rotorwash
14-02-05, 12:32
Hey Frisco, just a quick note I picked up.
Silent Patrol Calls In Gunships On VC Patrol
14 October 1967
DUC PHO, (101st ABN-IO) - The sun had set, shrouding the Song Ve Valley in darkness. A squad of paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division crept across a rice paddy, hoping to reach their ambush positions before the moon could come out and give away their position.
As they neared a tree line, the soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, could hear the Viet Cong talking and moving around.
Staff Sergeant Shelby L. Wilson, the squad leader, cautiously led his men around the enemy. As they approached another tree line, they heard more voices.
The moon was rising now, and passing minutes increased the possibility of discovery. The men had no choice but to hide in a well-concealed ditch near a trail, not more than 20 yards from the enemy.
Absolute silence was necessary. A cough, rattling of equipment, or even a sudden movement in the undergrowth could alert the VC.
Wilson, whispering almost inaudibly into the radio, called in gunships. Soon, the men could hear the hum of the approaching (174th AHC) helicopters. As the choppers reached the area and hovered overhead, a flare dropped from one and lit up the area.
The paratroopers remained low in the ditch to avoid detection as the gunships raked the tree lines and rice paddies.
The choppers circled for a half an hour, dropping flares, raking with machinegun fire, rockets and grenades.
Finally, the last flare died out and the choppers left the ambush patrol to await the sunrise.
From the Army Times
Silent Patrol Calls In Gunships On VC Patrol
14 October 1967
DUC PHO, (101st ABN-IO) - The sun had set, shrouding the Song Ve Valley in darkness. A squad of paratroopers from the 101st Airborne Division crept across a rice paddy, hoping to reach their ambush positions before the moon could come out and give away their position.
As they neared a tree line, the soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry, could hear the Viet Cong talking and moving around.
Staff Sergeant Shelby L. Wilson, the squad leader, cautiously led his men around the enemy. As they approached another tree line, they heard more voices.
The moon was rising now, and passing minutes increased the possibility of discovery. The men had no choice but to hide in a well-concealed ditch near a trail, not more than 20 yards from the enemy.
Absolute silence was necessary. A cough, rattling of equipment, or even a sudden movement in the undergrowth could alert the VC.
Wilson, whispering almost inaudibly into the radio, called in gunships. Soon, the men could hear the hum of the approaching (174th AHC) helicopters. As the choppers reached the area and hovered overhead, a flare dropped from one and lit up the area.
The paratroopers remained low in the ditch to avoid detection as the gunships raked the tree lines and rice paddies.
The choppers circled for a half an hour, dropping flares, raking with machinegun fire, rockets and grenades.
Finally, the last flare died out and the choppers left the ambush patrol to await the sunrise.
From the Army Times