“The gripping combat memoir of a highly decorated American helicopter pilot’s Vietnam service. Accounts of the Vietnam War often relegate the stories of U.S. soldiers to the periphery and concentrate instead on political discourse. This may be understandable in light of the ambivalence with which most Americans viewed the conflict, but it has resulted in a somewhat sterile and Olympian history of the events. Alexander, a helicopter pilot repeatedly decorated for valor in Vietnam, desanitizes discussion about the war by sharing his candid memories of the jungle-carpeted battlefield . . . . A rousing tale, full of sharp details and told in the harsh language of soldiers baptized in fire.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Combat-heavy . . . . [Alexander and Sasser] succeed quite well in evoking the Vietnam War from the point of view of a helicopter pilot who served bravely and with distinction.”
— Publishers Weekly
“The reader shares Alexander’s own amazement as the lackadaisical recruit is transformed into a highly skilled and thoroughly professional combat officer. . .. An honest and exciting narrative of the stress of war.”
—Library Journal
“Taking Fire is filled, page by page, chapter upon chapter, with vivid illustrations of combat. . . . He makes us feel like we are flying in the seat next to him. He takes us with him on some of his most dangerous missions. Whether he’s flying combat missions, lying in his bunk, or drinking beer with his crew, our hero is quick to offer his opinions on the war and share his emotions with the reader. This is, without a doubt, an honest and sincere account of a chopper pilot’s tour of duty in Vietnam. If you like action, you will like this book.”
— The Roanoke Times
MORE. . .
“With wry humor and gut-knotting, [Alexander] recounts his experiences in one of the fiercest theaters of the war One of the best accounts of that war in print The writing is taut, terse and rocks like a roller coaster. Taking Fire is that rare book that you have to put down once in a while just to catch your breath.”
—The Flint Journal