As a Vietnam Infantry veteran, I have always held chopper pilots in the highest regard for always being there when needed. Without them, many more of us would have perished. I had jumped from choppers into hot LZ's, seeking the deepest depression or fattest tree for protection, while the crew functioned cool as cucumbers during this ordeal. These chopper pilots were relentless and continued to ferry reinforcements and pick up the wounded with not much protection for themselves. They flew their machines through steady streams of gunfire, some exploding in the air or crashing, and yet, the crews continued as if they were invincible. Dust off's, ash and trash runs, troop deployments, evacuations, resupply, over-head support, VIP taxi's and tour guides were all part of their everyday job - sometimes having to fly by themselves when short on personnel. Additionally, Mr. Willis informs us that all pilots also have secondary duties (administrative functions) while on the ground.....sleep was at a premium and a single shift sometimes lasted 24 plus hours or more
Bud Willis does a wonderful job with this well-told story and offers the reader an in-depth look at the everyday life of these flying Marine warriors, which isn't, by the way, a nine to five job. Bud's memoir also includes pictures, copies of reports and written statements from those he had served with. The book follows "BOO" through training and then during his tour as a chopper pilot in Vietnam; his tour lasting 13 months from March, 1966 through April, 1967. The author also has a fantastic sense of humor and wit that sometimes catches me off-guard, making me laugh out loud. When I thought about the antics and games these officers orchestrated - I had to remind myself that even as officers, many of them were only 19 - 21 years old and still kids themselves. However, war steals that naivety and innocence, leaving in its place deep scars, both physically and mentally. After reading Marble Mountain, I have bumped up these pilots a couple more notches on my high esteem list. I also have a much better understanding of what these sky warriors thought about and had to endure in order to survive...sadly, many did not!
Five stars and highly recommended!
John Podlaski, author
Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel
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