The New Cavalry
During the Vietnam War, the United States relied on the helicopter as never before. The helicopter’s role in combat expanded enormously in this conflict as thousands of “choppers” rapidly transported personnel throughout the war zone. Heavily armed helicopters offered a fearsome component to ground operations as close air support.
From March 1970 to April 71, I had the honor of serving with Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam. We were 100% mobile and made up of three platoons, aero scouts (White platoon) aero weapons (Red platoon) and aero rifle (Blue platoon).
My first duty was radio guy (Blue India) in the bush for the Blues…
UH-1 ‘Huey’
Lift platoon
OA-6A ‘Loach’
Scout platoon
AH-1G Huey Cobra ‘Snake’
Aero Weapons platoon
Maintenance hanger and flight line at Phuoc Vinh Airfield
The Maintenance platoon’s main job was to keep Charlie Troop’s aircraft running in tip-top condition, which was critical for the success of our missions.
My Vietnam Experience 
Thanks Rob. Great Job. I was with 3/187/101st. At Phuoc Vinh 3/68 thru 10/68
Thank you Mike…
I/9 Cav, Division Recon was an awesome outfit well deserving of all of the accolades bestowed upon them. I believe that !/9 has been documented as seeing more action than any other outfit in Vietnam. Hats off to you Rob and all of those who served with the 1/9.
Thank you Duke!
I didn’t realize just how special the 1/9th was until we were featured in a 1979 VN movie…
https://usastruck.com/2009/07/30/in-1979-the-movie-‘apocalypse-now’-was-released-which-featured-charlie-troop-19t/
I ran the avionics shop 1970
E Battery 82 Artillery
556 Transport
Attached to the First Air Calv
Flew on Night Hawk Huey as a door gunner.
Phuoc Vinh was known as rocket city
Incoming always from the Michelin Rubber plantation.I also was Sgt on guard for the perimeter at the end.
Welcome Home John…
I was with 11th gs avn co. 69-70 worked as armor on permiter green line
What about the Air Force Gun Ships and Air Rescue Helicopter?
Anyone know a Jim Watts? Served as Loach gunner/observer
Thank you
Does anyone remember my brother Capt. Dennis Bedard. He flew Hueys and Cobras in 66 and 71.
D 15 TC BN 1967. Just on the other side of the metal building in your flight line photo. MSA