Triumphant Warrior: The Legend of the Navy's Most Daring Helicopter Pilot
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Triumphant Warrior: The Legend of the Navy's Most Daring Helicopter Pilot

Triumphant Warrior: The Legend of the Navy's Most Daring Helicopter Pilot

By
Peter Shay (Author)  

Hardback

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Inherent in "A Navy Flyer's Creed" is the power of inspiration: "My country built the best airplane in the world and entrusted it to me. They trained me to fly it. I will use it to the absolute limit of my power. With my fellow pilots, aircrew and deck crews, my plane and I will do anything necessary to carry out our tremendous responsibilities. When the going is fast and rough, I will not falter. I will be uncompromising in every blow I strike. I will be humble in victory. I am a United States Navy Flyer." In Vietnam, barely a month after the start of the Tet Offensive in 1968, one such proud United States Navy flyer applied the fundamental but sometimes forgotten maxims expressed in this creed. And he dared to risk not only his naval career, but the lives of his fellow aircrewmen in rescuing a wounded U.S. Army advisor whose time had nearly run out and whose loss of blood meant that he was only moments away from certain battlefield death. The pilot, Lieutenant Commander Allen E. "Wes" Weseleskey, had been assigned to the Navy's Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, the "Seawolves" at the Vinh Long Army Airfield. His controversial mission took place on March 9, 1968 on the outskirts of Sadec, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Two ARVN companies were being overwhelmed and despite coming under heavy fire, Weseleskey decided to go in and rescue as many survivors as possible. The accompanying Seawolf is forced to turn back after taking hits, but Weseleskey with the agreement of his crew persisted in the attempt, flying so low under the treeline that the VC rocket launchers were unable to reach it. On reaching base, it was observed that the overladen helicopter "looked like it had been used as a battering ram." Allen Weseleskey was awarded the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Cross during his service. This is his story, from early assignments, clashes with superior officers, missions and rescues during the Tet Offensive, to homecoming. It is the story of a quintessential flyer, an American hero who was prepared to speak his mind and take risks. It also encapsulates the vital role of the Seawolves in the Vietnam War. 40-50 images
Peter Shay is a retired US Navy pilot. He flew UH-1B Huey gunships as a first tour pilot, assigned to the same Vietnam-based Navy Seawolf squadron as Allen Weseleskey. Subsequently he has put his experience to good use, conducting six Vietnam-era oral histories on behalf of the Naval Historical Center, as well as having interviewed more than 50 witnesses for this biography of a former squadron mate. He has served as commander of the Naval Aviation Commandery in New York for five years, and is currently a member of Seawolf Association, Game Warden Association, American Legion, New York Council of the Navy League, and NYC Veterans Alliance.
  • Contributor: Peter Shay
  • Imprint: Casemate Publishers
  • ISBN13: 9781612007632
  • Number of Pages: 240
  • Packaged Dimensions: 152x228mm
  • Format: Hardback
  • Publisher: Casemate Publishers
  • Release Date: 2019-07-11
  • Binding: Hardback
  • Biography: Peter Shay is a retired US Navy pilot. He flew UH-1B Huey gunships as a first tour pilot, assigned to the same Vietnam-based Navy Seawolf squadron as Allen Weseleskey. Subsequently he has put his experience to good use, conducting six Vietnam-era oral histories on behalf of the Naval Historical Center, as well as having interviewed more than 50 witnesses for this biography of a former squadron mate. He has served as commander of the Naval Aviation Commandery in New York for five years, and is currently a member of Seawolf Association, Game Warden Association, American Legion, New York Council of the Navy League, and NYC Veterans Alliance.

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