With its first major use in battle during the Vietnam War, the helicopter ushered in a radically different way of fighting. This book presents the history of the first ever major use of helicopters in battle. It describes the development of the critical airmobile tactics that ultimately changed the way America fights its battles.

In this book the author - an Army veteran of Vietnam - explains the composition, capabilities, equipment and missions of the US Army and Marine Corps helicopter and airmobile units in the Vietnam war - and exactly how they carried out their missions. It centers on the classic airmobile assault mission: how it was planned and prepared; how the troop-carrying "slicks" and their "gunship" escorts and support teams actually operated; and the opposition and hazards that they faced on the LZ. The text is illustrated with wartime photos, organization charts, and color plates showing both the machines and the tactics that where employed.