Book Description

Though the pain and ugliness of war are not moderated, Crew Chief offers a refreshingly positive view of the competent and reliable soldier seldom presented in books and movies about the Vietnam experience. Mac, like many men, loses his innocence, but not his self- respect. The reader will gain a better understanding of the husband, son, brother or friend who served in a combat unit in Vietnam. McLeod reveals the daily life of the helicopter crew, highlighted with personality conflicts, pranks, humor, and frustrations. You share the terrifying moments under fire; the horrible, mangled bodies of the dead, dying and wounded; the brutalities and charms of the Vietnamese people, and, the camaraderie and tension of men who know every moment could be their last. On call at all times, with precious few hours of sleep, stolen between emergency calls and mortar barrages, Jim MacLaughlin tries to keep the pieces together. Responsible for the maintenance of his Huey helicopter, the crew chief's thoroughness, or lack of it, determines the life or death of the crew, cargo and passengers. Crew Chief is a well-told account with 24 photos, based on the author's personal experiences and those of men he knew.