Beyond Belief

True Stories of Helicopter Heroes That Defy Comprehension

By: C. Douglas Sterner, Pamla Sterner, Scott Baron, Debbie Maulding, Jim Fausone, Peter Stonefield

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Since the introduction of Igor Sikorsky’s V-300 helicopter in 1937, rotary wing aviation has advanced and matured to become a staple of U.S. Military aviation. Although it saw only very limited use in World War II, during the Korean War the helicopter became a staple of combat rescue (Search and Rescue), as well as an efficient means of quickly transporting the wounded to a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) for prompt medical care and surgery that saved the lives of many wounded soldiers.

Continued advances in technology and airmobile tactics over the next decade led to development of larger Huey and Chinook, and the venerated Jolly Green Giant helicopters for Search and Rescue, airmobile deployment and recovery of combat units to the battlefield, as well as workhorses to provide rations, resupply, and even important mail delivery. The fearsome Cobra gunships also found wide use in providing critical combat support.

This volume of the “Beyond Belief” series highlights the incredible stories of helicopter pilots of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard from the Korean War to the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rotary Wing pilots and their crews have established a noble legacy of heroism and service that is truly beyond belief.