Life of a Door Gunner | Vietnam vet ‘Vic’ Smith | RAAF 9 Squadron
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ธ.ค. 2022
- Our 2019 interview with Vic Smith. The original video - a proof of concept - received several million views. We are now planning on uploading more interviews on to TH-cam through this new channel.
Learn More: raafdocumentary.com/9sqn/
If you are looking for an aviation themed gift and want to support this channel, check out the Military Shop by using our affiliate link militaryshop.com.au/?ref=AMAHA and you can also use our coupon code AMAHA for a discount!
Check out this Air Force Vietnam 50th Ltd Edition Medallion militaryshop.com.au/limited-e...
Description
This is a project dedicated to documenting the history of the Royal Australian Air Force and it's various squadrons, featuring interviews and stories from those who were there.
This was an interview with Victor 'Vic' Smith, a Vietnam veteran who served with
the RAAF No. 9 Squadron as a huey door gunner. Despite being a dangerous job, vets who served as door gunners have been overlooked in many interviews, and we felt it was necessary for all of those who served in Vietnam to have their story told. Other airfield defence guards like Vic volunteered to work as door gunners with the RAAFs 9 Squadron, which served in South East Asia from 1966 to 1975 (the end of the war) and worked as medevac (dustoff), attack / support, and 'people sniffer' (a special program for detecting enemy activity by monitoring air components from the UH-1). The importance of the squadron - such as assisting other forces, working with the SAS (and saving them from dangerous situations), and taking casualities and aircraft losses - is not to be understated.
This was a proof of concept video from 2019 for our ‘RAAF Documentaries’ project. Since then, we have begun the project and have steadily collected interviews and stories from other RAAF veterans. The past 3 years has been focused on RAAF 9 and 12 Squadron, however we hope to capture stories from more squadrons in the future.
Video Credits:
• Danang Dustoff
• Vietnam Medevac Helico...
• 128th Helicopter Gunsh...
• Video
• Raw Uncut Vietnam Footage
• Vietnam War Helicopter... - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
My dad served in Vietnam, not the same when he came back ☹️ and I miss him RIP Dad
These vets are all in their 70's now...bless you all and thanks
Imagine "door gunner" on your resume. What a total bad ass this guy is.
My brother was one in 68-69 with the 101 airborne 🙏
I worked with a guy that was a door gunner. He never talked about his time there. I heard the info from his best friend. Some guys never talked about stuff. My uncle was in a Japanese prison camp. My Dad heard about it at Uncle's funeral. He and Dad were like brothers and Uncle never spoke of it.
Times change...Just wait until the video gamers start trying to get PTSD disability from "their work".
It’s good to hear from the Aussie vets, you never hear that much from them. I hope their country treats them with the utmost respect!!
The young people have no idea these days.
For the most part these days they get treated with respect, but there is always some entitled so and so that has to ruin things. Mark from Melbourne Australia
Ex Australian Army Reservist.
not when they came back.
My uncle fought in Vietnam he wasn't allowed in pubs because he was Aboriginal when he comes back to Australia that's how he was treated
@@jiaskinner7784 thank you my friend
We owe much for the support given by our Aussie mates. They were great soldiers and warriors.
This guy is amazing .... we were lucky to have him on our side. God Bless Him
I got stationed with the 135 AHC in Viet Nam, the EMU'S. Right after the Australians left in 1971. EMU stood for experimentally Military Unit. This was the only helicopter company in Nam that had both American & Australians assigned to it. Motto was get the bloody job done. Heard they were very good at flying & drinking. I was one of the last Americans to leave Di An when we stood down in February 1972.
After finish war in Vietnam, Spain bought UH 1H to USA in 1972/73. Many of these helicopters flew in Sáhara and Spain for many years. I flew in CH47 and Huey UH 1H during 1975 to 77. Greetings from Sevilla, España. Unidad de helicópteros IV. FAMET.
Thanks for your service old mate. My father in law was also a crew chief/door gunner with 9 squadron. Ron Gardner. Great man.
IRT Gav671 (March 2023) who wrote, "Thanks for your service old mate. My father in law ... Ron GARDNER. Great man."
But, of course! 🙂
What a thoroughly likable guy - Respect to him, for his dedicated service !!! 🖤
My Dad was brown water navy, river patrol. He always admired the Australian Soldiers/Sailors.
I love the Australian people!!! And have great respect for all who served in nam!!!Nam!!!! Thank you!!!! Landon from usa.
My Cousin and Brother in Law were both at Nui Dat with NZ Infantry. Had nothing but good things to say about the Aussies. They're still both carrying that burden on their shoulders.. but recently flew in the last RNZAF Huey before they were decommissioned. Apparently they had a wee chat with the Iroquois crew about not shutting the doors... fifty years on & still fighting the Vietnam War.
Some RNZAF pilots also flew with 9 Squadron based at Nui Dat/Vung Tau - good to see the comradery between the two forces!
Wow, what a life story a man among men. Vietnam vets have always had a special place in my heart. I can’t believe they had air sniffers back in the 60s that’s surprising. God bless our Australian brothers for being in the crucible with us.
Incredible to think over 6000 Hueys were lost in Vietnam.
Incredible story. The sacrifices made to protect what too many take for granted. Special folks did that. Thank you.
America to Australia…..we love u !
All six of Australia's MIAs have been recovered - 2 RAAF Canberra pilots included. Through the cooperation of the local Vietnamese authorities. Through Australia's Operation Wandering Souls at the Defence Force Academy in Canberra, we are similarly helping Vietnam locate the remains of its war dead. When Australia buried the dead of "the other side", the battlefield spots were marked on Army maps - now being used to locate those same remains.
👏👏👏
So much respect for the team of 0peration wandering souls. Healing & bringing some closure to both sides . Very honourable. The documentary of the program needs to aired on T.V. again or utube as I'm sure many Australians are not aware of it .
@@alanreynolds8843 Thanks for reading. One other notice of current relations between Australia and Vietnam is also occurring at the Australian Defence Force Academy. As a civilian, I was studying a particular aspect of public administration at the Public Service Research Group, UNSW at ADFA between 2015 and 2020. My office was right next to the Parade Ground and I attended 3 graduation parades in total - very smart turn-out by all the cadets, of course.
The graduating cadets from other countries stood out, for their different dress uniforms. Some were from the Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand and USA. I initially noticed two who were marching in olive drab uniforms, wearing a soft cap with a red star at its peak. Suspecting they were not from the PRC, I asked and found that they were from Vietnam.
A particular irony on that first graduation was that the Governor-General on the saluting dais was General Sir Peter Cosgrove M.C. In welcoming the families of the cadets, he also noted the graduates from "our friends in the Asia Pacific Region". When only some 35 years ago, as young Lieutenant, he would have been fighting their grandfathers (in all probability). Where he was awarded his Military Cross.
@@petergraves2085 I had the pleasure of meeting Derrill de Heer in Saigon in 2003 . He was heavily involved with the wandering souls program & was in the documentary taking artefacts & documents back to Vietnam. I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing . I am not a veteran but attended the dedication of the Vietnam memorial in Canberra , travelling from Vic and getting extremely wet at the concert the next day . A small price . Not forgetting the concrete pillars in front of the memorial. Keep up the great work 👍. Respect 🙏
Any idea how many Aussie's served in Vietnam? I'm embarrassed to say I never knew they served in that nightmare.
Worked with a guy who was a door gunner in Vietnam. He was the only survivor of 3 crashes.
D MacBain - A friend, Russel Henderson was in 3 crashes & lost an eye . . . . he had some good 8mm film of 'engagements' ! Lost touch with him after getting married . . . . .
Thank you for your service SIR!
I had never heard of the sniffer device he described. It was nice to hear his perspective as an Aussie in a US war zone.
Ims they were used to sniff out the scent of urine
Thank you for your service. Much respect. Even though I was just a kid during the Vietnam war, I will never forget the sound of those Huey helicopters.
turned 19 and 20 there ......................one of 10,000 Canadians there
Early 80's I met a man named Roger Brown. He worked for Petroleum Helicopters in Louisiana. We became good friends and I learned he was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Flew the Huey and the Cobra. I was visiting him at his home once and he pulled out the photos and slides. Chilling.
Later, him and his wife along with me and my girlfriend went to DC where we went to the Vietnam wall and placed some mementos near the names that he knew.
The way he talked about those men, you really got a sense of the bond that war forms between men. Very humbling experience for me.
I lost contact with Roger when I moved to Houston. Wonder what he's doing now?
Thank you for your sharing your experience, courage, sacrifice and service to answer the call to serve. 🇺🇸
All the Vietnam combat vets R Heroes 2 me one of my very best friends 20 years was a marine core gunner John Werner (J B ) Newaygo MI I wish he was still here.
Good men who fought well.
from an American Vet who never made it to Nam To all Aussie Vets, thank you for your service
Brave guy. Door Gunners had a very dangerous job.
Welcome home mate! You will never be forgotten!!!
Thank you for your service and God bless you and your mates who survived and the ones you lost.😍
Invading a country that never asked for your help, killing their people over politics, just because they choose another system than you do?? - 3 MILLION vietnamese civilians (women and children) were killed, is that what gives the respect?? Killing unarmed civilians in a 3rd world nation who never EVER attacked you?
Senseless war.
Really enjoyed this man's story.
Thank you for your service, mate. Welcome home.
Aussies were bad to the bone. Proud of them........
Thank you all for your service.
Excellent documentary as I really enjoyed listening to Vic Smith's down to earth story of his time in Vietnam
Welcome home brother. Good to hear about Aussie vets here also, you guys are something else! It feels like it was a whole nuther world back then.
Top man… would love a few beers with him and listen to all his stories
Thank You! Sir!
Thank you so much for your service
Great video, brave man! I wish I could get my brother to talk about his experiences as a door gunner.
I used to work with 9Sqn as a RAAF photographer and gopher
they were amazing birds and blokes
Thank you Sir, for your device from America. Much respect.
Excellent choice of background music. Gymnopedie no1 is a very fitting piece when discussing such somber events as war.
Like a true Aussie the story contains beer , good that you made it out.
we were operational with 2 Squadron and an army detachment
We landed to find that the army had a plan to supply us with the standard army ration of "One beer per man per day perhaps"
Then to out horror we found they only had VB !!!!
2 days later our CO flew in a rescue mission for us, a Canberra bomber loaded with Queensland XXXX beer + whisky and other spirits!
We managed to survive the mission ( Sadly we did lose a few crew to a chopper crash) lest we forget
Thanks Vic! So glad to hear your story from you!!! 👍
Good on ya Vic.
Legend.
Thanks for you service Vic. Australia owes a heap to fellas like you.
wow please keep these coming nice to hear from the Aussies
Respect to Vic you never hear stories of the Aussie in NAM fascinating story but Total respect 👏 R.I.P to those who Never came home 🙏🤝
THANK YOU From Michigan Sir
Thank you for your service Vic.
Thankyou for sharing your stories, alot of respect my friend
Thank you for your service mate sir🇺🇸!
Thanks for your service. Much respect.
One brave guy..
Must of been one hell of a dangerous position to be in..
Thank you 🙏 for telling the world of your experience.
Thank you for your service!!
That's really interesting. A good insight. In 1980 I did a couple of parachute jumps as a guest of the Eighth Army and the jump ship was a UH1. It was near the DMZ in South Korea and it gave me just a tiny hint of what these guys experienced. I would have been terrified. So vulnerable. (I only remember "Huey" being used. Not "Iroquois".)
You guys were great!
Thanks for telling these incredible stories. 👍
At 3:46 that's no helicopter that's a harley ,, I know the sound of sweetness anywhere,, I salute you sir ,,,.. thank you and everyone that was in Vietnam.... Thank you for your service.....
Very good, well done for going to the effort to produce this video, need more videos from our Vietnam veterans before they are all gone 🇦🇺
Working on it!
Bless you sir. Thank you for your service
Always interesting listening to these stories
A big thank mate to you and your mates.
Respect. Thank you for your service. 🙏🇦🇺
Great video mate. Well done those men. Salute. 👍🏻🇦🇺
Thankyou for your service.
Thank you for your service sir.👍🇦🇺🇦🇺
GREAT GREAT STORY AND INFO.
I knew a door gunner that served in Vietnam ,Steve paski guy had been to hell and back and had survived ,may god be with him
So nice to see content about this war from Australians The Americans refuse to admit we were even there or there before them
Nice video - thanks.
Great respect for a job well done. All the best to you and your fellow veterans.
My cousin did this also in Vietnam--double tour of duty...
Thanks Vic. Hope Nev Sinkinson is still kicking along too.
I served in a coy 9rar,phouc guy province during 1969,I carried the pig,m 60,for the whole journey,I regarded RAAF gunships as avenging angels,and angels they were,they saved our rotten arses on several occasions, more power to them!
Awesome! Thanks for your service Paul. I've had many on the ground say the same about the gunships!
Legend the best of us
Thank you sir for your service
One of many true heroes.
That's a dangerous job! Thanks!!
Never Forget.
Thank you for your service God bless 🙏
Thank you. You are a hero !!!!@@!
boots to my brother
thank you
All of them actually did a great job as brave soldiers and sadly many never came back 🪖🇺🇲🪦💔🇺🇲⚔️🙏✝️🇺🇲🤔😲🇺🇲
Fantastic story..🇸🇭👍
I did not serve with ANZAC troops but buddies who did have only good things to say! Outstanding soldiers!
we are close to the aussies here in the uk they are like us all about getting the job done in those times no matter the cost.
MY rESPECT 54 YEARS A mARINE SHIPER OF MY TOURS A CALL 54 YEARS THERE IS LOVE OF MY BROTHERS
Good on ya Vico!🙂
When somebody says "Helicopter", I think of a Huey.
thats really great
The man in the black pajamas, a worthy adversary
Unreal...they fought so hard...war sucks
I love huey sound,...
a Marine to team team the brid of brothers Semper fi
Get some, then get some more!
Very refreshing to hear this guy, an Aussie for starters, been a while let me you , dying race, Thank-you for your service mate, and all who made it back alive or dead , Thank-you🙏🙏
Legend 👍
In the Summer of 1975, I was at Fort Jackson, S.C. in the U.S. Army. I want the job he had since I couldn't be an Automotive / Diesel Mechanic due to failing the Eye Exam at the post, with issued glasses.