The veteran site: Together We Served asked for 500-word short stories that depict and answer this question:
“Of all the military operations you participated in, including combat, humanitarian or peacekeeping operations, which of these made a lasting impact on you and why?”
Between laying down smoke screens for combat troop insertions or when the flight was shut down for lunch, we on Pollution IV, the smokeship for the 118th AHC, were flying around as a lone wolf, Huey Assault Helicopter looking for any signs of the enemy, or the enemy itself in bunkers, hooches, and villages. We also would find sunken sampans used to transport troops and supplies during the night beneath the water of creeks and estuaries. During the 1969 TET we were also on the lookout for VC flags flying over territory they considered theirs.
They were wrong, and we proved that by stealing their flags and banners. We’d first come in low and slow to shoot the flags and their poles to debooby trap them. We’d go around and fly slower and lower, and I, or other crewmembers, would stand out on a skid, bend down, and steal the flags—a great psychological win for us.
Yes, there was the occasion when the enemy would see us performing this aerial maneuver and shoot at us. We always had a gunship following us to step in with rockets or minigun support if needed.
We stole 13 VC flags. On the last one, the CO asks where we were. My pilot gave him a puff of smoke to locate us from his lofty altitude. When he saw us so low to the ground, he had to ask, “What are you doing?”
My pilot told him, “Stealing VC flags.”
The CO came back with tension in his voice, instructing, “Gain altitude! I don’t want my smokeship shot down.”
My pilot was always quick with a witty comeback, “But this last one is for you.”
The CO permitted us to steal.
Why does this memory stand tall in my mind? It led to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to put me and some of my archival combat gear on display, including the hard-to-find smoke generator to install on the Huey they have on display that has a history of being a smokeship, along with my custom-painted flight helmet and novel, with me on the front cover.
From the battlefield to the National Hall of Fame is a great accomplishment to remember. Here’s the action in photos with me snatching up a flag.
It was another great day of combat where we won. I love winning.
Cheers,
