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

Alan E. Mesches

Nov 2023 · Tantor Media Inc · Narrated by Chris Monteiro

About this audiobook

Richard 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. During his thirty-eight-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. 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.

About the author

Alan E. Mesches served as a public affairs officer in the Air Force. He later worked for companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, and Naturally Fresh, Inc. He retired from Naturally Fresh as vice president, foodservice distributor sales and marketing, and has since dedicated himself to research and writing.

A trained traditional and voice actor who loves to read and perform, Chris Monteiro has lent his voice to television and radio ads, animated films, video games, documentaries, and dozens of audiobooks.