just finished reading and it is terrific; published by Penguin. Chief Warrant Officer Durant was shot down and taken prisoner in Somalia back in October 1993. I was there earlier that year as part of a Marine Amphibious Ready Group on the USS Wasp, March-April and then returned in June after the Pakistani UN troops were ambushed and slaughtered. We ran a couple of missions to attempt to capture Gen. Aideed in July; CentCom requested an end to the capture attempts. If you’ve seen or read “Blackhawk Down” you’re familiar with part of Mr. Durant’s story. I love military history and stories of heroism; I highly recommend this book to all.
Michael Durant is one ballsy pilot, as are all the folks in the 160th SOAR. His story has some horrific moments that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief. Read the book, honor the dead. - Ed
I just picked it up. Waiting for a spare week to read it!
I saw it at Borders yesterday and almost picked it up. After reading the review I’ll be heading back there to buy it now.
Max, I presume you’ve read Chickenhawk, how about CW2?, another good one.
A recent WW2 read was First light, by Geoffrey Wellum. published in the Uk by penguin books so it may be difficult to find in the States. From public schoolboy to Spitfire pilot in less than a year, this is a hell of a read. I could hardly put it down, the insight of the writing, the attitude towards king & country and the thought that he could die at any time but that it was pretty much just one of those things. thoroughly recommended.
Pete
Albert, I have not read them yet but will try to make time. I knocked out Mike Durant’s book in the course of an afternoon while the family was out grocery shopping. I knew that once I started I would not be able to put it down. No, I am not a graduate of Evelyn Wood speed reading; I have always been a quick book reader. 2 weekends ago I read “The Walking Dead” by Craig Roberts and Charles Sasser which was about Craig’s time in 'Nam with the 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines. Reading gives me a rest from thinking about work or my current modelling subject.
I loved Blackhawk Down in both its literary and cinematic forms. I can’t wait until Durant’s book hits paperback-- I hate the way hard cover books take up so much shelf space…
Max, Roger that on your endorsement of “In the Company of Heroes.” CWO Durant’s story should be heard by many in this country who don’t know the price that is paid over and over again for the freedoms we enjoy. In addition to the recommendation you received on “Chickenhawk” (which was one of the earlier tell-it-like-it-was RVN helicoper pilot stories) may I also recommend “Angel’s Wing: A Yeat in the Skies Over Vietnam” by Joesph R. Finch. Then-lieutenant Finch flew with the Little Bears supporting the 25th Infantry Divison out of Chu Chi. It’s not a long book but it’s a good one. Some interesting comments by the author about flying the Divison’s VIP slicks. He talks about the crew chiefs writing to car wax manufacturers asking for free samples to use on the choppers. A little aside to the notion that all our “operational models” have to have flat, worn out paint finishes! There were, indeed, some pristine, shiny birds in Vietnam.
friars,
Thanks for the recommendation; will look for it next time at the bookstore or library!
Like my Dad says, freedom isn’t free…he paid for it by sending two sons to the Marine Corps.
Funny you mention Michael Durant. My wife just told me today that he’s going to be in town (Billings, MT) soon. I guess it’s $30.00 to listen to him speak. I’m going to get the full scoop on this because it would be well worth the money to meet and listen to him. Pete, I’ve read Chickenhawk so many times that I had to buy another book. Another one of my favorites is “Wings of the Eagle” by W.T. Grant.
Mark