“Red Bird Down” is a new Novel written by Bruce Carlson about the struggle of being a Scout pilot in Vietnam.  It is not a “War Novel.”  Rather, it is a novel about young men in an unpopular war!!  In the same breath, “Red Bird Publications” is a new publishing endeavor interested in publishing quality work concerning Vietnam and other subjects.  Below are some initial comments from some of the first readers of “Red Bird Down.”
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 “RED BIRD DOWN” is the first novel by Bruce Carlson and is based loosely on his experiences in Vietnam, so states the back cover text. No it is not!  Bruce has not wrought a work of fiction based on his experiences in Vietnam.  Bruce has woven a tale, from a unique point of view, that can be read by any helicopter pilot or crewman.  The "adventure" of the book's protagonist, young Kevin Paul Johnson, the philosophical "Everyman" of that war, is the overall story of all helicopter pilots and crews in that war.  Within these tension filled pages, Bruce has managed to incorporate the experiences of all of us, our unspoken fears, our inner rage, our personal confusion, and our inner strength.  Bruce has told OUR story through his eyes.  He has expresse OUR emotion through the character of young Kevin.
 
Bruce has put the helicopter warrior experience into perspective; historical, personal, emotional, and spiritual.  His conversations with "Pastor Bill" reflect  the dichotomy of the war and the manner by which closest friends can be and were divided by the unshared experience, Kevin in Vietnam and Pastor Bill in the States.
 
Unable to really put it down, except to reflect and evaluate, the book moved me to laughter and to tears, to rememberance of both the glad and the suppressed.  It was a catharsis.  I would recommend its reading to anyone who wishes to understand what it was that drove us, a unique group of people and aviators, to do what had to be done, regardless.  I recommend it to ALL pilots and crewmen, scout, gun, or slick as well as anyone who is interested in the lives of  the boys who served in Vietnam.
 
  Bob Skiba
  Helicopter Pilot, RVN 1967-1968
  117th Assault Helicopter Company
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  Bruce:

You have been off net since I got your book. I loved it.. even though I was a GIB, (“Guy In Back”/Crew Member) I can relate to much of your thoughts and feelings. I have convinced all my friends and relatives to buy your book . . .  you should start getting orders from a lot of folks  Kansas, Missouri, and  Colorado !

  Thank you so much for the gift..

  Charley
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Bruce Carlson has earned the right to write about this subject by living as Kev did in this novel, “Red Bird Down.”  The book is written so those with little understanding of Army Helicopter Operations or the ordeal of Vietnam can understand and get a real feel for the world of  Warrant Officer Kevin Paul Johnson, the main character.  Parts of this book will make you laugh, parts will make you cry but most of all, all of it will make you think.

  George Miller
  Retired Vietnam Helicopter Pilot who slung a few of the Red Birds out when they went Down.
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  Hi Trooper Brucie,

Thanks for the book. I have read part of it and enjoy it a lot. Gone are the days when I can sit down and read through a book. Now it takes several days.

  Good work. Sure brings back memories.

  Take care.

  Doug Ricks
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  Bruce,

  I finished your book yesterday.  At first I thought my tears were from sadness.
  Then I realized that they were from joy and happiness!

  Thank you again my friend,

  Jim Koch
  Stallion 505 – Stagecoach 13
  Flight,
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I got my copy of “Red Bird Down” today. I started on it right away and can't put it down. Great book Bruce.

  Congratulations. Hacksaw