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Military Tales
United States
Registrace 14. 07. 2011
This website is dedicated to all those who have served this great nation. The main focus of this website will be documenting personal experiences of history from each veteran's point of view.
Forward Air Controller Gary Green Covey 533
In this video, we delve into the challenges faced by 2nd Lt. Gary Green, Covey 533. Forward Air Controller (FACs) during the Vietnam War. Communication was a major hurdle as ground troops, helicopter pilots, and fighter jets used different radio frequencies (VHF, UHF, Fox Mike). FACs played a crucial role as intermediaries, orchestrating operations involving multiple branches of the military - Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps - with the only exception being the Coast Guard.
The video highlights the complexity and dangers of these missions, including Operation Tailwind, a deep incursions into enemy territory, managing various aircraft, and ensuring the safety of ground teams. From coordinating cold inserts to handling hot extractions under fire, the FACs were the unsung heroes who ensured seamless communication and effective air support.
Key moments include:
The orchestration of multi-branch operations in hostile environments.
Challenges of inserting and extracting Special Operations Groups (SOG) and Hatchet Forces.
The use of both older and newer aircraft, like the H-34 and Huey helicopters.
The intense and sometimes improvised tactics employed to avoid detection and ensure mission success.
This video provides a vivid account of the bravery and ingenuity of Forward Air Controllers, shedding light on their indispensable role in the Vietnam War.
The video highlights the complexity and dangers of these missions, including Operation Tailwind, a deep incursions into enemy territory, managing various aircraft, and ensuring the safety of ground teams. From coordinating cold inserts to handling hot extractions under fire, the FACs were the unsung heroes who ensured seamless communication and effective air support.
Key moments include:
The orchestration of multi-branch operations in hostile environments.
Challenges of inserting and extracting Special Operations Groups (SOG) and Hatchet Forces.
The use of both older and newer aircraft, like the H-34 and Huey helicopters.
The intense and sometimes improvised tactics employed to avoid detection and ensure mission success.
This video provides a vivid account of the bravery and ingenuity of Forward Air Controllers, shedding light on their indispensable role in the Vietnam War.
zhlédnutí: 4 422
Video
Tom Dwelle 602nd Air Commando Squadron 1965 66
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed měsícem
One of the most captivating interviews ever recorded, Tom Dwelle shares his harrowing experiences flying the A-1 Skyraider during the Secret War. For more about Tom and his incredible story, his book "Life in the Fast Lane" is a must-read. Check it out here: Life in the Fast Lane. A MUST READ Amazon Book - tinyurl.com/TomDwelleLITFL Tom's Website - tomdwelle.com/
WWII B 17 Co Pilot, Gerald W Lay
zhlédnutí 332Před 3 měsíci
Gerald W. Lay shares his incredible journey from volunteering for the Army at 18 to becoming a copilot on a B-17 during World War II. He recounts his ambition to fly and the initial goal of piloting a P-51 Mustang. Due to a shortage of copilots, he was assigned to the B-17. His story includes his training, the missions he flew, and the harrowing experience of being shot down, bailing out, and e...
A Veteran's Reflections, John Wilkinson 2nd Lt. Military Intelligence, 1968-69, NKP
zhlédnutí 568Před 3 měsíci
Join us as we sit down with John Wilkinson, a retired Brigadier General from the Air Force, as he shares his experiences from his time serving in Vietnam. From thrilling missions to moments of camaraderie, John recounts stories that highlight the bravery and sacrifice of those who served alongside him. Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring tales from veterans like John.
From Jungle Rescues to Spy Missions: The Dual Life of a Skyraider and U-2 Pilot
zhlédnutí 7KPřed 6 měsíci
Don Feld, a retired Air Force Colonel, shares a riveting account of his military career, spanning the dense jungles of Southeast Asia to the cold expanse of the upper atmosphere. As a pilot of the A-1 Skyraider, Feld led critical Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, notably Operation Tailwind, where his leadership and tactical prowess shone. The Skyraider, with its formidable payload and endurance...
Salute to Veterans 2023 with Chief Richard Catlett guest speaker.
zhlédnutí 57Před 6 měsíci
Mayor David Wear opened the Salute to Veterans luncheon by expressing his profound honor to celebrate and thank those who served in the military, highlighting his privilege to introduce Chief Richard Catlett as the guest speaker. Catlett, described as a true product of Pigeon Forge, shared his journey from a local youth to a respected leader in both military and police service. His military ser...
Task Force Alpha: Top-Secret Intelligence, The Untold Vietnam War Story of Steve Umland
zhlédnutí 3,2KPřed 7 měsíci
In this captivating journey, we explore the remarkable life of Steven Umland, who transformed from a directionless 19-year-old truck driver to a pivotal member of Air Force intelligence during the Vietnam War. Steve’s tale is a fascinating mosaic of decisions, from joining the Air Force under his father's stern advice to. After enlistment and excelling in aptitude tests, he never expected to pa...
The Unsung Heroes of the Skies: Tales of Daring and Duty in the Vietnam War
zhlédnutí 2,2KPřed 7 měsíci
In the heat of the Vietnam War, the skies were not just a battleground but a realm of unsung heroes, whose stories of valor and duty often remain untold. Among these were pilots engaged in daring close air support missions, a critical but perilous task that brought them dangerously close to the ground and enemy lines. One such mission involved supporting the top secret missions of Rangers, or S...
Becoming the Ultimate Warrior My Quest for Special Forces 1
zhlédnutí 115Před 7 měsíci
From Classroom to Combat: The Unstoppable Journey of a Special Forces Medic #short WATCH FULL INTERVIEW - czcams.com/video/2jmh6gbl6UQ/video.htmlsi=7AIqcXc3zWSMZpmR Let's delve into an inspiring story of determination and ambition in the military world. This journey began in the early 1960s, a pivotal time for a young student at a teacher's college between 1962 and 1965. He quickly realized tha...
PAPAYA 02A/B Rescue: The Rest of The Story
zhlédnutí 624Před 7 měsíci
Summary of Presentation by George Marrett and Susan K. Crosby on Search and Rescue Mission: PAPAYA 02A/B Rescue - March 10,1969 Background: George Marrett, an experienced pilot and the author of "Cheating Death," participated in a 1969 search and rescue mission, PAPAYA 02A/B Rescue - March 10,1969. Susan K. Crosby has been researching the fate of one of the pilots, Colonel Luna, from that missi...
"Skyward Bonds: The Untold Tales of Lt. Xuan Pham & His Band of SVAF A-1 Skyraider Pilots
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 7 měsíci
In this gripping narrative, Lt. Xuan Pham, a pilot of the South Vietnamese Air Force from 1969 to 1974, takes us back to his early flying days at Pleiku. He vividly recounts his experiences training in the A-1 Skyraider, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and thrills of being a young pilot in a tumultuous era. Lt. Pham brings to life the mentors and comrades who shaped his journey, s...
The Secret War Unveiled: SOF/SOG Support and Prairie Fire Missions
zhlédnutí 2,1KPřed 10 měsíci
"The Secret War Unveiled: SOF/SOG Support and Prairie Fire by 6th ACS and OLAA" Date: Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 Discover the untold stories of the secret war that many were unaware of, now brought to light! Participants: SOA President Doug Godshall Win DePoorter Don Enegebretsen Jon Goldenbaum Jax Roberts Doc Blanchard. Don't miss this enlightening series of presentations Vietnam War veterans, w...
Retired Air Force Major, recounts his experiences during the Vietnam War. - William John Maki
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed 11 měsíci
Retired Air Force Major, recounts his experiences during the Vietnam War. - William John Maki
Unveiling a Cryptic Message Engraved on a Mysterious Bracelet
zhlédnutí 105Před 11 měsíci
Unveiling a Cryptic Message Engraved on a Mysterious Bracelet
F-4 Pilot Shot Down, POW for Almost 6 Yrs - Joseph Hoss Milligan 113th Mission
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 11 měsíci
F-4 Pilot Shot Down, POW for Almost 6 Yrs - Joseph Hoss Milligan 113th Mission
SGT. Randolph Nagy, Security Police, Top Secret Air Force Base, NKP - Thailand, 1972-1973.
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed rokem
SGT. Randolph Nagy, Security Police, Top Secret Air Force Base, NKP - Thailand, 1972-1973.
Intense Battle in the Ashaw Valley Reveals Fearless Special Forces Action #Shorts
zhlédnutí 223Před rokem
Intense Battle in the Ashaw Valley Reveals Fearless Special Forces Action #Shorts
Young Pilots and Ground Crews - Brave Heat and Hardship for Close Air Support Mission
zhlédnutí 135Před rokem
Young Pilots and Ground Crews - Brave Heat and Hardship for Close Air Support Mission
Lt Col Melvin Mel Swanson OLAA 56th SOW
zhlédnutí 2,6KPřed rokem
Lt Col Melvin Mel Swanson OLAA 56th SOW
South East Asia The Big Picture, Raven Operations, Dedicated Rescue Operations - by Darrel Whitcomb
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed rokem
South East Asia The Big Picture, Raven Operations, Dedicated Rescue Operations - by Darrel Whitcomb
Prairie Fire SOG OLAA - No Sound - Video Only
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed rokem
Prairie Fire SOG OLAA - No Sound - Video Only
56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Jack Pollard, (NKP) Nakhon Phanom Thailand The Secret War
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed rokem
56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Jack Pollard, (NKP) Nakhon Phanom Thailand The Secret War
Son Tay Prison Raid - Operation Ivory Coast
zhlédnutí 2,4KPřed rokem
Son Tay Prison Raid - Operation Ivory Coast
C-123k Crew Chief and Loadmaster discuss their time at (NKP) Nakohn Phanom
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed rokem
C-123k Crew Chief and Loadmaster discuss their time at (NKP) Nakohn Phanom
Secret War Stories, Nakhon Phanom (NKP) EC-47 Pilot Doug Davis
zhlédnutí 13KPřed rokem
Secret War Stories, Nakhon Phanom (NKP) EC-47 Pilot Doug Davis
Son Tay Prison Raid (audio) Operation Ivory Coast
zhlédnutí 557Před rokem
Son Tay Prison Raid (audio) Operation Ivory Coast
Vietnam A-1 Skyraider Pilot Rich Hall Recalls Rescue Missions
zhlédnutí 11KPřed rokem
Vietnam A-1 Skyraider Pilot Rich Hall Recalls Rescue Missions
Thank you for service, welcome home sir. There’s another group of guys that deserve our thanks that I don’t hear mentioned much are the PJ’s (para jumpers) that flew on the rescue helicopters and rode the penetrators down to help injured downed pilots. We owe so much to all vets but especially the Vietnam vets who never got the welcome home they deserved.
The fact that Politicians, Generals and U.S. ambassador Sullivan had SOG soldiers fight that War with one hand tied to your balls is infuriating to me. Thank all of you for your Service.
Thank you for the great interview with our old soldiers. My grandfather also served as a first lieutenant in the Signal Corp of ARVN. We never forget about RVN and countless soldiers and officers who did sacrifice their lives and youth to defend the Republic for 20 years. Vietnam war was lost due to the traitorous actions committed by American communists and demoncrats with the disgraceful propaganda of hippie media. Not by our brave soldiers!!!
my grandpa was in npk till 73 i believe. I live in fort walton beach so its crazy to hear it mentioned
Cam on cac chu chia se cau chuyen tuyet voi. Con la nguoi pilot moi o US. Con mung cong hoa Viet Nam
Cảm ơn bạn đã xem, tôi nghĩ bạn cũng thấy những cuộc phỏng vấn này thú vị - czcams.com/video/ah2ISt7pFQE/video.htmlsi=wiYDGr38qwca90Zu
Hmm , interesting . BDA meant Bomb Damage Assessment for us army types who went out and did them . Pretty crazy stuff being done by the AF along the trail . We were briefed one time to go check some sensors along the trail down in lll Corp one time . We never went , and were never told why it was cancelled .
Thank you, Gary Green. We are restoring O-2A, 67-21416 to flying status.
Where are you based out of, It would be great to visit some day
@@militarytales Caro Airport, Michigan 48723
MAJ CHARLES FREDERICK KUHLMANN
I’ve heard Larry white talk about Gary in our conversations ! He said he was one of the best FAC’s to fly… 6 pack Larry White and Kenneth Shoebox Carpenter… both of them flew that day Larry said. I’d love to speak to Garry one day
I knew quite a few FAC pilots at Pleiku because my friend ,Capt. Landron was a FAC pilot with us. I was an A1 Skyraider Crew Chief with the 6th SOS and a member of the Base AR Team and Crash Recovery and can verify with no doubt that these aircrafts were "armed" with Honor and Valor rockets each time they went out. To you 02-A pilots my sincere admiration , respect and eternal brotherhood. There are not enough medals in Washington to pin you all.
Does Mr. Locher give interviews? I have interviewed quite a few military pilots since high school and I admire the courage and determination each had. I would love to interview Mr. Locher. Although, who am I to ask someone who has interviews requested of him from something he might want to forget. I'll just dream and be inspired. I love working with veterans and it's always amazing that I just listen and sit amazed at their strengths. Thank you for your service and God bless you Mr. Locher.
I have never met Roger, he stays close with his fiends like Ron Smith. However I encourage ever person who is interested in interviewing vets to do so ASAP. We are loosing so many amazing people. Have no fear when asking them for an interview. You would be surprised how man want to say something. With folks who tell me "I didn't do anything" I say in reply, Everyone has one story, come sit down and tell me anything about your time serving., Allow them to talk and ask them to explain anything you do not understand. Show true interest and you will do fantastic. Invest in a good external mic, Holland Lark mics ae priced well and do a great job. The work with DSLR cameras and cell phones. Good video is really nice, AUDIO has to be 100% or you have nothing Good Luck Best Wishes
When i was at NKP, a few airmen with “non-essential” day jobs earned extra money by working at night as contractor flare kickers on 123s.
Welcome home and thanks for your service. These stories bring back so many memories that i can relate to regarding recruiter lies, being assigned to a job i hated, being reassigned to another foreign base i did not want to go to when i left NKP, etc. I used to gather gunny sacks full of rice bugs that were attracted to the lights used for plane maintenance at night and sell them downtown. You had to be careful as they could pinch you through the sides of the sacks. They actually tasted ok once they were cooked as long as you salted them.
Welcome home and thank you for your service.
We used to joke that it took a whole crew of Thai contractor personnel to pick up and lay a single panel of PSP for the runway and taxiways, but it only took one to sneak on base at night to steal a panel and carry it through the jungle to use as walls for their houses.
👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏼🎖🎖
I have the honor and privilege to call Kenny Fields my friend today. All thanks to the efforts made by the Sandy’s, Jolly’s, Air Force, and Navy Pilots talked about here and in Kenny’s book “Rescue of Streetcar 304”. Thank you for this wonderful video detailing Mr. Merrett’s experiences in the rescue operation. What song are you playing at the end of the video?
Hello @stephendolan So glad you you liked the interview, George is one amazing fella. The song at the end is Spads With A Load, it was written in 1970 by several members of O.L.A.A Here is the link to the song. it is in a play list of a bout 30 songs that wee have saved. All the songs were sung by service men serving in SEA - czcams.com/video/6BAPxWjIEkM/video.html
Great interview Gary, knew some Coveys ( Randy Fultz)...I was a Nail FAC out of NKP..Nail13, all missions over the Trail....talking about AAA, I was first one to get hosed with 85mm, air burst same size as the O-2...enjoyed your words and God Bless.
What was the difference between SOG AND special forces?
That is a good question, I have gathered some web data and compiled it into a nutshell SOG was primarily an Army program utilizing Green Berets, Navy Seals and Green Berets are both Special Forces. - The Special Operations Group (SOG) is a highly secretive unit within the CIA, specifically designed to combine special operations and intelligence capabilities. SOG operatives are often recruited from elite military units, including the U.S. Army Special Forces. Their operations are typically covert, allowing them to operate in various environments, often with little or no direct support. SOG has a long history of collaboration with Special Forces, especially during the Vietnam War, where they conducted highly classified missions. On the other hand, Special Forces-often referred to as Special Operations Forces (SOF)-are military units across various branches of the armed forces, trained to conduct special operations. These operations, as defined by NATO, involve military activities that are unconventional in nature, requiring specialized training, selection, and equipment. Special Forces units are part of the military and can be involved in a wide range of missions, including direct action, counterterrorism, and unconventional warfare. In summary, while SOG is a CIA unit focused on intelligence-driven operations, often drawing from Special Forces, the broader Special Forces units are military entities trained for a wide range of unconventional military operations.
@@militarytales THANK YOU for the clarification!
Great stuff, thanks for sharing!
Very informative
Glad you liked it
The 'mole'.. was seen in an NVA awards ceremony..confirmed by US personnel who had 'worked' with him at Saigon headquarers..
Do you know his name or have any other information? I live in Vietnam and could see if i he's still around and willing to be interviewed.
@@VNExperience try John 'Tilt' Meyer MACV-SOG Team Leader
I have never heard his name, it is widely rumored as you say, the mole was in Saigon
Tilt is a buddy of mine, I will be seeing him in October, I will ask then.
@militarytales Thank you, much appreciated. I've heard Tilt talk mention him numerous times in different SOGCast episodes. I would be interested and willing to try to find the man for an interview. If he's no longer with us, his family members will know his story. It's worth a shot.
An extraordinary honorable man, serving SOG, MAC-V . and those "state named teams" matched him. I am so grateful.
This is EPIC 🇺🇸🫡
Thank you Bud,
@@militarytales keep up this amazing work!! Best military history channel on CZcams
I was hoping to see you here, Bud. 🫡
Thank you Tom. You are a true warrior. God Bless. John, MSgt, USAF Retired
I had a nextdoor neighbor who was from Romania and she commented one time about how misleading/wrong our media was. I asked her what she meant. She told me about an incident that happened in Romania back in the early 90's and CNN said reported here than "something" happened. She said "John i was home when that incident happened, it was not like that at all" That stuck with me for years and then Trump comes along and blows up every media source and useless politician there is. Drain the swamp.
Another interview that I haven’t see. Good job. I think u know more about what went on than a lot of the pilots. People forget a lot over time. But then when u recall the situation it’s easy to breakdown right on the spot Thank u
More to come, my friend. It is so good to hear from you Ed
I was crew cheif with the 119 AHC, I'm certain I was on the insert of the SOG team that day,we left DakTo in the morning , the insert was uneventful,but later that afternoon we had to go back the team was in big trouble. I was flying chase up high and saw Officer Wolfkeil go in, I also wondered 45 years what had happened that day. Macy was the gunner but I forgot the pilots names. It was the most scared I have ever experienced.Laos was always foreboding.
Thank you for sharing with us Gary, and Welcome Home Sir 🇺🇲
I was a CH46 crew chief in the 90s and my dad flew the 0-2 in the 70s. Thanks for sharing your story. -Boerne TX
That CH 46 is a BEAST, welcome home to you sir. I bet your dad had some stories about the 0-2
@@militarytales his 0-2 times were short lived. Right before his checkride as a FAC he was moved over to the A7D. He was able to fly down the Grand Canyon before they stopped pilots from doing so.
This is brilliant. I hope Gary comes to SOAR this year. Would love to shake his hand.
Welcome home belatedly to you FAC and all the brave Vietnam veterans WHOOAH US army
I hadn't heard about his first missions before, just Tailwind, great stories!
Glad you enjoyed! Don is a great guy
Gary is my neighbor. Fine pilot and a great guy.
It must be a Honour 🇺🇲
Hello @motofusi, I am so happy to hear from you. I recorded Garry's Interview a couple of years ago and I do not have his contact information. Could you have him send me an email contact@militarytales.com There are several people associated with Operation Tailwind that would like to get in touch with him. Thank you in advance for your help
แถวบ้านผมเลย นครปฐม
The footprint stories are legendary!
The things we do, so others may live!
Any of you read "Flying Through Midnight"? Written by John Halliday, a C-123 Candle pilot at NKP...some great stories of is year there. Good read.
Thanks very much. USAF SS Semper Vigilant. It was like NASA, there was no star wars yet.
Lt. Radcliffe had a sucking chest wound and the SF MEDIC (an acquaintance of mine) had a foot wound. He became an Anthropology Anthropology
Professor in California, talked with him a couple of years later. Told me someone stole his Randal Knife.
We had a Fuck Up (Friendly Fire Incident) made Gun Run on indigenous folks ,
I was about 6 clicks out of Duc Lap on Forward Firebase. I was with A-Troop 7/17 Air Cav (Air Rifle Plt. 11B's:: I was a 91,B. Medic the last week of August 1968.. What a Light Show it was,, Blue Tracers up and Red/Orange down Will write more in another Comment. I lost about a Thousand words a few minutes
I remember when the 66 ARS came to Nellis in 1990, I was a new Parachute Survival Equipment Airman with the 57 EMS. That was my first introduction to the PJs and their mission and the Jolly Green Footprints. I was so impressed with that Squadron, those where some memorable years. Sad that I recently heard they shutdown the 66th.
I've heard several pilots verify that Lodge did not want to risk being held hostage due to his Intel knowledge. He said he would burn in, intentionally.
MSgt Phil Kivett, my old NCOIC at Mather AFB, wrote a book about TFA, Igloo White, Muscle Shoals, and the electronic war. Phil later became an attorney in California.
The "hoochie min" trail. loool Perfect!
Thanks for posting this.
20450, TFA (ISC), 1971-1972
As the media used to say..."The Super Secret CIA Base 380 miles NNE of Bangkok." LOL
Steve, thank you for this outstanding interview. I was a young AF Lt at TFA in 1972, working in what you called the war room, watching and analyzing the dots on the computer screens to follow infiltration down the Ho Chi Minh Trail. We would call our findings to the pilots in the “balcony” above us who would let the operations know what we thought was happening and call in air strikes. I remember working all night on SAR missions helping analyze NVA activity on the ground in the areas around a downed pilot. When we got off at 8:00 AM one morning and were walking back to the main part of the base I remember watching the helicopters and escorts fly in from Laos with the pilot whose rescue we had had a small part in. That was a great feeling. I also remember the sound of the B-52 strikes in Laos, just across the river. And when we would go into the town of Nakhon Phanom we would eat at a restaurant that overlooked the Mekong River into Laos. The karst mountains were so rugged and so beautiful. Steve mentioned a green door, and it seemed he was speaking of the 67th at Yokota in Japan. At TFA we also had a green door we were not allowed to go into. We had no idea what was in there or what they did because we all had Secret clearances. A week before I rotated home they escorted me through that door, read me in to a Top Secret clearance and told me where I was going, back in the States. When I got to my new assignment it was the first time I learned we had photo and signals intelligence satellites. 😮 I have had a hard time finding books and articles telling the story of TFA, and this is the first interview I have heard. I learned a lot from it and it brought back old memories. Thanks, Steve for a great interview.