FIXIN' TO DIE RAG, by Roy Mark
A Book Review by Hank Llewelyn, 1st Cav Division SABER Newsletter
A Book Review by Hank Llewelyn, 1st Cav Division SABER Newsletter
The next book, Fixin’ To Die Rag, by Roy Mark, is the true story of Charlie Company, 229th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam between March and September 1970. It borrows its unusual name from an anti-Vietnam War protest song by County Joe and the Fish, “I Feel Like I’m Fixin’ to Die Rag” and is sometimes also referred to as the “Vietnam Song.” Author Roy Mark, served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a radiotelegraph operator from 1963 until 1967 and served in Vietnam in 1966. While doing research into his family genealogy, Roy, learned that WO1 Mark Holtom, C/229th, was killed in a mid-air collision of Huey Helicopters, 68-15648 and 68-16123 on 26 September 1970. He began writing about that incident and the story expanded into, Fixin’ To Die Rag: Gooood Morning Vietnam… We’re Just Had a Mid-Air Collision. WO1 Mark Richard Holtom’s Flight Class was 69-41.
I did recognize Daniel E Tyler, a.k.a. “Gentlemen Dan” and “North Flag Yellow-One,” C/229th, 1970-71, name in the book. Dan and I have had several communications as I attempted to track down the author of the piece, How to Operate a Helicopter Mechanic for him. Dan moved to Australia in 1972 and has lived there ever since. Last I heard he was fling an IFR Bell 412 on rescue and medical work out of Sydney. Was great to read about him in the book.
I give the book a Silver Wings of the Cav “Thumbs Up.” A quick read (two scotches and one cigar). It’s a fine tribute to our brothers, the men of Charlie Company; a slice of life in Vietnam of those brave pilots and crews can be found between its pages. The book is available in paperback and Kindle format from Amazon.com and in paperback and Nook format from Barnes and Noble.
—Hank Llewelyn, 1st Cav Division Association SABER Newsletter, Jan/Feb 2015
I did recognize Daniel E Tyler, a.k.a. “Gentlemen Dan” and “North Flag Yellow-One,” C/229th, 1970-71, name in the book. Dan and I have had several communications as I attempted to track down the author of the piece, How to Operate a Helicopter Mechanic for him. Dan moved to Australia in 1972 and has lived there ever since. Last I heard he was fling an IFR Bell 412 on rescue and medical work out of Sydney. Was great to read about him in the book.
I give the book a Silver Wings of the Cav “Thumbs Up.” A quick read (two scotches and one cigar). It’s a fine tribute to our brothers, the men of Charlie Company; a slice of life in Vietnam of those brave pilots and crews can be found between its pages. The book is available in paperback and Kindle format from Amazon.com and in paperback and Nook format from Barnes and Noble.
—Hank Llewelyn, 1st Cav Division Association SABER Newsletter, Jan/Feb 2015
