Customer Reviews

Winged Sabers

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This is the best reference book that can be found on the Air Cavalry in the Vietnam Era. It has the official history, (activations, deactivations, etc) of ALL Vietnam Era Air Cav units of any size. It has a color print of the OFFICIAL unit crest of every Air Cav Regiment. I served in the 7/17th Air Cav under the author's father, LTC Lawrence H. Johnson, Jr., who nicknamed the 7/17 as the "Ruthless Riders" and designed the pocket patch. I had NEVER seen a 17th Cavalry crest until I saw it in this book. book.

Awsome reading of the hottest action of the Vietnam War. Complete Cavalry unit histories. A must for any Vietnam or aviation buff. The Cavalry did it all. If you ain't CAV, you haven't lived. END

The results of over a decade of research, this is by far the best book written on Air Cavalry units in Vietnam. Long out of print, the book has been eagerly sought after by many people and this new edition brings it to a new audience.

Lawrence "Hank" Johnson (himself an Army aviator and the son of one of the leading figures in the formation of the Air Cavalry) details the struggle within the US Army for a role for Army aviation and the doctrinal changes which lead to the formation of Air Cavalry units. He describes the early years in the late '50s when a few visionaries pushed to develop the concepts of aerial reconnaissance, and he follows that history as it expands with the demands of the Vietnam War. He describes the units from the time of their formation, their operations and tactics, the equipment and weapons they used, the insignia they wore, and the aircraft they flew. Each unit is described in detail and illustrated with abundant photographs. Of special interest are the descriptions of traditions particular to specific units.

This is a great book and is invaluable to anybody interested in Army aviation and Air Cav operations in Vietnam.

The author does a great job describing all the Air Cavalry units that were in Vietnam. Book includes many photos of unit patches and information. A must have book for those that served in Vietnam and for the family members of someone who served in Vietnam.

If you are even remotely interested in Cavalry operations during the Vietnam War buy this book. It is full of information that I have yet to see presented elsewhere. The photos of uniforms, patches and people all make this book a worthwhile addition to any person who is interested in Military history.

From beginning to end this book is a must read for anyone interested in helicopters and helicopter warfare! Some good photos too!jim

Required reading for Viet Nam history buffs. The Air Cavalry as only a Cavalryman knows. Ride with the crazy, really, Scout pilots as they do the impossible. The history of the Air Cav's formation and it's lessons learned in combat by one who was there. Will make you want to get your "chicken plate," helment, and grab the stick and go. Let's all meet over the valley just West of Dak To. "If you ain't cav, ---"

Excellent overview of the Air Cav in Vietnam covering just about every topic imaginable. Photos are first rate as are the detailed descriptions of the tactics, equipment, and soldiers that set the Air Cav apart. Also covers the use of helicopters in Vietnam as the first "helicopter war" - most of the tactics were invented in the field and things that did not work were often paid for in human life. A companion book is "Low Level Hell" by Hugh Mills describing the day-to-day life of the "Air Cav."

It has some nice pictures. Plenty of guys in Cavalry hats. But I really got very little idea on what they did in Vietnam and the battles they fought. I gather they were pretty important but the book told me little.