Just Another Day in the Delta

‘THE helicopter book on Vietnam’ — Mike Carlton

The Mekong Delta was one of the most dangerous and fiercely contested theatres of the Vietnam War. Into this volatile arena came a small group of Australian Navy aviators, embedded with the US Army’s 135th Assault Helicopter Company.

Operating as an experimental unit known as the EMUs, these Australians flew combat missions at the sharp end of the war, commanding American helicopter crews into heavily defended landing zones, often under relentless fire.

Drawing on firsthand accounts, Just Another Day in the Delta brings to life the intensity, danger and camaraderie of helicopter warfare, with stories of missions flown, aircraft hit, and crews lost. It reveals a little-known chapter of the war — the closest operational collaboration between Australian sailors and the US Army.

At the same time, the book confronts the wider truths behind the conflict, questioning the political narratives that sent thousands to fight and die.

Both a gripping combat narrative and a sobering reflection on war and its causes, this is a powerful and timely account of courage, alliance and the cost of decisions made far from the battlefield.

‘A timely reminder as the world is facing yet increasing political turmoil. The drums are beating and enemies are being created where none may exist.’

‘Inspiring and timely. I commend Just Another Day in the Delta for its honesty, its clarity, and its contribution to our national understanding of service, sacrifice, and alliance.’ – The Hon. Kim Beazley

About the Author

Max Speedy joined the RAN in 1962 as an Observer, was promoted to Pilot in 1967, and a year later was in Vietnam. He was the Second in Charge of the RAN Helicopter Flight and flying in the US Army 135th Assault Helicopter Company, a unique collaboration called an Experimental Military Unit, the EMUs.

As First Platoon Leader leading ten troop helicopters into enemy-defended landing zones and later as the Air Mission Commander directing the Company and its gunships, he flew over 1,000 combat hours, was decorated by the US Army, the South Vietnamese Army and finally in Buckingham Palace by HRH, Queen Elizabeth II with the Distinguished Service Cross.