Vignette 16:

When I think of the helicopter pilot as the flight lead, a five-word phrase comes to mind… "Where do you want it."

That phrase says a lot more than most people realize. As a member of the ground assault force, I flew with those two pilots on very mission, and what those five words mean is this. Regardless of the hazard or danger, as the flight lead, he would do his absolute utmost to ensure the ground force was inserted where we wanted it, where it needed to be in order for us to complete our part of the mission.

He and his co-pilot continued to perform that mission in the face of extreme risk on the day they were shot down and killed. There is a lot behind those five words.

To those of us who rode with them, they represented absolute competence, and epitomized combat aviation. We had the utmost confidence in them. To us, they were the invincible combat aviators… and they still are.

Vignette 17:

Eighteen and nineteen year old soldiers – soldiers torn attempting first aid on casualties that had died instantly – soldiers with a compassion for life that made them feel helpless if they did not at least try to do something - soldiers who had to keep up their sectors of fire in order to protect their squad.

Soldiers who killed only those with weapons even though women and children ran around and screened enemy movements and firing positions. Soldiers decreasing their own safety to insure they killed the enemy and not the unarmed.

Support personnel ding anything to help – from changing windshields and tires on vehicles to removing bodies and damaged ammunition. Support personnel foaming down a vehicle that had ruptured a fuel tank and could have burst into flames, loading spare magazines, medical and water re-supplies for encircled troops, and taking up compound defense positions to allow other Rangers to reinforce those in battle.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page