Chickenhawk

By: Robert Mason

Narrated by: L. J. Ganser

With more than half a million copies sold, Robert Mason's Chickenhawk is one of the best-selling books ever written about the Vietnam War. Critically acclaimed for its unflinching detail, the book has been hailed by The New York Times as "a hypnotic narrative" and by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as "very simply the best book so far out of Vietnam."

Fascinated with flying from a young age, Mason earned his private pilot's license even before graduating high school. He enlisted in the army in 1964 and endured an extremely challenging "weeding out" process in an effort to fly helicopters. Sent to Vietnam, he survived more than 1,000 air combat missions despite the violence and brutality exploding all around him. This completely honest account of one soldier's traumatic experiences provides a perspective often neglected in print and film - that of the helicopter pilot. Through L. J. Ganser's powerful narration, the shattering story of men who lived and flew in constant peril is vividly retold.

©1983 Robert C. Mason (P)2001 Recorded Books, LLC

Great book and naration.

great story, no fluff, just a lot of real and sometimes tough situations.

narrator really nailed it.

Excellent book.........terrible narrator.

Would you consider the audio edition of Chickenhawk to be better than the print version?

No

What other book might you compare Chickenhawk to and why?

Any good book about Vietnam

Would you be willing to try another one of L. J. Ganser’s performances?

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Perhaps

Any additional comments?

Narrator could not even get the simplest of slang nor the acronyms correct.

incredible story on Huey combat in Vietnam

I highly recommend this audio book handbook for any aviation buff and anyone interested in military Aviation or military history. particularly flying "Slicks" in Vietnam in the iconic Huey

above average autobiography

Any additional comments?

I read this book decades ago when it first came out and really enjoyed it. There were dozens of these stories at the time, much like the avalanche of Gulf War, Iraq and Afghan first person accounts that have become popular recently. What I like about this book is that it is not at heart one of those blood and guts, sex drugs and rock and roll stories that many of those Vietnam "war stories" were. This is the story of a man who wanted to fly, how he achieved that goal and the experiences he had doing it. I really enjoyed reading it that first time decades ago, and re-reading it, I found it to be just as good as I remembered it. One of my all time favorite books in this genre.

The one and only

If you only read one book on military helicopters this is the one to read. Written to cover from flight school in 1965 to what's happening in his life after 2004. You don't have to be a pilot to understand his descriptions but if you are a pilot you won't feel like you are being talked down to. A really great read. I read it when I first arrived at Hunter Army Airfield decades ago and several times since then. It never disappoints.

Engrossing insight into army aviation.

'I was there', well that's what it felt like, in early 60s Vietnam. Thanks for the much safer ride & experience.

A must for the rotor head community

This book is a must for aviation and especially helicopter guys. It tells a tale from a pilots point of view from day one flight training up to and through Vietnam. The personnel stories of the author are riveting and keep you listening for many hours. After the reading the book I researched places, names, units, and a lot of other facts. His Helicopter, or replica I cant remember, is close to my house and I did visit it, Great book, great first hand accounts.

War Storys

The story seemed a bit far fetched at times, I spent two combat tours in Vietnam one in the Infantry and one as a helicopter pilot and didn't see quite the drama as did the author but good war stories none the less. The narrator did a very good job but never once pronounced the names of the cities correctly. He probably should have asked a veteran for the proper pronunciation of the cities and passes we frequented. Good four star story. Thanks to the Author and the Narrator for a good job.

reader

quiet annoying when the reader pronounces "ZERO" as "oh" as well as "G.I." as "(jih)" besides the bad reader. it's a great story

Regret not reading sooner

I’ve known about this book for over 10 years and put off reading it. Having just finished it, I’m mad at myself for not having read it the minute I heard about. Like everyone says, if you’re interested in helicopters at all or the Vietnam war, this is mandatory reading.
Thank you Robert Mason for a great book!