Coming All the Way Home: Memoir of an Assault Helicopter Aircraft Commander in Vietnam

by Fred McCarthy

Overview

In 1968, twenty-one-year-old Fred McCarthy transitioned from the monastic life of a seminary student to that of a U.S. Army helicopter gunship commander in Vietnam. Despite preparation from a family tradition of decorated combat service, a strong sense of patriotism, a love for aviation, and a desire for adventure, he got far more than he bargained for.

Written after 50 years of reflection, reading, and study, this memoir tells both a universal story about war, adventure, and perseverance and, also shares the intensely personal experience of the Vietnam War and its legacy for those who fought in it. McCarthy describes many of his missions, reflects on the nature of being a combat helicopter pilot, and processes the experience through his poetry, letters home, and reflective analysis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781476643571
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	07/16/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	207
Sales rank:	435,006
File size:	10 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Fred McCarthy served with the U.S. Army’s 121st Assault Helicopter Company at Soc Trang, as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot of slicks (Tigers) and gunships (Vikings). He later became a kindergarten teacher, private school principal, public school superintendent, small city mayor, college adjunct professor, director for development to the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, and the author of two books. He lives in western Washington.
Fred McCarthy served with the U.S. Army's 121st Assault Helicopter Company at Soc Trang, as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot of slicks (Tigers) and gunships (Vikings). He later became a kindergarten teacher, private school principal, public school superintendent, small city mayor, college adjunct professor, director for development to the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, and the author of two books. He lives in western Washington.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Military Terminology
Preface
1. Baptism by Fire
2. A Family Tradition
3. Basic Infantry Training
4. Primary and Advanced Helicopter Flight Training
5. Welcome to Vietnam!
6. Ash, Trash, and General Little Minh
7. Tet 1968: A Turning Point in the War
8. Combat Assault Reality Therapy
9. Stayin’ Alive in Soc Trang
10. Sisters, Orphans, POWs, and a Hospital
11. Helicopter Gunships
12. Kick the Tire, Light the Fire, and Go
13. The Magic Carpet Ride
14. Lead Gunship Goes Down
15. Bringing It All Together
16. Reflecting on Vietnam
17. Historical Lessons Learned
18. The Just War Theory and Vietnam
19. Memories, Legacy, Faith
20. Reunions and Memorials
Appendix: The Men Who Gave Their Lives
Author’s Service History
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

A superb memoir”—VVA Veteran

From the Publisher