Rattlers and Firebirds: Combat Action with an Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam

This book recounts the Vietnam combat action of a helicopter assault company known as the Rattlers and Firebirds. From 1964 to 1971, hundreds of men served twelve-month tours, participating in some of the fiercest combat ever entertained by American forces. A large percentage of their flight crews were injured, fifty-five were killed, and three became prisoners of war. Unlike previous wars, these men lived in constant danger, effectively on the front line for the entire twelve-month tour. Their casualty rates were four times that of the average for European Theater combat units of World War II. Hopefully, this book will dispel the bogus image of the whacked out, drugged up veterans of Nam. The Americans who served with the Rattlers and Firebirds were valiant, courageous, and honorable.