Hi George, According to the first paragraph we were flying obsolete helicopters from the Korean era when we were in VN. I didn't think the H-34 was built until about 1958 yet the Korean war was over in 53 ?

Joe D'Arcangelo:confused:

Joe

I agree with you. I believe the author has confused the H-19s used in Korea with the H-34s used in Nam in 62.

No, the author's first paragraph is correct; he refers to the first use to carry ARVNs into the field.

In the 14th paragraph, he says:
"By early 1962 the increased support by the U. S. to the GVN began to yield positive results. A major factor in this shift was the deployment of thirty-three H-21 helicopters, which first brought the concept of airmobility to South Vietnam. These helicopters, used solely for transporting ARVN troops to the battlefield, gave the ARVN the ability to surprise the Viet Cong in their base areas."

H21 & H19

When I first arrived in Saigon 1964 the H21 was still there as was the HR2S both with the US Army. The VNAF had 12 H-19 which they placed in preservation as the H34 Helicopters were recieved. Belive Ed has the answer to the reference of obsolete H21 that the Author referred to. I see from the attachment that he has as one of his references 21. Page 406 P. Moore. I believe he refers to my imput at USMC historical file or to an US Army Vietnam Reunion Gp imput. I could not get a message to the Email furrg address supplied by George. The H19 that VNAF had were purchased by Orlando Helicopters in Fl from surplus. SF PM