter pilot, writes from his combat experience and the wealth of information gleaned from interviews with U.S. Army pilots, crew members and other military personnel.
Rex’s first book, Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio, tells the incredible journey of Ace, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the air cavalry during the Vietnam War. This captivating narrative highlights Ace’s exceptional bravery as he confronts the enemy in the Mekong Delta, revealing the extraordinary character of this dedicated soldier and aviator. Through vivid tales of adventure, unexpected challenges, and acts of valor, the book is a powerful tribute to the courageous troopers who served in the Air Cavalry in Vietnam.
In 2024, Rex published the Second Edition of the ACE book, now packed with never-before-revealed details about the Battle of Phu My, unearthed during the research for Ace’s Medal of Honor submission. This enhanced version boasts improvements across all chapters, and a bonus of thirty-six extra pages and ten captivating new images.
Rex’s second book titled, The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat
in the Vietnam War, 1971-72 tells the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in a distant land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy, put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers, and come to grips with the realization that their lives are changing forever.
Rex’s first book, Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio, tells the incredible journey of Ace, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the air cavalry during the Vietnam War. This captivating narrative highlights Ace’s exceptional bravery as he confronts the enemy in the Mekong Delta, revealing the extraordinary character of this dedicated soldier and aviator. Through vivid tales of adventure, unexpected challenges, and acts of valor, the book is a powerful tribute to the courageous troopers who served in the Air Cavalry in Vietnam.
In 2024, Rex published the Second Edition of the ACE book, now packed with never-before-revealed details about the Battle of Phu My, unearthed during the research for Ace’s Medal of Honor submission. This enhanced version boasts improvements across all chapters, and a bonus of thirty-six extra pages and ten captivating new images.
Rex’s second book titled, The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat
in the Vietnam War, 1971-72 tells the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in a distant land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy, put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers, and come to grips with the realization that their lives are changing forever.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 12, 2022
An excellent memoir, especially for those not well acquainted with the military
This memoir is particularly well suited to interested readers who aren't familiar with the military, or with its terminology and acronyms. However, he does it in a way that isn't overly tedious for people who are well versed with the subject. He also makes sure to include an epilogue of sorts, describing the life path of his "cast" and what happened in each of their lives after Vietnam.
This memoir is particularly well suited to interested readers who aren't familiar with the military, or with its terminology and acronyms. However, he does it in a way that isn't overly tedious for people who are well versed with the subject. He also makes sure to include an epilogue of sorts, describing the life path of his "cast" and what happened in each of their lives after Vietnam.
April 16, 2022
Pilots Vietnam
I found this book to be better than I thought. These men were strong and were in this because they wanted to support the ground troops. Their determination to support and complete their mission. The format of the book was personal it was about people who you learn about and wish you could thank them for their Service in trying to defend individual rights.
I found this book to be better than I thought. These men were strong and were in this because they wanted to support the ground troops. Their determination to support and complete their mission. The format of the book was personal it was about people who you learn about and wish you could thank them for their Service in trying to defend individual rights.
March 15, 2024
Good Reading
Good insight to Vietnam and good understanding of a helicopter pilot. Having spent a year and a half repairing aircraft in Vietnam it was good to read how the missions went.
Good insight to Vietnam and good understanding of a helicopter pilot. Having spent a year and a half repairing aircraft in Vietnam it was good to read how the missions went.
August 2, 2024
A great book about the Helo-Warriors of Vietnam!
A good account of AC, Pilots, Crew Chief and Door Gunner. Covering both Slicks and Cobras, what they encountered, problem and solutions. The outcome they encountered without being too graphic.
A good account of AC, Pilots, Crew Chief and Door Gunner. Covering both Slicks and Cobras, what they encountered, problem and solutions. The outcome they encountered without being too graphic.
January 6, 2025
Great read
Having first read his first book "Ace" , I really enjoyed reading this one.
Bring a retired CW4 and having flown in VN also, it really brings back memories. These sounds and smells also return.
Having first read his first book "Ace" , I really enjoyed reading this one.
Bring a retired CW4 and having flown in VN also, it really brings back memories. These sounds and smells also return.
June 18, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book. Occurred at end of war though.
September 8, 2021
Tells it like it was
Brought back many memories, both good and bad. Definitely worth reading. Makes you understand you were not the only one to travel this path
Brought back many memories, both good and bad. Definitely worth reading. Makes you understand you were not the only one to travel this path
September 17, 2021
Very good read
Excellent story of the experiences of a Vietnam helicopter pilot. The author shows his respect for not only the pilots he flew with but also the crew.
Excellent story of the experiences of a Vietnam helicopter pilot. The author shows his respect for not only the pilots he flew with but also the crew.
March 31, 2022
A very, very well written book with spectacular color photos. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews