There We Were... This Is No Bull

The 117th Assault Helicopter Company (like so many helicopter units) holds a distinct and powerful place in the memories of Vietnam veterans who served in it. From its formation and deployment, the 117th became a critical element of the U.S. Army’s air mobility strategy. The unit’s crews flew into the heart of danger, day after day, to move troops, extract the wounded, and provide life-saving support during some of the war’s most intense operations.But this company was more than a military unit. It was a lifeline. A symbol of grit, resilience, and brotherhood. For those of us who flew in and with the 117th, the helicopter wasn’t just a machine—it was our shield, our sword, and often the thin line between life and death.What you will find here is raw and unfiltered. This book is not just our story; it is a tribute to the courage, humor, and insanity that bound us together as helicopter crews. It is about flying into hell, laughing through fear, the sometimes-sick humor, and trusting your brothers with your life. Contributions from Keith Alleger add depth and perspective to these events, painting a fuller picture of what it meant to serve with the 117th.This memoir honors the men who flew and fought, those who came home, and those who did not. It speaks to the bonds that don’t break, even after decades. We were often accused by the guys on the ground of being “effin crazy,” and truth be told, if charged, a jury would have agreed, and we would have been convicted of the charge. But we showed up. We flew missions. We got the job done.We flew hard and partied a lot harder. We knew the danger and accepted the possibility of us getting killed, while at the same time thinking it would not be us but the other poor bastard who would be the one to “buy the farm.”We hope you also enjoy it and get an insight into the missions, thoughts, and feelings generated during our experiences. Of the thousands of Vietnam helicopter pilots and their stories, we are but a small part of a war experienced when so many of us were twenty years old. Read more