Helicopter hunter-killer teams of the Vietnam War: OH-6
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2023
- "I think it is un-American to fight a war without booze."
Meet the "Outcasts,” the men behind the infamous hunter-killer helicopter teams of the Vietnam War.
We are so lucky to have gotten to sit down with these legends and hear their stories; we’re also lucky to have a platform on which we can share these stories with all of you.
**** Editorial note: At 1:39 in the video an image is labeled Hugh Mills, but it is actually Vernon Gregory. He was a scout that flew in hunter-killer missions as a door gunner on an oh-6 and also wrote the book My Vietnam: Chicago to Southeast Asia.
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Thanks for all the positive comments and feedback !! We really didn’t know how our stories would be received. I am aware that some people didn’t think our war was justified…..well take that up with Washington , our country called , we answered . For my part , I did this presentation for all of D Troop 1/4 Cav. and my good friends and comrades who were lost on the field of battle 68’- 70’. Also for those of us lucky enough to have made it home. God bless and keep all Americans….especially those who are and have served our great country no matter which uniform they wore. To all of the D Troopers I had the honor to have served with ……. I love you guys !! Guns Up !!!!
Your much respected and your sacrifices are appreciated that definitely extends to those who paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice! This next comment may sound contradictory. PEACE Brother!
Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die. And it is youth who must inherit the tribulation, the sorrow, and the triumphs that are the aftermath of war.
Herbert Hoover
Welcome home, Sir.
Former Marine who crossplanked and became a Cav Scout in the Army later.
I was in an Infantry Regiment (as a Cav element), so I know nothing about helicopters other than riding in the back of them (and trying not to fall out). But I'll tell you that you, and those like you, are still looked up to today.
The Stetsons, the spurs, the traditions and cultures are all alive and well today.
Thank you for your service
My deepest respect to soldiers all over the world, who are wasting far too much time and youth on the ambitions of politicians.
Greetings from a Dane whose politicians also wasted the lives of too many young people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yugoslavia...
Thank you for your comments and Welcome Home brother. I was there in 69/70 and too feel like we deserved better but my sharing this video has brought renewed attention from younger folks who had no idea what we experienced. All I know is my America is worth the sacrifice.
This needs to be turned into a movie! Thank you for putting these guys stories out there, they really are the heroes of Army Aviation
This IS a movie. A great movie.
For sure a movie on these guys would be awesome
My dad did Vietnam but I related as well. Just the Process IM HAPPY IM NOT IN VIETNAM ERA. I joined reserve in 1989 in college. I Never imagined I'd be in Saudi Arabia n Iraq 1n 1990. THEN COMES THE REALITIES OF WAR
Google hwy of death Iraq war
😂qt as
Not really the Vietnamese we’re fighting for their independence just like we fought the British for ours. But yea airborne Calvary were a pretty cool element
I flew UH60s in OIF-OEF 2006/2007 timeframe. My father was an AH1 cobra gunship pilot in Nam 68-69 era and was shot down 3 times. He fractured his neck on the third and still pulled his copilot from the wreckage. I had to show him this video because he doesn’t really know what CZcams is. He is so in love with this video and appreciates y’all for pulling this together. He is a Purple Heart recipient and now watches this on repeat. Thank you so much for high lighting the bravery of these patriots. The welcome they received coming home was no heroes welcome.
Thank you and your father for your service! Pops sounds like a tough ole SOB! We make a special coffee, the MAC V Roast, dedicated to badasses like him and others supporting the MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) task force in Vietnam.
❤❤❤❤❤
My father was shot down 3 times as well. Took 3 days for him to get picked up after being chased
Thank you your father and your for your service. 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for both of your service!
My uncle went down in Vietnam a few weeks before returning home. RIP and thanks for your service Donald Wester
Respect ❤
His service ??? His mass killing
A slow hand salute to your uncle. He's with some of the finest and bravest men the boomers ever produced.
No idea who produced this, but it is probably one of the best, informative , and detailed "documentaries" on the war I have ever seen. I hope it won awards, it's deserved.
Thank you men, and to all involved in this production.
Amen Brother Troopers.....I was a crew chief/door gunner on a Hunter/Killer Team Scouts in a OH-6 with F/8 Air Cav ( Blue Ghost ) at Da Nang/ Marble Mtn 71-72. In Maintenance platoon in hanger first week, then went to a Cobra Crew Chief for another week, then asked if I wanted fly, and volunteer for Scout Platoon. Like having your own high performance sports car to take care of at 19 yrs old. While doing a recon on 01-09-72 at a hover on edge of an LZ, making sure of no ambush for Huey's coming in later, got into a fire fight with the NVA.
Killed one NVA when we fell straight on top of them, they found 13 more kia around my LOH. The LOH hit on my side and rolled over on my leg pining me inside. Thanks to the two Cobras putting fire almost on top of us, kept me from being a pow.
I don't remember hitting the ground, because my ballistic plate (chicken plate)went through my chin on impact. My helmet commo cord was shot half, the end of my M-60 handle was shot off, and a round came through the skid where I sat out on and cut my boot open, I just had shrapnel in my hand. I then was like being inside a cotton ball, the brightness ( the LIGHT of God) Then I was shown my life's review from 20yrs back to birth.
I took a lot years, and two years of praying of how did I die. God's Holy Spirit reveled it was from a broken neck when the plate hit my chin, then to find I have pre-existing vertebra damage in my neck that I had no idea of how or when I got it. Praise God...He walked me through that valley of the shadow of death...thank you Jesus.
Now that WW2 veterans are almost all gone, ditto for Korean war veterans, people like this are going to be some of the oldest veterans around soon. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.
I wish all ww2 and Korea vets had to tell their stories as part of their service. Then at least wed have the audio. WW2 was so huge. It's hard to fathom how many ppl, battles, deaths etc. I'm kinda glad they're gone for if they saw what we've become theyed be so upset that they fought, bled, was wounded, saw buddies die in horrible ways while we don't know what a woman is and have litter boxes in school for kids who think they're cats.
Korea STILL STANDING
@@DonnieDarko727May as well, ain't nobody gonna look up to you, sweetheart.
@@DonnieDarko72740:33 😊
Unfortunately, the average lifespan for Nam vets is less for WW2 and Korean vets thanks to agent orange exposure. Now I'm an old guy, Cold War, 1976-1980, at VAMCs. I cried the first time I saw a GWOT vet in the hospital, thinking Dear God not again.
Badass chopper drivers. In the late 1980's I met an American oil engineer, Jeff. He told how at one oil field in some tropical country they had a chopper pilot who had served in Vietnam. His favorite "party trick" was to fly to the destination very high. And when arriving over the destination he would go in to land like they did in Vietnam when inserting troops in a hot LZ. That is a very steep dive. Jeff said that he never got used to it but that it was better than the rides at Disneyland.
In the early 80's i was a young teenager who was lucky & "blessed" with the fortune of working at a small airfield in the NE, home to a "prolific" & wonderful glider club. There were Many outstanding & "colorful" Characters. One was a fomer Vietnam vet who worked with us as a Tow pilot, flying the same Cessna L-19's that he had piloted during the war. Man, could he fly. Made those babies do anything he wanted. He would do those same approaches. Come in high (on" final")and then steep dive to "stick it" on the end of the runway. Used to Freak everyone out.😮 The more "square"/conventional pilots would have a "hissy fit", and chew him out. He would just look at them, mumble something like "oh, i mis-calculated, or "sudden tail-wind", won't happen again. And then go and Do it again the next day. 😅😂 We kids (& the younger pilots) Loved him, (& his Flying Skills) and NEVER refused an invite to go up with him. That's with whom & Where i learned concepts like "Zero-G" & "Weightlessness" 😂😅. Great Times, Great Man!! He had his "issues", mind you, but hey, Who does n't?!! And he probably had [his] GOOD REASONS. GOD BLESS these/those Men, and may they "Find PEACE & HAPPINESS" Wherever they may be. Lord knows, THEY DESERVE it!! ❤❤❤
He wouldn't happen to have mentioned a name of that pilot? I have a family member who was a Vietnam pilot who then went on to fly in tropical oil fields throughout that time period.
@@chilledpenguins8381 , no he did not mention the name. Jeff was impressed by the skill of the pilot.
My dad was a loach pilot in the 1st Cav and flew on hunter-killer missions. On his second tour he was flying Cobras in the 11th ACR. When dad told his commander he wanted to return to flying scouts his request was denied. His commander thought it was too dangerous for a second tour pilot. So dad was in the C and C bird on a mission flying about 3,000 ft. He took a 51 cal round and survived his wounds. He was sent back to the states about 3 or 4 months into his second tour.
Good he made it. Mine was a scout observer. A couple months into 1/9/A, loss of tail rotor resulting in spinal compression fracture and some other broken stuff, also survived and medevac'd out.
When was your dad there? I was in Blackhorse Air Cav Troop '70 - '71.
@@daisyduke1659 Not sure if you mean me or the OP above, but mine was in Apache troop end of '69 through early '70, having come from the 228th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion.
@@daisyduke1659 Dad was a TAC officer at Ft Wolters after his first tour. Classes 70-35 and 71-29. So I would say that he went back on his second tour in 71.
@@peterbilt37042 very cool. I was in 70-19.
My dad flew UH-1s and OH-58s and was terrified of being transferred to 1st Air Cavalry, as they used OH-58s for scouting.
As an aside, I was always amused by his description of hunter killer teams. As he described it, the hunter flew
Low looking for the enemy. When the enemy was spotted, the hunter would mark the target with the burning wreckage of his helicopter for the killer to come in and strafe.
Was there a problem with the 0H-58 from your dad's point of view?
@@binoculord No problems with the OH-58. He was just terrified of being a target tasked to draw fire from hidden Viet Cong.
Yes, in fact there were MANY problems with the 58 as opposed to the 0H-6. First is size, the 58 is a lot bigger then the 6. second, it has a hydraulic control system which was easily prone to leaks and gunfire. The 0H-6 however is all direct push-pull tubes with bell cranks and rod end bearings. Both were powered by different versions of the Allison T63A5A jet turbine engine=very reliable. And another BIG difference is in the rotor system, the 58 has two main rotor blades and is damn near as loud as a Uh-1 slick. Not good for scouting, whereas the 6 has 4 main rotor blades and it was easier to sneak up on the enemy. It wasn't as fast full out as a 58, but for scouting purposes, it was quicker to maneuver when taking fire while the Crew Chief/gunner was able to get in some great side shots while exiting the area so guns can roll in and use nails.Also on the 58's, the short shafts were easily prone to blowing out the packing. While our maint crews were ready with a quick fix, the bird was still down. The 6 suffered none of those problems. I flew my second tour with D trp.3/5 Cav up on the DMZ, as a scout CE/gunner. Lets just say it was real sportin' up there, and there was no shortage of 'work' that needed to be done. And finally, Cpt Hugh Mills was in our unit as a gun pilot flying snakes, My second tour was over in feb of 72, and don't know where the rest of the troop went as I went home, and got out of the Army on 4-20-72 ;}>@@binoculord
Lol
"That's my story".....as the old warrior fights back the tears brought up by remembering that day. Well thank you for telling us that story, and please continue to do so. God bless all you old warriors, you brave soldiers who did a dangerous job, over and over and over. It's very cool to see these gentlemen gathered here together, old partners and friends still alive to share their memories and companionship, just as they did back in the day. The country owes you all a great debt that can never be fully repaid.
I like that that's the truth. We can never repay these guys.
* To ALL of you Vietnam vets... God Bless you ! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !! The vast majority of the American people are extremely grateful and forever indebted to you and all combat veterans !
*** For those of you that were disrespected when you came home , or never got the welcome you deserved....
WELCOME HOME !!! With the utmost respect and sincerity...THANK YOU !! - From one Patriot in Alabama
Thank you very much buddy! Your words are greatly appreciated! I was a Navy trained but Army salvage diver. We had the job (among others) of recovering bodies of these chopper pilots. Our worst was 11 guys in one Huey just west of that big bridge south of Long Binh. Two weeks later, a Huey gunship, powerline, night, 4 dead, same bridge. First one mentioned actually hit the second powerline further west of the big bridge. Flying into a setting sun, theg hit a smaller powerline. Lots of accidents!
Well said and very much deserved
As a Cobra pilot from 1982 until 1994 I can fully appreciate the footage and the comments made. Outstanding footage and editing. Well done everyone.
the best military lost against barefoot 5'1 farmers lol
@@WestbustahSaucedoyou look like a school shooter
@@WestbustahSaucedoyou mean those farmers got lucky 😂
These are the guys who made it possible for my Uncle Mike to make it home from that war. Mike was a Marine Grunt up in Quang Tri. He's part of the reason I joined the Corps later.
Rest in peace Mike. I'm glad you got home, and I hope I made you proud.
As an Army Warrant officer, scout pilot (gwot) myself I could listen to these guys all day. Legendary.
A new guy came to our unit, B Troop, 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cav, in 1969, at Vinh Long. He was a scout/observer and was shot down three times in three weeks. The third time he got hit in the legs and was sent home. I took a photo of him, sitting on his bunk after a mission as he just finished saying to me, "Ron, I'm in some real sh*t here." PFC Jerry Weakley from West Virginia. I was a little late looking him up after doing a search online a few years ago. He passed away when he was about 60, so at least I knew he lived the rest of his life and had a family. I have his grave site marked on Google Earth. And I'll always keep that photo of him with that worried look on his face. R.I.P. my friend.
Thanks for sharing these stories.
Thank you @i.r. for your service. Four of my uncles enlisted to go to Vietnam. Two Army, one Marine and one Air Force. All came home intact physically. Mentally, not so much. Nothing is more savage than jungle warfare. The R.O.E.`s in that Goddamn war made it impossible to even fight. There is no mention of war or combat at the table on Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. It is an unwritten rule. I was the worst as a kid because I wanted to learn about war, as most boys do. But I never got any answers, just an angry scowl until I was read the riot act, putting my questions to an end.
I was in c troop, 7th squadron , 1st cav in 1969 at Vinh Long also@@gib59er56
I can't imagine the weight of worry everyone of you young men must have felt in those times!
My Dad was there in 70-71, I was 12-13 by that time, and remember mentally trying to put myself on his shoes, picturing jungle around me on a trail where anyone or anything could pop out of unseen until the last second, and couldn't imagine dealing with that kind of stress daily, day in and out for a year. Prior to Nam we were stationed at Ft. Leonardwood MO where he was a Drill Sgt training troops to go. I was lucky enough to get to meet alot of the guys when I was allowed to go out on a night time land nav course but ran with the troops out to where
they would do the course. I was just an 11 year old punk kid and i ran until i couldnt then remember being chucked up in the back of a duece and a half the rest of the way. While I got to stand around the burning 50 gallon drums for heat and light. But I got to talk to them at other times and I know dad was a hard ass at the time and I felt for those guys that I looked up to and always hoped they made it home somehow.
Thanks for your service! You're all heros in my book!
Do you know where in WV he is buried?
I live in WV and I often visit and tend to relatives graves. Two of which died before I was born. One was a LRRP and the other was regular infantry.
Both made it home somehow. I only knew them them as a young kid.
I’ve had Hugh’s book for 20yrs and still love it. Thanks for taking the time to put their stories on the record before they are gone for ever.
Thank you!
Love Hugh's book and also read it over 20 years ago here in Sweden.
What is the name of Hughes book and what is one high point of the book?
@@binoculordIt’s called ‘Low Level Hell ‘ , my copy should arrive tomorrow!
@@BlackRifleCoffeeCompanyHow can I get the book ?
Nam Vet Tom
Thank you Black Rifle for giving these legends some much needed recognition. My dad would have loved seeing this. Those flyboys saved his life a few times in Vietnam and he never had the chance to thank them. So you are getting a much deserved thank you, vicariously, from his son.
Deer black rifle. I must say that whoever edited this documentary was dynamite. Actually, everything about the documentary is dynamite. The guys are great. You have them relaxed. I cannot leave that a food company was able to make a masterpiece of a documentary. Well you guys are more than a food company. You guys are an American company
My brother flew Cobras in 1969-1970. He spent a good deal of time in Cambodia supporting special forces, when we supposedly weren't really there. He said he and some others figured they were gonna die anyway so they might as well go out in a blaze of glory. Those guys were crazy, and a lot of guys on the ground were grateful for it.
Hugh Mills’ book is one of the books that made me want to become a Helo pilot. Tom Chambers’ story of becoming a Bronze Star with V recipient made me mist up. All these guys are legends and deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and appreciation.
If you are looking for another Vietnam Helicopter story that cannot be forgotten, make shure to read ‘Dustoff’ The Memoir of an Army Aviator by Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Novosel. There is a story if there ever was one!
My father fought in Vietnam and he told me a story of how Cobras were called in to fight off the enemy hitting them. He stated "they saved our lives". He didn't tell many stories of Vietnam but that one struck in my head.
A great killer, Gode will punish you😊
I was present when some of the Blues Platoon guys got to talk to one of the Cobra pilots that saved their lives. Someone asked the crew why they took the risks they did against an NVA quad .50. The answer: "they were my f*'ing friends, and I wanted them back."
To him it was that simple. His friends were trapped, and he wanted them to come back alive.
To all the military veterans from USA and Allies having participated in Korean War and Vietnam War, thank you for your service for trying to contain the spread of the deadly and toxic Communism which remains an existential threat even to these days. Commies are a stain on humanity!
"Fear is a reaction, Courage is a decision" Salute
Thanks for the stories. My dad is a Vietnam vet, 3/4 CAV Armor; around 1968-1970. He made it home, but refuses to talk about much of any of it to this day. I tried in college to take any history class that covered Vietnam, wasn't a single one. Luckily, my professor, former federal judge, was in the Army and CIA at that time and shared some whopper stories with us.
That wasn't the CIA! It was the 444th Civil Affairs Group, Det. B. or Company C of the 325th Public Affairs Bn
Tell your dad an old medic with 3/4 D Troop says Yo.
To Black Rifle Coffee, thanks for putting this video together. Without you, nobody would hear of their brave exploits during the Vietnam War. It's terrible that these men served their country when asked to do so, but we're treated like crap when they came home. I had an uncle that served two tours in Nam. that would come to visit my Dad, so I heard some stories about that from him. He passed at age 62 from alcohol poisoning.
Thanks to all of these men and the friends they lost for their service to our country. God bless.
I was an Air Cav observer/ crew chief from 1984-1990 was in OH-6a. I loved the Loach and was in it for 6 years. Back then the majority were Nam pilots and absolutely insane. I loved them as brothers and learned as much from them as possible. I took on their mantle about life and had a blast. Gentleman
Was an AD Aircraft Structural repairer in the mid-80s, never seeing a Loach, believing the -6A was only ANG by the time you served, it being replaced by the -8 and/or the early model -58 Kiowa in active line units.
Thank you to all the men who have given so much of themselves for this nation, I'm sorry that it has given so little back to you. Thank you BRCC for bringing such a powerful story to masses.
I salute those that served but I'll never acknowledge the need of the US government to send them.
⁰
These stories need to be shown in schools!! I’ve known many hero’s and heard many stories…. I listen to the videos while I work all day. Thank you for this special content. I love all of these guys that served our country… True American legends!
My brother, 7th Squadron 1st Cav Regiment (Mekong Delta), was a Huey Crewchief/Doorgunner that told me about the hunter-killer teams many times. He went on his own Night Hunter missions, yet he talked about you guy in awe.
I was an Engineer in the US Merchant Marine. We brought all those helicopters from the States to you. We also brought all the "Bullets, Beans and Booze". Yes, in the eyes of this Merchant Seaman you guys are certainly heros. Big Hi and huge respect from the brother of an Air Cavalryman that passed away earlier this year. RIP Michael.
Outstanding work on putting these gentlemen’s stories together for a new generation. Thank you for your service gentlemen.
When I was growing up the guy that lived across thd street from me was a Vietnam vet that flew a Loach. He told us neighborhood kids a lot of similar stories.
Mr Mcgee really influenced me and it was his stories that guided me to do what I did during the GWOT. RIP Jack we all miss you.
I went through the WOC program in 68 - wife problem resigned 3 weeks from graduation and wound up in security in Vietnam at Pho Loi. Became the SGT of the guard in spring of 69 - ETS Sept 3rd 69. My best friend told me I would regret that decision the rest of my life...he was right. SALUTE to all who flew in the NAM.
...at least you survived. That's the greatest gift and good luck
We all have regrets man. You did what you thought was right at the time and thats all anyone can ask for. Dont look back cause nothing is going to change. Thank you for your service sir.
That flag waves true, god bless the red white and blue.
I feel like we need to take every advantage to interview these guys while so many are still around. Vietnam is a fascinating war and all those who fought in it need to have as much screen time as possible so their stories can be preserved
My dad would have enjoyed this. Marshall E. Smith 1/9 Air Cav 69-71. MOS: Helicopter mechanic, door gunner and LOACH gunner observer. Awarded Airman’s Medal. My Dads dad worked in Dallas Tx at Bell where he built the Huey’s. Grandpa built them and dad worked and rode on them in the war.
Sorry for your loss . Saw lots of 1/9th Air Cav guys all around lll Corp. At Tay Ninh , going into their area , they had a sign over the road going in . It said " Ya ain't Cav , Ya ain't shit " :D The last of my TOD I went out with A Troop as a Blue . Brave , crazy guys . Those Little Bird crews !! doc BG
Since you boys are all still around and hopefully reading these comments. Seriously from a young father born in 1990. Thank you for serving our country. We real americans still exist and the american spirit is alive in us and our sons. My son will grow up loving his country and appreciating the sacrifice so many have made for him and his future!❤
Thank you all for your service. My dad served in the 101st . 67 - 69. Still trying to find out more about what he really did there.
What was the service? Killing kids 😂
He did others bid
Thank you for defending the west , alough it must be tough to see so many deaths on both side. And it is awefull how these machines were used to kill Vietnam soldiers
Same here, he was 19 in the 2nd cavalry.
'67 to '69 the 101st was all over the place knocking down hot spots. '70 to '72 we were in northern military region 1, from Phu Bai south of Hue to the DMZ. '69 was Hamburger Hill, '70 was Fire Support Base Rip Cord, '71 was Dewey Canyon II and Lam Son 719. I was there for Dewey Canyon and Lam Son 719.
'REDSKINS' Company D (Atk Hel), 158th Aviation Battalion (Aslt Hel), 101st Airborne Division.
Man in the front seat and in the door.
Thank you for making this film! I was born well after the Vietnam War but I am very ashamed of how people treated these Awesome Heroes. Welcome Home, we love you and thank you for your service each one!
Excellent video!! To all our Vietnam Vets who treated so badly I want to tell you "Welcome Home and thank you for your service".
thank you
The helicopter war of Vietnam is honestly one of my favorite parts of military history. Thank you for bringing your production quality and desire to tell these stories to these incredible gentlemen. Thank you.
Einen lieben Gruß an meine Heli Kameraden der US ARMY. Mein Dienst war1965 -1970 auf der Heeresflieger Waffenschule, Achum, Germany ,und ich habe jeden Tag für euch gebetet. Es lebe die freie Welt.
Finally a guy tells it like it is about us being in the Vietnam War and it being wrong. Coming from a vet that fought there is incredibly powerful and carries a lot of credibility.
I feel the same way. The elite have been doing this for a long time and we pay the price. My war was Iraq and the people we lost and killed were because politicians wanted it and then arranged it to make sure we had to stay. I meet a Vietnam veteran at Haditha Dam in September 2003. When I told him I didn’t know how they handled it He told me the US Army was smarter in Vietnam and he was concerned for us.
@daletaylor5589
Yeah, incredibly (hard to believe) credible... oxymoron tho everything in life has opposing sides & reasons to 'em.
Sorry to all who've 'lived thru hell' & 'someone had to do it' but not everyone can tell... messy. So sorry.
I appreciate all for trying to do 'the next RIGHT thing'.
My grandpa was a crew chief on the oh with the outcast ended up being part of the Kiowa training team left in 71 stayed on the army until 89, never once heard a story or heard him talk about it, not once thank you for putting this together and showing the world
Vietnam pilots are the reason I wanted to be a helicopter pilot.My granddad was a tanker in World War 2 .Both of my grandma brothers were in world war 2.One was KIA.My mom’s dad was a riverboat gunman in Vietnam.My mom and dad serve in the army reserve and went active duty in the navy .My dad serve in desert storm on the USS Forrestal and my stepdad serve on the USS Kittyhawk during the beginning of the Afghanistan war.I love all the men and women that put they lives on the line for they brothers and sisters
Thank you for your Family's Service. Respect ❤
Boy, did this bring back some memories for me. Enjoyed hearing Stormer. I was an outcast gunner 1970. Thank you for the documentary.
Thank you for your service. Welcome home.
Did you know my father he was there 70-71” in the outcast
Some of the coolest bravest guys I ever met. Chopper pilots and door gunners in Vietnam. They inserted us often under fire, and extracted us dead and alive when the time came. And from time to time we called in the Red Team of a LOH and 2 Huey Gunships for support when we were facing overwhelming odds, and they changed the odds against us. I actually wanted to go chopper pilot, but my bad eye disqualified me, so I went Special Forces instead. By the time I finished the SFQC at Bragg, us young green berets knew we were probably going to die, but at 18-19-20, who cared. When I got zapped on 29OCT69, it is because of the brave 11 ACR chopper pilot and door gunner that I survived that day... My deepest respect to all chopper pilots and crews... 🇺🇸
I joined the Army becase of you ALL! . 20 years .....6 Combat and peace keeping tours I'm now retired living good ..Thank You for your service Big Brothers and Sisters!!!
My father was 82nd Airborne in Vietnam and he always spoke about Air Cav like they were gods!!
We still are.
2-17 CAV
Out Front.
I am a cobra pilot from Vietnam, 1971. I flew Hunter/killer teams C Trp 7/17 Air Cav. That is how it was.
Got buddies who are in 7-17 right now. I'm currently in 2-17 flying apaches. I appreciate all you guys that came before us.
My dad was Air Cav in Vietnam and I just forwarded him this video. I’m excited for him to see it. He’s a great storyteller and would be fantastic in a documentary like this.
The Air Cav had legendary status in the Vietnam war. My Mums brother served in the Australian Army and was in Vietnam. He mentioned the Air Cav and how crazy they were. He always spoke with love and respect for that outfit.
You should tell your dad to start a youtube channel. Why let all that information go to the grave. I love hearing real combat stories from Vietnam war.
@@jamesbroomfield7799Definitely!! Or interview him. I've seen a couple of those (interviews) excellent (historical) material ❤
Awesome video. This one is the best ever. When you have the actual American warriors in the video it makes it more personal. Very well made. This should be taught in our schools. God bless all of you. Semper Fi.
BRC keeping real history alive & showing what true men are.
To any service member reading, THANK YOU & God bless you ‼️
BRCC have been putting out amazing Vietnam era content straight from the men who've been there. A few years ago Evan was making coffee for MacVSog vets with their special blend BRCC made...it was awesome!
"She'll turn on a dime and give you back 9cent." I don't know anything about flying helos but I understand that. 😂
One of my favourite books i've read about helo pilots from 'nam is Hugh Mills' "Low Level Hell". It made me fall in love with the OH-6 right there on the spot. Absolutely fantastic read and well worth getting a copy.
Hugh Mills' book is a fantastic read. Come for the Loach, stay for the legends who flew them....
This was awesome!! Thank you Black Rifle for producing this and allowing these guys to tell their story.
From an old tired medics stand point,all I have to say is thank you. On a scale I can't even begin to extend to you.
I've watched interviews with Hugh Mills Jr, but to see him talking wiith people he served with, who we know through the book like Rod Willis, Tom Chambers and all the other gentlemen is a real privilege - thank you for putting this together!
I was in class 68-27 and I was the lead designer on the safety sign we build at the Y as you entered Ft. Wolters. It is still standing even though Wolters is now a civilian commercial facility.
I was with the 2/502 Inf, 101st Airborne ... a small strike team. I always felt better in battle when I saw a "Loach" come dancing just above the tree tops drawing fire as I knew there were a couple of gun ships (Cobras) above him somewhere.... beehive rounds and that mini gun ended the problem with the mortars we were taking. ... belated thanks...
I watch this and I think of my uncle that flew a UH-1 (Dust-Off) for three tours in Vietnam in the late 60's. He passed away in 2021 and is buried at Fort Mitchell. I always watch these videos/films wondering if I would recognize him.
I wonder if anyone in the video knew him. WO Steve Byers. He served in the Army for around 30 years, retired and became a civilian instructor at Fort Rucker. He was flying up to a few years before he died.
CWO5 Steve Hubbard flew helicopters in Vietnam and afterward became a police officer. He shot a fleeing thief in the butt and the police department didn't back him up. He then went back into the Army and flew until he hit their age limit of 65. 🪖
Best documentary yet, me being a x Army helo pilot, I thoroughly enjoyed watching our past brothers taking the whoop ass to them! Great job Evan and crew.
Thanks for the support! These guys were a blast to sit down with.
@@BlackRifleCoffeeCompany I can only imagine! Great job!
“LOW LEVEL HELL” was always one of my favorite books…I highly recommend it.
The organization that flew for my unit was D 229th. Aslt. Helicopter Battalion or know colloquially as "Blue Max". More than once when troops were in contact the word went out to "bounce Max"! We called the duo of high and low birds a "pink team": red high, white low. Great organization, great pilots.
This was enthralling, I’ve only heard stories like this with copious amounts of alcohol and tears. This one got to me. Great job all. These gentlemen are all warriors and hero’s.
@@roguespearsf 👍
@@roguespearsf I have zero war stories I went to prison instead, but my father, uncle, etc etc served ahead of me in Vietnam specifically so this tickled a spot for me. I’ve heard crazy shyt from them is all I meant by it. Much respect sir.
An old soldier remains a soldier.
The Choppers have changed but not the job... God bless you... Thanks for your duty.
Brother flew OH-6, '67-'69, Ku Chi/Phu Bi. Made it home. Haven't asked him much. Doesn't seem to want to talk about it. Ok with me. To all those that made it back, physically, I'm glad you're here. I was 13 when all this happened. I thought it was stupid. When the French pulled out, we should have never gone in. I hated the war, BUT I SUPPORTED THE TROOPS. To all those who got treated bad when you got back, had I been there, I would have given y'all a BIG HUG and THANK YOU. 😘💋❤
I want to thank you fellas for what you had endured while fighting for this country. I watched as a child the war on tv. You all will forever be my hero’s for giving your lives for this country.
My Dad’s cousin Michael S. Carter was a gunner on one of these. He was KIA in a crash. The pilot told our family that he was shot and killed before the crash. Idk if he just said that to make them feel better or not. He was a police officer in Miami after the war and I’ve tried to locate him for years with no luck. His name is Glenn Gordon. These guys were bad ass dudes
Best coverage of the Hunter/Killer teams I have ever seen. Great work in gathering these guys all in one place to tell their stories.
If you were 11-Bravo in Nam. You were a "Hunter/ Killer. Also.
When I returned from my second tour in Iraq, my buddy invited me to a conference(?) Held by Helicopter pilots from the Vietnam War in San Diego. They were so excited to have us there, even though I was in awe to meet these heroes. It was a great night, and filled with great stories. Thanks guys!!! ❤❤❤❤
Respect & thanks to all you veterans glad you could tell your stories. My grandad never came back from WWII his body neither sadly. I always felt sorry for my dad having to have grown up without his dad when he told me I was about 7, then when I was 9 I lost my old man and history repeated itself and I grew up without mine thankfully we had his body and a funeral.
This was an awesome experience. The Vietnam vets got a bad wrap all around. My father served in Vietnam. Thank you for your service! Thank you for opening up and sharing your experiences 🙏. RESPECT
what's a bad wrap and why should they get it
@@corneliusthecrowtamer1937it's because the VC and and NVA didn't fight clean. They used civilians as targets and shields
Years ago I read Bob Masons story Chickenhawk about his time in 1st Cav which covers this topic well warts and all, Thank you for bringing this to Us and sharing their story.
I'm going to add a few more books to my shelf now.... :-)
This is a very powerful and heartwarming Documentary. I was drafted in 1968 but was deferred due to a serious knee injury. I tried to reenlist twice and was deferred twice. I have nothing but compete respect to the veterans of all wars and I give them respect and thank them for their service. My Father was a Marine Master Sergeant and I wanted to follow in his footsteps but was unable. My Father in Law jumped in Normandy only to find himself 8 miles behind enemy lines. Niether of them talked about the war too much or very often but, when they did, everyone sat and listened. The stories that you all have should be made into a book so that our younger children can understand the reason why we were there . Thank you all so much for sharing those life changing moments with us.
This was awesome guys! I did 20 years a a scout crew chief, all but 2 of my unit's were CAV. I retired in 2007. My guys were using the hunter killer, High Low techniques and others that you all used and talked about in this great videos in our tours in Iraq. Its a shame the Army got ride of Scouts, everyone wanted us up in there area while out on their missions. Nothing better than small fast birds zipping around a few few off the ground or roof tops while fighting the enemy.
The opening scene with the initiation of the "new guys" is "Charlie Horse" C3/17 AIR CAV sometime in 197-71 at Quang Tri Vietnam. CWO Joe Duffy and WO Russ Whipple are the two most recognizable in that scene where CPT Bill Allen and CPT Marty Gronborg are welcomed to the TROOP by Al Wester and a beer bath. I was somewhere in the back out of the picture but I recall that event very well.
Yes I remember you I was a arp
Joe, google 3/5 CAV web at BLACK KNIGHTS 3/5 Cav as we have reunions and are looking hard for the ARPS to attend. I'm sure I owe you several beers.@@joemartinez2571
I never got to know Cpt Gronberg very well, but I flew a ton of missions with Cpt Allen. I know you remember some of them Tom,lol. What a GREAT unit D trp was. I also think back to that, and very seldom do I think about my first tour in the highlands. It just doesn't compare in anyway shape or form. D trp was a honor and privilege to fly in, imho. God Bless all of those that fought in that very weird and terrible war.
Welcome home brother.@@joemartinez2571
You'll be happy to know C Trp 3-17 is still going strong. I was there from 2017-2019 and went to Afghanistan with them. We are flying Apaches these days, but the cav culture is still very strong.
My dad was a private pilot in the 60’s and went to volunteer to go fly choppers in Nam. He had asthma as a kid and was turned away very quickly. I think he’d have been a hell of a good one and I might not be making this comment rn. God bless and a huge thank you for all of the sacrifices that those guys made over there.
Loved the story of popping down over the trees.I was an avionics tech 76-79.Loved to come along and fly NOE with the crew. I got to fly on a Huey several times with a pair of Vietnam vets.They were a different animal.I got to experience maximal in all phases. If you're still out there Mr Gurley or Mr Beasley God bless
Thank you for this video! My daddy spent 21 1/2 years in the army. Did 3 tours in Vietnam. Was still proud and still a soldier til the day he died at 74 years old. He was air assault, among other things, when he was in Vietnam. God bless you all!
Phenomenal editing, definitely gave these studs their much deserved shine!
I wish I could thank them for their service personally. These men were doing things that take so much bravery. I'm surprised the helicopter had a high enough weight capacity to lift their nuts. Thank you for sharing their stories.
Remember the younger soldiers at 17 or 18 even at the official end of the wae.. are I believe 67 or 68 on up into their 70s and beyond.
I have known several of these guys. Back in the 80s they talked little about it.
90s a little bit more.
2000s to today many are at or getting close to the end of life..
The surviving are going to be gone un the coming years.
Better talk to them now or it will be to late..
I knew several in the mid 80s and I gained their trust and they opened up to me little by little.
As of today they still are opening up to me..
Several have died of agent orange or other chemicals or diseases that they got serving there country in Vietnam..
I recently lost one of the best I have ever known..
He was amazing
We need more of these stories to be told before they disappear !
At 1:42 They show Hugh Mills name but the photo is of Vern Gregory who was my Crew Chief at A troop 3/17th in LOHs. He was VERY good and he also wrote a book about Vietnam just like Mills. Gregory's book is called My Vietnam and is available on the internet.
Im from Germany. We had a old abadoned house in our village as kids we used to climb into and onto everything, one day we climbed in that house and i found a huge stack of Magazines. They where Called "Nam" . i was like 10 Years old back then since then im fascinated about these Helicopter Pilots....the World needs more of these Guys now more then ever. I still have the Magazines im 34 now :)
These guys are Nuts. Thank you Men My dad flew Hunter Killer missions in the F-105 Only difference was he was 29 yrs old on first tour and 38 when came home for the last time. He had 2 kids when he left home and 3 when he returned. We are extremely fortunate that he survived that BS War. And he was NOT a ring knocker either.
Love these guys, they saved many lives at their own risk...
This is really cool. You don't get to hear stories from Vietnam Vets too often.
Very true and we're losing more everyday. Thanks for enjoying this video.
I was a crew chief on loach's 70-72 and that was the best time I ever served. I was only shot down 2 times, the second was the day before the Easter Offensive of 72. They hit virtually every part of the bird before crashing. Pilot broke his wrist and ankle, opposite limbs and decided it was easier to carry him to where we could be picked up by medevac. He did a great job crashing it so both of us made it home. Lost several men during my time but especially hard loosing two friends. It was a total voluntary position that anyone could leave at any time with no repercussions. Tough times that required a level of devotion to the job to go out every time you were called upon. I made sure I flew every day that they would let me, it wasn't hard for me to do since I did the scheduling of the gunners. Lots of memories of some of the best crewmembers I was allowed to serve with.
Respect, & Thanks ❤
"Shot down ONLY twice" 😮😢
@@marstuv5068 The crew talked about being shot down 3 times in a day. We all made it out.
“I was 19 when this all started.” Goodness. Thank you for the sacrifices men.
My dad flew in a gun ship. First the uh1e then was on the first codra squadron. HEMS 46 detachment A. R.I.P pa.
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This feels like the war docs I grew up with on the Military channel. The interviews, the talks, the cuts of footage. It's amazing to see and hear the accounts.
Absolutely AMAZING piece y'all put together on a group of servicemen who haven't gotten nearly a FRACTION of a percent of the credit and attention they deserve. These guys were/are freaking AMAZING.
Scouts Out , Scout Plt B Trp. 1/9, 1970-71 OH6A. I had 3 birds shot up really bad in 1 week.
My Scoutmaster died in a Huey in Vietnam. All this technology and firepower and yet we lost. The caps that Cub Scouts now wear have a tag in them that reads, "Made in Vietnam."
Heros always deny that they are heros.. my uncle John Hanks flew Cobras in Vietnam 1969..thanks guys for all of your service.. your courage will never be forgotten.
My grandfather was a SFC with first cav airmobile 3 tours . He was an arty observer with 1/77 Div Arty and 1/82 (the orphan battery) . When he was in 1/82 he rode shotgun in the OH-6 and coordinated Arty and air support and landing points for the sling loaded pieces to be brought up for support .
Real heros 🇺🇸 thank you for your service!!
B troop 3-17 air cav. dong tam 69-70. 10 cobras, 10 loaches and 8 slicks. go stokies. I salute you Sir.
My father was a dozer driver in Vietnam for the Australian Engineers his dozer was blown up by an RPG & he was lucky to survive. The biggest difference I see between American civilians & Aussie’s is that at least the US have huge respect for their soldiers where as in Australia things have changed very little since Vietnam. Soldiers still get spat on even on major days like ANZAC Day & the likes, probably the equivalent of Remembrance Day. There is an amazing song by an Aussie band called Redgum, I was only 19! The lead singer interviewed his future brother-in-law & wrote a song about his experience in Vietnam. All money went to the vets to help them with treatment for post traumatic stress & other issues because the government didn’t want anything to do with them. Even to this day all royalties go to the vets!
'68,-'70; I- Corp; D Troop (SABRE) 1/1 CAV; Cobra Pilot; shot down 3 times; 3 Bronze Stars (one for heroism), 50 Combat Air Medals (1 with "V");
"If you ain't CAV, you ain't shit".
Thank you for your service. Welcome home.
@@oif3vetk9 Thank you, Brother!
Low Level Hell is one of my favorite books. This video brought it to life. Great video. I originally learned to fly a 500 from a scout pilot.