Dead Men Flying

Victory in Viet Nam: The Legend of Dust Off: America's Battlefield Angels

By: Patrick Henry Brady, Meghan Brady Smith

Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Viet Nam may be the only war we ever fought, or perhaps that was ever fought, in which the heroism of the American soldier was accompanied by humanitarianism unmatched in the annals of warfare. And the humanitarianism took place during the heat of the battle. The GI fixed as he fought, he cured and educated and built in the middle of the battle. He truly cared for, and about, those people. What other Army has ever done that? Humanitarianism was America's great victory in Viet Nam.

Spearheading the humanitarian efforts were the air ambulance operations, call-sign Dust Off, the most dangerous of all aviation operations, which rescued some one million souls in Viet Nam. Dead Men Flying is the story of Charles Kelly, the father of Dust Off, who gave his life to save Dust Off - the greatest life-saver ever. His dying words - "When I have your wounded" - set the standard for combat medicine to this day.

It is also the story of the author, Medal of Honor recipient General Patrick Brady, who learned from Charles Kelly and struggled to meet his standard. Brady led the 54th Medical Detachment as it rescued over 21,000 wounded - enemy and friendly - in 10 months, while sustaining 26 Purple Hearts. Finally, Dead Men Flying is the story of salvation in the midst of horror, courage in the face of adversity, and the miracle of faith in the heat of combat. A riveting tale from America's most decorated living soldier, this is a book that no American can afford to ignore.

©2012 Patrick Henry Brady (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What A Tale

Hard to imagine someone regularly and consistently showing the courage and bravery exhibited in this book, but I fully believe it and am in awe of it. A great tale of some of America's Finest that goes into the humanity as well as the tactics that made that era so remarkable. Definitely worth a listen for anyone who's a fan of military history, aviation history or in the medical field. I will listen to this again.

Insightful and Engaging

I enjoyed the book from start to finish. The author's first-hand knowledge of helicopter medical rescue ("Dustoff") cannot be over-emphasized. Brady's experience from almost getting discharged from the Army for not making rank to becoming commander of a dust off unit during his second tour in Viet Nam brought this to life. I knew nothing of "Dustoff" and their pilots before this book. I now believe them to be some of the most courageous heros of any Amercian military conflict. Well-written book which highlights the deeds of many unsung heros.

Courage beyond definition.

The American soldier, unique amount all nations. This story exemplifies courage, faith, loyalty, determination, persistence, valor, brotherly love, sacrifice, the list could go on for pages. There are very few men like the American soldier. They are maligned, forgotten, mistreated, taken for granted, unsung, yet they continue to do their jobs and continue to exemplify who America is at its core even when asked to walk into the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Grat book!

A look at the dust office mission by safi g wounded soldiers in combat with heliocopters

Dust off

Thank you you guys rock
Outstanding book however I take to task current operations save lives those guys rock today

Excellent book!

A Great read! Written by a true war hero!!!!
If you want to know what it was like to be a Huey pilot in Vietnam this is the book for you!
I especially enjoyed the narrative of what life was like day to day.

A Must Read!

This book was amazing to listen to from start to finish. The narrator was great.
This should be mandatory reading for all DUSTOFF pilots and anyone in MEDEVAC. Not only did I get an insight into the war, but I feel enriched by the journey it took me on. I will strongly advocate for anyone that will listen to me, that they must read/listen to this book.

Authentic Heroism, Humanity and Faith

As a combat veteran this story was refreshing, inspiring, and healing throughout ... Amazed by God.

Thank you

Thank you Mr. Brady for telling the story of these brave men who saved the lives of so many. I remember my father telling me stories about his time is Viet Nam, the good and the bad. This book sets next to the helmet worn by Lester "Budda" Shadrick. It was his hard head that saved him. I love you dad and think of you everyday.

doesn't get any better than Dustoff heroism

well done sir, my beloved uncle was door gunner who survived a catastrophic shoot down in Vietnam and I appreciate you sharing