Airboats in vietnam

[blackpowderscout]

Here are some links to some pics of airboats used by the 5th SF Group during the Vietnam War.

http://www.mikeforceassoc.org/sys-tmpl/ ... ction=Next

http://www.mikeforceassoc.org/sys-tmpl/ ... &UID=10014

 

[Airboatcapt2]

Thanks for the great post. My father has told me stories about Vietnam where he watched airboats shooting into tree lines while his helocopter would be landing to p/u another downed aircraft. He said the 50cal. mounted on the bow would push the boats back and they would have to keep pulling forward.
He had some great footage, If I can ever find it I will share it online.
Thanks,
Faron Floyd

 

[basketcase0302]

Powderscout,

Good pics! Wonder what the idiot is doing standing up by the prop?
This is the North Vietamese isn't it?

As the 3rd generation in my family to be honorably discharged, (father in Korea, granpa in WWII) I will personally thank you for "keeping the home fire burning"!

Where's the rest of the immigrants at while the true Americans like you continue to serve and protect our great country??

Thanks again for your service to our country!!

Basketcase

 

[blackpowderscout]

I'm almost 100% sure those guys are either Cambodian or Vietnamese Montangards. Either case they are "friendly". The picture with the boats on patrol shows the American Green Beret standing in the rear.

There are several web sites that describe the use of Airboats by the Army Special Forces in the vast delta region in the south. Those guys took a beating. Not much to stop a bullet you know. I can only imagine riding through a firefight in my boat. Scary!

Thanks for the support basketcase....I've been in the military since high school and I'll probably stay in till I retire. Shooting weapons and blowing up stuff is all I'm really good at, not to mention the fact that you get to see all sorts of fun and exciting places....LOL!!

BTW...39 is the age cutoff for the Guard. Some of you might give it a try and like it!

 

[jim]

You have my support for sure. I'm not much for injecting politics into a boat forum, but your comment thanking for support made me feel that the following tribute would be appropriate here:

http://www.wtv-zone.com/Mary/THISWILLMAKEYOUPROUD.HTML

Jim

 

[marshmaster pat]

Jim - That is not politics, that is good old fashion American country boy pride in the old Stars & Bars. Thanks for the link - that man is what American was built on.

Powder - Thanks! many times over.

 

[blackpowderscout]

I don't need any thanking. I haven't met a soldier yet who does it so they get recognition. We do it for the guy next to us and for our families back home.

If you really want to say thanks to a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine send a letter, care package, or something like that to those overseas. I would get cards from little kids and they would make you smile and forget where you were for a while.

I'm sure there are many others who frequent this site who either are currently serving, were serving, or are in some way connected to someone in the military. They all deserve a pat on the back for their sacrifices and their hard work too. The people back home who give us support while we are gone are just as important as the beans and bullets we need everyday.

Maybe we could organize a run to raise donations for some care packages to send to the troops?

 

[ricmey1]

I'm up for donations to be sent from all of us southern airboaters!

 

[TerriABW]

Here are some links that will tell you how to send gifts to soilders over seas.
Myself I'm prior service (Army-48th medical battalion 2nd armored division)

It means more than anyone could imagine for troops to get letters and gifts of support from back home.
I think the idea of airboaters sending something overseas to the men and women serving is a great idea. I will throw in hats and magazines if anyone gets this together let me know.

http://www.anysoilder.com

http://www.optruth.org/main.cfm?actionI ... ies&lnav=2

wwwamericasupportsyou.com