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Chariots in the Sky: A Story About U.S. Army Assault Helicopter Pilots at War in Vietnam
Chariots in the Sky is the story of Captain Taylor St. James, a dedicated Army helicopter pilot, who is sent to Vietnam. While performing his duties, Taylor will be challenged and tested beyond any measure he could have ever envisioned.
He is assigned to the Eagles, a Huey Assault Company with the 101st Airborne Division in I Corps. Their flying exploits take them into many familiar places to include: A Shau Valley, Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Hue, DMZ, North Vietnam and Laos.
Along the way, Taylor participated in Lam Son 719, the last major American Offensive Operation of the war. This historical campaign lasted for sixty days and involved over 750 helicopters flying in and out of Laos, supporting the South Vietnamese incursion into Laos. Lam Son 719 was the costliest period of helicopter warfare for the Americans. More helicopters were shot down and sustained battle damage than any other period during the Vietnam War.
He is assigned to the Eagles, a Huey Assault Company with the 101st Airborne Division in I Corps. Their flying exploits take them into many familiar places to include: A Shau Valley, Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Hue, DMZ, North Vietnam and Laos.
Along the way, Taylor participated in Lam Son 719, the last major American Offensive Operation of the war. This historical campaign lasted for sixty days and involved over 750 helicopters flying in and out of Laos, supporting the South Vietnamese incursion into Laos. Lam Son 719 was the costliest period of helicopter warfare for the Americans. More helicopters were shot down and sustained battle damage than any other period during the Vietnam War.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2021
145 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 19, 2021
I have read "Chariots in the Sky" by Larry A. Freeland. This is a great novel about chopper pilots in the end of the Vietnam war. I have read many books about this conflict both fiction and nonfiction and this one reads almost like nonfiction. The statistics about chopper pilots is amazing, almost half the choppers where lost during the war. In this book although fiction you get a feel for most crazy thing that can occur in a war zone and how it is to live with it. I must thank @publishauthority @netgalley for giving me this advance copy and the author @larryfreeland_author for writing a great book.
July 21, 2022
An Exact Depiction of War in S. Vietnam
I arrived in S. Vietnam in early 1971. I wasn’t in an Aviation unit but was close to several. I almost became a door gunner. The book accurately portrays the emotions of the soldiers serving there at that time. The drugs were a “huge” problem. The communists were using this as another front to win the war.
I arrived in S. Vietnam in early 1971. I wasn’t in an Aviation unit but was close to several. I almost became a door gunner. The book accurately portrays the emotions of the soldiers serving there at that time. The drugs were a “huge” problem. The communists were using this as another front to win the war.
November 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of military books both fiction and nonfiction this is a great one. It felt like I was there in amongst the men as they prepared for missions and were taking fire high in the sky. When someone would die, I felt the loss too.
You could say that I was very invested in the men of the 101st Airborne Division, the Eagles. The things that Captain Taylor and the other men endured in Laos is almost unreal. You don't want to believe that what they were going through was real but sadly it was very real. I am slowly getting more familiar with the Vietnam War and I truly statue the men that fought in it.
Once I started reading this book, I found myself reading long periods of time. Readers of military books will want to pick up a copy of this book to read. I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Freeland.
You could say that I was very invested in the men of the 101st Airborne Division, the Eagles. The things that Captain Taylor and the other men endured in Laos is almost unreal. You don't want to believe that what they were going through was real but sadly it was very real. I am slowly getting more familiar with the Vietnam War and I truly statue the men that fought in it.
Once I started reading this book, I found myself reading long periods of time. Readers of military books will want to pick up a copy of this book to read. I look forward to reading more books by Mr. Freeland.
March 3, 2023
Absorbing and Powerful
As a pre-Vietnam and post Korean Marine Reservist, this powerful emotionally account of the Vietnam war was enlightening. As and older and blessed man, i know many Marines that have survived that war. Non of them talk about it. I’ve always know that “war is hell”. This is the first time that I fully appreciated how it was to return home and not be recognized for your service.
It’s hard to believe that our government still believes it can change the world with force.
As a pre-Vietnam and post Korean Marine Reservist, this powerful emotionally account of the Vietnam war was enlightening. As and older and blessed man, i know many Marines that have survived that war. Non of them talk about it. I’ve always know that “war is hell”. This is the first time that I fully appreciated how it was to return home and not be recognized for your service.
It’s hard to believe that our government still believes it can change the world with force.
September 20, 2023
A personal story wrapped in a historic novel
It is much more interesting when any writer of Historical Novels actually participated in the historical event depicted. Such is the case here. I was in Southeast Asia during this conflict in a much safer environment, as a Captain in the USAF Dental surgical division.
Even that year was a life changing event. But my utmost respect goes to these guys on the front line.
It is much more interesting when any writer of Historical Novels actually participated in the historical event depicted. Such is the case here. I was in Southeast Asia during this conflict in a much safer environment, as a Captain in the USAF Dental surgical division.
Even that year was a life changing event. But my utmost respect goes to these guys on the front line.
April 10, 2024
very good book, read and enjoy.
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable book. A great chronology of the authors time in viet nam. It’s a shame, terrible that the country treated these vets as they did. Each person who served as either a draftee or a enlisteeshould have received positive recognition for their service, where ever it was.thank you for your service it’s much appreciated.
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable book. A great chronology of the authors time in viet nam. It’s a shame, terrible that the country treated these vets as they did. Each person who served as either a draftee or a enlisteeshould have received positive recognition for their service, where ever it was.thank you for your service it’s much appreciated.
March 13, 2021
A gripping novel of helicopter action in Vietnam. The characters were well developed and the plot was great. The action scenes were interesting and suspenseful. I really enjoyed this book and will look for more from this author. A must read.
Thank you to #NetGalleyfor the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalleyfor the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 12, 2021
Written in such a way that you could be forgiven for thinking this is non-fiction, the book handles the context of a terrible war with respect and also in a way which does not sugar coat the realities of a conflict situation. I enjoyed the writing style and really felt like I was there with the characters.
November 14, 2021
Amazing historical fiction
Thus is well worth the time. The character development, the emotions he draws out, and the historical accuracy separate this from the good into Excellent. Well done.
Thus is well worth the time. The character development, the emotions he draws out, and the historical accuracy separate this from the good into Excellent. Well done.
May 8, 2022
Tons of Action
This is a very good read about an important segment of the war in Vietnam, the helicopters. I enjoyed the book but it just reinforced how sad it is for me to think about all the young men and women lost in that war.
This is a very good read about an important segment of the war in Vietnam, the helicopters. I enjoyed the book but it just reinforced how sad it is for me to think about all the young men and women lost in that war.
January 17, 2023
The stories you've never heard.
I have always respected the men and women that served in Vietnam. I can't imagine the things they saw and lived through. Very well written and action packed with a lump in my throat in some parts.
I have always respected the men and women that served in Vietnam. I can't imagine the things they saw and lived through. Very well written and action packed with a lump in my throat in some parts.
March 31, 2023
Emotional Ride Courtesy of a Hero
It's very hard to narrate an emotional, poignant experience of war and not sound sappy or self serving. Mr. Freeland has done so in a manner of putting the reader in the action and taking the incredible ride with him. Well done Sir !
It's very hard to narrate an emotional, poignant experience of war and not sound sappy or self serving. Mr. Freeland has done so in a manner of putting the reader in the action and taking the incredible ride with him. Well done Sir !
August 31, 2023
Excellent story of a helicopter pilot and his time in Vietnam. His year in Nam was of turmoil and death. He lost many of his friends. Upon his return to USA he was not welcomed or respected. A part of our history that was shameful and wrong. Interesting read
February 17, 2022
Extremely interesting; an excellent read. I was the right age for 'Nam, but was never drafted. The characters would have been my age.
July 26, 2022
Sad, but True!
Painfully true! Thank you all for your sacrifice and selfless service!
Salute! And welcome home, where you belong! USA, USA!
Painfully true! Thank you all for your sacrifice and selfless service!
Salute! And welcome home, where you belong! USA, USA!
October 27, 2022
well written
A very good tale of the camerarderie and respect that the real deal experienced in that hell hole.
Enjoyed the read.
A very good tale of the camerarderie and respect that the real deal experienced in that hell hole.
Enjoyed the read.
January 16, 2023
A good account
I really enjoyed this. A personal account of the latter stages of us involvement in the war. Moving, fast paced and a page turner.
I really enjoyed this. A personal account of the latter stages of us involvement in the war. Moving, fast paced and a page turner.
May 1, 2023
Very interesting. Tells how brutal war is. Not a classic, but worth reading
April 1, 2024
Review of Chariots in the Sky
This was a riveting novel. I found it difficult to put down. Very real account of life as a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
This was a riveting novel. I found it difficult to put down. Very real account of life as a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
June 7, 2024
"Chariots in the Sky" is a riveting and authentic portrayal of the harrowing experiences of U.S. Army helicopter pilots during the Vietnam War. Larry Freeland, himself a veteran chopper pilot in the 101st Airborne Division, transports readers into the chaos of flying some of the war's most dangerous missions. The authors firsthand knowledge offers us an eye-opening and educational glimpse into the heroics of the helicopter crews who risked their own lives to support the troops on the ground and evacuate the dead and wounded.
The characters are well-developed, the dialogue realistic and the book skillfully captures the full range of emotions that these men grappled with on a daily basis. The main character, Captain Taylor St. James, has constant run-ins with one of his C.O.’s, the self-serving, egotistical Major Parker Stewart (love to hate him) not so subtly reminding us that not all the battles in Vietnam were fought on the actual battlefield.
"Chariots in the Sky" is not just an action-packed war story, but a profound tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the helicopter pilots and crews who played a vital role in the Vietnam conflict. The novel's authentic portrayal of the brutal realities of war, from the filthy conditions to constantly being thrust into life threatening situations, provide a real glimpse into some of what these pilots experienced. All considered, it’s pretty amazing that any of them made it out of Vietnam alive to be able to write books like this one.
The characters are well-developed, the dialogue realistic and the book skillfully captures the full range of emotions that these men grappled with on a daily basis. The main character, Captain Taylor St. James, has constant run-ins with one of his C.O.’s, the self-serving, egotistical Major Parker Stewart (love to hate him) not so subtly reminding us that not all the battles in Vietnam were fought on the actual battlefield.
"Chariots in the Sky" is not just an action-packed war story, but a profound tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the helicopter pilots and crews who played a vital role in the Vietnam conflict. The novel's authentic portrayal of the brutal realities of war, from the filthy conditions to constantly being thrust into life threatening situations, provide a real glimpse into some of what these pilots experienced. All considered, it’s pretty amazing that any of them made it out of Vietnam alive to be able to write books like this one.
November 11, 2021
Chariots in the Sky by Larry A. Freeland
Finishing this book on Veterans Day seems very appropriate. In addition, I see ample reason for PTSD. This book is loosely based on the authors own tour of duty in Vietnam.
There is plenty of action in the book. In many instances you are holding your breath waiting to see if TJ, the protagonist, makes it in and out of a LZ while under fire.
Motivation for our being in Vietnam in the first place is alluded to through the book. TJ notes several times that it just seems like the Vietnamese would just like to be left alone. Historically they have been invaded multiple times to no avail. They are a tough people who sadly ended up in a civil war. The author does not pontificate on motivation but details what the life of a Huey piolet was in this war.
It wasn’t exactly enjoyable, but it was memorable.
I recommend it.
Purchase at Amazon
July 26, 2025
this is an amazing fast-paced story. Even though it says it's a fictional work it sounds to me like it was real life. It's thrilling and extremely well written. It's a book that you just can't put down. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing he brought the story to life. I really can't recommend this book enough.
so much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this wonderful and realistic story.
so much praise goes out to the author and publishers for bringing us this wonderful and realistic story.
August 30, 2025
5 🌟 Completed book Chariots in the Sky: A Story About U.S. Army Assault Helicopter Pilots at War in Vietnam.
I couldn't of said it better.
"I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like I was there in amongst the men as they prepared for missions and were taking fire high in the sky. When someone would die, I felt the loss too."
I couldn't of said it better.
"I really enjoyed reading this book. It felt like I was there in amongst the men as they prepared for missions and were taking fire high in the sky. When someone would die, I felt the loss too."
Read
September 27, 2025Great historical fiction account of life as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam war. The author based the novel on his own experience as a pilot during the war, capturing the uncertainty faced daily as these men carried out their missions. Definitely a good read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews