Coming All the Way Home - by Fred McCarthy (Paperback)

About the Book

"In 1968, twenty-one-year-old Fred McCarthy transitioned from the monastic life of a seminary student to that of a US Army helicopter gunship commander in Vietnam. Despite preparation from a family tradition of decorated combat service, a strong sense of patriotism, a love for aviation, and a desire for adventure, he got far more than he bargained for. Written after 50 years of reflection, reading, and study, this memoir tells both a universal story about war, adventure, and perseverance and, also shares the intensely personal experience of the Vietnam War and its legacy for those who fought in it. McCarthy describes many of his missions, reflects on the nature of being a combat helicopter pilot, and processes the experience through his poetry, letters home, and reflective analysis"--

Book Synopsis

In 1968, twenty-one-year-old Fred McCarthy transitioned from the monastic life of a seminary student to that of a U.S. Army helicopter gunship commander in Vietnam. Despite preparation from a family tradition of decorated combat service, a strong sense of patriotism, a love for aviation, and a desire for adventure, he got far more than he bargained for.

Written after 50 years of reflection, reading, and study, this memoir tells both a universal story about war, adventure, and perseverance and, also shares the intensely personal experience of the Vietnam War and its legacy for those who fought in it. McCarthy describes many of his missions, reflects on the nature of being a combat helicopter pilot, and processes the experience through his poetry, letters home, and reflective analysis.

Review Quotes

"A superb memoir"-VVA Veteran

"Fred McCarthy's account of his experience as a young helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War provides amazing detail before Vietnam, during, and after...the book portrays what life was like in combat but also describes happier times such as providing support to the local orphanage."-Bart Kent, Viking 22, 121st AHC-Soc Trang, RVN-1967-68

"Had me glued to the screen--outstanding! Scary. I felt as if I was maybe on the verge of getting shot down right along with you."-Bob Bogash, Iconic Aircraft Preservation Specialist for the Seattle Museum of Flight, retired Boeing engineer

"It was so good to see an in-depth analysis of the war from the point of view of a participant. During the war we seemed to forget about or ignore the dedication of our soldiers."-Dave Sonnichsen, newspaper CFO and board member

"The Vikings were good because we had good people both enlisted and officers. They were, as you noted, carefully selected from those who had already proved themselves in the 121st."-Rev. Jerry Daly, Viking 26, highly decorated multi-tour Vietnam helicopter pilot

About the Author

Fred McCarthy served with the U.S. Army's 121st Assault Helicopter Company at Soc Trang, as a warrant officer and helicopter pilot of slicks (Tigers) and gunships (Vikings). He later became a kindergarten teacher, private school principal, public school superintendent, small city mayor, college adjunct professor, director for development to the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center, and the author of two books. He lives in western Washington.