19 Minutes to Live

Helicopter Combat in Vietnam

By: Lew Jennings

Narrated by: David Colacci

Over 12,000 helicopters were used in the Vietnam War, which is why it became known as "The Helicopter War". Almost half of the helicopters, 5,086, were lost. Helicopter pilots and crews accounted for nearly 10 percent of all the US casualties suffered in Vietnam, with nearly 5,000 killed and an untold number of wounded. Lew Jennings flew over 700 Air Cavalry Cobra Gunship Helicopter missions and received three Distinguished Flying Crosses for Valor.

This memoir describes first-hand the harrowing experiences of helicopter pilots and crews in combat operations, from the far South to the DMZ, including the infamous Ashau Valley, Hamburger Hill, LZ Airborne, and others. 19 Minutes to Live illustrates the incredible courage and determination of helicopter pilots and crews supporting those heroes that carried a rucksack and a rifle in Vietnam.

©2017 Lew Jennings (P)2018 Tantor

Fantastic listen.

I found myself sitting in my driveway long after I got home to finish a chapter. Great story.

Action packed story

As a helicopter pilot who also served in A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, I particularly loved all the detailed stories of their engagements in Vietnam. I also fondly enjoyed stories of the author's flight school experiences. Not too long after beginning this Audible book, it was one I couldn't "put down".

Great Book about Air Cav Cobra Pilots

I have read a lot books about helicopters in Vietnam. This one is the best in regards to what it was like for a Cobra Attack Helicopter Pilot. Really good. I grew up hearing stories from my Dad who was a Air Cav Infantry Platoon Sergeant (Combat Grunt) in Vietnam. He always talked about Huey Gunships and Cobras and they literally were the only thing that kept them from being overrun many times. He would say soon as they showed up the shooting would stop as the enemy wanted nothing to do with a Cobra Gunship. Amazing read and highly recommended! Thanks to all the Vietnam Vets and there Sacrifice!

Excellent Book

Very good story, very well written. perfectly read by the narrator. I really enjoyed every aspect of this audiobook. highly recommended

well done

An excellent account of combat helicopter action in Viet nam. The author does an amazing job of teaching and storytelling.

Enjoyed the book

I think the book was great. It had plenty of detail and facts. I am only a fixed wing pilot but I could relate to and understand his flying. Lots of combat details.

great book

loved it very good told a great many stories of his experiences in Vietnam. very good

Great story

The story kept me engaged and listening through the entire book. Had a hard time hitting pause.

Been there done that!

Did two tours in the late 60’ as a Crew Chief/Door gunner. This audible book has put me right back there in a mostly good way. I enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.

Gripping, humorous, and Lively

Very glad this book is included with the audible subscription. I would have paid for it.

I’ve listened to Chickenhawk and this book, and came to enjoy this book much more. It’s significantly less dedicated to the pilot lifestyle in Vietnam and is much more centered around combat experiences; and includes other viewpoints in combat from other soldiers.

The author is able to remove fluff from the book and still keep it humorous, while not taking away from the gravity of the war. He’s able to summarize events, organization, and history for the reader in easy to understand terms. Well worth the read.