Guts 'N Gunships

What It Was Really Like to Fly Combat Helicopters in Vietnam

By: Mark Garrison

Narrated by: Eric Martin

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In the summer of 1967, Mark Garrison had dropped out of college at Southern Illinois University just before entering his third year. He had run out of money and had to work for a while. These were the days before the lottery and the draft soon came calling. In order to somewhat control his own future, he enlisted in the US Army's helicopter flight school program. Little did he know that this adventure would be the most profound experience of his life.

Garrison flew hundreds of missions for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded 25 Air Medals, four campaign Bronze Stars, and The Distinguished Flying Cross, among numerous other awards. His narrative takes you through the whole process, from basic training, flight school, flying combat in Vietnam, and his return to the United States. His description includes many incidents in combat flight, including being hit by rocket propelled grenades and being on fire in the air, over hundreds if not thousands of enemy troops. But this is not all. He elaborates on the daily lives, emotions, and nuances of the pilots and what they considered their mission to be.

Guts 'N Gunships is a must listen if you are to have a realistic understanding of what flying helicopters in Vietnam combat was all about.

©2015 mark v garrison (P)2015 mark v garrison

Fascinating

This is a memoir of a helicopter pilot from the Vietnam War. Garrison tells what it takes to be a helicopter pilot in combat. Garrison covers the time from his enlistment, boot camp, helicopter school to his combat missions in Vietnam. The author goes into detail about combat action and also includes wartime humor, and the loss of friends.

The book is well written. I noted that the author flew hundreds of mission for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded twenty-five air medals, four campaign medals, four Bonze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross among the list of medals. Garrison’s extensive combat experience comes through in the book. I found it interesting that after his war service ended Garrison decided to become a chiropractor. Seems he was following in his father’s footsteps. Eric Martin does a good job narrating the book.

Brought back old memories!

I was a helicopter pilot in my youth flying Dustoff or medevac helicopters in VietNam so I was very anxious to hear about Mark Garrison's adventures. I was not disappointed. I learned things that I did not know about gunships. I had deja vu moments listening to his tales. This is a good solid collection of tales and memories. I highly recommend that you read it. You won't regret it.

I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Meant alot to me

What a great book. This one meant alot to me as my father flew Huey's in Vietnam as well. Lost him 13 years ago and he never really talked much about what he experienced. Wish I asked him more. I have his pictures on 35mm slides but this book painted a picture of what he went through. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us listeners. Highly recommend

Well done.

A light story from an angle that differs from other books on the topic.
I enjoyed it.

Great insight!

Although this is a bygone era, the sacrifice should never be forgotten.
The sacrifice not only belongs to those who lost their lives on the battlefield.

A very well-balanced aviation war memoir

Any additional comments?

This is just an excellent story telling of one Huey pilot's tour in Vietnam. It has the right mix of story telling and details for the pilot/aviation enthusiast. It seems honest and sincere and I will probably listen to this one again.

The best written account I have ever heard

An absolutely wonderful memoir (report?). I too was drafted for Vietnam in the spring of 1968. However I did not go because of an undiagnosed heart condition which surprised the hell out of me; which I still have but has not killed me yet.
I had a friend who flew gunships for the Marines came home and taught flight for life pilots. Frank (not his real name) didn’t learn what Mark finally did and sadly passed away several years ago. He was a loving but sometimes difficult husband to his wife but a great friend and we all miss him.

Mr Garrison, Thank You for sharing your story!

Outstanding book that anyone can follow along with as the saying goes What comes from the heart goes to the heart ". Mark Garrisons story really hits you and this book truly conveys the perspective of a US Army Aviator & Young officer dealing with the ups and downs of serving in the Army and the camaraderie and loyalty that is formed between brothers in arms that veterans like myself cherish. Mr Garrison thank you for showing us a few chapters of your life. T.N

Crazy...

Huei pilots were insane, the Huei was a gift from God, Mark Garrison is insane, and this books gives good account as to why the most fearless men who ever served in the military ranks were the Vietnam Huei pilots.

"Okay, sir, you've only got 2 feet back here, okay 1 foot, okay you've got no room, sir" when referring to rotor blades hitting trees??? That's just a taste of the insanity these men lived. It's no wonder Slick and Croc pilots of Vietnam are considered to be some of the bravest men of the military.

Mark's book makes an effort to give stories of flight and the war, but also of daily life in country, relationships and down time, and shenanigans. It seems like a balanced effort to describe the full experience of Huei pilots.

I doubt you'll regret this book.

An excellent story

This was an excellent book. The narrator was excellent and the story holds your attention. You will find that the pilots did not have a cushy time in Vietnam. I recommend it.