Black Cat 2-1

The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew

By: Bob Ford

Narrated by: Bob Ford

Length: 6 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In the Vietnam War, 2,197 helicopter pilots and 2,717 crew members were killed. Black Cat 2-1 is the story of one pilot who made it home and the valiant men he served with who risked their lives for the troops on the ground. Bob Ford invites listeners into the Huey helicopters he flew on more than 1,000 missions when he and his men dared to protect and rescue. For those whose voices were silenced in that faraway place or who have never told their stories, he creates a tribute that plays like a thriller, captures the humor of men at war, and resounds with respect for those who served with honor.

©2015 Bob Ford (P)2018 Bob Ford

"I'd do it all again ... and I'd do it for free."

I read this great book when it first came out. To hear the author tell his story in his words adds a new dimension. Excellent! Bob Ford takes the listener along to the furthermost aviation unit in Vietnam during the height of LBJ's escalation. In the middle of his tour is the Tet Offensive. He takes us from the Heartland in Oklahoma to 1967 Vietnam. Over a thousand missions! A thriller. No political commentary. No foul language. No gore. Climb into a UH-1 Huey with a young Lt. Ford and meet the crew of Black Cat 2-1. He brings the time, characters and locals to life. He honors Gerald L. McKinsey (Mac) and Dwight Dedrick and those who gave all. Despite the gravity of the situation - he finds levity along the way. The call to his beloved mother about whether he received the cookies she has been sending is priceless and illustrates how loved ones CANNOT come to terms with what's really going on. Each day Lt. Ford's focus was on the men on the ground - this is where his efforts could, and did - make a difference.

awesome book and very good story!

I'm glad Bob narrated it. I see him and his wife picking up trash in okeene all the time

Thank you for telling your story!

Very interesting, very heroic. Didn’t take long to listen to this one. Definitely recommend you listen to this story.

Excellent.

Written with heart and style this is one of the very best military combat memoirs I have come across.
The narration certainly outclasses every other author-read audiobook I have listened to by far.

A Must-Have Audiobook

This is among the best of the best of war memoirs. I have listened to hundreds of audiobooks & this is the best author narrated audiobook I have ever listened to. This filled in many holes for me regarding Army helicopter gunship support for the Marines at Hue & Fu Bai in the days leading up to & beyond Tet 1968. I listened to this book 3 times in a row. This is so good I ordered the hard-back. This book brought me to tears a few times. Mr. Ford is a true American hero who risked his life hundreds of times for the men on the ground & his fellow pilots. The leadership displayed by Ford & McKenzie is such to be emulated by every American no matter the task, no matter how important & dangerous. I am grateful to Mr. Ford for sharing his experience. Thank you sir!

Excellent story teller

Thank you for your service Mr. Ford. The story was an excellent listen and your attitude is inspiring. Thanks for reading the book yourself. I almost feel like I got to know you listening to your authentic voice. The part about Mack was heart wrenching. I work around helicopters weekly in conservation work and am fascinated by the machines and the folks who pilot them. I loved all the descriptions about the operations and piloting the aircraft. Any aviation fan would enjoy this book but it would be enjoyable for anyone.

A Combat Pilot

This is a book about the one year tour of Duty of one of America’s finest Helicopter pilots. The story is written so well as listeners feel as though they were with Captain Bob in his Huey cockpit!
God bless him and US Army aviation!

Great story, well told!

This is an intense, very personal story of one officer’s year as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. The story, read by the author, is very matter of fact. He does an excellent job of describing Army aviation operations and helicopter flying without getting too technical or over simplifying the subject. A great read!

GREAT STORY!

If this was a great book. Listening to the author tell his own story was truly amazing.

A TRUE AMERICAN HERO!

I have known many other vets who also qualify as heros. I'm proud of them all. 👏

Great story of a brave man.

Love the narration by the the author. It makes you sad that so many young men lost their lives.

A humble, and moving, account of war.

I was glued to this account, the detail, the stories, it came together for me in vivid relief. That the author narrated gave real emotion, which brought a lump to my throat more than once as I listened. The modesty of a true hero shines through in this book. Superb!

brilliant

it was a true pleasure to listen to this great man and of his time serving his country

BLACK CAT 2-1

Bob Ford is a very brave & humble man.
I feel blessed to have heard his story.
Listen ....
You’ll laugh
You’ll cry
You will be proud