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RETIREDFAN1

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The average age of a Huey pilot (UH-1) during the Vietnam War was relatively young. Most Huey pilots were in their early to mid-20s. Many of them were commissioned officers who had completed flight training, often entering service right after college or Officer Candidate School (OCS).

The typical age range for helicopter crewmen was between 19 and 25 years old. These young men faced significant responsibilities and dangers, conducting various missions from troop transport to medical evacuations under hostile conditions.

 #airsupport #cobrahelicopter #SkySoldiers #helicopter #aviation #soldier #army #Vietnamwar #vietnam

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16 hours ago, RETIREDFAN1 said:

The average age of a Huey pilot (UH-1) during the Vietnam War was relatively young. Most Huey pilots were in their early to mid-20s. Many of them were commissioned officers who had completed flight training, often entering service right after college or Officer Candidate School (OCS).

The typical age range for helicopter crewmen was between 19 and 25 years old. These young men faced significant responsibilities and dangers, conducting various missions from troop transport to medical evacuations under hostile conditions.

 #airsupport #cobrahelicopter #SkySoldiers #helicopter #aviation #soldier #army #Vietnamwar #vietnam

FB_IMG_1716953879522.jpg

Back in '75, I had attended SFA for two years and I decided to join the military.  The Army recruiter in Nacogdoches wanted to send me to helicopter flight school as a Warrant Officer Flight Training candidate ....  I declined .... 

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Operation White Wing, also known as the Bong Son Campaign, was a significant military operation conducted by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. This operation took place from January 28 to March 6, 1966, in the Bình Định Province of South Vietnam. It was part of a larger effort to counter the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) forces operating in the region and to disrupt their influence over the local population.

### Objectives and Strategy

The primary objectives of Operation White Wing were to:

1. **Eliminate VC Presence**: Target and destroy VC units operating in the Bình Định Province, particularly in the Bong Son Plain and the An Lao Valley.
  
2. **Secure Territory**: Establish and maintain control over key areas to prevent further infiltration and supply routes of the NVA and VC.

3. **Support Pacification**: Assist in the pacification and stabilization of the region by reducing the influence and control of the VC over local villages and communities.

### Forces Involved

Operation White Wing involved a combination of U.S. and South Vietnamese military units:

- **U.S. Forces**: The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), known for its use of helicopters for rapid deployment and mobility, played a central role. They were supported by artillery, air strikes, and logistical units.

- **South Vietnamese Forces**: The Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) units, including the 22nd Division, worked alongside U.S. forces to secure and stabilize the region.

### Phases of the Operation

The operation was divided into several phases:

1. **Phase I**: The initial focus was on clearing the VC forces from the Bong Son Plain. This involved heavy fighting, with U.S. forces utilizing helicopters for rapid deployment and surprise attacks.

2. **Phase II**: The operation moved into the An Lao Valley, a known VC stronghold. Here, the fighting intensified as U.S. and ARVN forces aimed to dislodge entrenched enemy units.

3. **Phase III**: In the final phase, the focus shifted to mopping up remaining VC forces and establishing control over the area. This included securing key terrain, destroying enemy supplies, and conducting search-and-destroy missions.

### Outcomes and Impact

- **Success Against VC Forces**: Operation White Wing resulted in significant losses for the VC, including the capture of substantial amounts of weapons and supplies. The operation disrupted their operations and weakened their influence in the region.

- **Challenges and Casualties**: Despite the tactical successes, the operation faced challenges, including difficult terrain, VC guerrilla tactics, and the need for sustained efforts to maintain control over the area. Both U.S. and ARVN forces suffered casualties during the campaign.

- **Long-Term Effects**: While Operation White Wing achieved its immediate objectives, the long-term impact on the overall war effort was mixed. The VC were able to regroup and continue their operations in other regions, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces in maintaining control and stability.

Overall, Operation White Wing demonstrated the effectiveness of combined arms operations and the use of air mobility in counterinsurgency warfare. It also underscored the complexity of the conflict in Vietnam and the difficulties in achieving lasting pacification and stability in contested regions.

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