Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

The Vietnam War was a brutal and bloody conflict that claimed the lives of over 58,000 American soldiers. In the midst of the fighting, a group of elite airmen known as Pararescuemen (PJs) risked their own lives to rescue downed pilots and stranded troops from behind enemy lines. Their daring missions, often carried out under intense fire, became legendary.

Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

by George J. Marrett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8122 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Birth of the Pararescuemen

The PJs were born out of necessity. In the early days of the Vietnam War, American pilots were often shot down over enemy territory. The Air Force lacked the means to rescue them, and many were left to die or be captured. In 1966, the Air Force created the Pararescue School to train a new breed of airman who could perform these dangerous missions.

The PJs were handpicked for their exceptional physical and mental abilities. They underwent rigorous training in parachuting, SCUBA diving, medical care, and combat survival. They were also trained to operate in any environment, from dense jungles to open water.

The Combat Rescues

The PJs' first combat rescues took place in 1967. They quickly proved their worth, rescuing downed pilots from deep within enemy territory. The PJs often worked in conjunction with other special operations forces, such as the Navy SEALs and the Army Green Berets.

One of the most famous combat rescues of the Vietnam War took place in 1968. A U.S. Air Force pilot named Captain James E. Robinson was shot down over North Vietnam. He was captured by the North Vietnamese and held as a prisoner of war for seven years.

In 1973, a team of PJs led by Lieutenant Colonel James H. Kasler was tasked with rescuing Robinson. The mission was incredibly risky, as Robinson was being held in a heavily guarded prison camp. The PJs planned the mission meticulously, and they carried it out with precision.

On March 14, 1973, the PJs infiltrated the prison camp and rescued Robinson. The mission was a complete success, and Robinson was returned safely to the United States.

The Sacrifice of the PJs

The PJs paid a heavy price for their heroism. Over 100 PJs were killed in action during the Vietnam War. Many others were wounded or captured. The PJs were some of the most highly decorated units in the U.S. military.

The story of the PJs is a story of courage, sacrifice, and heroism. They were a band of brothers who risked their lives to save others. Their legacy will live on forever.

Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos is a gripping and inspiring account of the daring missions carried out by the U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen during the Vietnam War. The book is filled with firsthand accounts from the PJs themselves, as well as from the pilots and soldiers they rescued. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Vietnam War or the history of special operations forces.

Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

by George J. Marrett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8122 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE