Black Cat 2-1
The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew
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- 11,99 €
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- 11,99 €
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“This moving memoir about the gritty life of a military helicopter pilot fills a gap in the genre of Vietnam literature.”—Foreword Reviews
In the Vietnam War, 2,197 helicopter pilots and 2,717 crew members were killed. Black Cat 2-1 is the story of one pilot who made it home and the valiant men he served with who risked their lives for the troops on the ground. Bob Ford invites readers into the Huey helicopters he flew on more than 1,000 missions when he and his men dared to protect and rescue. For those whose voices were silenced in that faraway place or who have never told their stories, he creates a tribute that reads like a thriller, captures the humor of men at war, and resounds with respect for those who served with honor.
An Oklahoma Book Award Finalist
“Bob Ford’s account of his year in the command seat of his ship of salvation is a priceless contribution to the literary canon of that war.”—David A. Maurer, Special Forces veteran, author of The Dying Place
“[Ford] brings to life his story so the reader can experience what it may have been like—and how the troops felt at the time. With moments that feel like they were written for a movie, Black Cat 2-1 will take you in the air over Vietnam and through some of the hardest missions you could expect.”—Week99er
“This memoir is hard to beat.”—Air & Space/Smithsonian
“Capably written.”—Publishers Weekly
“Refreshing . . . evocative descriptions of combat flying.”—The VVA Veteran
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ford offers a by-the-numbers look at his own action-heavy 1967-68 tour of duty as an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Ford grew up in Oklahoma, where today he lives and runs his family s milling business. He took Army ROTC in college, graduating in 1966, excelled in helicopter training ( I had a knack for flying ), married his girlfriend right after finishing flight school ( I couldn t have been happier ), and volunteered to fight in Vietnam. He arrived in country in July of 1967 and flew Huey helicopters for the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company stationed at Da Nang. During his eventful year in the war zone, Ford took part in two of the Vietnam War s biggest and deadliest engagements: the 1968 Tet Offensive and the siege at Khe Sanh. This capably-written book offers often good descriptions of Ford s Vietnam War duties, albeit replete with lots of reconstructed dialogue. For Ford, the war was a positive experience that allowed him opportunities for flight at its most satisfying and thrilling, and serving with honor and dedication to our country as an army helicopter pilot with America s best. Photos.
