Product Description

During the Vietnam War, one out of every eighteen helicopter pilots never made it home alive. At age nineteen, Tom Johnson flew in the thick of it, and lived to tell his harrowing tale.

Johnson piloted the UH-1 "Iroquois"-better known as the "Huey"-as part of the famous First Air Cavalry Division. His battalion was one of the most decorated units of the Vietnam War, and helped redefine modern warfare. This riveting memoir gives the pilot's perspective on key battles and rescue missions, including those for Hue and Khe Sanh. From dangerous missions to narrow escapes, Johnson's account vividly captures the adrenaline rush of flying and the horror of war, and takes readers on an unforgettable ride.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37567 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780451222183
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From the Publisher
A nineteen-year-old learns to master a helicopter—and his courage—during intensely dangerous and innovative air assault missions

A seat-of-the-pants Vietnam War helicopter-flying adventure in the tradition of Robert Mason's bestselling Chickenhawk

Highlights such key actions of the Vietnam War in 1967 and 1968 as the Song Re Valley, Hue, Khe Sanh, the Tet Offensive, and the A Shau Valley

About the Author
Tom A. Johnson was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (with five Silver Leaf Clusters), and the Bronze Star for his Vietnam War service.

Customer Reviews

WOW - A Great Read (and I'm a civilian).
I finished your book about a two weeks ago.

A totally engrossing read. If you had any question about your success in conveying what it must have been like, you nailed it 100%.

I waited a couple of weeks to see let the story sink in before writing as I thought I'd be able to more adequately describe how much I enjoyed the book and to somehow explain just how much impact it had. I find I'm still short of words, so you'll have to accept that as the best compliment I can come up with.

You and your fellow aviators have my absolute respect and admiration. I turned the TV on a few days ago to see "Tour of Duty" showing on the History channel. There was a Huey dropping off a bunch of guys! I have not watched that series before and having gained some insight from your book, it is something I can watch with considerably more knowledge, respect and interest.

The technical description of how those whirlybirds work and behave is reminiscent of Tom Clancy's writing style in his books that usually involve submarines. In this case, knowing the story is in fact non-fiction adds an entirely new perspective.

I'm still struck with the vision of waking up in your tent - a damp, humid, mucky, muddy, steamy cauldron - I could "feel" what you described.

I am left with very clear visions of: how you "sanitized" your machine by dipping it in the river; the lesson (and practice) of keeping the nose high during a crash into trees; the emotional toll being separated from a young wife; losing friends; crashes and combat; landing without power! WOW.....

I'm still fascinated by the concept of landing a helicopter without power! I'd love to see a video of that. Those things really don't look like gliding is something they do particularly well... That whole auto-rotation thing is hard to accept without actually seeing it work.

Heroes
In Tom Johnson's TO THE LIMIT I have found the true heroes of my generation. In this book, Tom Johnson so vividly gives clarity to the men and women who fought and gave their lives in Vietnam. We can never show our true gratitude for what these people sacrificed for their country. What makes TO THE LIMIT so unique and different from all the many books I have read is that Tom Johnson writes this book from his heart. To write from your heart you must be in touch with your soul. He is a remarkable human being who allows his readers to empathize and share the reality and horrors that the men and women of the Vietnam War lived. Begin reading TO THE LIMIT and you will have a hard time laying it down until it is completed.

M. Wayne Seabolt

To The Limit
I got the book and couldn't put it down. I agree with others who have read it, its a helluva of a good book. Tom A. Johnson takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of emotions from awe inspiring to tears to laughter. You certainly come away with respect for the job helicopter pilots did in Viet Nam. An amazing read.