Eric Brethen is a former US Army Chief Warrant Officer and OH-6 “Cayuse” aka “Loach” reconnaissance and AH-1 “Cobra” assault helicopter pilot.
At simply 19 years outdated, Eric discovered himself flying missions out of Cu Chi, simply northwest of Saigon, in hunter killer groups in scenes paying homage to Apocalypse Now.
Throughout his 19 months in Vietnam from 1969-1970, Eric flew 3,600 hours and was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, Air Medals with Valor, Army Commendation Medals with Valor, and the South Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
0:00 Intro.
4:10 – The Army recruiter asks, ‘Have you ever ever considered being a pilot?
5:35 – Ending up in third Squadron, 4th Cavalry (3/4 Cav) flying to Vietnam in first-class with Discipline Grades touchdown in Ben Oui.
8:13 – Getting picked up by the nephew of then SecDef Melvin Laird.
9:40 – Hunter Killer groups (Loach and Cobra).
12:24 – ‘No one volunteers for the Loach.’
14:33 – Watching a tail growth skid down the runway in entrance of the plane.
16:35 – The truth of an autorotation (video of MD-500 auto at the moment).
24:50 – First flight outdoors the wire with a Pig (Loach) and a Snake (Cobra).
30:59 – Primarily based in Cu Chi and farmed out to assist missions in Ta Ninh and Katoom (1st Air Cav).
34:04 – Taking pictures a management tower with a mini-gun. Eric’s crew chief and shut buddy Kenneth Taylor had the thought to mount a mini-gun on the OH-6 for the primary time.
40:34 – First fight engagement at Boi Loi Woods close to Godaha village.
46:46 – The right way to steal a helicopter (twice) for an evening out to the President Lodge.
50:06 – Preventing Cobras at night time lining up on a floor strobe mild.
56:15 – Solely time being afraid.
1:01:28 – Being shot down a pair instances with an actual autorotation.
1:04:58 – Picked up a Cobra crew (sitting on the skids) that was shot down.
1:09:25 – Shut up view to a Cao Dai temple (instance).
1:17:04 – Transition from OH-6 to AH-1 and a testomony to regulate contact.
1:20:49 – The choice to get out.
1:23:57 – At all times carried a St. Christopher’s medal (the protector of vacationers). Acquired one blessed by the Pope at one level.
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