Customer Reviews

Without Parachutes: How I Survived 1,000 Attack Helicopter Combat Missions In Vietnam

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I buy this genre of book for my husband who flew helicopters in Vietnam. While he enjoyed this book, he felt it was more of an autobiography of the author than an accout of the war itself. He did recommend it to his friends who also flew helicopters.

We never know how we will react when faced with unthinkable danger,
reading this book gave me a realist look into the war behind the
headlines..Jerry told his story with true understanding of what a
impossible war we were in .. if you have ever wondered what our
wonderful guys and gals are facing everyday in our new wars.. this
book will make you stop and think.. Much to my disappointment he
didn't tell much of the funny stuff that happened. (then again.. war
isn't much fun). Maybe he will write a sequel:) ..Anyway..
get the book, read it..I know you will never look at war the same .. ML

A leading edge book on the evolution of the armed helicopter in combat by a man who flew the missions and actually developed the tactics for armed helicopters. A book about true heroes who served their county and did their duty while creating and developing techniques where none existed before.Three tours in Vietnam and surviving to write this book is somthing to read about!

Colonel Jerry Childers, the author, is authentic and accurate. What he said, he did. All of his tours in Vietnam were different and required adapting to vastly changing circumstances. He does not attempt to write a history in a broad sense. He tells his own story without analysis of the big picture. He uses humor when appropriate and stark reality for more serious events. His frequent reference to the "Cardinal Rules" is based on his experience that they work to prolong the lives of helicopter crews and troops on the ground. They certainly did.

As a former Huey door gunner inj Vietnam, this books rings true and familier.
Quick delivery.

A good read and completely authentic. I can state this without reservation, as I personally flew multiple helicopter combat missions with (then MAJOR) Jerry Childers as his co-pilot during his third tour of duty; he was my Commanding Officer in the 18th Aviation Company, from 1972-1973.

Book is suitable for any age reader. It explains in easy to understand language how helicopters work and how they were used in Vietnam.