Fascinating

This is a memoir of a helicopter pilot from the Vietnam War. Garrison tells what it takes to be a helicopter pilot in combat. Garrison covers the time from his enlistment, boot camp, helicopter school to his combat missions in Vietnam. The author goes into detail about combat action and also includes wartime humor, and the loss of friends.

The book is well written. I noted that the author flew hundreds of mission for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded twenty-five air medals, four campaign medals, four Bonze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross among the list of medals. Garrison’s extensive combat experience comes through in the book. I found it interesting that after his war service ended Garrison decided to become a chiropractor. Seems he was following in his father’s footsteps. Eric Martin does a good job narrating the book.

13 people found this helpful

Outstanding Book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

As a Huey and later, Black Hawk crew chief in the '80s and '90s, I had heard plenty of stories about "Slicks" and "Gunships", from guys who were there. I had not heard specifics of their missions and how they operated. Of course, I wouldn't because these guys were humble and didn't bring attention to themselves. This book opened my eyes to the reality of the Helicopter's mission in Vietnam and the brave men who crewed them.
Vietnam was so highly politicized, many forget the incredible skill and bravery of the U.S. fighting man who, in most cases, served not because they wanted a military career, but because of a sense of duty. These men were cut from the same cloth as the incredible warriors who fought in WWI, WWII, Korea and the wars of today. I'd love to see a resurgence of books about the Vietnam war without all the political nonsense we've been forced to swallow for the last 40+ years!
This book was well written. The story was gripping, terrifying, funny and at times, sad. Eric Martin's narration was spot on and excellent. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Especially those interested in Military history, or U.S. History in general.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Guts 'N Gunships?

Just when I thought things couldn't possibly get any worse... They did! (Paraphrasing Mark Garrison)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"The Incredible True Story of U.S. Army Helicopter Air Crews in Vietnam."

6 people found this helpful

Crazy...

Huei pilots were insane, the Huei was a gift from God, Mark Garrison is insane, and this books gives good account as to why the most fearless men who ever served in the military ranks were the Vietnam Huei pilots.

"Okay, sir, you've only got 2 feet back here, okay 1 foot, okay you've got no room, sir" when referring to rotor blades hitting trees??? That's just a taste of the insanity these men lived. It's no wonder Slick and Croc pilots of Vietnam are considered to be some of the bravest men of the military.

Mark's book makes an effort to give stories of flight and the war, but also of daily life in country, relationships and down time, and shenanigans. It seems like a balanced effort to describe the full experience of Huei pilots.

I doubt you'll regret this book.

4 people found this helpful

Brought back memories

Where does Guts 'N Gunships rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is one of the best books of this type I have listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Guts 'N Gunships?

The time when his ship was almost destroyed on mission

What about Eric Martin’s performance did you like?

Eric is without a doubt a master narrator. His voice was always clear and understandable. He put real feeling into those moments when fear and panic had to have been driving emotions though the roof.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

My unbelievable year

Any additional comments?

I was given this book in expectation of a review. I was skeptical at first because memoirs are normally dull and dry. I found that this book brought back memories of my own military active duty during the Vietnam era. Though I was not in the Army I did serve during the same time frame.

I found the book to be extremely well written and the time line well laid out. It expressed the fears and the anxieties of men who go in harms ways. It also captured the ways men deal with them to maintain their sanity.

There was a "gallows humor" that pervaded the whole adventure. And unless one has experienced the 1960s in their awesome highs and lows they would not understand the way the military was treated in light of today.

As I listened to this book I could fully relate the Mark's fears and his coping. It brought light to an aspect of the war that I personally had not experienced and brought me to a better appreciation for their sacrifices and pain.

4 people found this helpful

Enjoyed it and listened to it several times

As an audio book I enjoyed it very much. I listened prior to bed before drifting off. So I often had to replay it to catch up. Then I would listen through it entirely on a couple of other occasions.

2 people found this helpful

Fascinating, revealing, and well narrated.

What made the experience of listening to Guts 'N Gunships the most enjoyable?

The detailed descriptions of combat assignments and the comradeship.

What other book might you compare Guts 'N Gunships to and why?

Hmmm. So may good ones out there. I will have to think about which ones I will list here.

Have you listened to any of Eric Martin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Excellent narration. First of his narrations. Cadence interesting and enunciation clear.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Let me reflect on the one.i

Any additional comments?

Well worth the listen.

2 people found this helpful

An excellent story

This was an excellent book. The narrator was excellent and the story holds your attention. You will find that the pilots did not have a cushy time in Vietnam. I recommend it.

2 people found this helpful

Brought back old memories!

I was a helicopter pilot in my youth flying Dustoff or medevac helicopters in VietNam so I was very anxious to hear about Mark Garrison's adventures. I was not disappointed. I learned things that I did not know about gunships. I had deja vu moments listening to his tales. This is a good solid collection of tales and memories. I highly recommend that you read it. You won't regret it.

I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

4 people found this helpful

bookgirl

Very well written. The narration was top notch. I too am from a small town in Southern Ilinios, attended SIU, took a taxi ride in Taipei, and familiar with the Sheltons and Birghers and dated several Vietnam vets. Mark seemed like a friend which made his story even more interesting.

1 person found this helpful

Great Book

A great book to listen to if you are a war history buff such as myself. That narration was great as well.

1 person found this helpful