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Excerpts of book review done by: Tom Payne
...compared to the number of books written by pilots, very few books have been written by helicopter crew chief's who served in Vietnam.  NOW, it is time that one be written.   Americans need to better understand the very real sacrifice and extreme personal dedication exhibited by helicopter crew chief's. Crew chief's not only worked on their aircraft day and night, they "rode their steeds" right along with the pilots on every mission. And, as they few together, they voluntarily and bravely flew through the "Gates of Hell", and returned. Every pilot owes his life to the crew chief...and that is no exaggeration! Because of this book, a great deal of credit is due Terry Willman and his wife, Karie, for accepting the challenge and doing a grand job in writing and publishing An Eagle's Eye View.

...after reading your book, I checked out 658 on the museum's website. Seeing it brought back some powerful memories. That helicopter took us into and out of some very dangerous places. If it could talk it would tell some wonderful stories. I have to say I looked at the picture for quit awhile, it gave me goose bumps to see it again. Thank you for all you've done to bring back some very vivid and wonderful (and sometimes frightening) memories of life in Vietnam... Dan Shea, Pilot of 658

...I sat down and began reading your book right away. I got as far as the 22nd of April (Root Beer AW Smith) and had to put it down because I wasn't sure I was ready for that. I picked it up again where I left off and read through the 22nd with difficulty. It brought unusual tears to my eyes whenever I think about that day. Yes, along with some tears was some laughter as I recalled several things from your book. I have always had very little memory of the mess hall and the reason is because I hardly ever ate there! A sortie to the mess hall was more frightening than going to a hot LZ. I have enjoyed your book immensely and thank you very much for writing it. I'm sure your book will help some of us to start crawling out of our shells and learn to look back at those days of our lives in Vietnam without too much pain...fellow Lancer Dave Mussey

...Hi Terry,  Just a note to say that I received the books today.  Thank you so very much.
We never knew how my brother died.  All we knew was that he died in a helicopter crash.  Thanks to your book, I now know how he died and that he didn't suffer.  Reading your book brought back a lot of good and bad memories of a time in history.  We have been talking a lot about that time and how much we have to be grateful for.  With what is going on in Iraq right now, may be one day someone like you will write a book about their experiences.   Maybe sometime people will begin to know the sacrifices that were and are being made and be more grateful for all everyone has.
Thank you again,  Joe Smith (A.W. Smith "RootBeer's" Brother)

...Hi Terry, I received your letter and your book; enjoyed both tremendously, but most especially the book.  Even though this was your personal account of that period, it parallels the lives of many of us.  I appreciate your having the foresight to keep the journal, and then taking the time to share it with us in your book.  "You done good!" fellow Lancer Griff

...I received the book today!  I couldn't put it down!  I read it straight through!  I am so grateful (as it answered so many of my questions)!!!  Right from the start, I learned what a Crew Chief was, and what their jobs entailed. Now I know so much more about my "Big Brother" (He was a Crew Chief in a CH-47 in Vietnam. MIA 04/19/68 SVN - Michael John Wallace.)  I loved the down-to-earth conversational journal-style writing. I could never get through those dry political (or political B.S.) reads on Vietnam.  And, it was the day to day stuff in the life of a Crew Chief, in the words of a Crew Chief, that I so desperately wanted!   Please tell Terry that I thank him for serving his country in Vietnam, and that he is a hero in my eyes! Also, thank him for giving me a glimpse of what my brother's life may have been like while he was in Nam. For that, I am eternally grateful! I am so glad that Terry wrote his book! I just cannot put into words the feelings that I have.  Thank you, thank you, thank you, and God Bless!!!
Sincerely,
Kathy B

...Terry... Reading your book brings back many memories of the days of flying over some of the most colorful land in the world as well as some of the most deadliest. From the beers to the tears it is a great book!  Please put me on the list if you ever decide to write a second book!
Cleve Stanley
Door Gunner 69-70
C/159th ASHB 101st Airborne

...nice job Terry and a very important one! You can be proud of taking good care of 658 over 30 years ago in addition to telling the story today. Because of you, 658 can sit proudly displaying the grand job you did, together, so long ago. Now 658 can tell the story of what all helicopter crew chief's did.  We say thanks, and welcome home!

...Terry just completed your book, AN EAGLES EYE VIEW.   Really enjoyed it, especially since I have had the opportunity to fly her over the past couple of years. I am a former marine phantom pilot and rotor wing flight has been a real eye opener. Just like to let you know she's alive and well and still flying ..Dave L

...thanks for your book, it was a very interesting read. I enjoyed going back so many years. My memory is quite foggy for the details. 
I am so glad you kept a diary.  Again, thanks for all your good work.  DB...

...thanks for the book! I read it cover to cover and it brought back a lot of memories, especially Operation Apache Snow and I enjoyed your pictures of Hamburger Hill. I think now I will go back to read it again, a little slower this time. Thanks again...Andy

...Wow what a book...finished it in one day couldn't put it down! Many thanks!...

...any chance you might write a sequel to your book? It was a great book and I was just was curious if you were contemplating another? Also, have you considered a movie possibility?...Mac

...excellent book! Highly recommend this one!...

...finished the book, great reading, when does part 2 come out? I have recommended it to all my family and friends...Danny

...I received my copy of your book today (about 10-minutes ago). It is interesting to note that the first pilot mentioned in your book was a friend of mine in Korea, we served together in a VIP company (the 55 AVN CO) in Seoul, Korea, after his trip to RVN...Tom

...just a note to let you know how much I enjoyed your book about your time you gave up to the Far East. Every chance, I get, I love to thank our veterans for their sacrifice in time of war. THANK YOU! The book was really a heart wrenching, gusty look out the helicopter door from the perspective of an ordinary guy who thankfully was diligent enough to perform all those "routine" maintenance tasks. Those pilots really depended on your line of work. I know they are grateful too. Thanks again for all you've done in service to this great country of ours.  GOD BLESS THE U.S.A... Lee

...I have just finished reading your book. I enjoyed the book and look forward to further accounts from you (will it happen?). I visited the Firelands Museum website, it must have been a great thrill to have seen the airworthy restoration of 658...Greg

...I want to thank you for the book. I really enjoyed it a lot knowing what 658 really did in nam, I lost a lot of friends there too. I am very proud to be a member of the Firesland Military Museum. It would be great if you could someday come to our museum and see your old friend 658, I'll do my best to keep it clean like you did!... Don

...excellent book! Easy reading and told just like it was...K.D.

...read your book from cover to cover, I couldn't put it down. It was like you were sitting right here telling me the story. Great and easy reading, thank you! Buster...

...finished your book. I must say that now, I have some understanding of what my husband went through during those times. He never talked about Nam at all. I want to thank you for helping me to understand! Your book is a "must read" for woman who had husbands in the Vietnam War! Thank You!...

...I received your books and I thank you.  I have given them out to all my men "the New Lancer's" and we are reading a section each week, then having a discussion afterwards.  We look forward to meeting you at our reunion this July here at Ft. Campbell, it will be an honor!   Captain Hannibal Brey...         

...I enjoyed the book, except for the early part of your tour, it was very Deja Vu-ish :o).  Are you planning to do a follow-up on the rest of your tour?  Looking forward to it!      Gary B.

...after reading an Eagle's Eye View, I went to visit and take pictures of 658. I am now building a scale model of 658 and entering it in this years, 2002, TOP GUN competition held in Florida. Thank you Terry! Doug...                                  

 Patches from the 101st Airborne
Photo of Patches, Courtesy of Jake; B Company 101st Avn Bgde

(17th AHC The Kingsmen) 1967-68! Thank you...

If you would like to have your comments about An Eagle's Eye View added to this page, please email us at CC641@aol.com and we will add them a.s.a.p.   Thank You...

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