Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Returns to the Air in Class with Combat Helicopters

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ต.ค. 2020
  • On October 3, 2020 Combat Helicopters, LLC, a Wisconsin based benevolent organization, made this Vietnam vet's dream come true by granting him his first ride in a Huey in over 40 years. He's my dad and I was happy to get to ride along to tell the story. Thank you to Barry and Sam Hammerback for the their deft pilotage and Crew Chief Dave Mattsson for taking care of us in the back.
    Music is, of course, Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride. Used according to TH-cam's rights policy.

ความคิดเห็น • 799

  • @tomservo5347
    @tomservo5347 3 ปีที่แล้ว +376

    I'll always picture Vietnam veterans as in their late 30's, early 40's like when I was a kid-now they're like WW2 veterans were to me.

    • @zabercrombie24
      @zabercrombie24 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      Funny, I was literally thinking the same .

    • @tomservo5347
      @tomservo5347 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

      @Matt Hooper It's crazy whenever I think about my grandma and her favorite 'Uncle Billy' relative who would stay with them during the summer. He was a Civil War veteran. My Dad remembers as a kid during the 50's the old 'doughboy' WW1 veterans always leading the parade-and my grandparents remembering Civil War veterans leading it when they were kids.

    • @blaircrocker9845
      @blaircrocker9845 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      I know what you mean still remember my wife's great grandfather ww1 vet and my grandfather ww2 and Korea time goes so fast

    • @hivewasp
      @hivewasp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      same goes for the vehicles; stuff like F-16, F-14 and so on are almost half a century old now ... getting old is weird; your mind seems to get stuck in the past while everything advances

    • @Glidescube
      @Glidescube 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      The end of Vietnam is almost 50 years old. And so am I. I was born I 1976

  • @glennbrymer4065
    @glennbrymer4065 3 ปีที่แล้ว +298

    In 1971, I serving overseas in the US Army and got krunched.
    I was Medivaced to the field hospital in Huey.
    I will Never Ever forget that chopper screaming in to land.
    I thought they were going to crash! As soon as they landed, I was loaded in and my stretcher strapped down. I will also never forget the full power lift off and the flight to the hospital!
    They were flying to save my life.
    I owe them a debt I can never repay. God bless the Medivac crews.

    • @laymansview5246
      @laymansview5246 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      I crewed Medevac 75 -76 at Ft Campbell and 83-85 at Ft Irwin. We had a saying, "No slack Medevac, you're dying we're flying".

    • @Rogers_Ranger
      @Rogers_Ranger 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@laymansview5246 Huuah !

    • @MrNajibrazak
      @MrNajibrazak 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +8

      not an American or plan to be, but thank you for your sacrifices and making the communists think twice about sweeping all over East Asia.
      o7

    • @davidj4662
      @davidj4662 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You totally had no business being there in the first place.

    • @ahndeux
      @ahndeux 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@davidj4662 The freedom you enjoy today was due to the sacrifice of men like him, so STFU.

  • @anthonyhurst5898
    @anthonyhurst5898 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    My dad served in Nam in 69-71.. the love the “ slicks” .. on one mission the door gunner was hit ..he took over “ the hog “ .. he’s in this late 70 s now but the memories remain

  • @StratBurst92
    @StratBurst92 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam were true heroes. They not only gave havoc to the enemy, but also countless lives were saved by those who flew medivac ships.

  • @Dcolbyable
    @Dcolbyable 3 ปีที่แล้ว +412

    Kids today of the 2020's have no idea how "bad-ass" there Grandfathers were in their day!

    • @wetsaltypickle
      @wetsaltypickle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      no sh*t!! My grandfather was a WW2 merchant marine in the pacific and was in the army and fought in Korea.

    • @nonameuno9394
      @nonameuno9394 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Kids today have no idea of anything!

    • @toddanonymous5295
      @toddanonymous5295 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Douglas , you just reminded me how old I am getting. My brother , not my grandfather :)

    • @jasonwilliams4159
      @jasonwilliams4159 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Kids today fought two wars already.

    • @dannygjk
      @dannygjk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@jasonwilliams4159 When he said kids I think he meant teenagers tho tbf there were plenty of late teens in combat. Still I think he meant kids whose most dangerous activity is crossing a street.

  • @parkin8595
    @parkin8595 3 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    Look at the joy on his face, wonderful to see. Hats off to those guys for not forgetting their forefathers.

  • @RazorEye
    @RazorEye 3 ปีที่แล้ว +197

    Respect to all who served in that thankless conflict. My dad was a door gunner for almost his entire tour, amazing that he made it back with the stories I heard of how short their expectations were.

    • @leefithian3704
      @leefithian3704 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Any Richmond farmer that runs ....is a Republican.....any Richmond Farmer who stands still .....is a well disciplined Republican, ... kinda today’s narrative, ...just having some bizarre world of today fun , I’m ePub ‘ libertarian / middle 🤠

    • @BobbyTucker
      @BobbyTucker 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      I want to thank your Dad for his service too, it was a damn thankless war. God Bless all our Veterans, here and gone but never forgotten.

    • @Ontheflywithben
      @Ontheflywithben 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Joe, my dad was a door gunner as well. He was on a medevac unit. Many stories to tell, more that he can’t endure to tell.

    • @jetster_b4139
      @jetster_b4139 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      Amen, my grandpa had to fly back home at 2 am just to avoid being spit on by hippies that had their anger misdirected to the wrong men.

    • @karlbarnett5863
      @karlbarnett5863 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm 37 now, still obsessed with hueys.
      I was around 6yo when I proudly told my father that I wanted to be a door gunner. He beat me something fierce.
      One of my clearest memories and most clueless moments of my life.

  • @AVweb
    @AVweb 3 ปีที่แล้ว +58

    Weird to see that glass in those old panels. I was at Bien Hoa 70-71. I know my fellow veterans don't like to be called heros, but I can say I really admired the helicopter pilots. They did a hell of a tough job and did it well.

    • @leosypher9993
      @leosypher9993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I've always had respect for you guys, if that's any better than calling you guys hero's
      But I really do appreciate what you guys did, it was a tough time, it took some tough people.

    • @peggyscott125
      @peggyscott125 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for your service!

    • @El_Presidente_5337
      @El_Presidente_5337 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Vietnam Veterans are around 74 years old and WW2 ones 95.
      The WW2 vets were then around 77 when I was born (2002).

    • @traveltrailerlife
      @traveltrailerlife 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Gulf War 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment ... Retired 2011

  • @marshalllord554
    @marshalllord554 3 ปีที่แล้ว +47

    And for that moment in time, he was back in 1966, in hell, but with a smile on his face. The smile of a soldier. 💙

    • @klaasj7808
      @klaasj7808 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      well was it hell, is daily normal life not more hell? for many it is, thats why many signed up again. as killing became their new normal. they didnt know better after a while.

  • @gallowglas3834
    @gallowglas3834 3 ปีที่แล้ว +127

    My dad (RIP) was a crew chief on a Huey medivac in Vietnam .. thank you guys so much for your service ..

    • @trinidadarzate3382
      @trinidadarzate3382 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      My respect to your father and everyone who signed up for dust off to pickup our casualties.

    • @plumalynne1399
      @plumalynne1399 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you DUST OFF.

  • @stephenrushmer833
    @stephenrushmer833 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    These heroes never got the recognition they deserved . God bless

  • @gordonowen719
    @gordonowen719 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +12

    My Dad is a Marine and I was BORN in 1967 after he met a cute nurse near Quantico Marine Base, VA!!!… Growing to be a pilot myself and understanding the love and passion for flight, it is so amazing and emotional to see these Vets back in their birds!!!… Thank You ALL for your service!!!

    • @Marine-iu3ev
      @Marine-iu3ev 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Tell your dad Semper Fi for me

  • @hyousefi3835
    @hyousefi3835 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I’m from Iran and I respect Vietnam vets. It’s so heartbreaking that there are Americans that didn’t thank them and disrespected them upon arrival after the war. God bless nam vets.
    By the way we still use hueys in our air force in Iran. Great choppers and very reliable . Built to last and fight .

  • @FN_FAL_4_ever
    @FN_FAL_4_ever 3 ปีที่แล้ว +84

    Okay, I was pleasantly surprised to hear Steppenwolf instead of CCR. Magic Carpet Ride was a nice touch.

    • @dannygjk
      @dannygjk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Well a helo is kind of a magic carpet. 😊

    • @FN_FAL_4_ever
      @FN_FAL_4_ever 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@dannygjk it sure is, Dan, it sure is

    • @OriginalThisAndThat
      @OriginalThisAndThat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I used also Steppenwolf in my aerial videos back in the days

    • @THEATREofPAIN270
      @THEATREofPAIN270 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Paint It Black ~ Rolling Stones ✌

    • @MajorDook1
      @MajorDook1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@patrickharris5172 Well, I'm not a nerd, so not me.

  • @reinsolberg2525
    @reinsolberg2525 3 ปีที่แล้ว +98

    Graduated in 1967 in Ft Rucker, Alabama. Helikoptercourse UH1. Two norwegians, Asbjørn Saethertbakken and I.
    Very good course. Regards Ltcol Rein Lae Solberg Norw. Air Force

    • @tyms13
      @tyms13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I live in Enterprise you would not believe how much it's grown. We first got here in the early 90's and Rucker still had all the old buildings. Now they are all open fields

    • @user-ki8ye1nc8p
      @user-ki8ye1nc8p 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Going there soon, so forward for it

  • @romeotango8650
    @romeotango8650 3 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    I served in the Air Force at McChord back in the mid-80’s with this staff sergeant named Gino who served in the army in Vietnam as a door gunner on a Huey in the early 70’s, he never really spoke about his experience but one day in the shower I saw that on his back he had what looked like 5 mushroom shaped marks on his back and shoulder and another on the back of his arm; he had some other wounds on his legs as well. Later while deployed, I got the nerve to ask him and he proceeded to tell me that he got wounded 4 times and had 7 helicopters shot out from under him. He was in Vietnam until the very end. A few months later during a dress mess event we were all wearing our class A uniforms and was shocked to see 6 rows of ribbons with bronze star with multiple awards, Purple Heart, and many other awards. He had some issues with authority and substance related issues which kept him at an e-6 rank. God bless people like him and all of those who served.

    • @ninemilliondollars
      @ninemilliondollars 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Thank you for that story.

    • @johnprater7588
      @johnprater7588 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Oh we all should know a few of them guys

    • @mattjaitken
      @mattjaitken ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks for having the courage to ask and share his story.

  • @korbindutkiewicz7964
    @korbindutkiewicz7964 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    God damn once the music kicked in I got chills

    • @leadsolo2751
      @leadsolo2751 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Oh Yeah !!!!! :D

    • @ronc110
      @ronc110 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Here, too!

    • @ddd228
      @ddd228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      STEPPENWOLF!!!!

    • @erikwestrheim804
      @erikwestrheim804 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I was just thinking it only need music, and it kicked in, wow..

  • @kurts7913
    @kurts7913 3 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    73 nw 19....I spent 2 1/2 years in III Corp...1969-71. I had my share of the Whup,Whup under my ass and in my ears...even though I was Quads and Dusters.This brought back memories ...some I had forgotten.Snippets like this can be so bitter sweet. I watched this with a smile and a tear...It was a time I felt alive...lol even the background music. In that time of our lives we ran...now older, we plod along doused in memories that made the heart beat so fast...Time goes by fleetingly and now a pace maker assists. Thank you for a momentary trip to when things were simple... and I had hair ....

    • @trinidadarzate3382
      @trinidadarzate3382 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      III CORPS would have placed you out of Fort Hood, my hats off to you brother.

  • @ronbishop7281
    @ronbishop7281 3 ปีที่แล้ว +52

    yes it was a magic carpet ride!...all of us vietnam era vets appreciate a nice heart token of kindness given to an ex vet from that war...thank you and godspeed guys!

  • @Big.Ron1
    @Big.Ron1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Brought a tear to my eye. Navy March 16 '77 to '81. Engine mechanic A-4. Great to see him in the air again. Thank you.

  • @ScottDaddyMac
    @ScottDaddyMac 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    My dad was a pioneer foreman for LA County FIre Dept Air Attack starting in 1970. I was 6 years old then and when I was 8, I got my first ride in a Huey and hearing the sounds in this video brought me right back to those times. Over the years, I got to meet many top notch pilots some of which flew in Vietnam. One pilot in particular stands out. My dad introduced him and he said with a huge smile, "Call me Pard!" Well one day, Pard asks if I want I ride. I said of course and I started to get in the passenger section of the helicopter. He goes, "No, no! You come up here in the co -pilot seat! " Being a 12 year old at this time, this was an amazing thing! So I get in co-pilot seat, buckle in and before Pard started the engine, he looked at me with that big ol grin he had and said "Boy....I'm gonna make you shit your pants!" I had nothing to say at that point. He starts the engine, lifts off about 10 feet off the ground and slowly moves to the edge of the helipad which happens to end at cliff on top of the mountain the station is at. Once he is clear of the helipad, he noses the helicopter down and we go full throttle down about 100 feet above the ground straight down the mountain side. We descended about 2000 feet and then he noses up and goes straight up and then swings the tail around. We buzzed the station where my parents were standing there watching me get the ride of my life! Well, the ride ended....I didn't shit my pants, and Pard just looked at me with his grin and I thanked him for the amazing ride. Pard passed away in October, and I went to his flag ceremony with my dad who is now 86. To all those amazing pilots, I salute you and will never forget you. RIP Pard.

    • @rvnmedic1968
      @rvnmedic1968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Great memories and story. Thanks for sharing. ( I think I WOULD have shit my pants!). Cheers, Bob (Syracuse, NY)

  • @chasefrank8143
    @chasefrank8143 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I couldn't imagine taking off in one of these puppies heading into the belly of the beast. God bless!!!

  • @GH-cp9wc
    @GH-cp9wc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Graduated in 73, so I missed the war. Guess I should be thankful. Respect to ALL Veterans and thankyou for your service.

  • @tomahawk5118
    @tomahawk5118 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Loved my time riding hueys in the 80’s while in the 101st Airborne. A couple of years ago I was fortunate enough to take my then 10 year old daughter on a great ride aboard one of the actual UH-1’s from the battle portrayed in the movie “We Were Soldiers”.

  • @spateri728
    @spateri728 3 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    Good to see the Aussie flag in there, I was suprised. We fought with you guys, much respect.

    • @rg20322
      @rg20322 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Absolutely!!!

    • @mattyallen3396
      @mattyallen3396 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The ANZAC'S did bro

    • @Mikedadof2
      @Mikedadof2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      And the kiwis

    • @raygale4198
      @raygale4198 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Mikedadof2 ANZAC Australia and New Zealand Army Corps. It's sort of in the name. We didn't forget our brothers across the ditch.

  • @samhunt9380
    @samhunt9380 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    This is great. Smiling my head off.I flew Huey's and Souix's with allies in Vietnam. I love what you're doing for your vets. Perfect backing track too!!

  • @65cbtengr
    @65cbtengr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Served 80-86 the Huey was the most fun you will have with your clothes on! Welcome Home Vietnam Vets 🇺🇸

    • @4500X_Blackout
      @4500X_Blackout 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Armydude thank you for your service!

    • @NRecob
      @NRecob 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's for sure. Served 82-92. Miss the Hueys.

    • @4500X_Blackout
      @4500X_Blackout 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@NRecob They are awesome helicopters, the Huey was definitely a workhorse! Also loud as hell, even more awesome!

  • @MrMjn5000
    @MrMjn5000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    you can tell by the smile on the vietnam vets face how much he enjoyed this... thanks for letting his dream come true

  • @jamesburns2232
    @jamesburns2232 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    "If you can walk away from a landing, it's a good landing. If you use the airplane the next day, it's an outstanding landing." Quote from Brigadier General Charles Yeager

  • @CB-2
    @CB-2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    his smile is priceless

  • @aqhasassy
    @aqhasassy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    What an honor for our veterans.
    🇺🇸❤️
    My husband was a door gunner on a Huey gunship in Nam, shot down twice.

    • @amberbali8881
      @amberbali8881 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Respect to him

    • @twilightroach4274
      @twilightroach4274 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Please thank him for his service from me. My father served with the British army in Malaya in the late fifties, I served in the Australian Army in the nineties & my brother & two of his children are currently serving in the Australian Navy.

    • @generalwolf35gaming
      @generalwolf35gaming 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My great uncle was a door gunner. He and his brother in law (aka my grandfather) served in the war, but sadly only my grandfather came back. Great uncle died after getting shot down.

    • @MrFlyme123
      @MrFlyme123 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Respect.

    • @andypeterson8013
      @andypeterson8013 ปีที่แล้ว

      What a great guy!

  • @bobdavis3062
    @bobdavis3062 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    1st Cav 1969~1970 Flew many many hours in Hueys, and Chinooks. Always a thrill when I hear a Huey 50+ years later.

    • @kevinperrier7274
      @kevinperrier7274 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      E-Recon 2/7th Cav 70-71. Flew mostly in the 229th birds like the one in the video with my knees in the breeze.

  • @PTRRanger951
    @PTRRanger951 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I know someone in Nevada that would probably love this. I was a deputy sheriff with him in Nevada until we retired in 2022. He was a crew chief on a gunship in Vietnam, always had some stories, loved hearing them. My Fav was probably hearing about an R&R story in Sydney Australia. I also joked with him that he probably has a kid or two somewhere in Australia.
    I was born in 83 and my father was born in 42 and was in the Army during Vietnam. Never saw deployment, even though he volunteered to be deployed. But it was during a time where flat feet DQs were a thing. He was even trained as a Medic, wanted to go, and still didn't get to go.
    We also worked with another deputy that was a door gunner on a gunship in Vietnam.

  • @texan2u
    @texan2u 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +16

    Thank you Barry and Sam. I was in I Corps in 1968/69, with 196 Infantry. I saw guys like you come take us in and out of the jungle, saved a lot of lives. Of course most of our rides were on a good old Huey, but one trip from LZ Center to Chu Lai we watched two .51 cal slugs come right thru the floor of the
    chinook we were on. That old bird never quivered or stuttered, just kept on flying and got us there. Much respect for all you guys who kept those old war birds flying.

    • @TheVirzo4
      @TheVirzo4 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      yooooooo

    • @StormLaker
      @StormLaker 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The scary thought is how many .51 cal slugs were coming out of that gun that just barely missed the copter. My friend served with the 101st in Afghanistan, he told me about a similar incident they had in a Chinook they were flying in. They didn't even know they were shot until they got out of the helicopter and saw the holes from an AK that ripped into the side- missing everybody inside.

    • @texan2u
      @texan2u 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Very true. This particular flight was over an area that always had a lot of sniping at helos, so we were pretty high, making us a pretty skinny target. We were all amazed that no engines or blades were hit .

    • @StormLaker
      @StormLaker 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@texan2u when my dad was in Korea in the Air force, they would sometimes find themselves working along the DMZ with heavy equipment (think air force version of SeaBees). - than once the north koreans took pot shots at them- this was in the late 60's not long after the Pueblo Incident aka "little korean war". He said they all carried weapons in their machines/trucks during that time. Every now and again someone would turn up missing, or get shot by the north Koreans- usually ROK's or some fresh army grunt.

  • @arcticmorning
    @arcticmorning 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    This vietnam vet pilot is a very humble and cool guy. Thank-you sir for putting your life on the line for us Americans to enjoy the liberties and freesoms that we live and breath daily

  • @catwrench3
    @catwrench3 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    It was good to see that Vietnam Vet smile. I can't even imagine the flood of memories that he experienced on this ride.

    • @mattjaitken
      @mattjaitken ปีที่แล้ว

      It was great to see those guys smiling and flying without all of their risk. Those hueys were angels to many that laid dying and ones that were under fire. It's great to see them reunited. 🇺🇸

  • @debbiramsey4603
    @debbiramsey4603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I tried to go to Vietnam. I told the man I was interested in flying helicopters. Someone handed him a piece of paper a. He glance then told me you're not going anywhere. My hearing was too bad. I was nuclear war bait. You're not going unless there a nuclear war. I'm 69" I love the sound of a Huey wiring up on start up. The thump of them still gives me chills. I love them still.

  • @petecoppola5428
    @petecoppola5428 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Just hearing those igniters going and the starter/generator brings make many great memories of my time as a mechanic/crew chief.

    • @petecoppola5428
      @petecoppola5428 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@4500X_Blackout Thank you for your support.

    • @4500X_Blackout
      @4500X_Blackout 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@petecoppola5428 You're welcome sir!

  • @matthewpayne42
    @matthewpayne42 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I was born in 71 in the UK and have always had a interest in aviation. I was shocked to learn how the young men who were sent to Vietnam were treated when they came back home to the USA. It's great to see the Vietnam vets treated better now.

    • @MrNajibrazak
      @MrNajibrazak 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      if it wasn't for them the entire South East Asia might have gone red by now. The war did made communists terrorists(sorry but not sorry, every commie is a terrorist in my book) think twice.
      as a South East Asian America never lost the war, it is their politics that betrayed them.
      their politics do not care how many lives and ways of lives were preserved by them by laying down their lives for us. If America calls, i will answer to repay that debt of gratitude though i have no plans to migrate at all.

  • @jwhoward182
    @jwhoward182 3 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    I lived near Ft Lewis and remember six & eight ship formations of Hueys flying around the base. They made an unforgettable sound.

  • @boostedsaleen6146
    @boostedsaleen6146 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    My dad would be 70 today if he were still alive , he served in the navy from 69-73 he was a river rat .

  • @tray8411
    @tray8411 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My cousin flew slicks for the 71st AHC 68-69..Shot down 4 times... When I started flying helicopters for my Police dept I took him up... Pretty dam cool when I said said "you got the controls". He was almost 70 in 2008 and man he could still fly... What an honor

  • @michaelweeks9317
    @michaelweeks9317 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    And for a brief wonderful moment he was 23 again.....

  • @carlcolvin8320
    @carlcolvin8320 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    There is no greater sound than a Huey flying hearing that wop wop wop is joy to the ears. I trust the Huey more than a Crashhawk .
    My brother flew Dust Off in Nam as a medic. He was with 5 SF Group Bein Hoa 68-69. Half of his made it back to the World.

  • @johnsmith-gt3po
    @johnsmith-gt3po 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing how he remember the exact date Sept. 22 1966. Before I was even born (1967). Thanks for your service guys.

  • @tomburton8239
    @tomburton8239 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    In 1974-75, in Sumatra, I worked on helirigs and flew in and out in Hueys like this one. Most of the pilots we ex-Vietnam. Two big memories: (1) as the rigs were in jungle clearings getting height when fully loaded could be hard. One day, when I was in the co-pilot’s seat, the pilot lifted-off to 50ft, then leaned the aircraft forward until I was looking straight at the mud, then powered on and went forward all the time at an angle, then as the tree line approached he thrust the stick forward, nose suddenly up, and we zoomed over the trees. Phew... (2) we were cruising along at 1000ft, doors open with tools slung across and a couple of operators in the back. I was in the co-pilot’s seat again. I asked the pilot what he would do if this were Vietnam and he came under fire. He said there were two options, both involving getting down to tree height. He showed me option one: powered-down on the collective and fluttered down to the tree line pretty quickly. This flustered the guys in the back. He then powered-up and took us back to 1000ft to show me option two...... While going forward pretty fast, he yanked back on the stick and we went nose-down straight for the trees. The guys in the back freaked out: they had no idea what we were doing. Stick forward and we skimmed the treetops at speed. Wow.....

    • @silverfoxstacker1588
      @silverfoxstacker1588 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      As long time crew chief on uh-1h your discription of stick forward to climb and powering down is completely wrong. He could have gone flat pitch to descend or pulled “power” to climb none of which is controlled by the “stick”

  • @chrismaverick9828
    @chrismaverick9828 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    It's amazing the lifespan of some aircraft when properly maintained. Thank you to all our veterans, and thank you Combat Helicopters for taking them for a ride to enjoy the better aspects of their service without the bad.

    • @leefithian3704
      @leefithian3704 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Especially a helicopter , a buddy’s dad in Rayford was restoring a Huey project , wish I kept up on than

    • @johndowe7003
      @johndowe7003 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If ya got enough parts,money, & know how you can keep anything running indefinitely 👍

  • @jackscott5465
    @jackscott5465 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    MAN WAS MEANT TO FLY BUT IT IS A MIRACLE TO HOVER, "DAREDEVIL DAN" GOD I MISS IT AND I'M OLD NOW.

  • @douglasfrompa593
    @douglasfrompa593 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I feel extremely lucky to have been in the National Guard at a time when Vietnam vets were still serving. Most of my NCO's were vets. A great experience was doing a helo insert, in training, with Vietnam vets flying the helos.
    I try to be on time in real life, If one is too early you risk giving away the LZ, helos get shot down, long walk home. And if one is a few moments late, you will hear the helos flying away, long walk home. Probably best to just be on time.

  • @terrymorris1687
    @terrymorris1687 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    God bless our veterans. My life’s dream was to ride in a Huey and experience the sound and feeling of these beauties. I got to fulfill my dream and it was nothing short of amazing. Combat pilots have the biggest balls and skills!!

    • @keziasarah
      @keziasarah 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      How did you manage to fly in a huey. Its on my bucket list ever since being a kid in the 1970's in the UK and reading every book on Vietnam.

    • @terrymorris1687
      @terrymorris1687 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@keziasarah One of our local law enforcement agencies has one. During the solar eclipse event in Tennessee we used it for our rapid response team.

  • @herbiesnerd
    @herbiesnerd 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I was a 67V in a GS Unit from 77’ to ‘79 but only worked on Cobras and Hueys. Stationed at Schofield but our hangar was at Wheeler. The steel I-Beams and Masonry walls inside the hangar still had large caliber bullet holes in it from the Pearl Harbor attack. Everything we worked on was Vietnam era. Our pilots were all Vietnam vets and the best of those were the Warrant Officers.

  • @mikeRnichols
    @mikeRnichols 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    My God! This brought tears to my eyes. I've done that startup several thousand times. Wow, what a flashback!

  • @tedc4990
    @tedc4990 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The sound of a Huey coming in is awesome as the cows found out at 6:30.

  • @traveltrailerlife
    @traveltrailerlife 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I'm a Veteran of Vietnam (70-71) and Gulf War 1991 Iraq ... Iraq ( 04-05) Wars . I was a door gunner UH-1 helicopter in Vietnam with the 118th AHC .... And in Iraq worked on AH-64A Apache attack helicopter for the 1/151Aviation Regiment ... Retired 2011

  • @debbiramsey4603
    @debbiramsey4603 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Maybe about just Year and a half ago I sat on my back porch alone and began to shed tears for the guys who never came back. I didnt know them but I feel like I did.

  • @colwilliamnoydb4134
    @colwilliamnoydb4134 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I flew the OV-10 Bronco, and later the Huey UH-1N Gunship. Was the best life.

  • @geneyoung9685
    @geneyoung9685 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I was at Ben Hoa in 1068 ; MACV TOC. Flew many, many days with the Huey Slick Pilots. God Bless every one of them.

  • @mwales2112
    @mwales2112 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I spent 24 years as a C-130 Crew Chief in the USAF and while stationed at Little Rock AFB. in the late 90s I read on a message board that a Vietnam Crew Chief was trying to locate his aircraft that carried his name while in country. After a short search of our flight line to my shock I found the aircraft with the tail number he supplied in another squadron. After talking with the squadron commander and base officials I was able to obtain permission to reunite them. The veteran lived out of state and with the help of his family was able to make the trip to LRAFB.
    We were able to get him and his family out to his old aircraft and the look on his face and in his eyes was something I will never forget and that small thing made him so happy and I was so glad I could help make it happen for him.
    Thank you to all of our vets that fought and died for all of us throughout history..
    PS: Real planes have Props...

  • @Soulessdeeds
    @Soulessdeeds 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Let me know when there is a COMBAT TANKS version of this lol. I was a Bradley mechanic and M88a1 operator for 15 yrs in the Army. I did 3 tours in Iraq and a Kosovo rotation. God I miss working on tracks and doing recovery work. The M88 was my bread and butter in the Army for most of my career.

  • @Mrbigp59
    @Mrbigp59 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    what a happy face. God bless these hero soldiers they had a job to do and did it well.

  • @toddsmith8057
    @toddsmith8057 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    The sheer "JOY" in that Ol' vets face is priceless! What an awesome experience!

  • @robertchinnock8017
    @robertchinnock8017 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    God bless our aussie vets and American vets as well🇦🇺🇺🇲

  • @bazzahcarter6767
    @bazzahcarter6767 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    There's no better helicopter pilot than a Vietnam veteran pilot I dont care what anyone says°!!!!!!!

  • @davidforce5617
    @davidforce5617 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I flew in CH46s in the Marines but this video bought back many memories some bad most good.

  • @ClanMercer
    @ClanMercer 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I flew Hueys during flight school in 1988, absolute blast to fly and very forgiving helicopters (relatively speaking; helicopters always want to kill you).
    My Platoon leader in Germany was a crusty old CW4 named Gary Martin aka Sensei. He taught us how to actually fly Cobras and not get in trouble.
    He was a dustoff pilot in Vietnam and during one evac an AK round ricocheted off the center windshield beam and hit him in the throat. He finished the mission while holding his throat closed and after landing, coughed up the bullet out of his mouth. He got the DFC for that one.

  • @ervinthompson6598
    @ervinthompson6598 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Above all else, I remember the thunder of Hueys overhead in Fort Jackson , SC , as a child in 1964,while we were visiting with my grandfather in the VA hospital that spring.

    • @JOSHL50
      @JOSHL50 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      in 64 your grandfather was in the va hospital: when was he in the service please. thanks to you and all your family for your service.

    • @ervinthompson6598
      @ervinthompson6598 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@JOSHL50 ......he was a WW1 veteran, my father was in the 99th Quartermaster Co. out of Camp Maxey TX, I had an uncle KIA in Belgium in November 1944 with the Marines- another uncle USAF in Korea and Vietnam.

    • @JOSHL50
      @JOSHL50 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ervinthompson6598

  • @ericgiebel498
    @ericgiebel498 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Helicopters have been a big love in my life only because my Grandmother worked for Bell Helicopter for 30 years. She retired in 87, two years before I enlisted in the Army. So I've pretty much always been fond of the sound and purposes of rotorcraft

  • @TWCH
    @TWCH 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Six years in the infantry, I rode in a Huey only once. Those guys were big shots to me.

  • @markbray838
    @markbray838 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks for letting these vets relive the aircraft of their youth in a peaceful environment

  • @pabloescobar7802
    @pabloescobar7802 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a iconic bird.. I got into the military when the Blackhawk was the primary bird .. but I got lucky and caught a morale flight on one of these with the Air National Guard.. nothing like it ..true history in the air

  • @harleypiper
    @harleypiper 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Talk about it with pride, talk about it with pain. No matter how you talk about ...the whole ,crazy war was indeed insane!

    • @AlfatoSLK
      @AlfatoSLK 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Remember the Good, pray to forget the Bad

  • @danhuttinger5040
    @danhuttinger5040 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I am 74 years old and a Vietnam veteran I was on ch47s I have 900 crew member flight hours there mostly as a FLT.ENGNEER. I think it is so cool for the veteran to be able to go on that flight, I would love to get on a Chinook and go for a flight.

  • @jeffreypinder9398
    @jeffreypinder9398 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Takes me back 40 years...as soon as he pulled pitch. 6600/324

  • @vintageguitarz1
    @vintageguitarz1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    USAF 20th SOS "Green Hornets", 27th Spl Ops Wing, UH-1F and H, AH-1F late 1972, Capt. (pilot) 1970-72, 2 full tours, retired USAF Reserves 1988. It's too bad that everyone, especially the various media, thinks only the Army flew Helo's in Vietnam and seem to ignore all of us USAF, Marines and Navy flyers. I also flew A1 and AT-28 Ground Attack /Support fixed wing during my tours, let's see Army helo pilots be that versatile.
    PS - if gauges ain't round with a mechanical pointy thing, they ain't gauges and don't belong in a UH-1

  • @9186frank
    @9186frank 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Above the best 1st Cav, 101st, thank you to all that served.

  • @michaelmyers3892
    @michaelmyers3892 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    First thank you to all veterans a the ones that never came home may you rest in peace, could look at these men's eyes in the smile on their face they were just transported back to their younger days and their Wilder days

  • @jeffwisemiller3590
    @jeffwisemiller3590 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Some of the scariest times of his life make for some of the best memories. The look on his face was priceless.

  • @shannahuffman4655
    @shannahuffman4655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    My dad was there and 3 of my cousins, all Marines and one of them was a F4 phantom pilot.. thank you Sirs for your service

    • @steveraygonzales5353
      @steveraygonzales5353 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not to glorify war or what they seen. Im just curious i dnt mean no disrespect but do any ever tell you any helicopter storys.

    • @shannahuffman4655
      @shannahuffman4655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@steveraygonzales5353 my cousin told me some not so cool stories as q Phantom pilot and stories of my dad's Sniper days

    • @steveraygonzales5353
      @steveraygonzales5353 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@shannahuffman4655 wow!! sniper days.... man I apologize if I seem a lil excited I am just a big history buff and I believe men and women this time period should be recognized and not forgotten about I have family that was in the war in Iraq but that's were are military history stops I don't mean sound anything grateful for your response thank you and those men you have in ur life have to be some of the most bad ass men on the planet your a lucky human being to be of there bloodline. Thanks

    • @shannahuffman4655
      @shannahuffman4655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@steveraygonzales5353 a lot of people don't realize how much Vietnam effected the lives of the family and kids who served in Vietnam

    • @steveraygonzales5353
      @steveraygonzales5353 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@shannahuffman4655 that is very true that war had alot effect not just on there children but the generations that followed that which is why I'm very respectful towards it you have to be you can't ingnorant towards it. Its effect has had a long run.

  • @josephdupont
    @josephdupont 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a beatiful moment for some very deserving men. who put it all on the line.

  • @michaelquillen2679
    @michaelquillen2679 3 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Should have let that old boy take the collective and cyclic for a few minutes. Back in the day, he was probably a bigger badass pilot than you would rver hope to be!

    • @macavityc
      @macavityc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Right. He flew in action.

    • @fiat.freakx19
      @fiat.freakx19 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I thought that was the point of this video. Understand this helicopter cost $$$$ to restore and keep flying. Maybe insurance won't let people fly up front and has to be a licensed pilot and co-pilot. Would have been great to see old man fly again though!! 😁

    • @klaasj7808
      @klaasj7808 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      indeed, many are still asked for stunt flying in movies. they were trained like they are not any longer. fuck this.

    • @davidturk6301
      @davidturk6301 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      FAA probably would have thrown a fit. I’m guessing the current pilot wouldn’t have had a problem with it.

  • @trunkmonkey9417
    @trunkmonkey9417 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The sound of Angle's wings goes "Thump thump thump thump" and Hell trembles.

  • @iggysfriend4431
    @iggysfriend4431 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's looking very clean with a pristine paint job and polished to with in an inch of its life. It's nice to see one without lots of scrapes, dents, scratches and paint missing. The only time it will look like that is on delivery or in a museum.
    It's nice to hear the engine spool up, I don't know why but it's always an awesome sound.

  • @michaelparker7213
    @michaelparker7213 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    "IM GLAG THIS FLIGHT BROGHT BACK BOTH GOOG AND DAD TIMES THEY FIEW IN VIETAM"I was a crew member on the old D model."GOD BLESS ALL THE VIETNAM VET' s".

  • @cliffnelson1174
    @cliffnelson1174 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It must have terrifying as hell to be taking ground fire in one of these....it is amazing anyone survived at all ....and to all of you who served in Vietnam.....this might be 60 years too late but welcome home. You guys were my heros when I was a kid....and to this day you still are...

  • @steveturk1020
    @steveturk1020 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you , VETS for your service and for our Freedom.

  • @rono108
    @rono108 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks to all the pilots and flight crews of the UH1. Bravo Zulu guys.

  • @jondoherty3678
    @jondoherty3678 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A helicopter ride in Vietnam many took and many lost brave men every one of them

  • @tom95521
    @tom95521 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Love that 2 blade wop wop wop sound. Really intense in the turns.

  • @grampageorge3407
    @grampageorge3407 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That brought me back,got tears in my eyes.

  • @The72challenger
    @The72challenger 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I can't even begin to imagine the state of mind these cats were in '66...a lot for a human being to coordinate and reconcile with.

    • @tomsmith5216
      @tomsmith5216 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      In '66 I was barely 20, finished maintenance school at Ft. Rucker, 2 weeks leave and off to Vietnam. Was made crew chief on a D model like that one . Pretty awesome to be 20 and handed a few hundred k dollar helicopter "it's all yours, kid, keep her flying". I'd love to sit in the crew chief cubbyhole one more time, and give the "clear left" call to the pilots...

  • @keithbarrett4586
    @keithbarrett4586 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I visited Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells Texas last week where many of these men earned their wings. Said a prayer on the old flight line….

  • @aumarigan
    @aumarigan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Nice video. Greetings from the Philippines. Our air force still fly these Hueys.

    • @stevehovanesian3979
      @stevehovanesian3979 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      She is a real lady. She has so much to give if you treat her right. I would love to fly a Huey again, your Air Force is lucky to have them.

    • @impulse1021
      @impulse1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stevehovanesian3979 Sadly they are being replaced by the new S70i Blackhawks since many hueys have crashed before And getting old
      Love this majestic birds

    • @johnkidd1226
      @johnkidd1226 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hadnt seen a Huey for 40 years. My first trip to Philippines I'm driving north of Solano. I heard them coming first and knew the sound right away, then two of them were on my left flying over rice paddies. Sure brought back some memories.

  • @pclayton5063
    @pclayton5063 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My first 5 months in Vietnam I was housed by a helo pad w/Huey's, Cobra's, and a 80mm mortar pit. Used to count the mortar rounds outbound at night, like sheep, to get asleep. They would hit in the distance with a crump, crump. Copters leaving all the time and the whup, whup of those rotors I'll never forget. I was Air Force with a FAC TACP so worked closely with the Army. Went to one impromptu hooch party with a bunch of chopper pilots and they were having a contest as to who could chew the top off a beer can and drink the contents the fastest. Impressive since these were tin cans that you had to use a church key on normally. Great guys that lived each moment like it might be their last.

  • @aerojet393
    @aerojet393 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Oh, those smiles

  • @stephenrice4554
    @stephenrice4554 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Good lads doing a fine job with a justifiably famous helicopter . The souls of many ride with you .

  • @RomeoEdward
    @RomeoEdward 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    So cool, loved the music. Brought it back. In country 67.

    • @chrisgillman1162
      @chrisgillman1162 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you for your service sir and welcome home it breaks my heart to think about how you guys never got the respect you are all due!

  • @MrFarnanonical
    @MrFarnanonical 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Man, it's so weird to see Vietnam vets so old, I'm 36 and I remember as a kid in the 90s seeing WW1 vets as these super old guys and WW2 vets as old but not that old with Vietnam vets being middle-aged. Now all the WW1 vets are gone, the youngest living WW2 vet is probably around 92 and the average age of a Vietnam vet is over 70 with the youngest gulf war vet around 50.

  • @stevecarlson9557
    @stevecarlson9557 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I flew slicks in Bien Hoa about the same time. Fall of 68 to fall of 69. Personally, I don’t care for another ride.

    • @Ladiesandgentlemen141
      @Ladiesandgentlemen141 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I crewd them in the 80s, My dad flew them in Nam, was shot down, rescued by an OH6 hanging on the skids! then was maint officer in a Medivac Unit at the 82nd, when he retired he walked away, didnt even look back, you talk to him you would never know he even served. I was trying to get him to fly life flight for hospitals, he could do it with his eyes closed good $ more than qualified but he was through with it! (would rather flip burgers a Mcdonalds)So i can relate a little and certainly respect how you feel!

    • @richardmcclary8010
      @richardmcclary8010 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ppl​@@Ladiesandgentlemen141

  • @keoni37
    @keoni37 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I was in 227th AHB 1st Cav May '67 to Aug '68 Crew Chief!

    • @tomsmith5216
      @tomsmith5216 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was 174th AHC 1st Avn Bgd 66-67, crew chief Dolphin911. Welcome home, bro...

  • @davidbires2351
    @davidbires2351 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank all vets for there service