The Flying Grunt: The Story of Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey, United States Marine Corps (Ret)

“… this book provides a thorough and interesting summary of one of the Corps’ most capable and effective leaders who was highly respected by both peers and subordinates.” – The Journal of America's Military PastRichard Edward Carey came from a broken home. Enlisting in the Corps in 1946 he later earned a commission, fighting at Inchon and Chosin in Korea before becoming a pilot—flying every aircraft in the Marine arsenal. During his 38-year military career he witnessed and participated in major historical events, though a high school wrestling injury would eliminate him from the Mercury-7 space program.As a second lieutenant, he tackled General Douglas MacArthur on the way to Seoul in 1950. Carey would provide critical intelligence decisions enabling the successful defense of the Chinese attack on Hagaru-ri at the Chosin Reservoir. In 189 days of combat, he escaped death seven times, and was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals. In Vietnam, he flew 204 combat sorties, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals. In 1975, from Saigon, Carey led history’s largest helicopter evacuation of refugees.Subordinates praised his leadership and courage. Never afraid to stand up for his principles, Carey faced down an Air Force general in Vietnam, and organized air defense for supply helicopters at Khe Sahn; he countermanded a senior Naval officer’s order during the 1975 Saigon evacuation, refusing to cease air operations and forcing a reluctant ambassador onto a flight.In retirement, Carey served as a cabinet member for the governor of Ohio and ran the airport in his native home of Columbus. When the Careys moved to Texas, Carey continued supporting veterans, advocating for veterans’ health care, aiding the drive to build accommodation for families of hospitalized veterans, and was a leader in the effort to build a veterans’ cemetery in Dallas. He would lead the drive to build two Chosin Few memorials even as he cared for his ailing wife.This biography is based upon hours of interviews with the general, his papers, speeches, and Marine Corps documents that captured an exceptional and inspiring life.Table of ContentsPrefaceChapter 1 The Early Years Chapter 2 On to Korea Chapter 3 A New Role—Chosin Reservoir Campaign Chapter 4 Reflections on Chosin Reservoir Chapter 5 After Chosin Reservoir Chapter 6 Aviation Career BeginsChapter 7 Mid 1950s to 1960s Chapter 8 Fighter Pilot in Vietnam Chapter 9 Vietnam Media Coverage Chapter 10 Post-Vietnam WarChapter 11 Evacuation from VietnamChapter 12 General Carey’s Supplement to the Command Chronology on Frequent Wind Chapter 13 Mayaguez RescueChapter 14 Back to Headquarters Marine Corps (HMC)Chapter 15 Atlantic CommandChapter 16 Final Assignment QuanticoChapter 17 A Brief Entry into PoliticsChapter 18 Aiding the Dallas District Courts Chapter 19 General Carey Continues to Serve in RetirementChapter 20 The Chosin Few Monument ProjectChapter 21 FamilyEpilogueGlossaryEndnotes Index Read more