“Another soldier's experience”

“A very good book on a helicopter gunner’s experience in Vietnam. I have been trying to read what others’ experience in the war was. The last two chapters hit me hard, emotionally. Good job Fred!”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2022 - M. Cornwell

“Well written - Tough duty”

“A door gunner is lucky to make it out alive. God bless and welcome home brother.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2022 - Dennis / Artillery 69-70

“Introspective and detailed in delivery”

“A good book and an easy read. God bless him and all that have served our nation.”

4 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2022 - John

“I shall be bothered by this book for a long time -- and that is a good thing!”

“Allen's book is the first I have read by a 'crew chief' -- i.e., the soldier who checks all aspects of a helicopter ship and certifies it safe to ride in (or not, of course), after which he takes the role of left sided gunner with a machine gun, with rules of engagement that can be summarized by "if he is running away or shoots at us, kill him!"

Allen's route to being one of the Stingers was circuitous. At the beginning of his story, I felt I was in a repetition of two sentence paragraphs which describes events concisely with little context or reflection. Once in the Stingers the paragraphs became more thoroughly descriptive, basically describing we went there and killed so many of them. Then the context of the war intruded, things becoming chaotic because of the political wavering, very like what happens in "Lord of the Rings" when the ring is thrown into the mountain of fire. The troops fall into confusion. There was increased drug, weed, and alcohol use, which meant every one of those soldiers could not function, and the North Vietnamese Army did not have to waste ammunition to remove them!! This degradation is punctuated by news releases, all of which I remember from living through them!

At a crucial turning point, which I will not describe in more detail so as not to spoil the reader's experience, Allen determines he can no longer be a killer, that he is in danger of losing his humanity which he had checked at the door on becoming a Stinger, and asks to be given an assignment in the rear.

Thinking he was safe in the rear, that fabric was rent by a rocket which landed nearby, and Allen becomes very afraid of everything for the remainder of his tour. By this time, his ability to reflect on his experience, to comment on the political landscape, and to document his fears take up long and coherent and terrifying paragraphs.

The drama of this book is best illustrated in my mind by Ravel's "Bolero." It begin benignly enough and gradually entrains you and finally concludes in a shattering finale. Allen's descriptions were such that I believe I felt at least a little of what he must of felt!

Finally, I recognize and respect so much that this kind of memoir involves deep digging in areas of our psyches where we are totally defended. It is one thing to have gone through and done what Allen did; it is another thing to have lived it a second time, which is what had to be done to be able to write this book.”

Review by Book Critic - Wharton Sinkler 5 Stars

September 22, 2022

“I enjoyed the candid personal events Fred shares with readers”

“From gung ho to disillusioned vet. I graduated in 1974 and had the war experience via Television. I've gotten to know several vets as I got older. For me, their experiences are brought to light by books like this. Thanks.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2022 - Mike B.

“VietNam revisited”

“As a Vietnam veteran myself, Fred Allen’s account brought back many memories, some pleasant, but most painful. Nevertheless, I thank him for writing this book.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2022 - D. Aiken

“A front row seat in the helicopter war”

“A painfully honest recounting of the savagery of war. Not for the weak.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2021 - John P. Corbett

“amazing book!!”

“As a veteran myself, I really enjoyed how Allen told his story. He was honest and to the point. Vietnam veterans deserve a lot of thanks and credit for their service to our Nation. Thank you.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2022 - Thomas King

“Eye opening read”

“Excellent book on one man’s amazing Vietnam experiences. The addition of real time news events gives a unique perspective. Thank you Fred!

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2021 - Dan

“Vivid, straightforward, moving”

“This first-person narrative from a soldier who arrived in Vietnam late in the war is a direct, honest, and no-frills account of his 362 day tour, performing in one of the most dangerous combat positions. I recommend highly.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2021 - Jeanette Wells

“I recommend this book”

“if you are interested in reading about the personal experiences of one of our young heroes/ soldiers involved in the Vietnam war. Mr. Allen, thank you for your honesty and exposing your soul. Thank you for enduring through unbelievable horrors.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2021 - Idaho chick

“This book is well edited”

“and tells an interesting story with little or no political slant. It was also told from a different perspective. Good read and short chapters were very appealing to me. Good job.”

4 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2021 - Robert Smith

“Gripping”

“This intense and honest account by a warrior conveys the tremendous courage and risk helicopter gunship crews faced every day. He provides a sober and clear eyed view of the war with recognition of great heroism by some and profound strategic mismanagement at the cost of so many lives. A powerful book.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2021 - LL46NC

“I was deeply touched by this narrative”

“This book followed my timeline through Advanced training in Ft Rucker, Alabama and the thoughts and actions I endured as a Medevac (dustoff) crew chief with the First Cavalry in 1969 and 1970. I bought a second copy to send to my 45 year old son from my first marriage and his Mother. I have read many Vietnam helicopter books and this one REALLY hit home. Thank you!!”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021 - Pops

“great read”

“Riveting account of the author’s journey in Vietnam. Very descriptive in the battle descriptions. Welcome home, and thank you for serving”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2021 - Terence P. Brashear

“Easy to read and well written”

“this story will surely be with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2021

“A very interesting read”

“I have just started reading books written by Vietnam vets. I am one. The stories are so exact to what I remember. This book is very intense at the end. I believe Sergeant Allen spoke for all of us.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2021 - Bill and Lanette Pacheco

“A great book of the Vietnam war experience”

“This is a well written book you will not want to put down until you have read the entire book. Fred Allen really brings you into the war and captures the true war experience of these heroes. Thank you, Fred, for writing this book.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2021 - Patrick Cowan

“Hard hitting”

“A no nonsense look at the tip of the spear. Fast moving and well done. Good book and I totally recommend to ‘Nam book readers.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2021

“Assault Helicopter Company Gunships in combat”

“This memoir reveals the day to day operations while under fire from the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. Anxiety and tensions rise, but they must carry on. One of the most personal stories ever written. Excellent read.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2021 - Peter Angelou

“Thank you for the great read”

“I was in the 1st / 22 infantry / 4th division. Thank you for the chopper support. I got home December 1971. I hope we can all forget. We did our jobs. I also was proud to serve. We were patriotic!!”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021 - M. McLaughlin

“Must read for vets”

“As a former crew chief/door gunner, I felt like I was pretty much reading my own biography. No holds barred. It had to be difficult for Allen to write this book. It has taken me 50 years to reach the point where I think I am ready to visit the Vietnam memorial wall. Welcome Home brothers”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2021 - Richard Esbin

“I have read many books”

“on the helicopter war in Vietnam. These were by pilots and missed my mark. You see, I sat in the backdoor of a Huey slick or Guns. This story hit the mark and brought back powerful memories and tears. Yes-true FEAR came much later.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2021 - Tom Thalmann

“War is hell”

“Thank you for a well written, easily read and understood account of your journey from a gung-ho kid to a hardened door gunner who could mow down enemy soldiers with your M-60 with no emotion.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2021 - A 1st Cav Vietnam Grunt

“This book was amazing, moving and honest”

“It opened my eyes to a much deeper understanding of the Vietnam war. For the first time I understood the sacrifice of those who fought it.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021 - kansasgirl

“I was Deeply touched by the author’s honesty and courage”

“Also, his willingness to talk about what happened before, during and afterwards. I am proud of our military veterans and service members.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in Australia on May 7, 2022 - paul shore

“I have been retired from the USAF for more than 25 years”

“I had several superiors during my 20 years of active service who served in the Vietnam War. None were very willing to share their stories. They prompted me to read about the War and I have read many, many books by Vietnam Veterans over the last 45+ years. Fred Allen’s memoir is one of the very best. His easy to read style and short chapters make this book very hard to put down. I read it in three sittings. God Bless you, Fred and Thank You for your service and patriotism.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2022 - Johnny Marceaux USAF ret.

“A really great read & insight”

“into what those young men went through. Respect to all men that served”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 28, 2022 - Keith Toon

“excellent read”

“Thank you for taking a reader along with your experience in this war and being so honest in the way it affected you. I would certainly recommend this book.”

5 Stars - Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2022 - Raymond Collins

“This book is a must read for any ex-military”

“who served in the air branches, whether in Vietnam or not. This is a well written book telling the honest day to day events of a war that destroyed the innocence of too many young men”

5 Stars - Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2022 - Derek

“Captivating personal account”

“of an eighteen year old's two year journey from patriotism and duty to basic physical and emotional survival. Nice bit of writing Fred. Enlightening. Sobering. Words of Vietnam combat veterans brings many emotions. Especially sadness . To give so much. To get so little in return. Sad. But i am one who values what you did, Fred. In that one year.. And the years since. Thank you.”

5 Star - Reviewed in Canada on December 8, 2021