USA HELICOPTER GUNSHIPS WITCH DOCTORS 128th AVN Vietnam War

Description

128th Assault Helicopter Company,

nicknamed the “Witch Doctors,” was a U.S. Army aviation unit that flew combat missions in the Vietnam War. They became known for their skill and bravery in transporting troops and providing fire support under dangerous conditions.

• The Aircraft: The unit primarily flew the UH-1 “Huey” helicopter. This versatile aircraft was a defining symbol of the Vietnam War and was used for everything from moving soldiers to evacuating the wounded.
• Split identity: The company had distinct parts, each with its own call sign.
  • “Witch Doctors”: The name for the whole company.
  • “Tomahawks”: The nickname for the flight platoon, which moved troops and supplies.
  • “Gunslingers”: The name for the gunship platoon, which flew armed helicopters to protect the transport helicopters and ground troops.

Life in Vietnam

• Base of operations: The Witch Doctors were based at Phu Loi, a large American base in the III Corps Tactical Zone of South Vietnam. From there, they flew missions across the country and into neighboring Cambodia.
• Constant combat: The company was involved in countless combat missions, often landing helicopters in “hot” landing zones, where they would be met with heavy enemy fire.
• Resupply and troop movement: A common mission was to resupply remote outposts and firebases. Other times, they would take part in large troop exchanges, flying in fresh soldiers while carrying out exhausted ones.
• Medevac missions: The Witch Doctors also flew high-risk medical evacuation missions, known as “Dust Offs,” to rescue wounded soldiers. This was often done under enemy fire and could involve flying in dangerous conditions.

• High risk: The combat tours for helicopter crews were extremely dangerous, with constant threats from enemy ground fire. In one incident, a helicopter was hit by a rocket that passed through the cockpit but miraculously did not explode until it exited the underside of the aircraft.
• Lasting impact: The tactics and procedures developed by units like the 128th during the Vietnam War changed how modern armies use helicopters in combat.
• Veteran community: Today, the legacy of the “Witch Doctors” lives on through veteran associations and online groups where former members share stories and remember their fallen comrades