Best of Vietnam War Forward Air Controller Cessna O-1 L19 Birddog flight videos

[@rvnmedic1968]

I was an ER medic with the 377th USAF Dispensary, Tan Son Nhut AB. In 1969 (not sure of the month, but possibly in April), we were notified by the TSN Crash Net that a plane had gone down on the grassy area next to the active runway. Me and my buddy sped to the scene in our field ambulance. A Cessna 0-1 FAC was on the ground, upright. The crew of two were unconscious in their seats. We removed the WO from the right seat and got him on a stretcher and then I climbed in to remove the WO in the left seat. He had a large laceration on the forehead and his leg was broken. The cockpit was getting extremely hot and I had a hard time getting him out (the left door was jammed from the crash). The fire dept had started directing foam at the cockpit. I got him out and onto a stretcher and my aid man and I started IVs and notified the Army 3rd Field Hospital that we two casualties and on the way. The Army Triage team took over and we returned to base. My apologies for this lengthy post but I hoped that this might sound familiar to someone in the FAC business. I've thought of those guys over the years and wondered how they did. The accident was caused by the TSN Tower clearing them for take-off too soon behind a heavy, and they got slammed down onto the ground from 600'. If you can direct me to some organization for followup I'd sure appreciate it. Much Respect, CMSgt Bob Powell, USAF(Ret).

[@birddogaustria2103]

rvnmedic1968 what a Story.... thanks for sharing this here..... and thank you for your service Sir !!!

[@stingginner1012]

"Take off in a slow bird and come home in a Jolly Green" as the song went. You know you are in a slow bird when helicopters pass you. I arrived in Danang in December of 1970 assigned to the 20TASS. The USAF had converted to O2As and OV-10A, by that time. The VNAF were still flying O1s. I watched an O1 flying over the runway going backward into a head wind. Helicopters would pass O1s and O2s. Takes a special person to do that Airborne Forward Air Control mission. Something seldom talked about were the Ground FACs with their M-148 jeeps radio jeeps.

[@ifugaopapercraft]

I observed a Birddog weaving to and fro below Hill 950 overlooking Khe Sanh. The pilot gained altitude, changed course, and headed directly towards our tiny LZ where I stood alone. He dropped a handful of chocolate bars as the plane passed just meters overhead.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Keith Gum what a fantastic story, thx for sharing this here... thank you for your service Sir!

[@ifugaopapercraft]

@@birddogaustria2103 Dropping chocolate bars must have been routine for the pilot. He passed so low overhead I dived for the trench.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Keith Gum fantastic 😍😍😍

[@465marko]

Is that slang for poop? Pretty gross story... Imagine all those pilots, dropping out logs of turd and jugs full of piss. War does terrible things to people.

[@TomCook-jw6ur]

I was a Marine FAC-ground FAC MOS 7208. Hearing an air force fac whine about danger makes me laugh. We ran patrols off hill 950 into Laos all summer in 1969 so I could call air strikes on targets of opportunity.

[@yankeeairpirate1799]

I was Nail 13, FAC out of Ubon and NKP (68-69) in the O-2....total respect for O-1 FAC’s, especially fellow Georgian Hillard Willbanks......salute guys...still thanking my Great God that I remain alive.

[@kevinbergeman4069]

My father was also a Nail FAC. He flew O-1 & O-2 with the 23rd TASS out of NKP, ‘67-‘68.

[@michaelwarren1538]

My dad, Maj. Pete Warren (ret.) flew as an instructor in the L-19 with the 112th VNAF squadron in 1965 and 1966 at Bien Hoa. Some interesting stories. RIP, pop!

[@snipereliete]

This is awesome.my father was a door gunner in UH-1.my dad didn't tell me very much until he got sick and was terminally ill.the horor stories he told me will live with me for ever.R.I.P dad.Royal Australian Army.1967.thanks for this video.I'm building a 1/4 scale bird dog with rockets and painted in the olive drab scheme with a big set of teeth painted on the nose.it's coming together beautiful.such a simple design.

[@birddogaustria2103]

snipereliete thank you so much for sharing the story of your dad here. Your dad was a Hero. You can feel lucky that he told you about his service. So many never talked about war till the end. Thx for your comment

[@tomwhitesides4992]

Captain Richard L. Whitesides was flying a L19 when he was shot down on March 27, 1964. . His remains were found 51 years later in 2015. He was given a full military burial at West Point.

[@birddogaustria2103]

tom whitesides thank you so much for sharing the story of captain Whitesides here... RIP

[@tomluciani3723]

"Let us cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees". Stonewall Jackson

[@perception-reception]

My father was a FAC with the 21st TASS 1968-69 he turns 82 this month. Doing great. I love these videos. There is actually a book written ( Meeting Steve Canyon and flying with the CIA in Laos) He is mentioned by name quite a bit.

[@TheGG794]

My uncle wasn't a pilot but was an observer with the 525th riding in one of these . I myself was a crew chief on a U-6 beaver based at Can tho Army Airfield back in 71' . So long ago .

[@Happy030358]

In memory of my Dad. FAC pilot, T-6 Korea, Bird Dog Vietnam 1964-65 Capt. Dan Vogel. Retired LtCol. Passed Oct 6 2002. Sierra Hotel

[@birddogaustria2103]

Dear Kevin! Korea and Vietnam.... just Wow !!! Your dad is a hero! Thank you for your posting. It’s an honor to have your dads history here!

[@georgesmith84]

Hank Collins was with Army 221st recon.Had a lot of wild tales .Odds of surviving very low.

[@robertyoder6602]

In memory of my Dad. FAC pilot 1968 Capt. Bob "Hoagie" Yoder. Retired Col. Passed June 4th 2017. Sierra Hotel!!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Robert Yoder ! Thanks for your Feedback to my video! These FAC were extreme tough pilots. My deepest respect to the service of your dad!

[@michaeljohn8905]

Robert Yoder Your dad is and was a hero. I giant of history. God ....the bravery of these men. Forward air controls before the Cessna Turbos. I can’t imagine what was going through their heads when putting bombs on target. I can only say this, these warriors are some of the bravest men I have ever heard of or read about. It literally gives me chills to read about them. My condolences to your family. Your dad is one of my hero’s and who I use as a role model. If I could be a 1/4 of what these me where I will content with my life. Take care. Michael.

[@omahaL98]

Thanks for your Dad's Service as a FAC pilot my condolences to your family as well, my father a retired Air Force Colonel almost went to Vietnam in 1965 but someone volunteered in his stead but he did go to U tapao AFB in 1975 to help close out the base and shipment of U.S. war materials right after the end of the war. As an Iraq War Veteran I respect all those men and women who served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.

[@nathanielcohen9890]

from 1 very thankful marine........your father was a hero. thanks for sharing. semper fi should have been their motto too, they were always there when you needed them.

[@QuantumMech_88]

Robert Yoder - From an old guy who spent 2 years 41 days on the ground in Laos and Cambodia -> A big salute and respect sent to your dad and your family . FAC pilots did legendary things and it took 5 of us to rescue a pilot near Lima 6 base in Laos . Some folks don't know FAC pilots even dropped supplies to ground troops at extremely low altitude . Extremely dangerous work . All the best - Lefty Cat

[@richschindler8731]

I flew with a FAC as a corporate pilot many years after the war. His name was John Wisneiski. He was a hell of a pilot. I sat in on conversations he had with Christopher Robbins, the author of The Ravens, while he was gathering information for his book. I sat dumbfounded as I listened to the stories of what John went through as a FAC. RIP John, your missed.

[@birddogaustria2103]

rich schindler ! When I made this video, I made it to tell the Story of the FAC and that it will be never forgotten. But I never expected so many amazing comments. Thank you Sir !

[@tombutcher5776]

Great book that I read twice. I was stationed at NKP where it was mentioned many times.

[@jonathangriffiths2499]

Absolutely great read . Recommend that book to all

[@bernardanderson7569]

You guys aren't afraid of anything and I give you all the Best of the Best O-2 Bird Dog Pilots in the world as the L-19 . Thanks for all you did to being a spotter for the Troops and the friendly. I really appreciate your sharing this video

[@birddogaustria2103]

Bernard Anderson you are warmly welcome! The story of Forward Air Controllers in Vietnam has to been told and preserved for the next generations. They did an amazing job

[@stevepowsinger733]

As an infantry soldier the order suddenly came down for my squad to board a helicopter. We went on a mission to protect a crash-landed Bird Dog and it’s Pilot. We landed and protected the crash site until a big Chinook came and retrieved the pilot and damaged plane. Boy was that pilot glad to see us!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Amazing story Sir! Thx for your service. And thank you for sharing this story with us!

[@thweephonprasoet3108]

.

[@finished6267]

Right on. 👍🏾

[@mocharger06]

A friend of my dad's was a FAC at Khe Sanh. He and Dad were fighter pilots with the 82nd FIS at Travis and Naha. They went their separate ways after those relatively safe days in the 82nd. Capt Sam Beach was KIA shortly after taking off on my mother's birthday, 17 Jan 1968. Dad was a FAC at Bien Hoa.

[@waltershumate5777]

Many times these Forward Air controllers went above and beyond the Call of Duty, (flying so low that little kids could shoot them down with a spit wad) as if their Call of Duty wasn't enough to ask of them. God bless these men. There are a lot of dads uncles and Brothers still walking around thanks to the efforts of these great people! I wish you all peace... you've certainly earned it !!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Walter Shumate you are absolutely right! It’s an untold story about bravery. No one knows about the FAC‘s. Thx for your comment

[@adrianrosenlund-hudson8789]

These lads had some stones. You have to admire that kind of courage

[@truck6859]

My dad was a forward air controller in Vietnam. Thank you SO much for posting this!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Truck68 you are welcome! And thx for the service of your dad.

[@johnadams2063]

No.no he wasnt..its cute that u think hes a hero but no..your dad was a drunk who left u and your mother. Hes no hero.ge told you that as an excuse..I'm so sorry but no he wasnt kido... the truth suchs

[@jyellowhammer]

@@johnadams2063 Who said he was a hero cocksucker?

[@terrysaunders2026]

@@johnadams2063You got to be the one, huh?

[@frednel4326]

Im South African and have served in our military as a 20 mm gunner on the ratels in the Angolan war in late seventies and onwards..we used what we called the boss bok..a spotter plane doing much the role of this one and ill tell u what..it was worth gold to the men on the ground because it was our eyes as we cuddnt see further than a few metres ahead of us much of the time due to dence tree and bush..it was dangerouse for these pilots as many a pot shot gets taken at them..men of huge balls deffo👍..respect and peace to all ✌😉

[@frednel4326]

By the way for the english people.."Boss Bok" means bush buck..the buck coming from the springbok we used on our defence force emblem i spose 👍

[@frednel4326]

We flew under a orange,white and blue flag and our slogan was..."ons vir jou Suid Afrika"..peace ✌

[@luisnguyen5455]

Air controller L 19 from 110 squadron VNAFSouth , “remembering “we served during Viêt Nam War . Thanks for posting.(,soluu huong)

[@birddogaustria2103]

Luis Nguyen thank YOU 👍👍👍

[@michaelwarren1538]

@luisnguyen5455 what years did you fly? My father, Dai uy Pete Warren, flying with the 112th VNAF squadron from 1965 to 1966.

[@michaeljohn8905]

These guys aren’t men. They are more than that. Some of the bravest Mic ,Foxtrots that ever flew in a war zone. The guts of these guys. Unreal .. Salute to all these guys.

[@treywest268]

There were many who, technically, not in the service. They "bought" their own Birddog for a dollar so there was a plausible deniability. They were known as "The Ravens". There is a great book about them. I highly suggest it as a very good read.

[@aaroncannon7020]

My uncle was raven 26. What these guys did was amazing.

[@michaeljohn8905]

Man just listening to these guys gives me chills. These guys are some of the giants of history ... incredible..😮

[@charlesinglin]

Back in the late '70's our National Guard battalion had a Regular Army adviser, LTC, who'd been a Birddog pilot. He told us about a time his firebase came under attack. They loaded rockets on his L19, he took off, circled around, fired the rockets, landed, and did it again and again.

[@papasteve215]

I worked on the O-2’s at Da-Nang. Those FAC pilots were absolutely crazy.

[@carlosgallardo7323]

My older brother Ed Gallardo flew the O2 out of Da-nang. Thanks for keeping him safe.

[@aglock10glock34]

Papa Steve, did by chance did you know Captain Paul W. Morvant. He was my brother, I was stationed at Homestead AFB SAC as a J-57 engine mechanic. If you knew him I would love to hear from you.

[@williamedmonds9581]

I’m restoring an O-2A that was in Da-Nang. Tail number 21354. Did you work on her? I’m hoping to have her flying in the coming years.

[@johnknorr1140]

In 1970 I was with 101st around firebase ripcord I saw you guys in action all the time highly respect, everything you did you helped us a lot 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@pappybo49]

I seriously wanted to fly FAC’s but was injured when I tripped over an upper class man and tore the cartilage and ligament in my knee. Looking back, I’m really thankful Uncle Sam decided I didn’t meet his physical standards. These men were, in my eyes, the best of the best. To complete the mission, to make it out, and to make it home . I salute them all.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Steve Bodine true words! Thank you for your comment Sir!!!

[@billgund4532]

Dad was a FAC with the 20th TASS. He flew out of Khe Sanh during the "hill battles" in 1967. He doesn't talk about it, but I think it still haunts him today. Fortunately, he returned to the world to wrap up his career flying the F-104 (his favoritest a/c). Ed Gund, Lt. Col. 20th TASS Covey 50

[@birddogaustria2103]

Bill Gund ! Thx for sharing your dad’s story here. Just amazing.... my deepest respect. I had the honor to talk to several FAC Pilots who flew in Vietnam. Each story of them could fill a book. Thx Bill

[@pfrstreetgang7511]

My dad was a serious badass flying F4 D/Es. Taught RIOs on updated AIM 7/9s versions in the Cheetah Sqn, flew under Yeager at Kunsan AFB, he filmed his own refuelings, landings, and hill hopping airstrikes on Korean DMZ while filming with a hand held 8mm camera. Anytime someone (usually teen guys) asked who was the most badass pilots or unit, he always answered it was the Bird Dog FACs in Nam. He always shared what he saw them do, and he was not shy about the fact he wouldn't be able to do what they did.

[@alfredellis8026]

My friend flew O2 s. Shot down twice. Still with us. God bless you Don M. Said you had to dive the O2 at low level to mark the target. He came back and trained other O2 pilots.

[@nottommy1002]

Honestly I cant see how they could even get off the ground with those massive steel balls they have. Seriously brave men

[@birddogaustria2103]

It‘s a privilege to fly such a plane with that history today. We from IBDA take care that their missions and support in Korea and Vietnam will not be forgotten. Keep em flying...

[@nottommy1002]

@@birddogaustria2103 thank you for all that you do. Seriously. These men deserve recognition.

[@bp2352]

Sigh.....

[@ZackFrisbee]

And here I was thinking you were going to make a comment about the humid hot air in Vietnam making it hard to lift off :D

[@rickdaystar477]

I can't believe I'm seeing this video. It was random " recommended" by KZbin. I served Aug70- Aug71 21st TASS. O-1's and O-2's Cam Rahn Bay RVN. Bravest bunch of guys I've ever served with. Thanks for putting this video up.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Rick Daystar thx posting your story here! Share it with your friends. I am really proud to get such great comments with historical backgrounds. Thx for your Service

[@rickdaystar477]

@@birddogaustria2103 The memories flood in after watching this video. Our unit patch was Snoopy flying, sitting on a dog house firing rockets on target. Lol

[@rickdaystar477]

@@birddogaustria2103 I've subbed and look forward to watching your videos !

[@birddogaustria2103]

Rick Daystar ! My father was 30 years a pilot flying the Bird Dog L19 in the Austrian Army. I grew up with this amazing plane, sitting inside the mighty Bird Dog as Long i can think. Then I bought myself a US Army Birddog and started posting here videos about this plane. But 2-3 years ago I was contacted by two former FAC Pilots and they said thank you for posting these videos. They sent me all their original flight manuals they had and other amazing Birddog stuff for my collection. We became close friends and are still in contact. Then I really started to investigate about the FAC‘s in Vietnam and also about the L19 O-1‘s in Korean war. I met Rick Shoup several times and speaking with him really changed a lot for me. I was so deeply impressed about all of you guys, and the story about the FAC Missions in Vietnam HAS TO BE TOLD.... Each of you had steel balls when flying over enemy territory. It’s time that people honor the bravery of all guys who served for their country. In September 2020 will be a Cessna Bird Dog O-1 L19 Meeting in Fredericksburg, Texas with probably 80-100 Birddogs, and many FAC‘s and Ravens will also attend. Also I will come with my Europmeetingean Birddog friends to this amazing . 75 years Birddog. Sir,..... it would be an honor for see you there. Fred. [e-mail]

[@rickdaystar477]

@@birddogaustria2103 Fred,I'm in awe of your efforts to collect and preserve the mission history and of those that served. I'm saving the email address and will get in touch with you. BTW,I love Texas! I was stationed at Dyess AFB Abilene Tx. and after leaving the AF lived in several cities in Texas when I worked for Bell Helicopter Co. Awesome!! I've got to make it to Fredericksburg. It will complete my circle of life experiences.

[@richardschindler8822]

I flew as a corporate pilot with a Ex FAC, he was a Raven. He told me stories of what he did and what went on while over there. John W. Rest In Peace my friend.

[@chrisbrent7487]

I’m pretty sure the Ravens were mostly in Laos and they did some bat shit crazy flying for sure. Crazy brave pilots.

[@michaelobispo2008]

The picture above I'd bet are Ravens...O-1...no national markings...guys not in uniforms and it looks a heck of a lot like northern Laos.

[@darrennicol2442]

@@chrisbrent7487 Yes, the Ravens were only in Laos

[@CCCCC304]

Lt Col Barry Hilt, located in Spokane WA, few these and the 02. Quite a few missions as I recall. Hell of a hero.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Machine thx for your comment

[@rodneyinefuku3810]

Video mentioned 2 FAC pilots were awarded the MOH. One of them was Cpt Hilliard A Wilbanks of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron at Nha Trang AFB... outfit I belonged to when I was in Nam.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Thank you for your comment Sir! It’s a privilege to read your lines! Thank you for your service

[@russellwilliams3286]

I was there oct66 to oct 67 21 tass as maintenace & flightline mechanic.

[@mikemoore9757]

A fellow and old friend I worked with years ago was a L19 pilot in Nam. He told me a story about a time he took a war journalist - UPI reporter (I think) up with him one day. The reporter was sitting in the rear seat with a typewriter sitting on his lap. They were flying along when a small arms bullet came up through the belly of the plane and right between his knees. It went through the typewriter and splayed all the innards of the machine. Bullet=1, typewriter=0. Everybody else ok!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Mike Moore what a Story!!! They were really lucky 🍀

[@billturner4427]

Hoorah for those guys. I was a Huey doorgunner in 69-70

[@birddogaustria2103]

Bill Turner thank you for your service Sir!

[@Charon58]

Such a Frankenstein airplane. Cessna 170B wings and tail, 180 firewall forward, fused to a tandem cockpit. But such a sweet flyer. I used to tow advertising banners in one. Loved it.

[@stephenblake2196]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE!!! A VERY VALUABLE ASSET TO THE MEN ON THE GROUND!! SAINTS FROM ABOVE??? RAVEN BAIT?? SIGN ME UP ! TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITY TARGETS!! RESPECT ALL OF THESE MEN !! WELCOME HOME TO ALL VEITNAM COMBAT VET'S!!! T

[@leecutler1527]

Bloody brave men. Going to war in a kite! You have my respect

[@davidking8968]

I’ve Ben watching this video,and wow I remember my cousin Barry saying they had to put ther flack vest and sit on it wow.bird dog is a great peace of history.and love the sky raider and f4.you guys are heros. Thanks

[@vanmalaphongsavan1331]

, Sorry to see this clip was made me missing all those are hereo and protect our freedom. May those R.I.P. and peace!! Love you all...

[@petedube9367]

We put many of these little birds back together . We had a big red headed W4 who did the test flight after we completed the repairs . He was a great pilot and quite the character .

[@Viethist]

Wow thx for your comment!!!

[@MrAVIATIONCENTRAL]

Awesome! Incredible piece of history!

[@timhopper389]

I served as a crewchief/doorgunner on Loaches at Tan An Airfield in the delta from Nov 68 to Nov 69 with HHC 3rd Brigade 9th Infantry Division. We had an Airforce (CIA ?) O-1 Birddog detachment operating out of the small airfield and often saw the Porter STOL aircraft flown by Air America (CIA) there. It was a busy little spot, lots of memories of great pilots and buddies.

[@irish89055]

I remember at the Fort Lee Flying Club in Virginia in the mid-70s they got a couple bird dogs and they had bullet hole patches in them. Love how quickly they could become airborne..seemed like in 200 ft..

[@garretvaughn7936]

Great video tribute to some real heroes! We have an L-19 in the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, ID, along with a display of one of the best FACs - Chester "Soapy" Walborn. Purple Heart, Silver Star, and NINE Distinguished Flying Crosses! These were REAL men!

[@birddogaustria2103]

Garret Vaughn ! Thx Dir your comment..... yeah.... they had balls made of steel. 😎

[@tombutcher5776]

I live north and have passed that exit I don't know how many times. I need to visit one day. I was stationed at NKP where the Ravens would visit.

[@garretvaughn7936]

@@tombutcher5776 Please stop by the Warhawk, you will enjoy it! They have a full hangar dedicated just to Vietnam, Korea, and the Cold War eras.

[@tombutcher5776]

@@garretvaughn7936 I will the next time I'm in the area for sure. Thanks for your note.

[@garretvaughn7936]

@@tombutcher5776 Excellent! Just ask one of the volunteers in the blue shirts to give you a tour.

[@davidking8968]

Your very welcome I was the age see some of these guys returning home.im around super d airplanes and understand what Barry did like twisting safety wire around patty’s that can vibrate off . Thanks and take care

[@nomadjeff1922]

Read the book "The Ravens". It's all about this topic and the "Steve Canyon" program. You were "sheep dipped" (phony discharge) and "worked" for another "civilian" company. These guys used to put hand grenades in Mason Jars with the pins pulled and would throw them out to help the troops on the ground. They saved a lot of lives and were largely unknown for many years. My dad flew on C-123's in those days in places we denied being (Laos & Cambodia) and later in life told me many stories of the bravery of the FAC's. It's a great book.

[@jimamccracken5783]

Hey Guys thanks for doing a most excellent job in Country. We relied on yall alot. Sved my buttside x 2.

[@Joe.G]

Awesome video thanks for sharing it. ✌️ 🇺🇸

[@williambachemin1639]

Heroes that made it. Heroes that make it.. Praise to all that saved doing there to save our troops on the ground.

[@birddogaustria2103]

William Bachemin yes Sir, True words!

[@christopher.m.estelow]

Had no idea they did this..... Loved watching this video.... Keep up the great work!

[@birddogaustria2103]

thx Sir

[@christopher.m.estelow]

@@birddogaustria2103 subscription added..... 👍

[@mariejames5333]

HI Proud Daughter of an 01 pilot here hoping to find any information. Anyone know Greg Bernard who flew an 01 for the USAF in Vietnam? We got a few stories but now we are struggling to find service records. He was awarded a DFC, I think "Aw shaw Valley" probably a lot of these guys won DFCs. My daddy is the handsome one! He is having trouble speaking these days but he still has sparkly eyes and is a southern gentleman. My daddy never got mad and never cussed (at least not around his adoring daughter) He told us some stories but they might have been creative for our sake: My brave mom had me while he was over there. He said flying an 01 was safe because it was dumb to shoot at an 01, because then they'd blow their cover. He said he just had to go mark targets and help pick up a few Rambos. He said the 01 was fun to fly and it was fun to land in jungle clearings. He mentioned once he had a system of switching gas tanks to keep a precise sense of his fuel supply and so be able to maybe fit in an extra trip safely. He also said the worst thing he recalled was that he tried to wave his wings at a family of local people and they were afraid and ran away. I am so thankful for my dad, and all who helped get him home to us.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Thank you for this posting! I really appreciate that. Many O-1 pilots watch this video. I hope one of them knew your dad. Good luck 🍀

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

Great video...👍

[@lorenzodunn3226]

Excellent film footage and commentary. The commentary mixed with the engine and propeller sound worked well.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Lorenzo Dunn ! Thx SIR

[@georgej.dorner3262]

I served with the last unit to fly and fight the mighty Bird Dog...Raven forward air controllers. We used 'em until we packed up and left Laos in 1973.

[@birddogaustria2103]

George J. Dorner .... i feel honored to have your comment here! I have a book of the ravens at home,..... you guys really had balls of steel! Thank you for your service

[@drfrench]

In memory of my Dad, USAF Lt. Col. A Lee French Jr. FAC 1967-68.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Thank you for your posting. Proud to have your dads name here on this comments. Thank you Sir! Your dad was for sure a hero

[@drfrench]

@@birddogaustria2103 Thanks. But he just saw himself as someone doing what he had signed up to do. Was a great model for moving through life doing what is right without expectations and not looking back.

[@RockingRooProduction]

Early Combat Controllers and JTACs! God bless’em.

[@terrysaunders2026]

@RockingRooProductions: Not JTACS or even ETACS back then, the enlisted TACP guys were ROMADS!

[@josephwright8002]

i flew with the 221 rac out of vihn long. call sign was shotgun. i was shotgun 28. second platoon, pilot 8. lived anywhere, year long fly in and beer bust. great fun.

[@birddogaustria2103]

joseph wright wow 😮 thx for posting this here..... and thank you for your service Sir

[@topper3348]

I was Shotgun 33, 69-70, Rach Gia. Welcome home Joseph.

[@AlphaChimpEnergy]

Great documentary.

[@mocharger06]

My father was a FAC with the 19th TASS. He was awarded the DFC on 2 separate occasions. For 18 years, he walked with the typical cocky stride of a fighter pilot. In 1968-69, he flew with the 19th TASS. That year December 1968 - November 1969, he would later call it the longest year of his life. It wouldn't be until years later that I'd understand what his mission was. He was never the same. After a TDY in Cambodia, I found out why so many Vietnam vets "self medicated".

[@bluemarshall6180]

They where boy's during that time and they have the guts. Thank you Sirs.

[@rockyraab8290]

I'm proud to have been a USAF FAC. I flew 300 combat missions attached to the 173rd Abn Bgd and then with the highly classified MACV/SOG.

[@Viethist]

Dear Rocky Raab! Thank you so much for posting your story here! I really appreciate that. I feel honored to fly the L-19 O-1 Birddog today! It’s an awesome plane. Wherever I fly at airshows I tell the public the story of USAF and ARMY forward air controllers. I do my best to keep your story alive! Thank you for your service Sir !!! Fred from Austria

[@sarahpride5556]

RAVENS ! The book totally changed my understanding of the war in Southeast Asia. Seriously.

[@tombutcher5776]

I was stationed at NKP. Very few people understood the war in Laos. It was real, believe me.

[@sarahpride5556]

Tom Butcher yep. The secret war. Did you ever hear of a ilot named “Pop Buell”?

[@tombutcher5776]

@@sarahpride5556 No, sorry I don't recall. Thanks for your note.

[@michaelobispo2008]

@@sarahpride5556 Pop Buel was not a pilot. He was a retired farmer first brought over to Laos to help in agriculture. He started I think with IVS and later worked with USAID. In those days we called the hill tribes Meos but the far more polite term was Hmong. He and others helped use the Hmongs for fighting against the Pathet Lao and North Vietnam. So he worked with different groups including Air America, CASI, Bird and Sons that were flying cargo and people but I don't think Pop was in any way a pilot. I was in Laos a fair amount of time from 1965 to 1971 or 72.

[@paulofernandesdarochasilva2679]

Good history.

[@JamesHoppe-r7c]

I CREWED A REDMARKER O-1 1970 MECHANICS COULD FLY BACK SEAT PILOTS WOULD SAY 4 EYES ARE BETTER THAN 2EYES WE WERE HAPPY TIL ONE OF OUR GUYS SHOT THE RIIGHT TIRE. WITH HIS M-16 FROM BACKSEAT NO MORE MECHANICS IN BACK SEAT

[@birddogaustria2103]

Dear James Hoppe! OMG what a story…… thx for sharing this !!!

[@oldigger7060]

Helped save my backside a couple of times ('66 - 67). Thanks guys.

[@cecilpotter1229]

My Dad flew OV-10s for the Navy. They were gray not green like USF he told me he was in the shit hard core. He loved that plane. He said you guys were the best Flying slower light armed plan's and put the shit were it was to do the best for the troops on the ground. He said the ov10 had better guns and was much faster than you guys. He told me you had to have your shit together to do what you guys did. So I thank you all for what you did. Haze gray and under way

[@birddogaustria2103]

Cecil Potter !!!! Wow 😮 thank you for for comment. Amazing story of your Dad. Awesome 👍

[@n4120p]

The lightest of all airplanes with a unprotected pilot and his HF radio was the center piece of all operations , remarkable ! great brave service from faithful innocent Americans to a very useless conflict of modern history .

[@hamtar123]

And similar useless operation is in progress in Afghanistan.

[@tenpiloto]

n4120p--You meant UHF. An HF radio is for long-range (non line-of-sight) communication and was also way too heavy and bulky in those days to fit into an O-1.

[@claudiomatosdasilvamatos5837]

I'm MT fan of the Vietnam war I'm glad you fought you in this war you deserve... I'm Claudio do Rio de Janeiro Brazil 🇧🇷

[@KurtAlfemberg]

Idiot!

[@arthurteo8111]

Facs are the bravest of the brave. Flying those fragile and vulnerable "kites" up there takes unfathomable courage.

[@HungNguyen-bj4bw]

SALUTE to all of your's...Hung Nguyen S VNAF.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Hung Nguyen thx for your comment

[@RollNo_21]

I'm Not US Citizen But I Have Hold Huge respect for Vietnam Veteran in my heart.🙏I Have Learned A Lot From That War🙏🇮🇳

[@Brunzy1970]

These guys are brave to the point of foolishness. Amazing.

[@WootTootZoot]

Thanks FAC. Seriously.

[@tombutcher5776]

The Ravens in POJ, Laos. I was stationed at NKP where they would visit, drink at the O Club, visit the BX etc.

[@birddogaustria2103]

Hey Tom Butcher! Thx for your comment and your service 👍

[@tombutcher5776]

@@birddogaustria2103 You're welcome. It was quite a ride!

[@reichesir]

Love the term. Bird-Dog

[@toynazi]

These guys had BALLS!

[@mistydog66]

"First In, Last Out. Above the Best" - USACC

[@joshuajuarez3471]

My grandpa still to this day will never talk about his experience in Vietnam.

[@MakeDoNation]

I want to hear how this was pitched to the first dude. Hey man you want to help us look for targets in a cloth wrapped Cessna?

[@S62bhas]

God Bless the Forward Air Controllers Abundantly You Are Remembered Till I Die

[@birddogaustria2103]

Samuel Bhaskar I will keep their story alive as best as I can....

[@drew65sep]

The "FAC's" had no need for extra armor plating. They had balls of steel to do that kind of job flying around in some damn tiny, slow-ass, "puddle jumper." Those pilots were "cut from a different cloth."

[@georgesmith84]

Had a friend did this 65 and 66 Maj Hank Collins Wrote 2 books Looking Back and eyes above the delta

[@stanleyroe2318]

In 1963 we fastened 4 pigs to the bomb shackles to ship fresh food from Ashau to Tabat. We’d offered a basket of chickens for the back seat, but the L19 pilot chose the pigs.

[@birddogaustria2103]

STANLEY ROE hahaha 😂 I love KZbin..... where else can you get such great stories. I had to read it twice,.... did I really read that 🤣. Thank you Sir for this amazing story and thank you for your service

[@screddot7074]

The best Air Force Officer I ever met was a FAC pilot that had just come out of Nam to Clark AB. They brought his family to Clark, but his job was to provide support to the FAC units still in Nam. I'm sure he went back often.

[@birddogaustria2103]

screddot..... for sure it was a privilege to talk with him. Thx for your comment

[@CurtisDrew1]

Odd they never covered the FACS putting live grenades, with the pin pulled out, into glass jars so the spoon would stay on until the jar hit the ground. Learned that trick from a Raven Pilot I met aboit 10 years back at a Bar in Grapevine TX. We, my Buddy the Marine and I, met him during a lunch break and got to be regular stool buddies. He had lots of interesting stories. He finally died of Cancer a few years ago.

[@birddogaustria2103]

CurtisDrew1 thx for sharing this story here! Listen to him was for sure very exiting

[@CurtisDrew1]

@@birddogaustria2103 I enjoyed his stories for hours. My older brother was a Marine in Country on a forward fire base and the Raven Pilots stories of calling in stikes around those Remote Bases to protect them really bought home the life my brother lived through. My Dad was Career Air Force and a Veteran of 3 wars. So we grew up on Military bases until my brothers and I left home at 18. Dad spent time flying cargo into Vietnam. I rode out the draft, at my Brothers insistance, and ended up with a high number in the first round of the Draft Lottery. Younger Brother was Air Force! So I tell people I grew up in the Shadows of Heroes!

[@topper3348]

As an Army Birddog pilot in Vietnam 69-70, I'll verify the grenade trick. I used it several times when permission to fire was not given. That and my M16 were useful.

[@zzathros]

lol loved that last part of the film never clean the tubes or grounded a/c rofl but it sounds nice. raven34

[@birddogaustria2103]

Raven 34 thx for your comment and your service!!!

[@OldCorpsEd]

Strange to see an Air Force camo F-4 with a tail hook, and hook is down. Using SATS somewhere?

[@Rebel-Rouser]

The FAC pilots and the lil bird scout pilots were the bravest of the brave... 50% casualty rate...

[@777dragonborn]

My uncle used to fly these back and forth to loas .these and Trojans. He siad these little cessas were easy targets.

[@nickaxe771]

Hi all trying to find out what the long whip antenna mounted on top of the cockpit was for on the Cessna Bird Dog. I have an interest in radio and aircraft....its not the normal radio antenna seen on a small aircraft. Nick in the UK.

[@oldrover3007]

Those guys were True Heroes .

[@birddogaustria2103]

Old Rover that is so true Sir!!! And this video takes care they they will not be forgotten

[@paulregarg7455]

I worked with a Raven mechanic at Twa

[@GRW3]

According to the book on the L19/01, over 400 of these aircraft were lost in the SE Asia campaigns.

[@GeorgTirebiter]

on the DMZ, we called those FACs "Barky"

[@emansnas]

I knew a FAC briefly in the early 70s. He told me they'd tell each other stories about how if they were hit the Army would likely have body replacement parts anyway, so no worries - you know, six million dollar man shit. I was flying stateside at the time but could see his 'point'. Only circumstance I know of where 'disbelieving' reality was useful and made sense. He made it back home okay but two months later drove his sports car off a cliff... the way it went, way way too often

[@testfortester7131]

Hero

[@maxxmccrae6383]

Hi there, Just wondering if I could use some of the clips from this video to use in a top 10 airplanes video for my youtube channel about airplanes. Thank you.