SC Vietnam Veteran Discusses Time Served as OH-6A Pilot

[@alularussell778]

I was in Phu Loi 69-70. Crew chief on slicks with the Bulldogs. I know where you've been and I reserve my best salute to you sir.

[@paixgolf123456]

PHU LOI TET 68 LSI FLEW SOMEWHERE EVERY SUNDAY ON ALMOST EVERYTHING. TREE TOPPED FROM SAIGON ON A ARMED ,MINI GUN,OH-6A, PILOT HUNTING CHARLEY. FUNNY I FOUND A PIN "PHU LOI " IN A STORE IN VIRGINIA CITY, NV. TOO QUIET AFTER TET.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

Sir thank you for your service to our country. I was 15 tango air crew chief on a black hawk during desert shield and storm. And my condolences to the families and friends of all those who didn't return.

[@josephanderson7237]

What an extremely stressful and very dangerous job. Great respect to you. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

[@loneranger6168]

My uncle and cousin, were both in Vietnam, my cousin was a green beret and retired after 28 years service, my uncle was a door gunner and was shot down twice. He told me of an incident when he was shot down and they sent out a mayday for extraction. My cousins team was nearby and they provided covering fire until help arrived. Weeks later my cousins team was pinned down, my uncle's helicopter provided fire so they could break contact and get away. The men of my family have served in the military and combat during the Civil War, WWI, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm (myself), Iraq (my son). I think my grandson will one day serve also. GOD BLESS AMERICA, and may she ever stand secure and strong. MAGA 2020

[@loneranger6168]

@JohnnyGotHisGun It's sad that those of your ilk are so full of disrespect and hate. The divide between us is so vast you cannot even begin to understand why we volunteer serve. You see Johnny even though you belive we are dumbshits, the difference between us is we would never show such disrespect toward you for your beliefs you hold to be true

[@nevermindthebollocks1171]

@JohnnyGotHisGun if it wasn't for people like lone ranger , who would fight, certainly not you or anyone like you. Lone Ranger your a credit to your family and your country, respect from the UK my friend.

[@mikepaz4870]

It’s families like yours , where Duty , Honor , Country , may never be talked about openly , yet those things are literally part of your DNA. Whilst others went to Canada , or used political influence to avoid service your MEN ‘ Writ Large ‘ , shouldered the burden. Indeed with no draft you guys continued to become part of the “ family business “ , that’s why America is great

[@jerryeinstandig5691]

that war was wrong from step #1 and fools like you still don't get it ?

[@tomhart3938]

@@nevermindthebollocks1171 a uhh 7

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

These guys had more balls than a bowling alley and it was an honor to get one back home after his loach went down 20 klicks from a Lima base in Laos . Lefty Cat - 101st Abn - 75th Ranger - Pathfinder

[@sonoflibertyaintnofortunat2291]

Did you know Quigley and York? Lima rangers

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

no

[@towliethetowel5603]

Living legend thankyou from Australia brother

[@bionicsjw]

My Father-in-Law flew the OH-6 in Vietnam 1968-69. So much respect for these brave aviators.

[@rezafarhadi5174]

God bless ur father, fuck hippies

[@esahm373]

What's brave about invading a foreign, mostly rural country with hightech armoury and mass murdering millions of locals from the cockpits of helicopters and tanks? Do you have any empathy or basic decency at all?

[@bionicsjw]

@@esahm373 Certainly not for a piece of crap like you.

[@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347]

My ex-cousin in-laws great granpappys stepbrother flew balloons at Antietam. Bless his lil heart.

[@hutchfromba]

I was in Phu Bai. 85th EVAC (Oct, 71 to Sept 72). & then 142nd Med/Surg detachment. Welcome Home brother. Thank you.

[@hutchfromba]

@Von Musklaus I guess your aTrump supporter then.

[@rgm-79fp93]

@Von Musklaus you should shut up

[@PacoOtis]

I was a Huey driver on 1969 and we considered the LOH pilots to sort of be the tunnel rats of the sky! They did a great job and without an underslung flapping rotor could often sneak up.

[@charlie1571]

I saw these guys in action. Man they must have gonads the size of grapefruits. Bless them. Nam 69-70

[@arshk3612]

amazing recollection and humbling watching these young men - i always loved the loach as a chopper and the huey combination .. an experience that time is rapidly passing. i was at school watching saigon fall in 75 ,, took the 10th annivesary of Time from college .. now Tet / Khe Sahn 50 years ago... where is time going.

[@FM-ig3th]

Great point he makes at the end. Most of us do our time get out and start making a living.Raise families and carry on with life.,

[@thelandofmisteroz]

Dad flew the Loach with no AC guns or cobras above with the 54th Field Artillery Group and a handful of great guys! Thank you all for everything you have done.

[@thetreblerebel]

I'm glad not all stories of Vets coming home and adjusting aren't all bad. I know had to be tough. I salute all of em

[@JohnB-le2pi]

My uncle was also a Scout pilot in Vietnam. I believe he was with the 1st Cav division. Originally from Minnesota, he currently resides in Virginia.

[@reggierico]

Of course we call the OH6 'Little Birds' now. I wonder when that nickname was adopted? I've seen the guys from Fort Campbell offload these fabulous machines from a C5 Galaxy, unfold them and get airborne in less than 10 minutes. They are unbelievably skilled aviators and fly these small maneuverable machines like they are part of their anatomy. Thanks for your service and amazing dedication to your skill and our country.

[@donaldjones7678]

I was a grunt in Vietnam 1971. We called them Loach

[@JA-eq5um]

@@donaldjones7678 I thought it was called the flying egg

[@sonoflibertyaintnofortunat2291]

We called them "Skeeters", B co. 123 AVN. BN. 23rd Inf. Div. Call sign "WARLORDS", crew chief door gunner, 19 years old flying the friendly skies of Viet Nam, we had the best pilots, all young Warrant Officers, flying low and slow, jukin, jivin , up, down, sideways, always movin, movin, movin . Cut down m60s thousands of rounds of ammo, we would bring spare barrels cause they would get red hot, rounds start cooking off, break contact, shake the barrel out, put another in. Cobras were called Snakes, 2, 6 man squads of grunts, flying around in slicks, call sign "Animals". I never worked with a greater group of men, ever. "I would tell people what we did and no one believed me". 71-72. RIP Whitlock and Pettigrew.

[@CharlieGroh]

Egg with a Hardon...we had teeth and could duke it and often did, pissing off our snakes, LOL...

[@davidstaudohar6733]

Thank you everyone for serving in the Military , Semper Fidelis Semper Paratus , I became a co pilot in a A-01 cobra helicopter , I thank God everyday that I made it back home alive, and my brother wingnuts , That's no Jive Call sign " THE KID " Lancer's air tactical command I Corps , 👍‼️

[@garytobin5120]

Happy to see one of the fortunate ones as I was ....stogie16 Dec 70 - July 71

[@darkhorse1691]

I did as well. I realized that I had to separate my self from what I had seen and done and keep moving forward. Best advice that can be given and used.

[@flynntesshildebrand9712]

Thank You for your courage of serving, and coming home alive and being successful..

[@JuanRodriguez-my8mm]

Col Walker thank you for sharing this slice of your military service and for proudly serving our Nation! 🇺🇸

[@coldwarrior1137]

THANK YOU SIR! GREAT VIDEO! LOVE YOUR ATTITUDE! 38 Yr. Old American from NJ.

[@garys9638]

A true hero! I have total respect for you and your kind! God bless you!

[@stevereimer5496]

My uncle was a CC on the OH-6 June 68- June 69 based in Duc Pho with the Americal div, would love to hear stories from that time

[@fogstreet108]

my hat's off to you Sir ! x A Troop 1/17th Air Cav Sqdn 82 abn Div ft Bragg NC . 77-80

[@CharlieGroh]

B Troop 7/1 Cav loach pilot Dec '70-Dec '71...we're the only ones who *really* know, brother!

[@shawnmalone9711]

Thank you for your service sir!

[@clydepointe5857]

C-Troop 7/1, 69-71. Welcome home!

[@LongRun65]

I was the sgt. of the guard in Pho Loi. I went to flight school in 68 and quit 3 weeks before graduation. My wife was cheating on me and long story but I gave up my career as a WO and 5 weeks later the Army had me on a flight to Nam. Long story but I loved my guys and my best friend Bernie O'Donnel CW2 and roommate died a few years ago. I will always cherish those memories. Thank God for the men who are willing to give it ALL!

[@kevingooley6189]

"I made lemonade out of my lemons." Well done Sir

[@williammccormick966]

THANK YOU KEVIN 🌐🦓🐒🐒🐒🐒🐒🥢🥢🥢🥢🥢🎵🗽🎹[e-mail]

[@terrycarter4459]

Thank you for telling your experiences.

[@hutchfromba]

I was a Medic in Phu Bai till Sept of 1972. 142nd Med/Surg Detachment. The 8th R&R was there in force along with some SOP troops. Welcome Home Brother.

[@Medic545]

Wow this story makes me so proud to live in SC!

[@rayk5538]

As a door gunner on a charlie model huey gunship, I consider the OH-6 crew members to be some of the bravest men in Vietnam. As we would rotate to give the OH-6's time to try draw fire from the enemy and expose themselves we would watch them go into the trees and do some of the most unbelievable things that only a person with a death wish would attempt. I remember one day, watching an OH-6 getting shot down and the pilot killed. One of the saddest memories of my tour. My deepest respect for you, Frank, and all of the loach pilots that served in Vietnam.

[@mikepazzree1340]

Ray K holy smokes. Reading this gave me chills. SFMF

[@sidwalters7455]

@Von Musklaus can you do us a favor and give us your real name and address please

[@sidwalters7455]

@Von Musklaus I live in the great U.S.A. , how about you middle east ? Maybe Canada?

[@sidwalters7455]

@Von Musklaus who cares , go on ranting

[@MrPhillipstj43]

Thank you sir. You are inspirational to say the least.

[@brucesicotte538]

I just saw your video and you bring me back to my memories I was a door gunner on a loach 1st Aviation F Troop H cab known as Blue Ghost welcome home

[@jamesedmister9922]

Great attitude! Great American!!

[@hanhnguyen]

Thanks you for services in my country love you all men and women. Brisbane Australia

[@martyyoung3611]

I've rode in the OH-6, a great little chopper.

[@chris-sf5uy]

Thanks for sharing your war experiences ..thanks mate 😎

[@CAT5752]

You should write a book Sir. Thank you for your service!

[@grant575mixmaster]

yep, please write a book, I would love to hear your experiences in detail.

[@mikepazzree1340]

Concur

[@Goldarr1900]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@scottmx426no7]

Thank you for your service. You’re a good man!

[@rickcolbert924]

Thank for your Courage and service Sir!

[@jimlong527]

I was at Bastogne, Checkmate, Hue, 1970 1971. I was downed in a loach and several birds I had so many hours logged I received my airborne metal as well as the Bronze Star after downed near Bastogne in the Loach. We are home we did our part. Freedom is earned not used or abused. We live in the Greatest Country even with the challenges in our Democracy today.

[@S62bhas]

God Bless You Abundantly Colonel Walker Thank You for Your Service

[@seymour49]

D Trp 1/10 Cav OH6A Scout pilot Feb 1970-Feb 1971

[@shawnmalone9711]

Thank you for your service sir!

[@Rigg15]

The engineers at Hughes had to factor in the pilots abnormally large and uncomfortable balls when weight displacement was calculated.

[@pfa2000]

Amen to that.

[@fastrope1556]

Yes, and made of steel so much heavier.

[@mackamitsu]

@@fastrope1556 they offset it by putting admin clerk brains in the bulkhead

[@toddhellyar4167]

@Von Musklaus Spoken like someone who doesn't know much at all

[@Bluedevil82nd]

@Von Musklaus the Cold War is over you lost, move on.

[@MajWMartin]

I was there at that time. I started at the north end of I Corp. at Quang Tri base near Dong Ha. I started with the 101 Abn and the A Trp 2/17 Cav. We had a LOH pilot named Greene who was nuts by the way he flew that bird. We pulled back to Phu Bai in the fall of 1971 and stood down to Danang. I remember when they re-activated one of our Troops and started looking for any air crew still in country. I was B Co. 3/21 Inf of the 196th Light Inf by then. We ended up being the last Army ground combat unit to leave. That troop they were rebuilding was probably the same one Walker ended up in.

[@rickcolbert924]

MajWMartin. Thank you for your Courage and Service Sir!

[@johnnicatra570]

Good for you bro 173rd 70-71.Wecome home.

[@johnbelus7828]

Welcome back. Well done sir. Thank you for your service.

[@longriflem1a1]

On one of your plaques I saw a 3/4 Cav crest - now I spent two tours with the Cav and you would have been with D Troop. I went over with the 3/4 Cav in Jan. 1966 with B Troop - almost completed my tour when I was seriously wounded and sent back to the states and went back to the Cav. in 1969.

[@JohnBrown-ip5wg]

I was at the 187th 70 -71 crew chief Huey I loved the flying and the fact I wasn’t on the ground in the hanger it was so dam hot on the ground . I also crewed a Cobra for my last month or so . I have to say there has never been a time like that year in my life . Good job and Out Front Sir . Thank you . I reinlisted after my tour. I was stationed at a empty navy base at Ft Campbell with the 2/17 Cav where we trained for Hunter Kill Teams. I reinlisted and was stationed in Panama . I was flying Jungle training school . I was Medically retired 98 percent disabled and revived my third Honorable Discharge. I would have preferred a different ending . But it was not my choose . Again thank you . I still have my Cav. Hat. 🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🎺🔯🕎✝️🇺🇸🇺🇸🛰💻🌑🌑🌑🌑🛸🗯🛸🗯🛸🗯🛸🗯🛸🗯🛸🗯🛸🗯🚀⚛️🌡🚀⚛️🌡🏔🇺🇸🔯🔯🐅🐅

[@SouthCarolinaETV]

Thank you for your service. Thank you for your comments.

[@rgschovi]

My cousin Dennis Schoville flew the same helicopter in Vietnam for the 7th Cav from 1968-1970, until he was shot down and survived to return home to us. Love him so much and forever proud of his service and all the sacrifices our troops endured. If you fail to respect and honor their service, then you need to meet and talk with a veteran, which I highly recommend you do today.

[@FRRitter]

Good going buddy! I also was there in '71 (3 core). Bless you - thank you for your duty!

[@gunsaway1]

You were a Silver Spur. You need to contact me since I am the President of A Troop. We do reunions every two years. Would love to have you come.

[@fred1barb]

northwestvets.com/spurs/reunion4.htm

[@aj3751]

@Ginsung This is how it works. This is SOCIAL media isnt it? Getting in tough with people that you have no other means of contact with?

[@aj3751]

@Ginsung I just saw an email address get passed along. An email address that otherwise would not have been found. Looks like it worked to me

[@aj3751]

@Ginsung Of course not lol He has the email address now. Why would he continue to comment on here?

[@aj3751]

@Ginsung The web address was made available to the guy in the vid. If he comes through the comment sction, he'll see it. Do you know for sure that he never got it? Mind your business dude. The original comment wasn't for you and didn't require your smartass reply of "you're too old for the internet"

[@tomservo5347]

I read about one OH-6A that was shot down 54 times in it's service in Vietnam. It was probably the most dangerous job possible-trying to draw enemy fire for the Cobra's overhead to kill. At bars it was said the Loach pilots would get into fights and their Cobra buddies would come to the rescue.

[@randyweddle8557]

My brother Christopher Twyman Weddle, AKA Tex, was Gunner on a loch 16 the air Calvary can- tho Vietnam 70-71. Dark horse platoon ( out cast) comp. And low I Beheld a Pale Rider Astride a Dark Horse and the riders name was DEATH ! Rip. Dear brother

[@tomservo5347]

@@randyweddle8557 Have you read 'Acceptable Loss' by Kregg Jorgensen? He was a LRRP at first but after a bad mission transferred to a unit that rescued downed pilots. The Loach pilots were an extraordinary set of men. Jorgensen said the pilots would give impromptu flying lessons to their gunner/crew chief just in case they were wounded/KIA. Apparently the OH-6 was a robust, forgiving aircraft nicknamed the 'flying egg'.

[@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347]

I heard about one OH6A that was shot down 62 times in one day. Never had to refuel once. Pretty robust little feller rat char ah till you wah, c'mon mmmmhhhhmmm.

[@darkhorse9785]

I had the honor and great pleasure of flying with your brother he was indeed a soldier's soldier! I still remember his "killing tie". @@randyweddle8557

[@russwayne2132]

The first aircraft in this clip (the orange one) is a Hughes-55. It's a small training helicopter with a 4-cylinder engine and three blade prop, basically handles like a VW with too much power. That's what we flew at Ft. Wolters, Texas. Looks like the Colonel was a purple hat while going through primary flight training.

[@johntomik4632]

My dad did the same. You guys are incredible! Thank you

[@phapnui]

Only one thing hairier than flying Scouts was flying Lift to insert ARVN's in a single ship hot hell hole in the mountains where they didn't want to get out, crewchiefs and gunners calling out distance left, right, and rear.

[@CharlieGroh]

I flew scouts primarily, but our troop wanted us to be familiar with the mission, so we flew many hours in the front seat of a Cobra (best ride EVER) and many hour co-piloting slicks. I was NEVER so antsy and scared as when we had to do insertions into hot LZ's (of course, I'm not flying and just sitting there...holy cow that sucked!). After doing my time with the slick platoon, I was VERY grateful to get shot at daily in my little LOH!!!

[@w.o.v.0104]

Awesome testimony my fellow brother in arms I thank you for your service and your story that had to be told I hope you know that you are and were and will always be a valuable asset to where ever you go thank you for your service and I am very thankful that you made it back alive❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 and I salute you with all due respect👍👍👍👍👍

[@MrSpinteractive]

Inspiring American! Thank you for sharing this.

[@nickmad887]

Thank you Sir for your service I was a tunnel rat Binh- Duong...

[@fred1barb]

The OH-6 was a truly great aircraft to fly, and if you knew how to use it the mini - gun could be a life saver. The guys who flew them were often quite young and did not I think grasp the risk of combat flight. But older or younger it was dangerous. Scout pilots particularly often worked low and slow, very venerable even with two Cobras over head. The enemy wasn't the only hazard, at tree top level a branch or dead trunk can bring you down. The 11th ACR scout ships had targets painted on the sides. They might have been supposed to be like the French or British rondels. Only CPT Paris really knows and he was shot down at least once. We can quantify the danger, of 1,419 Loaches built, 842 were destroyed in Vietnam. My hat is off to those who did what was in the end a crummy job in a pointless war. Here's to you Colonel! White 11 Blackhorse

[@anttitheinternetguy3213]

Finnish army still flies those things, modernized ones though. Saw them landing into a tightest of spots like lightings and taking Off just as fast when their cargo, usually radios and ammo, was delivered. As a infantry nco I never got much in touch with them but I'll always remember that buzzing rotor sound they make; in military exercises they often simulated enemy choppers and we spent So many hours sitting under a tree while air alarm was raised for one passing by. I hated them for that but they had that very unique sound and beautiful design To them So I kinda loved them too

[@JA-eq5um]

@Von Musklaus where are you from?

[@STONEDARTphotos]

11 ACR 68/69. Flew AH-1 & OH-6. Great unit.

[@MattKearneyFan1]

Von Musklaus you are a misinformed shitbag. The communists were taking over and planned on invading. Dumbass fuckboy

[@CharlieGroh]

...aw, shoot, ya just had to know a hard tree from a soft one. No shit!

[@MishawakaPilotsClub]

Thank you for all you have done and God bless!

[@victorjeffers1993]

Thank you Sir for your service ! 🇺🇸 👍👍 God Bless you !

[@tayninh69]

Welcome home brother, I was with A Battery 2/20th ARA Blue Max. I had seen you LOACH pilots do some fantastic things with those birds. Great story.

[@vincentstella5131]

I had the privilege of flying with the latter day Blue Max, 3-3 AHB as an AH-64D pilot in OIF III out of Camp Taji. I worked at Brigade but Blue Max was my supporting unit. They were a great group of guys.

[@mr.joshuah1412]

What years? My Father was A Battery 2/20th as well?!

[@tayninh69]

@@mr.joshuah1412 I was there from June 69 to Aug 70. The unit moved from Tay Ninh, maybe June 70 to Phuc Vinh. My last few months were spent at Phuc Vinh.

[@FreeSpiritPressNews]

THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS NATION ON BEHALF OF MY FATHER. He was a Medic in the 101st Airborne 326 Med Charlie Company 68’-69’

[@philsanguedolce3058]

Tanks for this video and thanks for your service

[@13CDallas]

Thanks for sharing your story sir. You would be amazed at where we have taken the Egg shaped chariot ofDeath. Best wishes to you sir. NSDQ! SGDM!

[@danburque2910]

I think I spotted a friend of mine father at 1 minute into video. He said to me he was in F troop in the north. Sp4 Labore (crank). He is alive and retired. Welcome Home to all you brave men that served there. I was 9 yrs old in 73.

[@littlebear6826]

25th ID. Littlebear/Menehune. That was the Black Virgin you flew by. Did a lot of work there. We went into Cambodia 1970, God bless.

[@mech5]

As much as I detest War, admittedly it is the greatest Crucible.

[@davidthomspson9771]

Balls of steel.wow.All thanks for meritous service to our country!

[@efhs1970]

Thank you for your service!🇺🇸

[@charleswhitehead8027]

My brother Capt John Whitehead flew all manner of single bladed choppers in Vietnam during two tours......Huey's, Cobras, and the Loach which was his favorite. He was nominated for the MOH twice. Once after the rescue mission he flew at An Loc in 72 and another time 25 years later by the same CO. He was awarded the DSC

[@VenturiLife]

Good story. Thank you.

[@robertATC60]

Thank you!

[@BungSpoot]

Frank is an inspiration. Looking forward is hard.

[@sarahpride5556]

I urge all veterans of The War in SouthEast Asia to record their memories and experiences. Time crucial matter. I love the OH-6 ! Loach/little bird my fav.

[@garymichael8591]

New movie from Australia,Danger Close.108 aussies against 2500 NVA.

[@sarahpride5556]

Gary Michael : YES. I read about that battle. Can’t wait to see the film.

[@sarahpride5556]

Von Musklaus : yes.

[@sarahpride5556]

Von Musklaus : I am an Amateur Historian on the War in SE Asia. I have read hundreds of non-fiction, first-hand books, interviews, and stories of the soldiers who fought there. There is an excellent book entitled: “ Inside the VC and NVA”, published 1992. I recommend it highly for anyone interested in their experience and perspective. Understand this truth: North Vietnam invaded South Vietnam with the dedicated intent of unification, by violent force, under the flag of Communism.

[@garymichael8591]

@@sarahpride5556 November 8 danger close hits US cinemas.

[@DavidHh1969]

There is a loach in the uk at a museum. I helped to restore it. 506. I also spoke to several pilots via email who were in Vietnam as loach pilots. Beside this loach is a Huey, I believe also served in Vietnam. Museum is in Weston super mare. Though my time there was short. The time spent on working on these were memories, sadly, these were bad memories for those who fought and died. God bless.

[@mebeasensei]

I am new to study of the Vietnam war and this is the first time I've heard a vet speak of the period at the end of the war on the ground (other than Air Force and Navy) when the drawdown was pretty much completed and the last few ground units had been stood down leaving only advisors behind. I didn't realise how drastic the withdrawals had been through 1971. This guy would have had a different perspective but an important one. It seems I have come across three phrases or 'moods' to my study. Phase 1: When the troops were thoroughly (more-or-less) behind the enterprise to save South Vietnam from communism. When casualties were shocking but the destruction was rationalized within that frame. Phase 2: Post Tet, when the war had dragged on and on and a whole new universe and culture had emerged with various sub-cultures within it through the various branches and regions of South Vietnam. This included increasing resentment in the rear areas, drugs, a counter-or anti-authority fractured vibe there, that suddenly changed into hardened solidarity when on the patrol with depleted units. Skeptiscm and sense of futility all the same as Nixon withdrew more and more units And Stage 3, when the bases were empty or full mostly of South Vietnamese and a very few US soldiers as advisors. BUt these dudes in the Helicpoters and the hospital staff who remained, were kind of isolated and yet they had inertia of all the culture without the actual US presence on the ground. Meanwhile, back stateside, they all witnessed the end of the 60s and hardened and burnt out idealism. The ideals of the war left long behind. Even the ideals of the protesters waning. Hard drugs in the cities etc.

[@davidcraig7549]

Welcome home Brother!!!

[@deborahwarren8343]

Thank you sir for your service ♡

[@DirtyBob2001]

My favorite helicopter in my flying career. Thanks to my IP CWO Norm Stewart for teaching me to fly it like a maniac.

[@oO-_-_-_-Oo]

Thank you, sir.

[@nelsonashbrook765]

That picture of the Cobra and Loach in formation would make today's pilots poop their pants and the Army would court martial you. God bless this amazing generation with such a wonderful touch at the controls. Thanks Dad!

[@DJSbros]

I think theres a little but of forced perspective going on there.

[@aj3751]

Why would Army pilots get court martialed for flying in formation?

[@DJSbros]

@@aj3751 There are distance restrictions for safety...

[@aj3751]

@@DJSbros I see. So they can fly formation but not that close?

[@DJSbros]

@@aj3751 With helicopters specifically I'd say there are definitely distance restrictions. But maybe back then they hadn't really realised they'd need them yet so it wasnt implemented? Nowadays things are done a lot more with safety in mind because of past accidents.

[@TheGeonam]

Had come in from a patrol and had an OH-6A chopper otherwise known as an egg with a pencell stuck in it pick myself and a buddy up for a flight back to our firebase. We were sitting on the floor in the rear and heading up this valley when all of a sudden the pilot banks sharp to the right. I was on the right side and almost fell out. The pilot drops down over a bomb crater where there was an elephant and turns around and yells back to us shoot the SOB. I braced my feet on either side of the chopper door put in a magazine of tracer rounds and started firing at this great animal putting every round in the top of its head from tree top level. It took four magazines before it fell. It had tried to run but the chopper was stuck to it like glue. When we landed I asked the pilot why he ordered me to shoot the elephant. He said and he was right that the NVA used them to carry supplies into the south. That happened in 1968 and to this very day I feel really bad about killing the elephant. It was easier to shoot a NVA than that poor animal.

[@bntaft5133]

Thank you

[@simonoconor8149]

Very interesting stories.

[@nelsontodd9184]

Thanks for your service

[@gordonmccoy4537]

Great story, Col.... Write your version of "CHICKENHAWK".... I'll buy it and read it and keep it...! Thanks for your service... Gordon in Maryland... (RVN in '69 with the 11th Gen Support Anv Co, 1st Cav and '71 with the 238th AWC, 1st Avn Bde... Lam Son 719 in Jan then down to Thuy Hoa by the sea in II CORE....DEROSED in Dec for Ft Bragg - back to the world...)

[@robertmartinez1645]

I've read Chickenhawk 6+times and everytime it's like I first picked it up. Good read.

[@dunbar555]

MUCH respect Sir

[@thorne62]

I take my hat off to you and God bless you sir...👍

[@burtthebeast4239]

Thank you Sir...

[@malamuteaerospace6333]

You earned every penny of your retirement bro. Enjoy...

[@cajunfamily5227]

Thank you sir for your service,

[@arielsfish]

On top of that all that story of sacrifice and service, he has a kick ass model of an OH 6a ,

[@mantia39]

Well done sir! Thank you for your service!

[@billr2220]

Interesting. From my information , Aeronautical Engineering, the OH-6A was a much quieter aircraft than the en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_UH-1_Iroquois. Instructor called the UH-12 "carpet beater" it caused too much noise. Apparently the cause of the problem the Bell_UH-1_Iroquois hand only two very large blades. Can hear it 50 miles away. The OH-6A had four blades not just two.

[@jamiejack764]

Low level hell very good book

[@anridapu]

Jamie Jack It’s a great read for sure. ‘Hunter Killer Squadron’ is another if you ever come across it.

[@t23ev53]

Thank you for service Sir! I was there at the some time A 1/7 Cav (Garryowen) 1st Cav Div.

[@josephvigue1571]

Not sure if this was really true, but, after AIT and just before I left for Nam, I was told that the life expectancy for a door gunner/crew chief was 37 days! Sometimes I could believe it--sometimes, not so much. All the time it bugged the shit out of me! I was 1 of the lucky ones. Got home with just a single one inch scar from shrapnel. Saw a shitload worse than that. DAMMIT! I'm Joe, my wife seems to have taken over the computer and I have no damned idea how to rescue it back.

[@stevepowsinger733]

I saw a few Loaches on my tour in SVN from the infantry perspective. I admired the pilots courage to fly so low and slow. I believe the early ones carried a machine gunner. The pilot’s job was sort of like ours - locate the enemy then call in the big guns. It must have been getting lonely for Americans there by late 1971.