These photos were taken during the first all Vietnamese combat assault into the Delta area of South Vietnam. Prior to this time the helicopter assaults consisted of 9 UH-1 Huey helicopters carrying troops and 2 army Cobra gunships for protection. The USAF had been using Huey gunships on special ops and trained the South Vietnamese to use them. This assault had 11 Hueys but two were gunships and operated this time by Vietnamese soldiers (with American advisors). Note by Leon: These UH-1Hs wear VNAF national insignias, they were not USAF Hueys. Maybe the US advisors were there for training purposes.
(Photos and text: Bill Debold)
Below a wonderful study of ’380’ or ’390’ in mid-flight. Anyone know the color of the fin?
