set to begin on August 19, 1983. The Today Show appearance took place August 15, and sales of the book benefited from the author's own ongoing drama as well as his widely praised writing. Mason was released on May 17, 1985. While he was imprisoned, Chickenhawk had become a hardcover and paperback best-seller. He was unable to write while in prison. Mason has subsequently published two novels, Solo and Weapon, as well as a second memoir, Chickenhawk: Back in the World. Synopsis Chickenhawk deals chronologically with Mason's training and his experiences in, and immediately after, Vietnam. The book begins with Mason's training at the Army's Primary Helicopter School at Fort Wolters, Texas. After graduation in May 1965, he eventually learns he will be sent to Vietnam, making the trip in August with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) aboard the . The Cavalry is initially posted to An Khe, in central South Vietnam, where Mason first experiences combat. The book then details his year-long posting, including the Battle of Ia Drang, R&R periods in Saigon and Taiwan, his encounters with soldiers of the South Vietnamese army, and his experiences piloting the UH-1 "Huey". Mason eventually transfers to another unit, which is engaged in an unofficial side-business of delivering ice in return for favours and various commodities. In August 1966, as Mason approaches the end of his posting, he develops some signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, which grew worse after his return. In an epilogue, Mason sketches out his activities upon returning to the US, including his incarceration for smuggling. Sequel Mason's post-Vietnam activities were expanded upon in Mason's sequel, Chickenhawk: Back in the World'', which was published in 1993. References External links Robert Mason's website UH-1 63-3794 helicopter flown by Robert Mason, restored and on display at U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville, Alabama 1983 non-fiction books Vietnam War books American memoirs Aviation books Viking Press books