
RAAF 9 Squadron Iroquois ‘Huey’ Helicopter Pilot
Answering the Call Life of a Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam and Beyond by B.Grandin
Answering the Call Life of a Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam and Beyond by B.Grandin
In 1966, Bob Grandin was a RAAF helicopter pilot stationed in Vietnam. He flew the sky icon of the Vietnam War the famous Bell UH-1 Iroquois (nicknamed "Huey"). This book was primarily researched from Bob's logbook that he kept while flying out of Nui Dat and Vung Tau during the Vietnam War. The book is a true insight into the life and times of a Vietnam War Huey Pilot – the dangers, the challenges and the mundaneness.
On 18 August 1966 he was co-pilot on a 9 Squadron RAAF Iroquois ‘Huey’ helicopter that flew over the enemy to resupply desperate solders of D Company 6 RAR engaged below fighting for their lives in the Long Tan rubber. Enduring extremely poor weather conditions and enemy fire the critical role played by Bob and 9 Squadron in the Battle of Long Tan contributed to the success of this battle - now depicted in the Australian Vietnam War movie Danger Close.
The narrative of his war experiences are interwoven with stories of his life after Vietnam, revealing the difficulties hefaced back home, the impact of the war on his psyche and relationships, and his struggles with PTSD.