AC-47D Dakota, serial number ??339 or ??338, tailcode hI. This aircraft belonged to the 817th Attack Squadron. The paint on this Spooky has faded heavily, in contrast to the fresh and new appearance of the second VNAF Spooky in the background. The photo was taken at Phu Cat air base in 1971. VNAF Spookies were highly appreciated by the ground forces, even preferred over USAF gunships when given a choice. This was due to the fact that over time VNAF crews became the best at utilizing this mighty weapon since they didn't rotate out of operations like U.S. crews and had grown more experienced than anyone. (photo: Peter Bird)