19 Minutes to Live

By: Lew Jennings

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's Summary

Over 12,000 helicopters were used in the Vietnam War, which is why it became known as "The Helicopter War". Almost half of the helicopters, 5,086, were lost. Helicopter pilots and crews accounted for nearly 10 percent of all the US casualties suffered in Vietnam, with nearly 5,000 killed and an untold number of wounded. Lew Jennings flew over 700 Air Cavalry Cobra Gunship Helicopter missions and received three Distinguished Flying Crosses for Valor.

This memoir describes first-hand the harrowing experiences of helicopter pilots and crews in combat operations, from the far South to the DMZ, including the infamous Ashau Valley, Hamburger Hill, LZ Airborne, and others. 19 Minutes to Live illustrates the incredible courage and determination of helicopter pilots and crews supporting those heroes that carried a rucksack and a rifle in Vietnam.

©2017 Lew Jennings (P)2018 Tantor

Incredible

As a Coast Guard retiree, many years ago I had the privilege of working with several Viet Nam era pilots that were every bit as exceptional as the aircrews outlined in Lew’s book. There are two distinct phrases that define the careers of most military aviators... number one “timing is everything” and number two, “there but for the grace of God, go I.” The second phrase can be good, or bad depending on how your day is going. 19 Minutes To Live is an incredibly accurate portrayal of some of the finest military aviators in history, a true joy to read! My hat’s off to the many service members recognized by name in this book! Gentlemen, thank you for your service.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

It Was Good To "Meet" Lew Jennings

I was there as an Army aviator, in country 1965 - 1966, spent some time living with forward outfits but also enjoyed some air conditioned villas. I spent every day in support of combat operations in one way or another, day and night - listening to their cries of victory as well as their pain, anguish and calls for fire support, napalm and med-evac. I am always interested in first hand accounts of this very dark period of our history. Mr Jennings joined Army Aviation the same way I did, that is to say that Air Force and Navy required a college degree. The army did not and I wanted to fly. Jennings was one hell of a pilot and he earned every commendation he received. His story was my story in many details. I also flew out of Travis AFB. I can't imagine missing the flight due to misreading departure schedule in military time. Pan Am was the charter 707 going over and Northwest Orient was my freedom bird coming home. Both Mr Jennings and I were different guys after that year in combat for sure.

I could have done without the chapter on the history of Vietnam. I believe most of the readers who chose this book were already familiar with it. I wanted more day to day operations. Mr Colacci's narration was not very well suited to this book. Not boring like some have said, rather it seemed like he was teaching a Sunday School lesson. I can recommend the book, especially for younger readers who may not know the history regarding Vietnam and other nations wishing to control it. Worth the reasonable price, but perhaps not a $15.00 credit.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Not my style of storytelling.

I can’t give a bad review based on preferences.I gave all five stars because it certainly was a nice piece of work.If I had to explain my review title,I would say that some of the information and explanations made the stories drag on a bit.While the author surely experienced incredibly exciting situations. I didn’t feel I was along for the ride.It May have been the narrative style that made this selection seem sort of monotone history book read at times.Preferences vary and my review is simply a comment.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

should be more exciting than it is.

felt more like a lesson on military structure and lists of equipment, troops and locations.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome stories!

I picked this book because my father was a door gunner in the Vietnam war. After reading this book I feel I have a much better idea of what my pop went through during his term in Vietnam. I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it to anyone interested in war books and stories. Thank you to all that served and serve our country.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful "read"

Great book by an American patriot made even better with the prefect narrator. THANKS Lew and David!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great Book about Air Cav Cobra Pilots

I have read a lot books about helicopters in Vietnam. This one is the best in regards to what it was like for a Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot. Really good. I grew up hearing stories from my Dad who was a Air Cav Infantry Platoon Sergeant (Combat Grunt) in Vietnam. He always talked about Huey Gunships and Cobras and they literally were the only thing that kept them from being overrun many times. He would say soon as they showed up the shooting would stop as the enemy wanted nothing to do with a Cobra Gunship. Amazing read and highly recommended! Thanks to all the Vietnam Vets and there Sacrifice!

In country

I was in country at the same location and time that this book takes place.
The authors description of events on Hamburger Hill are true and accurate.
I was a crew chief/ door gunner in the 4th Bat. 77th field artillery ARA company C at that time. Later was crew chief with 237th med detachment, dust off flying injured to the 18th surgical hospital.

A Book More Suited To the Lay Person

I would grade this about a six on a scale of ten. It is really not the fault of the author whose main target audience was probably not in my cohort, I understand. However as a Vietnam era veteran and a pilot myself, I expected more. The combat scenes were the ones best appreciated, but the rest... not so much. Upon reflection, if the author had gathered the combat stories of other Cobra pilots other than those of his own squadron and incorporated them into the story... it might have better expanded our understanding of how this great aircraft was exploited. Nevertheless, you must SALUTE the author and his fellow pilots for their courage and dedication to duty. Thank you all...

well done

An excellent account of combat helicopter action in Viet nam. The author does an amazing job of teaching and storytelling.