Ravens Part II: Their Stories

This is the second installment in the Raven series, this video Ravens telling their stories. The stories they tell are thrilling, sad, dangerous, and poignant, of their life and death missions flying combat during the Laos Secret War. Please see Ravens I: Mission and Men on my channel.
While most Americans watched the Vietnam war on television, another bloody conflict was transpiring next door, hidden from the news cameras and print journalists. A very small, select, group of volunteer U.S. Air Force pilots in a highly secret U.S. government program were fighting a secret war, wearing civilian clothes, piloting small, unarmed prop-driven aircraft, taking life-and-death risks on every hazardous mission and given little to no supervision and guidance other than to direct deadly fires on the enemy. These men were U.S. fighter and FAC pilots turned Airborne Forward Air Controllers (FAC), called Ravens, guiding fast-mover U.S. fixed wing fighters and bombers onto enemy targets in an effort to stop the North Vietnamese invasion of Laos.
The Raven program came about during the U.S. Secret War in Laos which was fought at the same time as the Vietnam conflict, and in fact rather than Vietnam, Laos could have been the conflict the U.S. became primarily embroiled in. My video 'What was the U.S. Secret War in Laos' will provide you a full understanding of the war.
You can read more on the Ravens at the Hmong Daily News, hmongdailynews...
Please see the first Raven video, Ravens I: Mission and Men • The Ravens Part I: Mis...
You can also learn more on the Secret War in Laos from Dr. Carter's video "What was the Secret War in Laos?" • What was the Secret Wa... .
John Horan, gracious financial benefactor and supporter to memorializing Lao War veterans, sponsor of the The Lao-Hmong Memorial in Colorado, says: "I've seen and read a lot on the U.S. Secret War and your video is the most complete and concise review of all." The United States Air Force Museum at Dayton Ohio says this video is the most accurate and complete account of the Laos Secret War.
‪@CarterOnConflict‬

[@TADAMS-zt4zz]

Take a bow sir, another excellent video! I like the way you wove together the war footage with the Raven interviews. I too now need to go back and watch part 1 again and stand by for part 3. Thank you.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Captain, I always appreciate your watching, commentary, and support. I am confident a warrior of your tastes will enjoy part I and may I make another recommendation? I have a similar video that has gone viral this month - 69,000 views in the last 28 days. Forgive me if you have watched it…. Forgotten Devastation: Firebombing Japanese Cities kzbin.info/www/bejne/iofJYnajZpuClc0. Thank you again.

[@BobDenny]

You deserve the highest of praise for capturing and recording these stories. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am thinking of the guys who lost their lives in Laos on this Memorial Day. They should never be forgotten. On a related note are the Nimrods, the guys who flew the A-26A out of Nakom Phenom RTAFB on night interdictions in Laos over the Trail. I have more than passing info as the A-26A was built at On Mark Engineering in CA and my Dad was one of the founders. I know most of the surviving Nimrods having been to two reunilons. I can't post links or photos :-(

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well thank you Bob, I appreciate that. There are so many deserving stories out there. The Nimrods I know little of, other than their sterling reputation. Thank you for watching and commenting, I hope you like other of my videos.

[@falconmoose5435]

Bump for the algo. Thank you for this.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir.

[@xeemnpisyuslis2089]

If Hmong has a place, we would erect a monument for these great brave men. But for sure, these men and their names will be engraved in the hearts of many of us Hmong. Thank you and Thank you.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well said….thank you for watching and your comment. By the way, you can see several Hmong villages in this video: Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@dankingjr.2088]

Watching these has been interesting. I wrote a paper in 1992 while in college on the aerial campaign in Laos that I thought would eventually become my thesis, and had the opportunity to interview a number of Ravens. All these men and their names are familiar to me from those conversations. I did not know Dick Elzingas remains had been found. Wish Dad was around to see these.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I would enjoy reading your paper, I think it would greatly inform my knowledge. I’m still learning. Feel free to send it to me at [e-mail]. I am glad you have enjoyed these videos, and in case you haven’t seen, my latest is on AA and CASI pilot Lee Gossett telling of his time in Laos. Some say it’s the best video yet. In the book Raven Chronicles, Raven John Fuller goes into great detail explaining the recovery of Elzingas remains and some background behind it. I could scan and email you that article if you would like (happy to do it) albeit I’m stuck in the U.S. until 7 April and my book is home in Thailand. It would have to be when I return, but I’m happy to do so. I greatly appreciate you watching and commenting. Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@andrewdavies4604]

Wild listening to these Guys talk, so long after reading the Christopher Robbins book.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Andrew, I’m glad you enjoyed the video, and liked the format. Thanks for watching and commenting. I have a Ravens III coming out soon in the sane format - just their stories. So please, stay tuned for more. If you haven’t, I would appreciate you subscribing so you know when it comes out.

[@lancesay]

thank you for sharing and recrding, and uploading this video. i was just lucky to be born on the ls-15's dirt airstrip... in 1967, i love hearing... story like this.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I appreciate you watching and commenting on my videos, which you have done several times. Thank you and I will have to research where LS 15 is.

[@edherman8169]

Im glad I love History. Learn something everyday,and Im 60. Be good be safe,and ciao for now....Blue😇✋🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧. PS. More like this.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting - if it wasn’t for viewers such as yourself who can appreciate history, I wouldn’t be doing those. Sir….here are two more you might like if you haven’t seen yet: The Ravens Part I: Mission and Men kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWUf32MZtaIaKM Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@arthurcrime]

This was really excellent, a hell of a lot of research and thought went into making this. Fabulous stories. Thank you.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I really appreciate that Arthur. Thanks for watching and your comment. I’m blessed that these guys trusted me to put this together. You are probably aware of Ravens I, maybe even watched it, but just in case, here it is. Thank you again, so much: The Ravens Part I: Mission and Men kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKWUf32MZtaIaKM

[@Goodheartman13]

Very informative colonel. Now I got to go back and look at part one and wait for part 3 blessings that you are still with us

[@CarterOnConflict]

well thank you Good heart man - indeed! Glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@thomassmestead9905]

Gotta love the old T-28. I had the opportunity post-war, to get a back seat hop in a Navy T-28 at Fallon, Nevada. We did some aerobatics out over the desert and it was the most fun I think that I've ever had.

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@thomassmestead9905 ha ha, nice :-) thanks for sharing that. I looks like a great aircraft. And Thomas thank you for watching and commenting, I greatly appreciate it. You know, I have three Ravens videos, just published number 3 the other day. Here is my list of videos and I hope you find others you like: youtube.com/@carteronconflict?si=8blRpCBZ1hbHVy4f

[@leesherman100]

Yep, I read the book some years ago. Worth every word! I highly recommend it! Nevermore sayeth the Raven!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thanks for recommending it Lee, maybe others will take your advice. Well said, ‘worth every word.’ If you or anyone are ever in the DC area, Ravens hold a book signing at the Udvar-Hazy national air and space museum (in northern Virginia) occasionally. A good place to get your book autographed or buy one.

[@carverbob54]

Great to be able to put faces to all of these great fliers. Keep up the great work!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Bob, thank you - I appreciate you watching and your comment

[@tommcclelland119]

Another great video. To see and hear these guys really takes me back. By the way, we were never on the Mun River. Ever. Just patrolling the Mekong River Delta, and lots of its tributaries. Great research bringing these guys together. Another job well done my friend.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Tom, you know I always appreciate hearing from you, and contributing to the dialogue, thank you so much.

[@tommcclelland119]

@@CarterOnConflict I truly look forward to seeing your excellent work.

[@DonaldKDever]

Love these stories! ❤

[@CarterOnConflict]

Donald, thank you for watching and commenting - if you haven’t yet sir, please subscribe so you are notified when Ravens III comes out - similar format. And….Laos Combat Operations: Raven 25 Story kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3SQiZiFhs6qgdU Escape from Cambodia: Legendary Air America Pilot Neil Hansen kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZqUZIRvlNyGrbM Thank you Don.

[@falcon5215]

Incredibly fasinating series....thank you

[@CarterOnConflict]

Well I appreciate that very much. Thank you for watching and commenting. I have a Ravens III coming out late summer, the forget will be the same as Ravens II - I shut up, they tell their stories. In the meantime - if you haven’t seen it - you will greatly enjoy this very short 20 minute video from another Laos War pilot - Laos Secret War Pilot: Lee Gossett kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5I

[@falcon5215]

@@CarterOnConflict ... don't shut up!!! You add a lot to the presentation

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@falcon5215 thank you sir

[@rl64rl]

Very enjoyable. Thank you

[@CarterOnConflict]

I appreciate you watching and commenting, thank you.

[@C.LeonHarris]

A fascinating collection of personal stories enhanced with videos and stills.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I am glad you watched, thank you for commenting.

[@supasannok8024]

Great video, 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻thanks for sharing.Dr.Paul

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you my love!!!!

[@hmbobb21]

We Hmong either fight til we die or stay put and die as a coward. We fight!!! Lee Lue (One of the best Pilot) will forever be in our heart!

[@CarterOnConflict]

Yes sir, and you all are great Americans! Sad what your people went through, but America is greater because you are here!

[@Heathen22]

Excellent! Love the footage, but not the war...

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you Mike! I Hope you enjoy other of my videos as well. Thanks for posting

[@robertscranton8293]

Why O' why... what was gained.. what was lost... Soo many brave men... heroes all...the bun men of today are impotent.

[@CheeLee-c4r]

Mr. Lee Lue was always Hmong hero during Laos communist war

[@CarterOnConflict]

Yes, a true hero! Thanks for posting.

[@richardyoder3646]

Outstanding video

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for watching and commenting Richard. I hope you watch Ravens I on my channel, and my latest 26 minute video on Lee Gossett Laos Secret War pilot: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJzPg4ljn7WJo5Isi=kJcPELVdR1udCtKg thanks again.

[@kaomoua9977]

My father was one of the Robins back seater in Long Cheng during 1968-1971 he originally came from LS 32,unfortunately he was killed in that one morning incident misfiring in Long Cheng area.!!

[@CarterOnConflict]

God bless you and your patriot father, sacrificing for your people. Thank you so much for sharing this story.

[@crispusattucks4007]

Fantastic 🛫

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you sir!

[@pollydor07]

My hills on Attapeu called PS 38 , PS 72 , PS 165 Almost 3 months up there I got wounded. The single engine Cessna picked me up next morning on short run way brought me to Laotian Army base PS 22 awaited C 123 brought me last to CIA hospital next to my old barracks PS 18 near Thai border Ubon

[@CarterOnConflict]

You have many good stories - where do you live now?

[@sogsog111]

In fact the FAC plane (air reconnaisence for bombing) was helping the enemy more than destroying them. The Pathet Lao considered the FAC as theirs because the plane warned them (to escape) before the attacked aircraft arrived and dropped the bombs.

[@CarterOnConflict]

I am sure this was the case on some occasions, but if an enemy element is in place then it is in place - it cannot disappear because a FAC plane appears. Yes, a squad of combatants could hide, but truck parks and armored formations and enemy formations and enemy in contact cannot. And a plane could not see a squad anyway. Please cite a real example of what you are talking about? (Which I don’t dispute happened on occasion, but without FAC planes there is no finding of targets and there is no fires adjustment).

[@geeeeeee3]

On July 6 2011, the DOD announced that they found the remains of Major Richard J Elzinga along with wreckage of his O-1G bird dog he and his crew mate disappeared on Aug /6, 1970. The body of Hank Allen was also ID. RIP

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for watching and commenting. No remains or effects of Hank Allen was ever found.

[@ahuakhangchannel4702]

❤

[@pollydor07]

Cessna single engine aka PORTER flew by the Air America worked for the CIA in Laos 1970 or before that . When I was stationed on ATTAPEU HILLS west of HO CHI MINH trail Laos 1970 the hills code names PS-38 , PS-72 , PS-165 . Cessna observation planes flew above our battalion nightly with night vision observed any movements of NVA approached ours hills any times . 1 night it was very dark night the observation plane radio us to Evacuated asap in the dark night . While we was in the jungle ravines looked back to the hills we just left saw some flash lights searched for us up there .

[@CarterOnConflict]

Definitely enjoy hearing your stories! Tell us more, please.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Definitely want to hear more stories sir.

[@markallen8286]

Love to fly plans smile plans

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you Mark, glad you enjoyed.

[@bradcropp4506]

Good job 603 DASS / 19 TASS Osan 71-72

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for watching, your service and leaving a connect.

[@winaiwongsurawat7080]

Skillful narrating using the voices of the real people in action.

[@CarterOnConflict]

Ajaan Winai, thank you sir. I greatly appreciate it

[@MM-ci2cv]

I'm liking the CIA Chief...stickin up for the small fry......

[@CarterOnConflict]

@@MM-ci2cv ha ha, doesn’t happen often does it! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@CheeLee-c4r]

Hmong pilot was a GVP's hero during North Vietnam and Laos communist war

[@CarterOnConflict]

Thank you for that comment, you are correct sir.

[@marchsrey7126]

😮

[@hotttt28]

Your sound is off !

[@CarterOnConflict]

Ha ha - you are correct! You fly planes? Work on them? Me thinks I am not an aviation guy…..