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Undaunted Valor #2
Undaunted Valor: Medal of Honor
Tracer fire streaked through the sky like angry bolts of lightning… …Metal crunched and the helicopter shook. Smoke and flames began to fill the aircraft. They were going to crash… Major Adams flew low over the treetops in his Huey, expertly dodging enemy ground fire until his helicopter was shot down. On Firebase 6, 1st Lieutenant Brian Thacker fought desperately to provide the besieged men the time they needed to retreat. They had to get into the helicopters before they were overrun by the North Vietnamese. Will the calls for artillery fire be enough to turn the tide of this battle? Will Lieutenant Thacker or Major Adams survive? Join Lieutenant Dan Cory as he returns to Vietnam with his old unit, flying north from Lai Khe to Dak To. Undaunted Valor recounts the battle that took place on Firebases 5 and 6 in Dak To that resulted in two men receiving the Medal of Honor. Matt Jackson recounts some of the most intense helicopter and ground combat action of the Vietnam war from the eyes of a man who spent two combat tours there. His accounts reveal the dedication the helicopter crews had to each other and the grunts they supported. Awarded the Silver Star for his own actions in the battle, Matt brings a realism to this long-forgotten battle that continues to play out in the minds of those who fought it. If you love heart-pounding action, visceral battles, and true tales of heroism, grab your copy of Undaunted Valor today.
364 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2020
406 people are currently reading
103 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 9, 2020
By Jude Reifert
Undaunted Valor is the story of events between February 5, 1968, and August first, 1970 of a “slick” or helicopter pilot of the Vietnam War. This book had grown on me while I read it, and it is easily one of my top favorites, giving it a 5 out of 5. People who share a passion for military history would surely love this book, especially for people who want to learn more about the Vietnam War in the 60s and 70s. I would recommend this book to age groups such as mine, all the way up to older people and elderly people, since it may relate to them more. There aren’t too many people I could name off the top of my head that would read this book, but if I would think, I think my brother (Jack), and other people like Spencer Jacobs or Motrega Clancy would enjoy this book. Overall, this book is well written and overall a solid book, which I encourage people to read.
Undaunted Valor is the story of events between February 5, 1968, and August first, 1970 of a “slick” or helicopter pilot of the Vietnam War. This book had grown on me while I read it, and it is easily one of my top favorites, giving it a 5 out of 5. People who share a passion for military history would surely love this book, especially for people who want to learn more about the Vietnam War in the 60s and 70s. I would recommend this book to age groups such as mine, all the way up to older people and elderly people, since it may relate to them more. There aren’t too many people I could name off the top of my head that would read this book, but if I would think, I think my brother (Jack), and other people like Spencer Jacobs or Motrega Clancy would enjoy this book. Overall, this book is well written and overall a solid book, which I encourage people to read.
April 24, 2021
Real hero’s in the air
I actually started to read this book a long time ago but got side tracked writing my own book about Vietnam.
I was only a passenger on the UH1’s a few times but was completely surprised at how young many of these pilots were.
Lampung 719 was well known by a lot of us from that time period but all I knew while serving in Vietnam was that it was a real blood bath for our helicopter pilots cause primarily by bad planning right from the start and extremely bad intel.
This book in my opinion clarifies a lot of what actually happened during this time period and is packed with action that these pilots had to endure while serving there.
One of the most dangerous jobs in Vietnam is flying helicopters of any kind.
They at one time actually had a 110% casualty rate because of how many were being killed or injured and how fast they were being replaced on an almost daily basis.
Many pilots went there as a group together but after arriving they started arriving piece meal due to the attrition rate and were faced with OTJ training during combat actions they had to fly.
I love this book because it puts you righ t in the pilots seat and in his head at the same time to get a real sense of what they had to go through on a daily basis on “like it or not missions” constantly.
It’s so hard to imagine being a very young man and having togo on a mission where you know absolutely that you are going to get shot at going in and coming out every day that you wake up in the morning at 5:00 am or earlier for a 6:00 am departure and not have any say in flying what everyone knows is a deadly place to fly into to drop off and pick up groups or provisions.
You either go or simply quit in front of all your comrades which is worse than death to most of these guys.
I did learn that even these guys were fighting for the same thing I was during my two tours there. Which is that you are not fighting for your country or to help some country you never even heard of before joining the military, you are fighting to help your friends to stay alive another day and they are fighting to try and keep you alive another day.
This book is one of the best flying helicopter books I’ve read and I have read a lot of them.
One of the saddest things that happens there all the time is befriending someone and after almost a year he is really close to his DEROS date and gets killed in some ridicules situation that he has been through dozens of times with no problem at all.
That’s the way of war and it isn’t left out of this book either. It really tells it like it is.
Thank you brother and welcome home.
I actually started to read this book a long time ago but got side tracked writing my own book about Vietnam.
I was only a passenger on the UH1’s a few times but was completely surprised at how young many of these pilots were.
Lampung 719 was well known by a lot of us from that time period but all I knew while serving in Vietnam was that it was a real blood bath for our helicopter pilots cause primarily by bad planning right from the start and extremely bad intel.
This book in my opinion clarifies a lot of what actually happened during this time period and is packed with action that these pilots had to endure while serving there.
One of the most dangerous jobs in Vietnam is flying helicopters of any kind.
They at one time actually had a 110% casualty rate because of how many were being killed or injured and how fast they were being replaced on an almost daily basis.
Many pilots went there as a group together but after arriving they started arriving piece meal due to the attrition rate and were faced with OTJ training during combat actions they had to fly.
I love this book because it puts you righ t in the pilots seat and in his head at the same time to get a real sense of what they had to go through on a daily basis on “like it or not missions” constantly.
It’s so hard to imagine being a very young man and having togo on a mission where you know absolutely that you are going to get shot at going in and coming out every day that you wake up in the morning at 5:00 am or earlier for a 6:00 am departure and not have any say in flying what everyone knows is a deadly place to fly into to drop off and pick up groups or provisions.
You either go or simply quit in front of all your comrades which is worse than death to most of these guys.
I did learn that even these guys were fighting for the same thing I was during my two tours there. Which is that you are not fighting for your country or to help some country you never even heard of before joining the military, you are fighting to help your friends to stay alive another day and they are fighting to try and keep you alive another day.
This book is one of the best flying helicopter books I’ve read and I have read a lot of them.
One of the saddest things that happens there all the time is befriending someone and after almost a year he is really close to his DEROS date and gets killed in some ridicules situation that he has been through dozens of times with no problem at all.
That’s the way of war and it isn’t left out of this book either. It really tells it like it is.
Thank you brother and welcome home.
April 19, 2020
Amazing recounting of the life of a helicopter pilot In Vietnam
Thank you Matt Jackson for telling the stories of brave individuals, such as yourself, who served and some who gave all. If not for your doing this they would be lost to time as so many other such stories have faded away. This is a well written account as well as giving the reader a window into the life of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Matt Jackson for telling the stories of brave individuals, such as yourself, who served and some who gave all. If not for your doing this they would be lost to time as so many other such stories have faded away. This is a well written account as well as giving the reader a window into the life of a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. I highly recommend this book.
June 8, 2024
Excellent Addition to the series
This is the second in the series and even better than the first. I served in the 191 AHC in Vietnam in the 1970-1971 time frame and I can attest to this being the best I have read. This book put me right back in country even though I served down south in the delta and never made it up north in the mountains where this book takes place. If you ever wondered what it was like, this book can put you there and show you exactly what it was like. I am now going to read the next book in this excellent series!
This is the second in the series and even better than the first. I served in the 191 AHC in Vietnam in the 1970-1971 time frame and I can attest to this being the best I have read. This book put me right back in country even though I served down south in the delta and never made it up north in the mountains where this book takes place. If you ever wondered what it was like, this book can put you there and show you exactly what it was like. I am now going to read the next book in this excellent series!
December 9, 2021
An Accurate Account
I was a Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam during the 1967-1968 period and all of the details in this account are accurate. Small details, such as roast beef for every meal except breakfast, are particularly evocative. As has been said, "it was the best of times, and the worst of times". I frequently think of that time and how it shaped the rest of my life.
Stagecoach 27
I was a Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam during the 1967-1968 period and all of the details in this account are accurate. Small details, such as roast beef for every meal except breakfast, are particularly evocative. As has been said, "it was the best of times, and the worst of times". I frequently think of that time and how it shaped the rest of my life.
Stagecoach 27
June 17, 2020
Fallen Angels
This is an Outstanding account of some of the brave men associated with the helicopters in Viet Nam. Not a book about politics, but history and bravery. What all these men did and accomplished is truly historical. Well written and characters are obviously real people. Thank You Matt Jackson for telling this story.
This is an Outstanding account of some of the brave men associated with the helicopters in Viet Nam. Not a book about politics, but history and bravery. What all these men did and accomplished is truly historical. Well written and characters are obviously real people. Thank You Matt Jackson for telling this story.
April 28, 2020
Wonderful account of actual combat situations.
The situations and the valor shown by the crews and individuals in this historical basis novel was mind boggling. You couldn't wait to find out what was the next mission.
The situations and the valor shown by the crews and individuals in this historical basis novel was mind boggling. You couldn't wait to find out what was the next mission.
June 23, 2020
Army AirPower in Vietnam
A very interesting book and one that was difficult to put down about army aviation in the later stages of the Vietnam war. The courage exhibited by many of the pilots in combat should not be forgotten but serve as a role model for future pilots.
A very interesting book and one that was difficult to put down about army aviation in the later stages of the Vietnam war. The courage exhibited by many of the pilots in combat should not be forgotten but serve as a role model for future pilots.
September 10, 2020
Thank you
Excellent account of the events and bravery of those who served in Vietnam and their selfless service on behalf of our country! Well done good and faithful servants! Welcome home!
Excellent account of the events and bravery of those who served in Vietnam and their selfless service on behalf of our country! Well done good and faithful servants! Welcome home!
August 16, 2021
Outstanding second volume
Records more details about the Medal of Honor recipients and their courage and bravery to minimize losses and save the morale that “no one gets left behind.”
Records more details about the Medal of Honor recipients and their courage and bravery to minimize losses and save the morale that “no one gets left behind.”
February 20, 2022
Amazing story.
Reading this book gives us the history of great heroes who fought and died for our country and for their comrades, flying against overwhelming odds. Part of the Vietnam war that most of us have never heard.
Reading this book gives us the history of great heroes who fought and died for our country and for their comrades, flying against overwhelming odds. Part of the Vietnam war that most of us have never heard.
October 25, 2023
Another excellent work…
From one Jackson to another, Well Done Colonel…!!! The author has a talent for putting the reader right in the cockpit as he recounts what life was like for these brave young me who grew old way too fast in the quagmire that was Vietnam.
From one Jackson to another, Well Done Colonel…!!! The author has a talent for putting the reader right in the cockpit as he recounts what life was like for these brave young me who grew old way too fast in the quagmire that was Vietnam.
December 29, 2023
great series!
Can’t put these down. Army helicopter pilots and their stories are simply amazing and deserve to be heard. Fantastic writing and storytelling here. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves militaria and aviation.
Can’t put these down. Army helicopter pilots and their stories are simply amazing and deserve to be heard. Fantastic writing and storytelling here. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves militaria and aviation.
April 26, 2020
Another outstanding account of brave men.
Every bit as good as book 1. Felt like I was there with them. Could not put it down. Excellent.
Every bit as good as book 1. Felt like I was there with them. Could not put it down. Excellent.
June 28, 2020
This was one of the best books on helicopter operations in Vietnam that I have read.
June 30, 2020
Walk on the wild side
Excellent book tells the life of a helicopter 🚁pilots and the crew and the teamwork to survive a war in hell.
Excellent book tells the life of a helicopter 🚁pilots and the crew and the teamwork to survive a war in hell.
August 25, 2020
Another excellent book by Matt Jackson. Looking forward to his 3rd coming out later this year.
October 30, 2020
Considering the subject matter this book was very easy to read.
January 14, 2021
Good book
Good overall of this period of the war. I flew I Corps 70 71 and Lam Song 719. Ugly Business
Good overall of this period of the war. I flew I Corps 70 71 and Lam Song 719. Ugly Business
March 5, 2021
Excellent read. You will remain captivated reading about this Unit during the Vietnam war. After the end of the story the author gives a lot of post information along with descriptions of acronyms.
March 30, 2021
Still a good read, but not what I expected. Main character from volume 1 is mostly missing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2021
Great read showing an important side of the Vietnam War that doesn't get its fair share on the page. The brave pilots of this generation are finally getting there due.
July 22, 2021
Must read
An excellent continuation of a story that should never be forgotten and is hard to put down once started. Make sure too read the accompanying books in this series.
An excellent continuation of a story that should never be forgotten and is hard to put down once started. Make sure too read the accompanying books in this series.
December 31, 2021
Outstanding
Real and Absolute!! Well written with extraordinary detail honoring our brave warriors. My hats off to the author And I thank you everyone for the service
Real and Absolute!! Well written with extraordinary detail honoring our brave warriors. My hats off to the author And I thank you everyone for the service
August 9, 2022
This series is really good. I’ll be sad when I finish this last one.
Read
February 3, 2023Great read
July 10, 2023
OUTSTANDING
Could read this book several more times and never get enough rereading it!
I would love to read more of this authors books.
Could read this book several more times and never get enough rereading it!
I would love to read more of this authors books.
October 25, 2020
Better read than Chickenhawk
Factual, non - romanticized account of normal guys who did extraordinary things.
A read worth your time.
Q w e
Factual, non - romanticized account of normal guys who did extraordinary things.
A read worth your time.
Q w e
May 15, 2020
I never knew
I am married to a Vietnam helicopter pilot that seldom ever talked about his experiences. After reading this I now know why. The range of emotions that they experienced, the fear, sorrow, courage and devotion to their motto of “ we leave no one behind” all was made clear to me. The last chapter took my hopes and turned them to tears.
I am married to a Vietnam helicopter pilot that seldom ever talked about his experiences. After reading this I now know why. The range of emotions that they experienced, the fear, sorrow, courage and devotion to their motto of “ we leave no one behind” all was made clear to me. The last chapter took my hopes and turned them to tears.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews