During the Vietnam War, many instances of Huey Cobra gunships landing in hostile areas, often under fire, and retrieving aircrew or infantry by use of the fold down doors to the ammunition storage compartment.
Those experiences lead to the inclusion of such devices as are fitted to the Apache.
Every loss is tragic....condolences to the family and fellow Marines. It is moving to see Courage and Dedication exemplified by the actions of many during such actions as are happening in Iraq and Afghanistan.