Rescue Under Fire: The Story of DUST OFF in Vietnam (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

John L. Cook (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Military/Aviation History | Publication Date: January 1, 1998

It is almost impossible to capture, in a single word, the enormous impact Dustoff had on the Vietnam War. However, John Cook has done it in a most compelling, sensititve manner. Here, for the first time, is one of the most incredible stories produced by V

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764304615
• ISBN-13: 978-0764304613
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #336,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT HISTORY OF DUSTOFF IN VIETNAM, August 31, 2001

By 

Thomas C. Parker "Tom Parker" (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rescue Under Fire: The Story of DUST OFF in Vietnam (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

I've read Rescue Under Fire several times and heartily recommend it as an overview of the history of Dustoff (aeromedical evacuation) in Vietnam. I served two tours as a Dustoff pilot and the book contained a great deal of historical information that I had never known and wouldn't have ever learned without John Cook's well researched book. I've given copies of the book to my father and both of my sons so that they can better understand what I did in Vietnam. Perhaps even more incredible than the missions under fire, which were performed over and over on a daily basis, is the effort that the early Dustoff pilots and commanders had to go through just to provide the kind of support that eventually became the standard by which present aeromedical evacuation procedures are measured. Far too frequently the egos of high level commanders stood in the way of dedicated Dustoff crews simply trying to do their job and to get the equipment and support necessary to do so. Two Dustoff pilots were awarded the Medal of Honor, but that doesn't even begin to recognize the job that was done by each and every Dustoff crew. I'm proud to have been a part of it and I thank John Cook for telling our story so eloquently.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars review Rescue Under Fire : The Story of Dustoff in Vietnam ', January 17, 2000

By 

Terk Williams (Dover, NH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescue Under Fire: The Story of DUST OFF in Vietnam (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

As an ex Dust Off pilot ('DustOff 11' Sept '68- Sept '69) I found a very rich and properly researched story, well told. The accounts and details of the early days of Dust Off in Viet Nam gave me pieces of the history that, even as a Dust Off pilot I had not known. The story is told without political bias and gives a slant to the war that few ever got to know. The media was, and still is so full of negatives about the Viet Nam War that what this bit of sunshine on the good and sometimes challening work we did is a delight. It reads smoothly and will help our friends and family understand why we feel good about our personal corner of the war. My one critique is that about the period I know (67-68) the author drops from a well detailed story to generalities. The first 6 years are well told. The second half of the war is condensed pretty harshly. While I'd love to see a sequel on the second half, overall it's by far the best writing I've seen about what we did. Thanks Col.Cook.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A shinning, positive example of what went right in Vietnam., October 11, 2002

By 

Charles Kelly (Augusta GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescue Under Fire: The Story of DUST OFF in Vietnam (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

As the son a Major Charles Kelly, I am gratified that there is a least one mainstream book that tells the story of the Dustoff pilots. It is sad that their story does not have the widespread recongition it deserves. I have access to hundreds of personal documents and have spoken with many of the men that flew with my father and as far as I can tell this book is very, very authentic and relies on fact not fiction as some articles have done. Not only that, but it is very well written and written from the heart. Thank you John Cook from the entire Kelly family......