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Tuesday, January 5

48 Years Ago

Waaaaaaaay back in 1967 I had joined the army and was learning how to fly helicopters at the U.S.Army Warrant Officer Flight School. First at Fort Walters near Mineral Wells, Texas and then at Fort Rucker in Alabama for my advanced training. I had willingly chosen this path as I had reasoned it would surely be better to fly above Vietnam rather than walk around the country as a foot soldier - and I was right!

So today I took a little trip back in time and visited the U.S. Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker. It wasn't the most impressive aviation museum I've visited but it was special (for me) as it focused on Army Aviation and the aircraft I trained in and then flew in combat.

The TH-55 primary trainer
The OH-6A which I flew in Vietnam

 

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Janie's avatar

Janie · 483 weeks ago

Memories. Always so special. 48 years ago, you were just a whippersnapper, Steve!!! Observation: does the OH-6A have a pair of legs hanging down on the back side? lol
1 reply · active 483 weeks ago
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Steve 56p · 483 weeks ago

That's the crew chief (gunner) you see, observer in front left seat and the single pilot in the right seat.
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Gofer · 483 weeks ago

My guess those legs belong to a door gunner or observer. Steve, I remember you talking about how those choppers rolled when they crashed. Nothing like a good stroll down memory lane, eh? Hope to see you on the road sometime. Safe travels.
2 replies · active 483 weeks ago
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Steve 56p · 483 weeks ago

Short stay in FL this year, maybe a couple days in Cedar Key. Let me know when you hit the road.
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Gofar · 483 weeks ago

Steve, we're leaving on the 18th of January and will meander down the Coast arriving in Florida around the 25th. For example, we are taking route 12 down the NC coast part of which is a couple of ferry rides. One is from Hatteras to Ocracoke, and from Ocracoke to Cedar Island.
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Eleanor's avatar

Eleanor · 483 weeks ago

We all have to Thank you and all the men who served to protect our country. The pictures are great as always. Thank you.

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