Pop a Smoke: Memoir of a Marine Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the Sikorski H-34 was an older helicopter with severe limitations for combat duty, but it could still take significant damage and keep flying. Lieutenant Rick Gehweiler's memoir recounts his harrowing and at times deadly flight missions, including anecdotes of tragedy and humor from his 13-month tour through Da Nang and Phu Bai.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

By 1969, the Sikorski H-34 helicopter had reached the end of its service life and was no longer suitable for combat duty in Vietnam. However, for pilots like U.S. Marine Lieutenant Rick Gehweiler, there was a silver lining. Despite its age and numerous limitations, the H-34 could still withstand significant damage and continue to fly. Gehweiler's memoir is a captivating account of his harrowing and often perilous flight missions, as experienced firsthand in the cockpit. The book also includes anecdotes of tragedy and humor from his 13-month tour of duty in Da Nang and Phu Bai.

The H-34 was a relic of the Cold War era, with a design that dated back to the 1950s. It was slow, cumbersome, and lacked the modern avionics and weapons systems that were essential for combat in Vietnam. However, Gehweiler and his fellow pilots were determined to make the most of the aircraft they had been given.

One of the most memorable incidents in Gehweiler's memoir occurred during a night flight over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The helicopter was hit by enemy fire, and Gehweiler and his crew were forced to make an emergency landing in a rice paddy. Despite the damage to the aircraft, they were able to escape and continue their mission.

Another harrowing experience occurred when Gehweiler and his crew were tasked with transporting supplies to a remote outpost. The mission was dangerous, as the helicopter was constantly under fire from enemy ground troops and anti-aircraft artillery. Gehweiler recalls the fear and adrenaline that he and his crew felt as they flew through the hail of bullets and explosions.

Despite the dangers of their job, Gehweiler and his fellow pilots maintained a sense of humor and camaraderie. They joked and traded stories about their experiences in the cockpit, and they relied on each other to survive. Gehweiler's memoir is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men who served in Vietnam, and it provides a glimpse into the lives of the pilots who risked their lives to protect their country.

In conclusion, the Sikorski H-34 was an outdated helicopter with severe limitations for combat duty in Vietnam. However, for pilots like Rick Gehweiler, it was a lifeline. His memoir is a captivating account of his harrowing and often deadly flight missions, as experienced in the cockpit. The book also includes anecdotes of tragedy and humor from his 13-month tour of duty in Da Nang and Phu Bai. Gehweiler's memoir is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the men who served in Vietnam, and it provides a valuable insight into the challenges and sacrifices that they faced.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688640