Black Cat 2-1: The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew

Ford offers a by-the-numbers look at his own action-heavy 1967-68 tour of duty as an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Ford grew up in Oklahoma, where today he lives and runs his family%E2%80%99s milling business. He took Army ROTC in college, graduating in 1966, excelled in helicopter training (%E2%80%9CI had a knack for flying%E2%80%9D), married his girlfriend right after finishing flight school (%E2%80%9CI couldn%E2%80%99t have been happier%E2%80%9D), and volunteered to fight in Vietnam. He arrived in country in July of 1967 and flew Huey helicopters for the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company stationed at Da Nang. During his eventful year in the war zone, Ford took part in two of the Vietnam War%E2%80%99s biggest and deadliest engagements: the 1968 Tet Offensive and the siege at Khe Sanh. This capably-written book offers often good descriptions of Ford%E2%80%99s Vietnam War duties, albeit replete with lots of reconstructed dialogue. For Ford, the war was a positive experience that allowed him opportunities for flight %E2%80%9Cat its most satisfying and thrilling,%E2%80%9D and serving %E2%80%9Cwith honor and dedication to our country as an army helicopter pilot with America%E2%80%99s best.%E2%80%9D Photos. (Jan.)