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  • To the Limit

  • An Air Cav Huey Pilot in Vietnam
  • By: Tom A. Johnson
  • Narrated by: David Drummond
  • Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (326 ratings)
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To the Limit cover art

To the Limit

By: Tom A. Johnson
Narrated by: David Drummond
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Summary

From June 1967 to June 1968, Tom Johnson accumulated an astonishing 1,600 flying hours piloting the UH-1 "Iroquois" - better known as the "Huey" - as part of the famous First Air Cavalry Division. His battalion was one of the most decorated units of the Vietnam War, and helped redefine modern warfare. 

Johnson's riveting memoir takes us into key battles and rescue missions, including those for Hue and Khe Sanh. In harrowing detail, he tells of being shot down in the battle of A Shau Valley, of surviving enemy attacks during the Tet Offensive, and of a death-defying nighttime river rescue, in which only the bare feet of soldiers hanging off the Huey's skids kept the helicopter from plunging under water. From dangerous missions to narrow escapes, Johnson's memoir vividly captures the adrenaline rush and the horror of war, and takes you on a ride you'll never forget.

©2006 Potomac Books, Inc. (P)2018 Tantor

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best ever Vietnam War Audiobook!

This is probably the best ever account of a year of duty in Vietnam from the perspective of a young Air Cavalry pilot. Once I started listening to this story I was captivated and as each hour progressed it just got better and better. This does not glorify the Vietnam War in any way but simply tells of the experiences of a very naive but extremely brave young man. I found myself at times sitting in my car after a journey as I just wanted to hear more. This is a great story, well written, well narrated and I am sad that it is finished. I have so much respect for the young pilots.

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3 people found this helpful

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Great listen

Very well narrated great action and lots of good detail. Would recommend for anyone interested in the Vietnam war and what the helicopter pilots went through

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2 people found this helpful

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Best and helicopter story I’ve listened to

My brother in law was in the British navy in the seventies, he related the story of a Huey pilot landing one skid on the helicopter pad at the rear of his ship ignoring the officer on deck who was trying to wave him of, the Huey was to large we where flying the wasp helicopters at the time which are much smaller. The crew offloading the cargo he had brought whilst holding the aircraft perfectly still despite the ship being underway in a rolling sea then took back to the air. The British crew were very very impressed, this show them how marvellous the Huey crews really were. Sorry about my long story, narrated wonderfully, excellent story, very brave men.

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Outstanding

I thought Chicken Hawk was the best helo book of 'Nam. I feel like I can fly a Huey now.

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Well worth a credit

Good book and story became more interesting as the book went on. Recommend to fellow war book veterans who enjoy first hand accounts.

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amazing experiences, incredible bravery

loved it!
such bravery and skill.
amazing descriptions that are so vivid you can feel then

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10/10

Great audiobook couldn't stop listening from start to finish. highly recommended if you are into war stories

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Moving story brilliantly told

Great story, full of detail and drama. Thoroughly recommend to anyone interested in men in war, helicopters and the history of Vietnam

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Quite good but not up to Chickenhawk

There’s no doubting the bravery of helicopter pilots and crew who flew during the Vietnam War and this book does them justice. It’s a long time since I read Chickenhawk but my memory tells me that it was better - but don’t let that put you off this book.
However, no credit is given to the brave men and women who fought against the American ‘invasion’ and no acknowledgement of the wrongness of pretty much everything the USA did in Vietnam.

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Sweat & grind

This was a great listen. It really engaged and took me to the battlefield, the accommodation and the peripherals of war. The narrators voice was a bit expressionless at times though. Listening over Christmas helped me remain grateful for all the privileges I enjoy as a result of others sacrifice.

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