Snakeoil
Well-Known Member
You know, I was wondering about that. I know some of his other non-VN stories were a bit over the top. But never really thought much about his VN comments. So, after reading your comments, I did a little research on the USMC in VN and their use of helos. This is an excerpt from an article that I found. The article was titled, "The Marine Air War in Vietnam".Warning: Thread drift
I've been reluctant to say anything, but the fishy smell has become too overpowering.
Marine Viet Nam helicopter door gunner? Never heard of one, that was an Army occupation.
Even those of us who returned to the World never discussed our experiences -- not even among ourselves let along civilians -- unless asked.
Helicopters played an extensive role in air operations in Vietnam, as Marine pilots flew CH-34s and later CH-46s and CH-53 Sea Stallions to transport Marines into landing zones near suspected enemy concentrations. They were also used to evacuate the wounded. Helicopters were also used to re-supply Marines in the field if landing strips were not available for use by C-130 transports. Other Marine pilots flew UH-1E Hueys and AH-1 Cobras. These choppers provided reconnaissance and armed air cover for combat air operations.
I would think that if the pilots were Marines then the crew would be Marines as well.
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