Thanks for all the positive comments and feedback !! We really didn’t know how our stories would be received. I am aware that some people didn’t think our war was justified…..well take that up with Washington , our country called , we answered . For my part , I did this presentation for all of D Troop 1/4 Cav. and my good friends and comrades who were lost on the field of battle 68’- 70’. Also for those of us lucky enough to have made it home. God bless and keep all Americans….especially those who are and have served our great country no matter which uniform they wore. To all of the D Troopers I had the honor to have served with ……. I love you guys !! Guns Up !!!!

I flew UH60s in OIF-OEF 2006/2007 timeframe. My father was an AH1 cobra gunship pilot in Nam 68-69 era and was shot down 3 times. He fractured his neck on the third and still pulled his copilot from the wreckage. I had to show him this video because he doesn’t really know what KZfaq is. He is so in love with this video and appreciates y’all for pulling this together. He is a Purple Heart recipient and now watches this on repeat. Thank you so much for high lighting the bravery of these patriots. The welcome they received coming home was no heroes welcome.

No idea who produced this, but it is probably one of the best, informative , and detailed "documentaries" on the war I have ever seen. I hope it won awards, it's deserved. Thank you men, and to all involved in this production.

My uncle went down in Vietnam a few weeks before returning home. RIP and thanks for your service Donald Wester

This needs to be turned into a movie! Thank you for putting these guys stories out there, they really are the heroes of Army Aviation

Amen Brother Troopers.....I was a crew chief/door gunner on a Hunter/Killer Team Scouts in a OH-6 with F/8 Air Cav ( Blue Ghost ) at Da Nang/ Marble Mtn 71-72. In Maintenance platoon in hanger first week, then went to a Cobra Crew Chief for another week, then asked if I wanted fly, and volunteer for Scout Platoon. Like having your own high performance sports car to take care of at 19 yrs old. While doing a recon on 01-09-72 at a hover on edge of an LZ, making sure of no ambush for Huey's coming in later, got into a fire fight with the NVA. Killed one NVA when we fell straight on top of them, they found 13 more kia around my LOH. The LOH hit on my side and rolled over on my leg pining me inside. Thanks to the two Cobras putting fire almost on top of us, kept me from being a pow. I don't remember hitting the ground, because my ballistic plate (chicken plate)went through my chin on impact. My helmet commo cord was shot half, the end of my M-60 handle was shot off, and a round came through the skid where I sat out on and cut my boot open, I just had shrapnel in my hand. I then was like being inside a cotton ball, the brightness ( the LIGHT of God) Then I was shown my life's review from 20yrs back to birth. I took a lot years, and two years of praying of how did I die. God's Holy Spirit reveled it was from a broken neck when the plate hit my chin, then to find I have pre-existing vertebra damage in my neck that I had no idea of how or when I got it. Praise God...He walked me through that valley of the shadow of death...thank you Jesus.

Badass chopper drivers. In the late 1980's I met an American oil engineer, Jeff. He told how at one oil field in some tropical country they had a chopper pilot who had served in Vietnam. His favorite "party trick" was to fly to the destination very high. And when arriving over the destination he would go in to land like they did in Vietnam when inserting troops in a hot LZ. That is a very steep dive. Jeff said that he never got used to it but that it was better than the rides at Disneyland.

Now that WW2 veterans are almost all gone, ditto for Korean war veterans, people like this are going to be some of the oldest veterans around soon. Thank you for sharing their stories with us.

As a Cobra pilot from 1982 until 1994 I can fully appreciate the footage and the comments made. Outstanding footage and editing. Well done everyone.

"That's my story".....as the old warrior fights back the tears brought up by remembering that day. Well thank you for telling us that story, and please continue to do so. God bless all you old warriors, you brave soldiers who did a dangerous job, over and over and over. It's very cool to see these gentlemen gathered here together, old partners and friends still alive to share their memories and companionship, just as they did back in the day. The country owes you all a great debt that can never be fully repaid.

My dad was a loach pilot in the 1st Cav and flew on hunter-killer missions. On his second tour he was flying Cobras in the 11th ACR. When dad told his commander he wanted to return to flying scouts his request was denied. His commander thought it was too dangerous for a second tour pilot. So dad was in the C and C bird on a mission flying about 3,000 ft. He took a 51 cal round and survived his wounds. He was sent back to the states about 3 or 4 months into his second tour.

My dad flew UH-1s and OH-58s and was terrified of being transferred to 1st Air Cavalry, as they used OH-58s for scouting. As an aside, I was always amused by his description of hunter killer teams. As he described it, the hunter flew Low looking for the enemy. When the enemy was spotted, the hunter would mark the target with the burning wreckage of his helicopter for the killer to come in and strafe.

Thank you Black Rifle for giving these legends some much needed recognition. My dad would have loved seeing this. Those flyboys saved his life a few times in Vietnam and he never had the chance to thank them. So you are getting a much deserved thank you, vicariously, from his son.

I’ve had Hugh’s book for 20yrs and still love it. Thanks for taking the time to put their stories on the record before they are gone for ever.

As an Army Warrant officer, scout pilot (gwot) myself I could listen to these guys all day. Legendary.

A new guy came to our unit, B Troop, 7th Squadron, 1st Air Cav, in 1969, at Vinh Long. He was a scout/observer and was shot down three times in three weeks. The third time he got hit in the legs and was sent home. I took a photo of him, sitting on his bunk after a mission as he just finished saying to me, "Ron, I'm in some real sh*t here." PFC Jerry Weakley from West Virginia. I was a little late looking him up after doing a search online a few years ago. He passed away when he was about 60, so at least I knew he lived the rest of his life and had a family. I have his grave site marked on Google Earth. And I'll always keep that photo of him with that worried look on his face. R.I.P. my friend.

My father fought in Vietnam and he told me a story of how Cobras were called in to fight off the enemy hitting them. He stated "they saved our lives". He didn't tell many stories of Vietnam but that one struck in my head.

Outstanding work on putting these gentlemen’s stories together for a new generation. Thank you for your service gentlemen.

My brother flew Cobras in 1969-1970. He spent a good deal of time in Cambodia supporting special forces, when we supposedly weren't really there. He said he and some others figured they were gonna die anyway so they might as well go out in a blaze of glory. Those guys were crazy, and a lot of guys on the ground were grateful for it.

* To ALL of you Vietnam vets... God Bless you ! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !! The vast majority of the American people are extremely grateful and forever indebted to you and all combat veterans ! *** For those of you that were disrespected when you came home , or never got the welcome you deserved.... WELCOME HOME !!! With the utmost respect and sincerity...THANK YOU !! - From one Patriot in Alabama

"Fear is a reaction, Courage is a decision" Salute

I was an Air Cav observer/ crew chief from 1984-1990 was in OH-6a. I loved the Loach and was in it for 6 years. Back then the majority were Nam pilots and absolutely insane. I loved them as brothers and learned as much from them as possible. I took on their mantle about life and had a blast. Gentleman

These stories need to be shown in schools!! I’ve known many hero’s and heard many stories…. I listen to the videos while I work all day. Thank you for this special content. I love all of these guys that served our country… True American legends!

These are the guys who made it possible for my Uncle Mike to make it home from that war. Mike was a Marine Grunt up in Quang Tri. He's part of the reason I joined the Corps later. Rest in peace Mike. I'm glad you got home, and I hope I made you proud.

When I was growing up the guy that lived across thd street from me was a Vietnam vet that flew a Loach. He told us neighborhood kids a lot of similar stories. Mr Mcgee really influenced me and it was his stories that guided me to do what I did during the GWOT. RIP Jack we all miss you.

The helicopter war of Vietnam is honestly one of my favorite parts of military history. Thank you for bringing your production quality and desire to tell these stories to these incredible gentlemen. Thank you.

To Black Rifle Coffee, thanks for putting this video together. Without you, nobody would hear of their brave exploits during the Vietnam War. It's terrible that these men served their country when asked to do so, but we're treated like crap when they came home. I had an uncle that served two tours in Nam. that would come to visit my Dad, so I heard some stories about that from him. He passed at age 62 from alcohol poisoning. Thanks to all of these men and the friends they lost for their service to our country. God bless.

Thank you for making this film! I was born well after the Vietnam War but I am very ashamed of how people treated these Awesome Heroes. Welcome Home, we love you and thank you for your service each one!

Thank you to all the men who have given so much of themselves for this nation, I'm sorry that it has given so little back to you. Thank you BRCC for bringing such a powerful story to masses.

My brother, 7th Squadron 1st Cav Regiment (Mekong Delta), was a Huey Crewchief/Doorgunner that told me about the hunter-killer teams many times. He went on his own Night Hunter missions, yet he talked about you guy in awe. I was an Engineer in the US Merchant Marine. We brought all those helicopters from the States to you. We also brought all the "Bullets, Beans and Booze". Yes, in the eyes of this Merchant Seaman you guys are certainly heros. Big Hi and huge respect from the brother of an Air Cavalryman that passed away earlier this year. RIP Michael.

Thanks for the stories. My dad is a Vietnam vet, 3/4 CAV Armor; around 1968-1970. He made it home, but refuses to talk about much of any of it to this day. I tried in college to take any history class that covered Vietnam, wasn't a single one. Luckily, my professor, former federal judge, was in the Army and CIA at that time and shared some whopper stories with us.

I went through the WOC program in 68 - wife problem resigned 3 weeks from graduation and wound up in security in Vietnam at Pho Loi. Became the SGT of the guard in spring of 69 - ETS Sept 3rd 69. My best friend told me I would regret that decision the rest of my life...he was right. SALUTE to all who flew in the NAM.

My dad would have enjoyed this. Marshall E. Smith 1/9 Air Cav 69-71. MOS: Helicopter mechanic, door gunner and LOACH gunner observer. Awarded Airman’s Medal. My Dads dad worked in Dallas Tx at Bell where he built the Huey’s. Grandpa built them and dad worked and rode on them in the war.

I feel like we need to take every advantage to interview these guys while so many are still around. Vietnam is a fascinating war and all those who fought in it need to have as much screen time as possible so their stories can be preserved

Thank you all for your service. My dad served in the 101st . 67 - 69. Still trying to find out more about what he really did there.

My grandpa was a crew chief on the oh with the outcast ended up being part of the Kiowa training team left in 71 stayed on the army until 89, never once heard a story or heard him talk about it, not once thank you for putting this together and showing the world

Since you boys are all still around and hopefully reading these comments. Seriously from a young father born in 1990. Thank you for serving our country. We real americans still exist and the american spirit is alive in us and our sons. My son will grow up loving his country and appreciating the sacrifice so many have made for him and his future!❤

Excellent video!! To all our Vietnam Vets who treated so badly I want to tell you "Welcome Home and thank you for your service".

Hugh Mills’ book is one of the books that made me want to become a Helo pilot. Tom Chambers’ story of becoming a Bronze Star with V recipient made me mist up. All these guys are legends and deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and appreciation. If you are looking for another Vietnam Helicopter story that cannot be forgotten, make shure to read ‘Dustoff’ The Memoir of an Army Aviator by Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Novosel. There is a story if there ever was one!

I am a cobra pilot from Vietnam, 1971. I flew Hunter/killer teams C Trp 7/17 Air Cav. That is how it was.

Boy, did this bring back some memories for me. Enjoyed hearing Stormer. I was an outcast gunner 1970. Thank you for the documentary.

BRC keeping real history alive & showing what true men are. To any service member reading, THANK YOU & God bless you ‼️

This was awesome guys! I did 20 years a a scout crew chief, all but 2 of my unit's were CAV. I retired in 2007. My guys were using the hunter killer, High Low techniques and others that you all used and talked about in this great videos in our tours in Iraq. Its a shame the Army got ride of Scouts, everyone wanted us up in there area while out on their missions. Nothing better than small fast birds zipping around a few few off the ground or roof tops while fighting the enemy.

This is a very powerful and heartwarming Documentary. I was drafted in 1968 but was deferred due to a serious knee injury. I tried to reenlist twice and was deferred twice. I have nothing but compete respect to the veterans of all wars and I give them respect and thank them for their service. My Father was a Marine Master Sergeant and I wanted to follow in his footsteps but was unable. My Father in Law jumped in Normandy only to find himself 8 miles behind enemy lines. Niether of them talked about the war too much or very often but, when they did, everyone sat and listened. The stories that you all have should be made into a book so that our younger children can understand the reason why we were there . Thank you all so much for sharing those life changing moments with us.

Vietnam pilots are the reason I wanted to be a helicopter pilot.My granddad was a tanker in World War 2 .Both of my grandma brothers were in world war 2.One was KIA.My mom’s dad was a riverboat gunman in Vietnam.My mom and dad serve in the army reserve and went active duty in the navy .My dad serve in desert storm on the USS Forrestal and my stepdad serve on the USS Kittyhawk during the beginning of the Afghanistan war.I love all the men and women that put they lives on the line for they brothers and sisters

My father was 82nd Airborne in Vietnam and he always spoke about Air Cav like they were gods!!

This was awesome!! Thank you Black Rifle for producing this and allowing these guys to tell their story.

I've watched interviews with Hugh Mills Jr, but to see him talking wiith people he served with, who we know through the book like Rod Willis, Tom Chambers and all the other gentlemen is a real privilege - thank you for putting this together!

Finally a guy tells it like it is about us being in the Vietnam War and it being wrong. Coming from a vet that fought there is incredibly powerful and carries a lot of credibility.

My dad was Air Cav in Vietnam and I just forwarded him this video. I’m excited for him to see it. He’s a great storyteller and would be fantastic in a documentary like this.

Thank you Evan and Matt for bringing these hero’s stories of courage and patriotism to the public marketplace. All these men deserve the thanks and respect of the citizens who they fought for. And without this video many would not have known about them.

Thank you for putting this together. I have a close friend who was a Cobra pilot in Vietnam. He's told me several stories, but this video really pulled the entire thing together for me. And thanks to all who served and still do now.

From an old tired medics stand point,all I have to say is thank you. On a scale I can't even begin to extend to you.

BRCC have been putting out amazing Vietnam era content straight from the men who've been there. A few years ago Evan was making coffee for MacVSog vets with their special blend BRCC made...it was awesome! "She'll turn on a dime and give you back 9cent." I don't know anything about flying helos but I understand that. 😂

Thank you for this video! My daddy spent 21 1/2 years in the army. Did 3 tours in Vietnam. Was still proud and still a soldier til the day he died at 74 years old. He was air assault, among other things, when he was in Vietnam. God bless you all!

laughing and crying at the end of this video...wow...amazing production and stories. the sound of the OH6 is legendary and one of my favorite sounds on earth. been blessed with family friends who have them and getting to go for rides is my favorite thing in life. god bless these guys! looking out for each other and saving each other..

This was an awesome experience. The Vietnam vets got a bad wrap all around. My father served in Vietnam. Thank you for your service! Thank you for opening up and sharing your experiences 🙏. RESPECT

This was enthralling, I’ve only heard stories like this with copious amounts of alcohol and tears. This one got to me. Great job all. These gentlemen are all warriors and hero’s.

I served in the 90s overseas and you hit that on the head with we are a band of Brothers! I'm thankful for my time in because those young crazy guys that I was lucky enough to serve with. And to the memories of those who didn't make it home, they are not forgotten! Thank you for sharing your stories!

Ever since I was a kid until today, LRRPS, LRPS, Scout Pilots, UH1, AH1, MACV SOG, and all Vietnam vets were and are my heros. I have so many books, spoke to so many. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. I am now 52 and a retired Battalion Chief from an FD. You all have been a huge part of my life. Thank you all.

Best coverage of the Hunter/Killer teams I have ever seen. Great work in gathering these guys all in one place to tell their stories.

Some of the coolest bravest guys I ever met. Chopper pilots and door gunners in Vietnam. They inserted us often under fire, and extracted us dead and alive when the time came. And from time to time we called in the Red Team of a LOH and 2 Huey Gunships for support when we were facing overwhelming odds, and they changed the odds against us. I actually wanted to go chopper pilot, but my bad eye disqualified me, so I went Special Forces instead. By the time I finished the SFQC at Bragg, us young green berets knew we were probably going to die, but at 18-19-20, who cared. When I got zapped on 29OCT69, it is because of the brave 11 ACR chopper pilot and door gunner that I survived that day... My deepest respect to all chopper pilots and crews... 🇺🇸

Im currently reading Hughs book for the third time, and is why i came to look for OH-6 footage on YT. Started recognising some of the names before Hughs name came up. Fascinating to watch and read, respect to you guys, balls of steel.

I joined the Army becase of you ALL! . 20 years .....6 Combat and peace keeping tours I'm now retired living good ..Thank You for your service Big Brothers and Sisters!!!

One of my favourite books i've read about helo pilots from 'nam is Hugh Mills' "Low Level Hell". It made me fall in love with the OH-6 right there on the spot. Absolutely fantastic read and well worth getting a copy.

Best documentary yet, me being a x Army helo pilot, I thoroughly enjoyed watching our past brothers taking the whoop ass to them! Great job Evan and crew.

Loved the story of popping down over the trees.I was an avionics tech 76-79.Loved to come along and fly NOE with the crew. I got to fly on a Huey several times with a pair of Vietnam vets.They were a different animal.I got to experience maximal in all phases. If you're still out there Mr Gurley or Mr Beasley God bless

I recently ordered a truckload of books on the Vietnam Helicopter War. I just finished reading Low Level Hell, by Hugh Mills Jr. A great read! Finding this video is absolutely awesome! Big salute gentleman. . . BIG SALUTE!! I can never thank you enough for your selfless service.

Hoo-aah, you guys paved the way for others to follow in a unforgiving time in a very brutal war.

My dad was a private pilot in the 60’s and went to volunteer to go fly choppers in Nam. He had asthma as a kid and was turned away very quickly. I think he’d have been a hell of a good one and I might not be making this comment rn. God bless and a huge thank you for all of the sacrifices that those guys made over there.

I have watched a lot of documentaries and movies and studied the history of Vietnam. I watched this because I know how bad ass and awesome you guys are when you post something! I was watching this from a helicopter pilot angle, and was just humbled. Thank you!

This has so many layers of great journalism and story telling. actual footage , personal stories, and a variety of insights, that no history book can provide. the history channel is nothing compared to this. very well made, superbly shot - a notable footprint for generations to come and to reflect upon

Absolutely AMAZING piece y'all put together on a group of servicemen who haven't gotten nearly a FRACTION of a percent of the credit and attention they deserve. These guys were/are freaking AMAZING.

Remember the younger soldiers at 17 or 18 even at the official end of the wae.. are I believe 67 or 68 on up into their 70s and beyond. I have known several of these guys. Back in the 80s they talked little about it. 90s a little bit more. 2000s to today many are at or getting close to the end of life.. The surviving are going to be gone un the coming years. Better talk to them now or it will be to late.. I knew several in the mid 80s and I gained their trust and they opened up to me little by little. As of today they still are opening up to me.. Several have died of agent orange or other chemicals or diseases that they got serving there country in Vietnam.. I recently lost one of the best I have ever known.. He was amazing

Thank you fellas! You guys didn't deserve what you got when you got home! Thank you so much!

Awesome video. This one is the best ever. When you have the actual American warriors in the video it makes it more personal. Very well made. This should be taught in our schools. God bless all of you. Semper Fi.

This is really cool. You don't get to hear stories from Vietnam Vets too often.

Great vid and interviews. The uncomfortable part of these air warriors journey is the crushing reality that we lost some of the best, brightest and bravest men you could ever meet. They died for their friends. ❤

Thank you every one of you for your service and bravery in the face of imminent danger...my uncle served in Korea and Vietnam and it changed him forever....God bless yall

“LOW LEVEL HELL” was always one of my favorite books…I highly recommend it.

I didn't want that to end. I could listen to those men talk all day. BRC, make more of these history lessons! MORE, MORE, MORE!!!! All if our veterans need their stories told. Yes, even you guys! Haha!

My Dad’s cousin Michael S. Carter was a gunner on one of these. He was KIA in a crash. The pilot told our family that he was shot and killed before the crash. Idk if he just said that to make them feel better or not. He was a police officer in Miami after the war and I’ve tried to locate him for years with no luck. His name is Glenn Gordon. These guys were bad ass dudes

What I love about these documentaries is that these soldiers made it out alive, and have clearly processed what they did, this is both a chance to learn from their experiences and honour their sacrifice

I was in class 68-27 and I was the lead designer on the safety sign we build at the Y as you entered Ft. Wolters. It is still standing even though Wolters is now a civilian commercial facility.

Years ago I read Bob Masons story Chickenhawk about his time in 1st Cav which covers this topic well warts and all, Thank you for bringing this to Us and sharing their story. I'm going to add a few more books to my shelf now.... :-)

I watch this and I think of my uncle that flew a UH-1 (Dust-Off) for three tours in Vietnam in the late 60's. He passed away in 2021 and is buried at Fort Mitchell. I always watch these videos/films wondering if I would recognize him. I wonder if anyone in the video knew him. WO Steve Byers. He served in the Army for around 30 years, retired and became a civilian instructor at Fort Rucker. He was flying up to a few years before he died.

When I returned from my second tour in Iraq, my buddy invited me to a conference(?) Held by Helicopter pilots from the Vietnam War in San Diego. They were so excited to have us there, even though I was in awe to meet these heroes. It was a great night, and filled with great stories. Thanks guys!!! ❤❤❤❤

I was only about 5 or 6yrs old when you guys started coming back from VietNam. You were my heros then. The more I have read books on and watched documentaries and interviews such as these you have been my mentors and roll models at times when I had to dig deep for courage. At 60yrs old I continue to call you heros.

Phenomenal editing, definitely gave these studs their much deserved shine!

I was with the 2/502 Inf, 101st Airborne ... a small strike team. I always felt better in battle when I saw a "Loach" come dancing just above the tree tops drawing fire as I knew there were a couple of gun ships (Cobras) above him somewhere.... beehive rounds and that mini gun ended the problem with the mortars we were taking. ... belated thanks...

This feels like the war docs I grew up with on the Military channel. The interviews, the talks, the cuts of footage. It's amazing to see and hear the accounts.

I want to thank you fellas for what you had endured while fighting for this country. I watched as a child the war on tv. You all will forever be my hero’s for giving your lives for this country.

Respect & thanks to all you veterans glad you could tell your stories. My grandad never came back from WWII his body neither sadly. I always felt sorry for my dad having to have grown up without his dad when he told me I was about 7, then when I was 9 I lost my old man and history repeated itself and I grew up without mine thankfully we had his body and a funeral.

I truly enjoyed this,thank you for recognizing these amazing men,and a huge debt of gratitude to all of you for your service to this country

Thank you for putting these men’s story on record so that we would know what they did .

Thank you BRC for producing and posting this. Thank you Outcast for sharing your stories and being Air Cav Bad Asses. I had the pleasure of meeting Hugh Mills 30 years ago when I helped restore Miss Clawd (17340) with a friend Al Gerbino. Back then we were trying to start Low Level Hell as a TV series. Sort of a follow on to the Black Sheep series but China Beach beat us to punch. I think the time is right to have Amazon or Netflix run with that series now.

The organization that flew for my unit was D 229th. Aslt. Helicopter Battalion or know colloquially as "Blue Max". More than once when troops were in contact the word went out to "bounce Max"! We called the duo of high and low birds a "pink team": red high, white low. Great organization, great pilots.

This was awesome. Thank you for telling their stories and allowing me to opportunity to appreciate these veterans!

Thanks for creating this video. Much appreciated. Appreciate these gentlemen that served at that time. Appreciate all who have served with good intentions and a good heart.

This a wonderful documentary. My father was a turbine engine mechanic and kept these OH-6s and UH-1s flying. Thank you!