Taking Fire

The True Story of a Decorated Chopper Pilot

By: Ron Alexander, Charles W. Sasser

Narrated by: Corey M. Snow

Nicknamed "Mini-Man" for his diminutive stature, a mere five-foot-three and 125 pounds in his flight boots, chopper pilot Ron Alexander proved to be a giant in the eyes of the men he rescued from the jungles and paddies of Vietnam. With an unswerving concern for every American soldier trapped by enemy fire, and a fearlessness that became legendary, Ron Alexander earned enough official praise to become the second most decorated helicopter pilot of the Vietnam era. Yet, for Ron, the real reward came from plucking his fellow soldiers from harm's way, giving them another chance to get home alive.

In Taking Fire, Alexander and acclaimed military writer Charles Sasser transport you right into the cramped cockpit of a Huey on patrol, offering a bird's eye view of the Vietnam conflict. Packed with riveting action and gritty "you-are-there" dialogue, this outstanding book celebrates the everyday heroism of the chopper pilots of Vietnam.

©2001 Ron Alexander and Charles W. Sasser (P)2018 Tantor

Mini Man can

A must read about the shortest and toughest pilot in the Vietnam war.
Over 40 medals and a great story was his from that conflict.
His humor is irresistible.

Another great Vietnam story!

It's amazing how many great helicopter pilots have written their stories. Each one is just as good as the others, and I end up finishing them and thinking it might have been my favorite. This one won't dissapoint.

Great synopsis Lived it with him. He did his job an deserves respect from all Americans.

Great story
Best real experience. All should read this man’s experience. He did what some avoided

wonderful

have enjoyed more audio books of Vietnam than I could ever have imagined. thank u

Excellent

Another great example of what honor and courage is all about. Deeply humbled by this man’s extraordinary achievements in his life.

Entertaining and informative

Good read, good story and entertaining. Would not call it deep, but very enjoyable. This is not a war book that makes you sweat.

Great no holds

excellent narrator,great story worthy of chicken hawk detailed accounts of the Honor,brave and horrible realities of war.

I asked and it was received

So I am the type of reader that likes to find a subject aisle and then I'll just walk up and down scanning the shelves. I had a mispent few months in Alexander’s hometown of Hagerstown, which interesting has a wonderful public library. This book was simply a random find, and when you go in blind Ron Alexander's story is a tribute to the bravery of all chopper pilots who fought. The authors do a good job of keeping the reader focused on what's going on in the book. When listening Alexanders commands and the characters feed back a naration makes it feel like that you've got a door gunner in the back seat. Would recommend read blind, listen on the go.

The Real Deal

The true story of Ron Alexander, from Viet Nam evader to hero as Mini Man, is a gritty telling of the war and our society in the 60's. My own father was a Huey gun ship pilot in that war, serving on 2 tours. Alexander's stories mirror those of my father, who also retired as LtCol, albeit in the USMC, not Army. A great listen.

good

the narration was rather good. enjoyed how into how different things were for cavalry pilots compared to grunts or jet pilots