"U.S. Lists 2,096 Planes, 1,608 Copters Lost in Viet."

U.S. military headquarters, reported Friday that 2,096 plans and 1,608 helicopters have been lost in the war in North and South Vietnam. In one of its periodic reports on aircraft losses, the U.S. Command said 831 planes and nine helicopters went down over North Vietnam since bombing of the North started in February, 1965. The helicopters all were lost on rescue missions to pick up downed pilots. The Command said 251 planes have been lost in combat in South Vietnam and 659 helicopters shot down in the South, including those downed in the recent U.S. drive in the A Shau Valley. In another category, 1,014 planes and 940 helicopters have been lost during the war in both North and South Vietnam. This category includes losses to non-hostile action such as mechanical failures and other accidental losses or support aircraft such as cargo and transport planes and helicopters

Pacific Stars and Stripes

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Saigon (AP) 680506