Taking Fire: The True Story of a Decorated Chopper Pilot
Apr 2007 · Macmillan + ORM
4.6star
81 reviewsreport
Ebook
332
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About this ebook
Taking Fire is the incredible memoir by one of the most decorated chopper pilots to emerge from the Vietnam War.
Nicknamed "Mini-Man" for his diminutive stature, a mere five-foot-three and 125 pounds in his flight boots, chopper pilot Ron Alexander proved to be a giant in the eyes of the men he rescued from the jungles and paddies of Vietnam. With an unswerving concern for every American soldier trapped by enemy fire, and a fearlessness that became legendary, Ron Alexander earned enough official praise to become the second most decorated helicopter pilot of the Vietnam era. Yet, for Ron, the real reward came from plucking his fellow soldiers from harm's way, giving them another chance to get home alive.
In Taking Fire, Alexander and acclaimed military writer Charles Sasser transport you right into the cramped cockpit of a Huey on patrol, offering a bird's eye view of the Vietnam conflict. Packed with riveting action and gritty "you-are-there" dialogue, this outstanding book celebrates the everyday heroism of the chopper pilots of Vietnam.
Nicknamed "Mini-Man" for his diminutive stature, a mere five-foot-three and 125 pounds in his flight boots, chopper pilot Ron Alexander proved to be a giant in the eyes of the men he rescued from the jungles and paddies of Vietnam. With an unswerving concern for every American soldier trapped by enemy fire, and a fearlessness that became legendary, Ron Alexander earned enough official praise to become the second most decorated helicopter pilot of the Vietnam era. Yet, for Ron, the real reward came from plucking his fellow soldiers from harm's way, giving them another chance to get home alive.
In Taking Fire, Alexander and acclaimed military writer Charles Sasser transport you right into the cramped cockpit of a Huey on patrol, offering a bird's eye view of the Vietnam conflict. Packed with riveting action and gritty "you-are-there" dialogue, this outstanding book celebrates the everyday heroism of the chopper pilots of Vietnam.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
81 reviews
Tino Maslan
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September 11, 2020
I took some lessons learned from what was written here and shared them to my lieutenants. Definitely a good read and a page-turner. Must have read this 5x and I felt the excitement of the story every time.
Ron Auble
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June 18, 2019
I was greatly impressed with this recollection of combat. Some of which may be because the author's combat tour overlapped my own time as a heavy infentyman with the 1st Inf. Dev.
3 people found this review helpful
John Williams
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November 6, 2019
I felt like I was there in the seat beside him. He captured the excitement, fear, and bravery of good men in impossible circumstances.
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Ron Alexander lives and teaches in Oklahoma. Taking Fire is his first book.
Charles Sasser is a combat veteran with time in Vietnam and Central America as a war correspondent. He has been a full-time freelance writer/journalist since 1979 and has over 30 published books to his name. He lives in Oklahoma.
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