Hi Andy:
I just read your comment, and it has been over a year since you wrote it. So, I am not sure you will see my response. I hope your dad is doing well, we are all getting old (and I am one of the younger Vietnam Vets). I was in D Troop which was the ground (infantry) company. I am thinking that C Troop may have been the pilots (or maybe the door gunners, etc.), but it is hard to remember such things 54-55 years later. We spent a lot of time flying in and out on helicopters to our field missions, but we were focused with our tasks on the ground and really mostly interacted within our own company (4 platoons). I was in Vinh Long, Vietnam from October ’69 to October ’70 in the 7th Armored Squadron, 1st Air Cav. (which was Blackhawk) 3rd Platoon of D Troop (Company). So, I doubt that I met your Dad, but I certainly have a lot of respect for all that were there and the different roles that the various soldiers played. From the time that I got out of the service (late 1970) until around 1985, most of 51ºÚÁÏÍø did not talk about our Service in Vietnam, due to the negative focus it could bring upon us. Around that time (1985), the Country’s perception changed and respect was shown for the Vietnam Vets who came home. Personally, I really appreciated the culture and the people of South Vietnam. They were fearful of the VC and as a young soldier, I felt we were doing something that mattered, something helpful; and of course, we lost friends during that time over there and I will never forget them. Unfortunately (and historically), it seems that the human species will always create wars and kill each other as it continues today in many places.
Feel free to look me up in Brevard, NC (telephone book) if you want more information, I am happy to communicate with you.