Riveting. A type of air warfare I was unfamiliar with

books:

	• Low Level Hell Hugh L. Mills Presidio Press, 2000 - 336 pages average customer review:based on 40 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Riveting. A type of air warfare I was unfamiliar with

The story of a LOACH pilot who is part of the hunter (LOACH) killer (Cobra) team of the 1/4 Cav (1st Infantry Div).

I bought this book because I was stationed with an Army helicopter battalion at the same Phu Loi base as Hugh, but in 1967, and was familiar with the 1/4 Cav and the TAOR they served in. In 1967, however, LOACHes and Cobra's were just arriving and our (11th Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade) assault helicopter units were all built around slick platoons (flying UH-1Cs and Ds) and gun platoons (flying UH-1Bs). The slicks inserted and recovered the infantry, while the gunships prepared the LZ's and supported the infantry while they were on the ground.

Hugh's war was more like an aerial LRRP activity. The LOACHes went out scouring the AO for signs of enemy activity, and then called in the accompanying Cobras (or the aerial infantry platoons of the the 1/4 Cav) to attack them. They also used their own miniguns and crewchief's M-60 to start the job. The LOACH crews view of the war was much closer to an infantryman's.

I particularly liked that the book had a map of the TAOR with all the important bases and Infantry division TAORs shown, so that you could refer back to it to be sure you understood where the action described was taking place.

This is a well-written book about one facet of US tactics in the Vietnam war. Late in the book, the author comes to the realization that many other authors describing their experiences express( and which I came to beyond the mid-point of my tour) that, although they have some effective tactics, and take justifiable pride in their efforts, they can't see any strategic plan. Absent one, all that lies before them is an unending expenditure of men and materiel with no assurance that it will accomplish any meaningful good.

Buy this book; it won't disappoint.

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Important history well told.

Very, very good book. Gave me a good idea as to what my father might have went through as a scout pilot flying the OH-6 with the 2/11th A.C.R. Blackhorse in Vietnam.

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Captivating!

I recently read Low Level Hell, and I want to say it was one of the best books I've ever read!! Hugh does a great job of captivating the reader from the first chapter to the very end. Every chapter has you on the edge of your seat, taking you through the drama of fighting in Vietnam. I honestly felt as if I was flying with him! At times I was howling in laughter and others crying at the loss of fellow officers. Hugh's last chapter sent chills down my spine. I honestly cannot think of a better read on one man's experience in Vietnam. Great job Hugh!

Angie Chirnside

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A truly great read

I have read many books on combat in Vietnam, but not one compares to Low Level Hell. Hugh Mills writes much like he talks -- with a rare combination of wit and wisdom that makes you want to say "tell me more!" I eagerly await his next book.

As True As It Gets....

I was a Crew Chief on an OH-6A and sat behind my pilot each and every time the aircraft left the ground. We flew many a mission for Captain Mills and you will not find a truer account of the life of an Aero Scout Pilot and his Crew Chief as you will in his book Low Level Hell. He was there, we were there, and when you read the book YOU will be there! An excellent account of what we went through in Vietnam.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Mills has captured the realities of a select group of aviators who shot craps with death on every mission.--R.S. Maxham, Director of the U.S. Army Aviation Museum

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