Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam: Part II

Helicopters played an indispensable role in the Vietnam War, carrying troops and supplies, scouting enemy positions, providing fire support, evacuating the wounded, and giving commanders unprecedented mobility over some of the most difficult terrain in the world. For Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam, Part II, we welcome back Gil Ferrey along with four more Army aviation veterans whose experiences span several aircraft, missions, and eras of the war. Jim Stein flew the UH-1 Huey during his first tour in Vietnam and the OH-6 Cayuse “Loach” during his second. He was shot down ten times and lost a leg during his service. Ed Strazzini, a retired lieutenant colonel, flew Huey gunships and troop-carrying “slicks,” as well as the CH-54 Tarhe heavy-lift helicopter during his second tour in Vietnam. Bill Neuman flew Hueys in Vietnam and was wounded in action. He later continued his service with the California National Guard, flying both Hueys and CH-47 Chinooks. Al Doucette served as a crew chief on the H-21 Shawnee in 1961 before returning to Vietnam as a Huey pilot with the 176th Assault Helicopter Company. Gil Ferrey returns to share more about his service with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the “Blackhorse,” including his experiences flying OH-23 helicopters on command-and-control missions in Vietnam. If you flew helicopters in Vietnam, we especially invite you to join us, share your own experiences, and take part in the conversation.