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Larry A. Freeland
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Chariots in the Sky: A Story About U.S. Army Assault Helicopter Pilots at War in Vietnam Kindle Edition

by Larry A. Freeland (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 647 ratings
See all formats and editions
Lam Son 719. The final major offensive operation of the Vietnam War.
Sixty days.
750 helicopters.
Who wants to be the last man killed in Vietnam?

Take a harrowing ride with dedicated combat helicopter pilot Captain Taylor St. James and his aircrew. Follow the Eagles, a Huey assault company with the 101st Airborne Division, through A Shau Valley, Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Hue, DMZ, North Vietnam and Laos. Experience combat missions in the air, and rocket attacks and sapper in the wire on the ground.
But the North Vietnamese aren’t the only enemy. Endure an intense Army commander more interested in personal glory than the safety of his men. Add mechanical problems, bad weather, and human error--a recipe for disaster for Captain St. James and his men. This is their story.

Chariots in the Sky is a must-read for readers who enjoy ...
  • Nonstop action, suspense, thrillers, and war movies
  • Understanding the experiences of pilots and aircrews during the Vietnam War.
  • Learning about America’s military aviation history and battles
  • Books like We Were Soldiers Once and Young by Harold G. Moore and Band Of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose, and series books by Lee Child and Jack Carr
Available in Kindle and paperback.

More about Lam Son 719
This historical campaign occurred in February and March 1971 and involved the 101st Airborne Division-- an entire fleet of 750 helicopters flying in and out of Laos--supporting South Vietnamese forces. More helicopters were shot down in battle and sustained damage than any other period during the Vietnam War, making it the costliest period of helicopter warfare in history to date.

Behind the Book
This book is not a nonfiction war biography or a military memoir. Few books have been written about helicopter warfare as historical fiction. The book is authored by Larry Freeland, a Vietnam War veteran, who wanted to reflect the many experiences and stories from his personal history and that of his fellow aircrew and soldiers.

In Praise for Chariots in the Sky

"A worthwhile peek into the horrors of war.” — Kirkus Reviews

"There are more than enough harrowing flying scenes and firefights on the ground that will keep readers of this genre interested." — The VHPA Aviator, May/June 2021

"A nicely written, exciting book. [The author] replays the feeling of time and place extremely well. Well worth reading. — HELICOPTER LIFE, Spring 2021

"This fast-paced experience of war comes to life through the eyes and exploits of an Army assault helicopter pilot. This is a dramatic and exciting story that puts you right in the middle of the action." —LCDR B. Hood, USNR

"A great book about men who control their fears and fly into action knowing they need to be prepared to handle whatever happens." — Bill McCloud, Reviewer for Vietnam Veterans of America.

"An eye-opening look into the world of American helicopter aircrews at war in Vietnam. — Ray Brown

"I was transported to Vietnam during the end of the war through this book. The bravery and fear of the helicopter pilots constantly facing death was palpable. I highly recommend reading the book!" — Kathy Cretney"

"Written in such a way that you could be forgiven for thinking this is non-fiction. .. It really felt like I was there with the characters." — Louise Gray

"Right up there with some of the best. I loved the book! [It] really held my attention and let me visualize all of the various scenes as they unfolded." — Tony Mancini

"The author places readers in the assault helicopter as the horrific insanity of war rages. A good book to read." — Powell Ennis

"This is a good read for those interested in aviation’s contribution to the war effort in Southeast Asia." — Tom Lokey, Major, USAF, Retired

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  1. Print length
    344 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    September 28, 2021
  5. File size
    621 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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From the Publisher

war history vietnam world american military air battle man life army fiction aircraft aviation

Lam Son 719. The final major offensive operation of the Vietnam War.

Take a harrowing ride with combat Huey helicopter pilot Captain Taylor St. James and his aircrew. Follow the Eagles, a company with the 101st Airborne Division, through A Shau Valley, Khe Sanh, Quang Tri Province, Hue, DMZ, North Vietnam and Laos. Experience combat missions in the air, and rocket attacks, and sappers in the wire on the ground. But the North Vietnamese aren’t the only enemy. Endure an intense Army commander more interested in personal glory than the safety of his men. Add mechanical problems, bad weather, and human error--a recipe for disaster for Captain St. James and his men. This is their story.

Praise for Chariots in the Sky

war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story

war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story

war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story

war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story

war history vietnam world american military air battle man life army fiction aircraft aviation
war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story

war history vietnam world american military air battle life army aircraft aviation combat men story
101st Airborne Division, Infantry Officer, CH-47 helicopter pilot

About Larry A. Freeland

Author and U.S. Army Veteran

Larry Freeland was born in Canton, Ohio. After graduating from high school at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, he attended the University of South Florida. In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and served one tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry Officer and a CH-47 helicopter pilot. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star, and various other military service medals.

vietnam war novel saga helicopter book historical saga teen military fiction ebook kindle paperback world war one novel ww1 saga wwi book historical saga teen military fiction ebook kindle paperback world war two novel ww2 saga wwii book historical saga teen military fiction ebook kindle paperback
Chariots in the Sky Legion of Honor Legion of Honor
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
647
4.4 out of 5 stars
64
4.4 out of 5 stars
64
Price $8.99 $8.99 $8.99
More Books By Larry A. Freeland Chariots in the Sky Book One: The Patriarch (A WWI Saga) Book Two: The Air Warrior (An Air War Saga)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bob Laning Publish Authority 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30076

Raeghan Rebstock Publish Authority 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 100 Roswell, GA 30076

Larry Freeland was born in Canton, Ohio and raised across this country. After graduating from college, Larry joined the U.S. Army and served one tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry Officer and a CH-47 helicopter pilot. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Bronze Star Medal, and various other military service medals. Larry is now retired and lives in North Georgia with his wife Linda, a retired teacher. They enjoy traveling together around the country, going on cruises, and visiting historic places in Europe. They are both fans of LeMans racing and drive their Corvette to some of the annual races held in the United States. They stay involved in various activities, most notably those associated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Veterans-related organizations. For more information about the author visit his website atwww.larryfreeland.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HJGTBCC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Publish Authority (September 28, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 621 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1954000057
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 647 ratings

About the author

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Larry A. Freeland

Larry A. Freeland

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Larry A. Freeland graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida in 1968 with BA in Mathematics and a concentration in finance. Larry joined the United States Army and served one tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry Officer and a CH-47 helicopter pilot. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, the Bronze Star Medal and various other military service medals.

Upon release from active duty in 1973, Larry returned to civilian life and pursued a career in the Financial Industry. During his professional career, he continued his education earning MA degrees in Management and Banking. He worked for 29 years in the banking business with Trust Company of Georgia, Citizen and Southern Corporation, now Bank of America, and Wachovia, now Wells Fargo. After retiring from banking, he worked as an independent financial consultant for 3 years in the Atlanta area and then worked as an instructor for 6 years with Lanier Technical College in their Management and Leadership Development Program.

Larry is now retired and lives in North Georgia with his wife Linda, a retired schoolteacher. They enjoy traveling together around the country, going on cruises and visiting historic places in Europe. They stay involved in various activities, most notably those associated with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Veteran related organizations.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
647 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Bill Elston
5.0 out of 5 stars very good book, read and enjoy.
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable book. A great chronology of the authors time in viet nam. It’s a shame, terrible that the country treated these vets as they did. Each person who served as either a draftee or a enlisteeshould have received positive recognition for their service, where ever it was.thank you for your service it’s much appreciated.
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Will
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Vietnam War Novel told from a Helicopter Pilot’s Perspective
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2022
Verified Purchase
I've read several Vietnam War-Era books from the infantry person’s perspective. So, I thought this would be a different viewpoint from a helicopter pilot’s experience.

TJ’s character was realistic, and it was clear Larry (the author) had pulled from personal experience when writing about this character and his adventures. The book was a page-turner and hard to put down. Larry’s writing style is informative and easily understood.

I highly recommend this book! After reading this, you will have a much deeper appreciation for what brave men and women went through to keep our country safe. Tragically, they didn't receive a hero’s welcome when they returned from duty. They were there doing their job and the best they could. They are heroes!
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Good read.
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
Verified Purchase
I was an infantry soldier in 1970 and assigned to an assault helicopter company in Kontum province. The company consisted of slicks
and gunsips to include cobras.
I read everything about VietNam but very seldom read fiction. This is very close to the experience I had.
One person found this helpful
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JZ
5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Chariots in the Sky
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
This was a riveting novel. I found it difficult to put down. Very real account of life as a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam.
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jay duckett
5.0 out of 5 stars The stories you've never heard.
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2023
Verified Purchase
I have always respected the men and women that served in Vietnam. I can't imagine the things they saw and lived through. Very well written and action packed with a lump in my throat in some parts.
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Richard DeMarco
5.0 out of 5 stars Absorbing and Powerful
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a pre-Vietnam and post Korean Marine Reservist, this powerful emotionally account of the Vietnam war was enlightening. As and older and blessed man, i know many Marines that have survived that war. Non of them talk about it. I’ve always know that “war is hell”. This is the first time that I fully appreciated how it was to return home and not be recognized for your service.
It’s hard to believe that our government still believes it can change the world with force.
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Kindle Customer K.A. Uhler. I highly recommend this book and I give it a five star rating.
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a CH47 pilot Mr Freeland really flew a TARGET, vulnerable to RPGs .He was fortunate to come home !!
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A personal story wrapped in a historic novel
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
It is much more interesting when any writer of Historical Novels actually participated in the historical event depicted. Such is the case here. I was in Southeast Asia during this conflict in a much safer environment, as a Captain in the USAF Dental surgical division.
Even that year was a life changing event. But my utmost respect goes to these guys on the front line.
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer rodsster
5.0 out of 5 stars A really good Vietnam novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Has great detail, and a feel of authenticity. A good read.Brings home a feeling of unavoidable loss.I hope he can find more books about Vietnam.
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Roy Szweda
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-wrenching steeped in reality
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2023
Verified Purchase
Although this is a novel the book reads like most of the biographical ones I have read - many c/o Kindle Unlimited. I wont say it was an enjoyable read as it sucked you in to the day to day unmerciful grind of driving the flying war chariot in some of the worst periods of that war. I would recommend anyone who is not au fait with those hellish times to give this a try... before you know you'll have finished it!
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Ermie
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Reading
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2023
Verified Purchase
Highly recommended.....A heart wrenching account of one man's tour of duty in Vietnam. The author places you in the cockpit alongside himself.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A good account
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2023
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this. A personal account of the latter stages of us involvement in the war. Moving, fast paced and a page turner.
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