The Greatest Respect

This book tells the story of a group of exceptional young men in a controversial war. This book is a collection of stories told by young men who served in the U. S. Army's first Special Operations Helicopter Company that saw action in the Vietnam war. The environment and combat they experienced were new to them and their leaders, schooled in conventional warfare. Their war was proof that Old men start wars and Young men fight them, and this war was no different. This war was known as the Helicopter War in that troop transport provided logistical support by helicopters. To fly and maintain sophisticated helicopters, the U. S. Army recruited young men, some just out of high school, and trained them to fly and maintain the helicopter. Flying a helicopter from one point to another is relatively easy. Add to the mix a dense jungle environment, unpredictable weather, an enemy that owned most of the ground, young men right out of training, and the simple task becomes almost impossible. Yet the young men of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, known as Intruders, flying under the banner of "Hell from Above," did it with great success!