Danger Close: One Woman's Epic Journey as a Combat Helicopter Pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan

The inspiring and riveting first-ever memoir of active combat by a female helicopter pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Amber Smith flew into enemy fire in some of the most dangerous combat zones in the world. One of only a few women to fly the Kiowa Warrior helicopter whose mission, armed reconnaissance, required its pilots to stay low and fly fast, perilously close to the fight Smith deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as a member of the elite 2-17 Cavalry Regiment, part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. She rose to Pilot-in-Command and Air Mission Commander in the premier Kiowa unit in the Army, repeatedly flying into harm s way during her 2005 and 2008 deployments.
In "Danger Close," Smith takes us into the heat of battle, enabling readers to feel, hear, and smell the experience of serving as a combat pilot in high-intensity warfare. This is an edge-of-the seat story of learning to perform under pressure and persevere under extreme duress both in action against an implacable enemy and within the elite boy s club of Army aviation. Smith s unrelenting fight for both mastery and respect delivers universal life-lessons that will be useful to any civilian, from earning your spurs as a newbie to embracing the suck through setbacks that challenge your self-confidence to learning to trust your gut as a veteran of your profession.
Intensely personal, cinematic, poignant, and inspiring, "Danger Close" is a war story on one hand, and also the story of a brave pilot who fought for and earned a lifetime membership in the ranks of the best of the best."

Review :
""Danger Close" is a fantastic view into the world of combat helicopter pilots as seen through the eyes of a successful and proven US Army female combat helicopter pilot. It is an exciting ride through training and combat operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I laughed at the antics only found in military training and operations and cried at the anguish experienced through combat loss. As a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, I and my team called in airstrikes from pilots across all services, including from some amazing women pilots. Amber Smith proves she is one of these pilots and that she has what it takes as an American warrior." Danger Close "gives tremendous insight into the sacrifice our American men and women make every day for Freedom across the globe. Most importantly, Amber sets the example for all young women who aspire to serve our nation s armed forces and I encourage any young woman looking to join the military to read this book."
""--LT Jason Redman, Retired Navy SEAL, author of The Trident" ""Danger Close "is absolutely fantastic. This is one of the most exciting and inspirational books I have read in years! Men and women alike will love this incredible tale of heroism, humility, and high-octane feats of bravery. "Danger Close" is the real deal!"
""--Brad Thor, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Foreign Agent