I am an active duty Marine major who is teaching history at the U.S. Naval Academy. I am currently doing some research on air support at the Battle of Khe Sahn. I am particularly interested in finding some more background information on Marine Corps policies and practices for training and crewing observation aircraft like the O-1 Bird Dogs. I tried to register at your site to post a listing soliciting the help of some of your veterans, but was unable to actually leave a posting. From what I saw under the VMO-6 listing I am particularly interested in contacting Bull79Dog, but I would welcome the help of anyone who has information on the topic. The particular questions I would like to answer are:

-How did the USMC crew its O-1's (ie. Was it similar to the OV-10, with a pilot/FAC and a ground officer/FO)?

-What training was provided to the crewmembers before they started flying combat missions?

-How effective was the arrangement used?

Any help you could provide putting me in contact with members of your association would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Semper fidelis,

Major S.P. Callahan, USMC
History Instructor
U.S. Naval Academy

scallaha@usna.edu