Cheating Death: Combat Air Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

I flew in the same squadron and on the same ship as one of the Navy pilots George and his fellow warriors risked their lives to rescue. It happened on our first day of combat in 1968 and we were all overwhelmed by seeing their dedication to getting him out over three long days. It was like a bad dream. Now, 37 years later, I get to read a gripping, first-person account of this rescue mission and others like it. I am awed and humbled by reading this book. This is the "real deal" folks! No laser-guided, standoff weapons here. Be warned, you will lose sleep for a few nights as you turn these pages well past the time normal people go to bed.

While I was aware that the A-1 Skyraider participated in rescues of downed pilots, I had never read of the use of the A-1 indepth until I read "Cheating Death". Since the A-1 was an old, piston-engine aircraft, it is often overlooked, especially when compared to the F-4, F-105 and B-52 and other jets. George Marrett gives long overdue recognition to the crucial role played by the A-1 and the rescue forces in what is often an overlooked, yet important, role during the Vietnam War.

For a generation of airmen--and perhaps for other warriors--writing about their time in SE Asia has proven cathartic. I've been involved in two such memoirs ("On Yankee Station" and "Wildcats to Tomcats") and in each case the experience was rewarding and fulfilling. George Marrett's memoir clearly has helped him address the demons of three decades, as he writes with honesty and clarity about his year flying A-1 "Sandys". Ed Heinemann, the fabled designer of the Skyraider, would appreciate "Cheating Death" in a special way. He retained an affection for the "Spad" that would seem odd to those familiar with his racier designs: especially the F4D Skyray and A-4 Skyhawk. "Cheating Death" is a well deserved tribute to the men and machines who flew one of the least heralded--but most deeply appreciated--missions in the Vietnam War.

Cheating Death is informative edge-of-your-seat reading. It will stir the emotions of those of us who remember the Vietnam War era. The book is also written in a style that will appeal to people from all walks of life. The historical and geographical discussions prepare the reader for the author's vivid first-hand accounts of his experiences of flying his A-1 Skyraider inrescue and bombing missions over Laos during the Vietnam conflict. The book also serves as a touching memorial to the author's fellow pilots (and friends ...many he flew "wing-to-wing" with) who were lost or captured in the line of duty during the "secret war" in Laos. This book is a history lessontaught on a personal level. Great book!!

This is an outstanding war narrative from a guy who lived it. A "fast pants" jet test pilot, the author received orders to Southeast Asia to fly old propellor driven A-1s. Reporting to his squadron at Udorn, Thailand, he spent a year in combat flying everything from close air support for indigenous forces in Laos to hair-raising rescue missions for downed aircrews along the ever dangerous Ho Chi Minh Trail.His narratives of the rescue missions are the core of his story and are absolutely rivetting. Written in the first person narrative style, he takes the readers into the cockpit and helps them to literally feel the "sting" of battle. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anybody who has any interest in combat rescue. The lessons that he teaches are still applicable today. I put it on a par with "Stuka Pilot" by Hans Rudel.