Accidental discharge in Vietnam.....
The following is my personal account of an incident that I related in an online forum. I realize the picture has been posted already, but it is the best picture I have for the story.

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Accidental discharge in Vietnam.....

In late 1968, a formation of Huey slicks, loaded with 9th division soldiers, were descending toward the LZ....low level. One of the crew chiefs had been having trouble with his M60 machine gun. He had his gun partly disassembled.....parts laying on the seat beside him. In his haste to get his gun back to working order, he dropped the bolt into the rear of the receiver on his stowed M60.....and BANG! The bolt went flying out of the receiver and straight up hitting one of the rotor blades. The rotor blade began making that familiar "swish, swish, swish" sound that a bullet hole makes. Hearing this, the Aircraft Commander immediately keyed his mic......"Chalk two, RECEIVING FIRE!" Before the chief had a chance to do any "splaining", the formation broke off, spreading out in a defensive maneuver. For a few seconds there, adrenalin was pumping, and everyone was poised for a firefight.....but nothing happened! The crew chief was pretty red faced at that moment, I can imagine!

The crew chief never lived it down! (....and no, it wasn't me.....thank God! I was there, though.)

Moral of the story......Always check the chamber to see if there is a live round in there!


Photo Comments
Welcome home bro! I've been enjoying your turnings on the AAW site. The peacefulness of lathe work is the best medicine for dispelling those old post-war demons. You guys were our lifeline. 11 Bravo 67-68
Mar. 15, 2012  By: Andy H
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Wow, Thank you for your service to our Country, regardless of the Pro's and Con's. The greatest thing anyone can do is to put their life on the line for a friend "even when you didn't know me". God Bless you and the other's who gave above and beyond. Many gave their life without dying.
May. 16, 2011  By: Doug S.
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It's amazing to look through these photos. I am glad you put them online. I am army now. Different uniforms and equiptment, but the faces all look so familiar.
Apr. 12, 2011  By: Rick
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Thanks for the pictures, and your service to our country, Gary Zeka
Jan. 2, 2011  By: Gary Zeka
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I work with your brother Jake. He told me about your website and the great pictures. Thanks for your service and the excellent job of recording parts of it.
Dec. 26, 2009  By: Allen Kingen
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I was on the USS Ranger CVA61, '64-'66, two tours to the South China Sea. I only got to Danang once. Way too much @ Subic Bay! Thanks for the photos.
Nov. 28, 2009  By: Larry Schweitzer
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Saw your Taipan patch and got all "goosebumpy", Served with you in the '69 era. Sometimes wonder how we survived it all, but I still wouldn't trade those days for anything. Glad you're home safe. Oh, BTW Dusty flew with me on many occaisons, was always funnier than balls! Stay well brother.
Nov. 15, 2009  By: Mike G.
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These are not just pictures but memories. Great info along with the pictures. I was in country from 5/68-12/69. My HQ was Long Binh but I traveled from one end of the country to the other, in various aircraft. Thanks and enjoy your life.
Oct. 10, 2009  By: Larry - retcw3tn@att.net
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Fun to see! I'm in there and so is Beeper Bostedt! I miss my Blackhorse family! John Demuth
Mar. 18, 2009  By: John Demuth
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Enjoyed seeing your photos. My tour as USAF flight surgeon at Phu Cat(9 mos) and NKP(3 mos)1 was a luxury assgnmt compared to your service. 1971-72. My highpoint was getting to drive a "gooney bird" for a few minutes under the watchful eye of my pilot, until I lost 1000 ft of alt. in making a 180.
Dec. 3, 2008  By: Alan E. Tasoff,MD
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Absolutely priceless photos.
Aug. 22, 2008  By: elwin
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Thanks for the pictures and memories! I was also a crew chief on a "Huey" in the U.S. Army! Thanks for your time "in Country"!
Jun. 30, 2008  By: Opie
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Thanks for the photos and the accompanying stories.
Sep. 17, 2007  By: Morris
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Very Educational and informative. Thanks. ...for the service and the history.
Jun. 23, 2007  By: Jerry R
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Brought back memories of 70-71 in the USAF. I spent every other 30 days in forward camp putting together 2.75" rockets. I loved to fly when I could. Thanks.
Jun. 18, 2007  By: Capt. Eddie Castelin
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Very interesting pics. Thank you for your service to our country.
Jun. 11, 2007  By: TigerRag
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I also thank you for your service. I hope your days there are not haunting you.
Mar. 25, 2007  By: Dale
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Nice pics! Thanks for your service in Vietnam!
Mar. 23, 2007  By: Carl S
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Excellent photos and stories. Very educational. Thank you for your distinguished service in Vietnam.
Mar. 18, 2007  By: Rob
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Graeat pics....Have read many books on helicopter warfare in Vietnam. I was in usAf in Eupope in the fifties....Best of luck, Walt
Mar. 12, 2007  By: W Leighton,pinecone
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