Huey Qs
 

Hi, I am a writer of two published novels, Pirates of Pensacola and Gus Openshaw's Whale-Killing Journal. My third involves a Huey that is fired upon by a Barrett sniper rifle, like those used in Iraq. To anyone who has ever had the experience of flying through such heavy fire, I would like to know what it feels, sounds and looks like to be struck. And I'd be much obliged.

Gus - My friend flew Huey's with the 4th Air Cavalry in Vietnam - I can ask him if that experience would be of any relevance?

Riley,

At the risk of sounding like a recruit....which 4th Air Cav might that be?

I know of the 1st AirCav, what I call the 2nd AirCav (101st Airborne) and a host of Aircav Squadrons and Troops....but no 4th AirCav. There was the 1/4 AirCav maybe.....and some other "Quarter Cav's".

One place to go for links to Vietnam helicopter unit websites.....

http://www.gruntonline.com/Links/heli_links.htm

What about 'Chickenhawk' by Robert Mason? There must be some authentic gen in there.

RileyDove, that would be great, thanks.

SASLess, your own link shows 4th Air Cavalry Regiment...

1st AirCav and 101st Abn (Airmoblile) were division sized units....the Quarter Cav's (4th Cav if you will, were all different units in reality) Their designation relied upon lineage more than unit organization, much as did the 1st Aircav units with the exception they were formed into one division structure.

Sasless - I will check with him tonight - I know for a fact that he was shot down in action and spent a year in hospital on the mend. There is a reunion in Washington shortly of the Huey crews -most of which are reaching retirement age. As for the image of the crews - there is a lot said about the use of dope in the Vietnam War - certainly it happened but not to the degree that is portrayed.

That reunion you mention is the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA) annual reunion held every July 4th Holiday at various locations in the country.

The VHPA is made up of helicopter pilots who flew in the Vietnam War...membership is open to pilots of all allied nations who flew there.

The web site for the VHPA is vhpa.org .

Normal attendance is about 2500 combat veteran pilots each year.

This year's reunion has several good activities planned to include a visit to the US Marine Barracks, the Smithsonian Aviation and Space Museum, and a wreath laying ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial.