“Bonnie-Sue” is without a doubt one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! If you’re a Marine, especially a rotor head, Marion Sturkey’s vivid portrayal of a Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam will resonate with you in a way few books can. I am proud to call Sturk a very good friend of mine, and he’s one of the many heroes I admire deeply.
Sturkey, who served as a Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter pilot during the war, crafts a gripping and intensely personal narrative. Using After-Action Reports, Unit Diaries, and hundreds of documents from the Marine Corps Archives, he builds a compelling chronology of events. But what truly sets this book apart is how Sturkey weaves in the voices of the men who lived it, aircrews and infantrymen, telling their stories in their own words. These are not fictionalized accounts or pseudonyms, but real men who shared the madness, love, fear, and loyalty of combat.
From the very first page, Sturkey immerses the reader in the raw, brutal reality of war. Through his vivid descriptions and attention to detail, we experience the chaos and camaraderie of the battlefield. You’ll feel the sweat on your brow as helicopters take flight under enemy fire, hear the roar of engines as men risk their lives for one another, and see the haunting scenes of destruction and survival. Sturkey doesn’t shy away from the emotional and psychological toll of combat, giving a full picture of what it means to be in the heat of battle, what it feels like to face death daily while forming unbreakable bonds with fellow Marines.
What makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. It’s not just about the physical battles, it’s about the courage, the sacrifices, and the human connection forged in the crucible of war. “Bonnie-Sue” is a powerful tribute to the Marines who served in Vietnam, and it’s a story that stays with you, long after you turn the final page. This book captures the true essence of what it means to be a Marine and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who have served.
In the end, their survival became their victory
Semper Fi!
[…] and bases that weave the fabric of Marine Corps aviation history. Marion Sturkey’s “Bonnie-Sue” set a high standard for educational reads in this genre, and “Cleared Hot” by […]