Razorbacks helicopters were in combat almost every single day of their existence.  Sometimes Charlie got lucky.  Sometimes, something got broke or gave away during the normal performance of our duties.  Sometimes with someone making the supreme sacrifice. 

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Look closely near the top door hinge.  Termites!  Them critters even chewed their way through that chin bubble, too!

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A look at a damaged tail rotor blade after being struck by enemy fire.

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The following four photos are of 624.  It landed on the edge a minefield, but no one was injured.

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Shrapnel dings on a freshly painted pilot’s door.

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630 has had it’s woes, too.  This aircraft was repaired and flown again.

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One day at Nha Be…….

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017 went down one day near a small blue.  All four crew members walked away unharmed.  Unfortunately, the Viet Cong attacked the downed bird and both pilots lost their lives in the action.  May they Rest In Peace.  Thanks to Tom Cooper, CE, for sharing these photographs.

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Sometimes patched bullet holes would have a red star painted on it to indicate a hit received by enemy fire.  Some patches were made from old cans as a “field expedient” repair.

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Ever have a rocket motor explode on launch?  It can get your pretty nice day off to a pretty bad start pretty dern quick!

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Here’s what the rear of the rocket tubes can look like if the rockets decide they don’t wish to step out for the evening.

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Now how’d that bullet hole get in there?  B Model 62-4567.

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On occasion, you couldn’t even get to the office before you had a bad day!