I flew with the 336th as a guest door gunner in 1970 and 1971. I was an Army Air Traffic Controller at Can Tho AAF. They had moved up to Can Tho after Soc Tran was turned over to the ARVN. These men were the best pilots and bravest men I have ever met. I'm hhonored to have known them.
My 1st real "plug" was a guy that went in helicopters to rescue downed airmen and the wounded as well. #CrazyPhucker that he was, he stayed for a 2nd go 'round as he called it. He said he was just doing he's duty and having the time of his life, adrenaline rushes from dusk till dawn... R.I.P. Don, and yes, I'm still a Detroit Tigers fan !
67Y crew chief here. Welcome home brother! No one really understands what Vietnam Army helicopter flight crews dealt with than our own. Appreciate your story. God bless 💪🇺🇸
I was a firefighter for 30 years. It was my job to be ground control for medivac flights that would land in improvised LZs. In the early part of my career there were still Vietnam veteran pilots flying. They were something to see. They could bring it in so quick and smooth, every time.
I dealt with a few of those guys when I was in the army during the mid 70’s. They would hover and land into a spot the size of a swimming pool . I loved the way they would take off. Pick it up just a touch then rock it forward and we would be hearing across the field instantly at 40-50 MPH climbing as we went. By the 80s those folks were literally flying between the trees in “ nap of the earth “ flight. It’s scary as hell especially at night when they have night vision and in the back all we could see is dark shapes whizzing by. I only flew in a Black hawk once. They are quite a bit faster but from what I saw watching them they aren’t nearly as nimble as a Hughy .it was nice though sitting facing forward. Sitting in the door of a Hughy with your toes literally on the edge of a big open door with a skinny safety belt( wonky flip flop buckle) holding your armload of gear could get exciting.
@@drizler Ive heard of aircraft taking Dirt Naps, but never flying "Nap of the earth". Did you mean MAP? Also ive never seen or heard them call UH-1's Hughys. Strange how your mind can change things over time 😅
Sir, you guys were so important to the successful execution of our missions in Nam. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to hear that rotor thump from the ground when your birds were on final to pull us out of the field. I was in the 101st up north and if you guys were anything like our pilots you would go through hell and high water to get us where we needed to go and then to extricate us safely afterwards. Personally you guys were my heroes because you saved the day so many times. All of my grateful best to you sir!
Most influential man in my life, Mr. Bill Klimowicz, Vietnam vet, helicopter pilot. I was fortunate enough to have him as a shop teacher. Love that guy. He and this gentleman have the same demeanor.
Fascinating. You can tell, just from this one interview, that he is one of those guys who made America great: smart, honest, compassionate, and good at what he did.
I flew with the 336th at Soc Trang from Oct 66 to Oct 67. I was a Captain then and Aircraft Commander. I flew with CWO Eduakitis also when he first came into the unit. I did not get to meet Gary as I probably had left by then. Lots of stories, many funny and a lot sad.
Have a friend……Mike …receiving clerk at a Lucky Grocery Store….. in 1990 Northern California…Major US Army …..Vietnam dust off pilot ….Silver Star ….Purple Heart …. shot down twice …..2nd time it ended his career.🇺🇸
My family owns the old staging area at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells Tx. It has changed hands several times over the years but there’s never a time that I’m out there that I don’t think of all the men that trained there. We consider it hallowed ground.
I had a buddy who was a Canadian (who was one of many Canadians to volunteer in the Vietnam war) who volunteered to fly Medivac Hueys in Vietnam. He was a bush pilot who worked as a helicopter operator in the lumber industry in Northern Canada and he was looking for warm weather and a change of scenery, so he volunteered thinking it was going to be an adventure. He came back (alive, thankfully) after a year, a changed man, his adventure was something he did not imagine.
Welcome home brother. You bring back lots of memories for this 75 year old former loach crewchief/door gunner with HHC 3rd Brigade 9th Inf Div, Tan An airfield Nov 68/69.
A really good narrative of his Vietnam experience by helo pilot Kissling. He demonstrated professionalism & bravery to its utmost. Seeing his ‘wingman”s’ instrument panel lights so close probably happened in mere seconds but its impact has stayed with him for a lifetime. Thank you for conducting these interviews & presenting them on YT.
Regarding formation flying and potentials for midair collisions. Air Force guys fly fast and look great doing it, but with usually no more than 4-12 aircraft. That is great and a testament to their ability and skill. Imagine being in a helicopter formation with 50-100 other helicopters? That is a special skill set. I am so grateful to the thousands of Vietnam era helicopter pilots for their skills, dedication and heroism. This still means so much to me all these years later. Never forget...
Welcome home. Helicopter pilot '69-70. 2/17th Cav. Northern I Corps. I've heard that one year flying combat was equivalent to 20 years non-combat flying and I believe it.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am Australian and I have yet to get my Vietnam veteran father in law to tell me what he did over there, I have not pressured him but have asked about it and it is mostly met with silence.
I was in the US Army Security Agency. If you’ve not heard of it: good. That means we kept a good secret. For the record, I love armed helicopters. We never were there; we didn’t exist. Happy holidays everyone.
@@SteveL4 BTW, "Chicken Hawk" is not a novel. The book's author Robert Mason describes his experiences as a U.S. ARMY aviator and the missions that he was involved in when he was flying Huey's with the 1st Cav Division in Vietnam.
As the son of an Airman who flew tankers I’ve always been disgusted with the way people responded to y’all’s return home as well as how many Vietnam Vets were completely abandoned by the VA. So many of us remember and have tremendous respect for you all. God bless you guys.
I always tried to fly single ship missions! Always safer👨✈️I was in Can Tho in 1971 with the Boomerangs, the 191st assault helicopter company, with many missions to Ca Mau and the U Minh forest. Always challenging and only took a few rounds with no casualties to air crew🙏🏻i finished being Col J Ross Franklins personal pilot with many clandestine missions. I was able to fly many interesting missions throughout Nam. Great memories and flying for a young kid🇺🇸
Welcome Home brother . I did a 3 month TDY at the 97th General before I went to RVN . The last of my TOD , I was medic with the Blues . I hated formation flying while just flying from our Base Camp to the camp , FSB , LZ we were working out of ! Always thought it would be a great way for Chuck to score a few with a 51 cal or have a NEEDLESS accident . Have a nice Christmas .. doc lll Corp.
Correction: I flew from Oct 65 to Oct 66 with the 336th. The 336th was originally A Company of the 101st Aviation Battalion and was re-designated in early 1966 as the 336th.
@@jamesmcmanamy4704 I do remember your name. Some of my crews and and fellow pilots referred to you as a great pilot that they trusted and respected. Thanks for perfecting all the procedures and tactics before I got there.
@@garykissling4304 Thanks but we all flew hard. One time I had dropped a province chief off on the southeast coast in a bad area. He came back to the chopper in about 10 minutes. It was happy hour. A pedal turn and we would be back to base in 15 minutes. Instead, I climbed back out over the water to 1,500 feet and turned back. As I crossed over the village, everyone who had a weapon was firing at me. It was interesting. Maybe my guardian angel told me to climb up first.
Thank you gentleman. I'll be 46 in a couple weeks and have always had a lot of respect for your generation. There will never be a group of guys like you ever again, sadly.
I have a feeling this gentlemen is one if the people featured in my all time favourite book - Chicken Hawk. Amazing stories. These guys have my complete and utmost respect 🇺🇸🫡
I flew with the 336th as a guest door gunner in 1970 and 1971. I was an Army Air Traffic Controller at Can Tho AAF. They had moved up to Can Tho after Soc Tran was turned over to the ARVN. These men were the best pilots and bravest men I have ever met. I'm hhonored to have known them.
A guest door gunner?
@@packrat76 yeah he just guest who was viet-con and who was a civvy 😂🤷♂️
My 1st real "plug" was a guy that went in helicopters to rescue downed airmen and the wounded as well.
#CrazyPhucker that he was, he stayed for a 2nd go 'round as he called it.
He said he was just doing he's duty and having the time of his life, adrenaline rushes from dusk till dawn...
R.I.P. Don, and yes, I'm still a Detroit Tigers fan !
67Y crew chief here. Welcome home brother!
No one really understands what Vietnam Army helicopter flight crews dealt with than our own.
Appreciate your story. God bless 💪🇺🇸
I flew with Marine squadron HML-167 Huey gunships as a door gunner 1970 and two months of 71 was a life-changing experience
🫡
I salute you, sir.
My father was at Khe Sahn.
I was a firefighter for 30 years. It was my job to be ground control for medivac flights that would land in improvised LZs. In the early part of my career there were still Vietnam veteran pilots flying. They were something to see. They could bring it in so quick and smooth, every time.
Blessings on all of them !
I dealt with a few of those guys when I was in the army during the mid 70’s. They would hover and land into a spot the size of a swimming pool . I loved the way they would take off. Pick it up just a touch then rock it forward and we would be hearing across the field instantly at 40-50 MPH climbing as we went. By the 80s those folks were literally flying between the trees in “ nap of the earth “ flight. It’s scary as hell especially at night when they have night vision and in the back all we could see is dark shapes whizzing by.
I only flew in a Black hawk once. They are quite a bit faster but from what I saw watching them they aren’t nearly as nimble as a Hughy .it was nice though sitting facing forward. Sitting in the door of a Hughy with your toes literally on the edge of a big open door with a skinny safety belt( wonky flip flop buckle) holding your armload of gear could get exciting.
@@drizler First, thank you for your service, my brother!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and showing respect for these pilots and crew.
@@drizler Ive heard of aircraft taking Dirt Naps, but never flying "Nap of the earth". Did you mean MAP? Also ive never seen or heard them call UH-1's Hughys. Strange how your mind can change things over time 😅
Thank you for your service, Sir. Army helo pilots "Were Among The Best".
Sir, you guys were so important to the successful execution of our missions in Nam. I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to hear that rotor thump from the ground when your birds were on final to pull us out of the field. I was in the 101st up north and if you guys were anything like our pilots you would go through hell and high water to get us where we needed to go and then to extricate us safely afterwards. Personally you guys were my heroes because you saved the day so many times. All of my grateful best to you sir!
I cannot imagine what you went through. Very brave and I hope you coped ok after your time in Vietnam after the war.
Most influential man in my life, Mr. Bill Klimowicz, Vietnam vet, helicopter pilot. I was fortunate enough to have him as a shop teacher. Love that guy.
He and this gentleman have the same demeanor.
Thank you for your service Gary, we are proud to call you Brother. 😊🙏🏻 🇺🇸
Such a calm , demeanor for a tour in V.N., and a pilot , Glad you made it home.
I came up the ladder with these MEN. In and out of Ft Rucker as a CFWIP. And flew with many in the Airlines. These are MEN among Men!!!
Fascinating. You can tell, just from this one interview, that he is one of those guys who made America great: smart, honest, compassionate, and good at what he did.
This amazing man is so understated, I’m glad he came home safely and didn’t seem too badly affected by what he’d been through.
Thank you for saying that he is my hero and father.
Trust that he's more affected than you perceive.
His graciousness is Life affirming.
I flew with the 336th at Soc Trang from Oct 66 to Oct 67. I was a Captain then and Aircraft Commander. I flew with CWO Eduakitis also when he first came into the unit. I did not get to meet Gary as I probably had left by then. Lots of stories, many funny and a lot sad.
Cant tell from your handle who you are. I was with the 2nd platoon from Sept 1966 to Sep 1967. Surprised we didnt meet
Have a friend……Mike …receiving clerk at a Lucky Grocery Store….. in 1990 Northern California…Major US Army …..Vietnam dust off pilot ….Silver Star ….Purple Heart …. shot down twice …..2nd time it ended his career.🇺🇸
Not quite 33 years as an army aviator flying mostly MEDEVAC. Excellent video. These men were my hero’s and inspiration. Thank you
My family owns the old staging area at Fort Wolters in Mineral Wells Tx. It has changed hands several times over the years but there’s never a time that I’m out there that I don’t think of all the men that trained there. We consider it hallowed ground.
I had a buddy who was a Canadian (who was one of many Canadians to volunteer in the Vietnam war) who volunteered to fly Medivac Hueys in Vietnam. He was a bush pilot who worked as a helicopter operator in the lumber industry in Northern Canada and he was looking for warm weather and a change of scenery, so he volunteered thinking it was going to be an adventure. He came back (alive, thankfully) after a year, a changed man, his adventure was something he did not imagine.
Welcome home brother. You bring back lots of memories for this 75 year old former loach crewchief/door gunner with HHC 3rd Brigade 9th Inf Div, Tan An airfield Nov 68/69.
A really good narrative of his Vietnam experience by helo pilot Kissling. He demonstrated professionalism & bravery to its utmost. Seeing his ‘wingman”s’ instrument panel lights so close probably happened in mere seconds but its impact has stayed with him for a lifetime. Thank you for conducting these interviews & presenting them on YT.
So glad you made it home in one piece. Thanks, for serving our country with what we tried to do.
Regarding formation flying and potentials for midair collisions. Air Force guys fly fast and look great doing it, but with usually no more than 4-12 aircraft. That is great and a testament to their ability and skill. Imagine being in a helicopter formation with 50-100 other helicopters? That is a special skill set. I am so grateful to the thousands of Vietnam era helicopter pilots for their skills, dedication and heroism. This still means so much to me all these years later. Never forget...
Wow…, Thanks God for brave humans like this true gentleman! God Bless you sir!
Welcome home. Helicopter pilot '69-70. 2/17th Cav. Northern I Corps.
I've heard that one year flying combat was equivalent to 20 years non-combat flying and I believe it.
Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing Mr Kissling much appreciated! Peace.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am Australian and I have yet to get my Vietnam veteran father in law to tell me what he did over there, I have not pressured him but have asked about it and it is mostly met with silence.
Some things are too painful to recall. Better knock it off.
I was in the US Army Security Agency. If you’ve not heard of it: good. That means we kept a good secret.
For the record, I love armed helicopters.
We never were there; we didn’t exist.
Happy holidays everyone.
Really enjoyed a novel called chicken hawk ; about a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam war
Robert Mason.
Good book ! Two of the guys that Mason described in his book
that stood out to me was Connors and the "Ring-Knocker."
Robert Mason!
Great book! Read it years ago after I came to the world
@@SteveL4 BTW, "Chicken Hawk" is not a novel. The book's author Robert Mason describes his experiences as a U.S. ARMY aviator and the missions that he was involved in when he was flying Huey's with the 1st Cav Division in Vietnam.
As the son of an Airman who flew tankers I’ve always been disgusted with the way people responded to y’all’s return home as well as how many Vietnam Vets were completely abandoned by the VA. So many of us remember and have tremendous respect for you all. God bless you guys.
Great story. Thank you for sharing it forthe next generations and generations to come...
I flew Martha Raye from one SF A camp to another in central 3CTZ.. (68th AHC, Bien Hoa). She was impressive for her devotion to the troops.
So much wisdom - thank you for sharing🙏
What a story. Thank you for sharing it
That's what concerned me after 9/11. I wasn't worried about being deployed, I was worried about being deployed with my specific unit.
I was with the 93rd Transportation co. At Soc Trang in 1963!!!!
Thank you for sharing your stories.
I always tried to fly single ship missions! Always safer👨✈️I was in Can Tho in 1971 with the Boomerangs, the 191st assault helicopter company, with many missions to Ca Mau and the U Minh forest.
Always challenging and only took a few rounds with no casualties to air crew🙏🏻i finished being Col J Ross Franklins personal pilot with many clandestine missions. I was able to fly many interesting missions throughout Nam. Great memories and flying for a young kid🇺🇸
Thank you for your service sir
Thank you. Just thank you.
Thankyou.b.
.war sucks
Wonderful gentleman.
Welcome Home brother . I did a 3 month TDY at the 97th General before I went to RVN . The last of my TOD , I was medic with the Blues . I hated formation flying while just flying from our Base Camp to the camp , FSB , LZ we were working out of ! Always thought it would be a great way for Chuck to score a few with a 51 cal or have a NEEDLESS accident . Have a nice Christmas .. doc lll Corp.
Chicken Hawk. Good read.❤
Much respect sir.
A good man.
I work offshore in 80s all the pilot from Vietnam
There but for the grace of God......... moments abound
Well come home nam vet are my heros until the day I die
Correction: I flew from Oct 65 to Oct 66 with the 336th. The 336th was originally A Company of the 101st Aviation Battalion and was re-designated in early 1966 as the 336th.
Thanks and great to meet you.
I believe I had a little over 1,000 hours at Soc Trang. Lots of holes but fortunately was not shot down.
@@jamesmcmanamy4704 I do remember your name. Some of my crews and and fellow pilots referred to you as a great pilot that they trusted and respected. Thanks for perfecting all the procedures and tactics before I got there.
@@garykissling4304 Thanks but we all flew hard. One time I had dropped a province chief off on the southeast coast in a bad area. He came back to the chopper in about 10 minutes. It was happy hour. A pedal turn and we would be back to base in 15 minutes. Instead, I climbed back out over the water to 1,500 feet and turned back. As I crossed over the village, everyone who had a weapon was firing at me. It was interesting. Maybe my guardian angel told me to climb up first.
Thank you gentleman. I'll be 46 in a couple weeks and have always had a lot of respect for your generation. There will never be a group of guys like you ever again, sadly.
Thank you Sir fornyour bravery and sevice!
My Godfather's brother perished in a flight accident like this. Doug Schneider
Keep those in command out of combat decisions. Keep them in the rear and OUT OF COMBAT.
🐴🤠🇺🇲🙏67nov
I have a feeling this gentlemen is one if the people featured in my all time favourite book - Chicken Hawk. Amazing stories. These guys have my complete and utmost respect 🇺🇸🫡
Stupid executives making bad decisions. I have seen my share.
They were more concerned with looking good...
Wtf were they there for?
My sympathies to those drafted
Everything was great until…………. our exterior lights came on. In a fog.