To the Limit

An Air Cav Huey Pilot in Vietnam

By: Tom A. Johnson

Narrated by: David Drummond

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

From June 1967 to June 1968, Tom Johnson accumulated an astonishing 1,600 flying hours piloting 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.

Johnson's riveting memoir takes us into key battles and rescue missions, including those for Hue and Khe Sanh. In harrowing detail, he tells of being shot down in the battle of A Shau Valley, of surviving enemy attacks during the Tet Offensive, and of a death-defying nighttime river rescue, in which only the bare feet of soldiers hanging off the Huey's skids kept the helicopter from plunging under water. From dangerous missions to narrow escapes, Johnson's memoir vividly captures the adrenaline rush and the horror of war, and takes you on a ride you'll never forget.

©2006 Potomac Books, Inc. (P)2018 Tantor

Please - stop the corny Southern drawl

Excellent story of a Huey pilot in early Vietnam (1967-68). Lots of action and incredible stories of survival. But as a guy who grew up in Georgia, like the author, the twangy hillbilly performance was VERY off-putting - a major distraction from the story.

My First Audible Book

This was very enjoyable to listen to. I totally enjoy Reading stories about History and about our war in Veitnam. as I was growing up in the 60's and 70's and many of my friends served durring this war. including my Older brother Raymond. he was one of the lucky Army soldier's, who stayed state side. For his total time in service. some of my friends never came home unfortunately.
This book was a great true story even to listen to. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys books on our involvement in Veitnam. And the narration by David Drummond was spot on easy to listen to and very informative. I can't wait to listen to my next book.

Good but not a fan of.

Wish the narrator’s would stay away from attempting accents because overall they are terrible at it.

great war stories!

great stories and narration that put you right in the seat of the UH1 Huey helicopter.

Truly captivating

I stumbled onto this gem without recommendation or referral, but I will highly recommend it. This is definitely not a “bedtime story”… it’s far too interesting I found myself staying up way too late anxiously listening, wrapped up in the action.
My only critique is of the reader’s performance of the character voices - it was a little cheesy at times.

Another good Vietnam pilot book

It seems like I have been listening to a lot of Vietnam helicopter pilot books, so I was reluctant to get this one, but it had so many good ratings that I decided to give it a try. It was worth it.

The reader isn't the greatest, but was OK. I guess that my only complaint was the way the story kept jumping back and forth, from pilot training to Vietnam. I like a progression, and kept finding myself thinking that the tale being told was from Nam, not his training.

Better than Chickenhawk!

Well written and narrated pretty well. I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book.
Would highly recommend!

Intense. Horrifying. Inspiring.

From an Air Cav pilot who came later: many heartfelt thanks to Mr. Johnson and those like him who gave their all to the struggle. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You will be remembered!

Excellent detail

Rich in procedural detail. The kind of book historians will be grateful to have long after vets are gone. The story itself is compelling and the descriptions vivid. You feel like you are a passenger in the Huey.

Great account

Incredible story about Vietnam helicopter pilots. Worth reading to understand a bit more the history of that war