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 