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  • Guts 'N Gunships

  • What It Was Really Like to Fly Combat Helicopters in Vietnam
  • By: Mark Garrison
  • Narrated by: Eric Martin
  • Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (136 ratings)

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Guts 'N Gunships

By: Mark Garrison
Narrated by: Eric Martin
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Summary

In the summer of 1967, Mark Garrison had dropped out of college at Southern Illinois University just before entering his third year. He had run out of money and had to work for a while. These were the days before the lottery and the draft soon came calling. In order to somewhat control his own future, he enlisted in the US Army's helicopter flight school program. Little did he know that this adventure would be the most profound experience of his life.

Garrison flew hundreds of missions for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded 25 Air Medals, four campaign Bronze Stars, and The Distinguished Flying Cross, among numerous other awards. His narrative takes you through the whole process, from basic training, flight school, flying combat in Vietnam, and his return to the United States. His description includes many incidents in combat flight, including being hit by rocket propelled grenades and being on fire in the air, over hundreds if not thousands of enemy troops. But this is not all. He elaborates on the daily lives, emotions, and nuances of the pilots and what they considered their mission to be.

Guts 'N Gunships is a must listen if you are to have a realistic understanding of what flying helicopters in Vietnam combat was all about.

©2015 mark v garrison (P)2015 mark v garrison
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about Guts 'N Gunships

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One wonderful masterpiece

This is one brilliant story, read really well and even if you are not into aviation the writer cared to explain all the little details. Much recommended

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent listen and great stories.

Loved listening from start to finish. Well narrated and great tales told with heart. The book is written as a chronological collection of stand alone events, and as a former military helo driver myself, made me feel like I was in the bar listening along to Mark regaling the close shaves and down-time antics that brought all the flyers together. Narration was top notch as well, which can make or break an audiobook but only adds to this one. Highly recommended.

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A must listen

As far as Vietnam memoirs go, this has to be up there with the best. A very frank telling of the ups and downs of life in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyable experience

Excellent. Found it engaging and indeed very enjoyable. Certainly comparable to Chicken hawk, in short a really good story , well told , recommended

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a rotor blast..

great memories from
20 something's.. who under great pressure and with responsibility way beyond their years earned the title of warriors..
most 20 year olds can't even organise themselves to get on a bus in these days.

don't get me started. .....

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding account that brought tears to my eyes

I have read more biographies about the Vietnam War than any other period of history. What I enjoyed most about Guts ‘n’ Gunships was how close it made me feel to the narrator and his fellow pilots. I felt that I had got to know them all personally.
This is a personal history that brings the dangers and emotions of war straight home 60 + years later.
I hope the author is living a peaceful life.

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Fantastic book, read it now!

I loved this from page 1 to the back cover.
So descriptive and captivating. I almost felt I was in the chopper with the author at times.
I almost fell over laughing at the bees 😂.
I highly recommend this book to everyone.

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superbly narrated and a captivating story

Couldn't stop listening to this exciting and captivating story. cannot recommend this any higher. narration is also superb.

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    4 out of 5 stars

brilliant

Great book understated story. Well worth a listen brings home in a subtle way the struggle and pain of this war.

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A must read (listen)

A very good book! well written, well performed. with a chilling addition part way through. I would highly recommend this book.

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