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Guts 'N Gunships
- What It Was Really Like to Fly Combat Helicopters in Vietnam
- Narrated by: Eric Martin
- Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins
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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.
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What listeners say about Guts 'N Gunships
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- Neil Fox
- 05-07-23
Brilliant
A fantastic book, made more powerful by its understatement and the laconic style of the reader. Enjoyed it from start to finish
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- D. J. McCowan
- 22-03-23
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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- Philip Mackie
- 23-09-22
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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- NICK cochrane
- 18-09-22
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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- Anonymous User
- 27-05-22
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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- MR D G FILLER
- 20-10-21
Snores and Gunships
I hate to say this as I had high hopes for this book.
But it never really got going…….even in the action parts.
It was just more of the same followed by more of the same.
You think ok it’s about to kick off but no.
Shame.
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- Duncan Connell
- 20-10-21
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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- supersix
- 27-04-21
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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- Ilmari K.
- 29-03-21
Simply an amazing book
I had no idea how crazy it was to fly gunships in Vietnam until I read this book.
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- ASHLEY R.
- 29-01-21
As real as it gets.
Unrestrained telling of one man's battle before, during and after the conflict. This book is a no holds barred look at the life of a combat aviator. This book is not for those with a weakened constitution, as it does not pull punches. A must read for those who enjoy the truth.
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