
Guts 'N Gunships
What It Was Really Like to Fly Combat Helicopters in Vietnam
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Narrated by:
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Eric Martin
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By:
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Mark Garrison
About this listen
In the summer of 1967, Mark Garrison had dropped out of college at Southern Illinois University just before entering his third year. He had run out of money and had to work for a while. These were the days before the lottery and the draft soon came calling. In order to somewhat control his own future, he enlisted in the US Army's helicopter flight school program. Little did he know that this adventure would be the most profound experience of his life.
Garrison flew hundreds of missions for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded 25 Air Medals, four campaign Bronze Stars, and The Distinguished Flying Cross, among numerous other awards. His narrative takes you through the whole process, from basic training, flight school, flying combat in Vietnam, and his return to the United States. His description includes many incidents in combat flight, including being hit by rocket propelled grenades and being on fire in the air, over hundreds if not thousands of enemy troops. But this is not all. He elaborates on the daily lives, emotions, and nuances of the pilots and what they considered their mission to be.
Guts 'N Gunships is a must listen if you are to have a realistic understanding of what flying helicopters in Vietnam combat was all about.
©2015 mark v garrison (P)2015 mark v garrisonListeners also enjoyed...
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- Helicopter Combat in Vietnam
- By: Lew Jennings
- Narrated by: David Colacci
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Over 12,000 helicopters were used in the Vietnam War, which is why it became known as "The Helicopter War". Almost half of the helicopters, 5,086, were lost. This memoir describes first-hand the harrowing experiences of helicopter pilots and crews in combat operations, from the far South to the DMZ, including the infamous Ashau Valley, Hamburger Hill, LZ Airborne, and others. 19 Minutes to Live illustrates the incredible courage and determination of helicopter pilots and crews supporting those heroes that carried a rucksack and a rifle in Vietnam.
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Not a novel about flying in Vietnam
- By Jimhusky on 09-05-18
By: Lew Jennings
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Undaunted Valor
- An Assault Helicopter Unit in Vietnam
- By: Colonel Matt Jackson
- Narrated by: Jack Nolan
- Length: 13 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Undaunted Valor is the firsthand account of helicopter pilot, Colonel Dan Cory as he flies combat missions in the jungles of Vietnam. From dodging enemy ground fire and RPGs, to constant mortar and rocket attacks on his base, Colonel Cory stared down the enemy to bring his fellow soldiers’ home.
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Good story. Horrible narration.
- By tabhastal on 03-22-21
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Razor 03
- A Night Stalker’s Wars
- By: Alan C. Mack
- Narrated by: Alan C. Mack
- Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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The attacks of September 11, 2001, prompted the creation of a robust and deadly special operations force—Task Force Dagger. Alan C. Mack, Callsign Razor 03, led a team of MH-47E helicopters and armed MH-60s. Their two-fold mission–Personnel Recovery (PR) and Unconventional Warfare (UW) involved flying in terrain and weather previously not thought possible. If that wasn’t enough, they pushed the flight envelope of their specially modified Chinooks to the limit and beyond.
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The honesty of the author
- By Daniel on 06-10-24
By: Alan C. Mack
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Point Man
- By: Chief James Watson, Kevin Dockery
- Narrated by: David de Vries
- Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
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Chief Petty Officer James "Patches" Watson was there at the start. One of the first to come out of the famed Underwater Demolition Team 21, he was an initial member—a "plank owner"—of America's deadliest and most elite fighting force, the U.S. Navy SEALs. Through three tours in the jungle hell of Vietnam, he walked the point—staying alert to trip wires, booby traps, and punji pits, guiding his squad of amphibious fighters on missions of rescue, reconnaissance, and demolition—confronting a war's unique terrors head-on, unprotected . . . and unafraid.
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Great book with fresh stories
- By melamama on 06-28-24
By: Chief James Watson, and others
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Death Waits in the Dark: Six Guns Don't Miss!
- The Story of a Special Operations Attack Helicopter Pilot
- By: Greg "Gravy" Coker, George E. "Chik" Hand IV
- Narrated by: Greg "Gravy" Coker
- Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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Death Waits in the Dark: Six Guns Don't Miss is a thrilling story about a Night Stalker at war. This is the story of an attack helicopter pilot who flew with the renowned 160th Special Operations Regiment (Airborne), and the incredible friendships Greg Coker and his fellow compatriots forged in the heat of combat.
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Painful!
- By Evan Edminster on 03-19-21
By: Greg "Gravy" Coker, and others
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From F-4 Phantom to A-10 Warthog
- Memoirs of a Cold War Fighter Pilot
- By: Steven K Ladd
- Narrated by: Jeff Bolton
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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You do not have to be an aviation aficionado to enjoy Colonel Steve Ladd’s fascinating personal tale, woven around his 28-year career as a fighter pilot. This extremely engaging account follows a young man from basic pilot training to senior command through the narratives that define a unique ethos. From the United States to Southeast Asia; Europe to the Middle East; linking the amusing and tongue-in-cheek to the deadly serious and poignant, this is the lifelong journey of a fighter pilot.
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A 28 year history of Air Force fighter duty.
- By David H Milton on 07-09-22
By: Steven K Ladd
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The Night Stalkers
- By: Michael J. Durant, Steven Hartov, Lt. Col - Ret Robert L. Johnson
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor
- Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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Here are thrilling, never-before-heard stories of the Army's elite aviation unit - the most daring and professional helicopter crews in the world. Special Operations pilots are notoriously reticent; they don't talk about their missions, at least not to anyone outside their small community. But now, with the publication of The Night Stalkers, Durant and Steven Hartov shed a fascinating light on these mysterious super commandos and take readers into a world they have only imagined.
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A book that does justice
- By Robert on 10-05-07
By: Michael J. Durant, and others
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Rice Paddy Recon
- A Marine Officer's Second Tour in Vietnam, 1968-1970
- By: Andrew R. Finlayson
- Narrated by: Traber Burns
- Length: 16 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
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A young US Marine officer recounts his experiences of the Vietnam War over a 19-month period. He graphically describes what it was like to perform three distinct combat missions: long-range ground reconnaissance in the Annamite Mountains of I Corps, infantry operations in the rice paddies and mountains of Quang Nam Province, and special police operations for the CIA in Tay Ninh province. Using official Marine Corps unit histories, CIA documents, and his weekly letters home, the author relies almost exclusively on primary sources in providing an accurate and honest account.
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Somnipherous
- By Cameleer on 09-10-21
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Lions of Medina
- The True Story of the Marines of Charlie 1/1 in Vietnam, 11-12 October 1967
- By: Doyle Glass
- Narrated by: Tim H. Dixon
- Length: 12 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Marine Lance Corporal Kevin Cahill stepped onto a trail deep in the remote Hai Lang National Forest of South Vietnam. Following Cahill were the 166 Marines of Charlie Company, First Battalion, First Marines, First Marine Division....
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Brotherhood
- By James Huddleston on 12-24-24
By: Doyle Glass
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The Unit
- My Life Fighting Terrorists as One of America's Most Secret Military Operatives
- By: Adam Gamal, Kelly Kennedy
- Narrated by: Adam Gamal, Peter Ganim
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
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Inside our military is a team of operators whose work is so secretive that the name of the unit itself is classified. Highly-trained in warfare, self-defense, infiltration, and deep surveillance, "the Unit," as the Department of Defense has asked us to refer to it, has been responsible for preventing dozens of terrorist attacks in the Western world. Never before has a member of this unit shared their story — until now.
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Meh
- By Anonymous User on 03-06-24
By: Adam Gamal, and others
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Mended Wings
- The Vietnam War Experience Through the Eyes of Ten American Purple Heart Helicopter Pilots
- By: Colin P. Cahoon
- Narrated by: Ian Putnam
- Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
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You hear them first, the whop whop sound of rotor blades chopping through the humid Vietnam air. Suddenly they appear, screaming toward the landing zone at treetop level. When one helicopter crashes in flames, the pilots in the others maintain formation and push ahead. Nothing deters these warriors, volunteers all, from flying on with the tenaciousness of zealots. Mended Wings is their story. Follow the lives of ten Purple Heart heroes as they relate the Vietnam War experience from the perspective of the helicopter cockpit.
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Stories That Need to be Remembered
- By CaptJake on 08-18-23
By: Colin P. Cahoon
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Forged In Fire
- By: David Ferrier
- Narrated by: Virtual Voice
- Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Experience the heart-pounding adrenaline and courage of flying 'Dustoff' missions in the midst of the Vietnam War. This gripping memoir will leave you on the edge of your seat and deeply moved by the incredible sacrifices made by our soldiers. As part of the 571st Medical Attachment unit, the author shares a first-hand account of bravery and sacrifice in "Forged In Fire." Amidst the chaos of war, this book takes place in the late 1960s, a time of great turmoil in American society. Follow the evolution of our characters as they navigate the complexities of life and are forever changed by the...
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Better than I expected story of a dustoff unit.
- By yardranger on 03-05-25
By: David Ferrier
What listeners say about Guts 'N Gunships
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- Jean
- 04-25-16
Fascinating
This is a memoir of a helicopter pilot from the Vietnam War. Garrison tells what it takes to be a helicopter pilot in combat. Garrison covers the time from his enlistment, boot camp, helicopter school to his combat missions in Vietnam. The author goes into detail about combat action and also includes wartime humor, and the loss of friends.
The book is well written. I noted that the author flew hundreds of mission for the 119th AHC, stationed in the Central Highlands at Camp Holloway in Pleiku, Vietnam. He was awarded twenty-five air medals, four campaign medals, four Bonze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross among the list of medals. Garrison’s extensive combat experience comes through in the book. I found it interesting that after his war service ended Garrison decided to become a chiropractor. Seems he was following in his father’s footsteps. Eric Martin does a good job narrating the book.
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13 people found this helpful
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- Robin
- 01-23-16
Brought back old memories!
I was a helicopter pilot in my youth flying Dustoff or medevac helicopters in VietNam so I was very anxious to hear about Mark Garrison's adventures. I was not disappointed. I learned things that I did not know about gunships. I had deja vu moments listening to his tales. This is a good solid collection of tales and memories. I highly recommend that you read it. You won't regret it.
I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Tom Mac
- 01-20-18
Meant alot to me
What a great book. This one meant alot to me as my father flew Huey's in Vietnam as well. Lost him 13 years ago and he never really talked much about what he experienced. Wish I asked him more. I have his pictures on 35mm slides but this book painted a picture of what he went through. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with us listeners. Highly recommend
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- TRey
- 09-07-17
Well done.
A light story from an angle that differs from other books on the topic.
I enjoyed it.
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- Helois mobile
- 03-01-19
Great insight!
Although this is a bygone era, the sacrifice should never be forgotten.
The sacrifice not only belongs to those who lost their lives on the battlefield.
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- Michael Richards
- 09-08-16
A very well-balanced aviation war memoir
Any additional comments?
This is just an excellent story telling of one Huey pilot's tour in Vietnam. It has the right mix of story telling and details for the pilot/aviation enthusiast. It seems honest and sincere and I will probably listen to this one again.
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- Clock guy
- 08-12-19
The best written account I have ever heard
An absolutely wonderful memoir (report?). I too was drafted for Vietnam in the spring of 1968. However I did not go because of an undiagnosed heart condition which surprised the hell out of me; which I still have but has not killed me yet.
I had a friend who flew gunships for the Marines came home and taught flight for life pilots. Frank (not his real name) didn’t learn what Mark finally did and sadly passed away several years ago. He was a loving but sometimes difficult husband to his wife but a great friend and we all miss him.
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- Doc2000
- 01-21-22
Mr Garrison, Thank You for sharing your story!
Outstanding book that anyone can follow along with as the saying goes What comes from the heart goes to the heart ". Mark Garrisons story really hits you and this book truly conveys the perspective of a US Army Aviator & Young officer dealing with the ups and downs of serving in the Army and the camaraderie and loyalty that is formed between brothers in arms that veterans like myself cherish. Mr Garrison thank you for showing us a few chapters of your life. T.N
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- Sidney
- 01-18-16
Brought back memories
Where does Guts 'N Gunships rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It is one of the best books of this type I have listened to.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Guts 'N Gunships?
The time when his ship was almost destroyed on mission
What about Eric Martin’s performance did you like?
Eric is without a doubt a master narrator. His voice was always clear and understandable. He put real feeling into those moments when fear and panic had to have been driving emotions though the roof.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
My unbelievable year
Any additional comments?
I was given this book in expectation of a review. I was skeptical at first because memoirs are normally dull and dry. I found that this book brought back memories of my own military active duty during the Vietnam era. Though I was not in the Army I did serve during the same time frame.
I found the book to be extremely well written and the time line well laid out. It expressed the fears and the anxieties of men who go in harms ways. It also captured the ways men deal with them to maintain their sanity.
There was a "gallows humor" that pervaded the whole adventure. And unless one has experienced the 1960s in their awesome highs and lows they would not understand the way the military was treated in light of today.
As I listened to this book I could fully relate the Mark's fears and his coping. It brought light to an aspect of the war that I personally had not experienced and brought me to a better appreciation for their sacrifices and pain.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Randall Parker
- 05-30-17
A regular guy tells danger-filled story well
So much war history is told by academics or policy makers who weren't at any risk. They have an axe to grind and an agenda. Mark Garrison was just a draftee who couldn't afford to stay in college. He flew hundreds of missions in Vietnam and amazingly didn't get shot even though his helicopter was shot up many times.
Garrison also managed to put himself at risk many times off the battlefield with such antics as falling asleep in a whore house (at night VC would hunt for GIs in Pleiku) and throwing a baseball in a very large swarm of bees.
A good story and gives a sense of how soldiers saw the war in Vietnam.
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