The door gunners of Shotgun platoons and the pilots and crew chiefs in
country
from 1963 to 1966 developed and tested tactics under fire used to train and
organize the formal Air Assault units that arrived in country in mid 1965. Believe it or
not most shot gunners do not have orders for gunner or crew member wings in their records due to being
assigned to Aviation units while still attached to their home units in Hawaii.
Shotgunners did not have a job. Many stayed much longer than the stated 90
day TDY assignment and many did not
return.
Most units were part
of the 1st Avn Bde, 1st in Vietnam check their history.
Another 1st Avn Bde
Site
*****
Summary
Since
the Army has continually refused to "Do The Right Thing" and honor
Vietnam veterans who field tested Air Assault methods in combat, these
same veterans must fight again to correct this injustice. This fight
will use the political process, not M-16's. We are seeking a US
Congressman or Senator to carry a bill or amendment on the Air Assault
controversy.
Suggested wording is to ammend the current Air Assault Badge to read,
"Authorized for individuals who participated in at least one combat air
assault prior to 1 April 1974."
Technical assistance is available from the Air Assault Parity Coalition
- email webmaster for help.
***** Copied from
the Air Assault Coalition web site
For
detailed information go to:
The Air Assault Coalition
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