About Rex

Rex Gooch, former Lighthorse Air Cavalry helicopter pilot, writes from his combat experience and the wealth of information gleaned from interviews with U.S. Army pilots, crew members and other military personnel.

Rex’s first book, Ace: The Story of Lt. Col. Ace Cozzalio, tells the incredible journey of Ace, a bold and courageous U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving in the air cavalry during the Vietnam War. In 2024, Rex published the Second Edition of the ACE book, now packed with never-before-revealed details about the Battle of Phu My, unearthed during the research for Ace’s Medal of Honor submission. This enhanced version boasts improvements across all chapters, and a bonus of thirty-six extra pages and ten captivating new images. 

His second book titled, The Aviators: Stories of U.S. Army Helicopter Combat in the Vietnam War, 1971-72 tells the stories of young aviators, fresh out of flight school, who gallantly serve their country in a distant land. Told through remarkable first-hand descriptions, with dramatic images and attention to detail, The Aviators is an action-packed narrative of the helicopter pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners as they fight an elusive, ruthless enemy and put their lives at risk to rescue fellow soldiers.

Rex’s third book, Cav Hat, takes readers on a captivating journey through the remarkable history of the U.S. Army Cavalry Hat. It highlights how the 1st Cavalry Division resurrected this iconic symbol before their deployment to Vietnam. With twenty-five gripping stories that showcase the Cav Hat’s significance during the Vietnam War, this book reveals the powerful legacy and timeless appeal of this emblematic piece of military headgear. Cav Hat is an essential read for anyone passionate about the rich traditions and honor of the U.S. Cavalry.