Colonel David A. Ballentine, USMC
(ret.)
attended graduate school after Vietnam and earned a PhD in European history. After returning to active duty, he retired as
a colonel from the Marine Corps in 1989 and worked for Northrop Grumman in Ft. Leavenworth. David A. Ballentine is the author
of Gunbird Driver: A Marine Huey Pilot's War in Vietnam.
According to the book description of Gunbird Driver: A Marine Huey
Pilot's War in Vietnam, “Ballentine recalls his experiences as a young pilot flying an armed UH-1E
with Marine Observation Squadron Six in Vietnam. Like any good war memoir, parts of the book are deadly serious, while others
are filled with thrilling, often humorous descriptions of squadron life during the early stages of the war. The book provides
little-known details about the missions, operations, and living conditions at Ballentine's base in Ky Ha, shortly before
the Tet Offensive. The book preserves not only Ballentine's impressions, but also reflects the experiences of others who
crewed the Hueys, and describes scenes that will resonate with all those who served in helos in Vietnam.”