Episode 002: 1964-10-07 | The Lost .50-Cal

Dearest Suzie

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, I explore an entry from my grandfather Bill Lowie's Vietnam War diary, dated October 7, 1964. In this account, Popi recounts the tense recovery of military equipment after a U.S. Mohawk reconnaissance aircraft is shot down near his base. After the pilot jettisoned his .50-caliber guns to lighten the aircraft, Popi's unit was dispatched to retrieve them. One of the UH-1B helicopters took six hits from enemy fire, underscoring the perilous nature of these missions.

I also dive into the history of the OV-1 Mohawk and the UH-1 "Huey," discussing the critical role these aircraft played in Vietnam. This episode sheds light on the U.S. military's partnership with the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and reflects on the broader implications of military advisory roles in foreign conflicts.

Accompanied by a photo of a meeting between U.S. and ARVN officers, today's episode captures the risks and complexities of military operations in Vietnam.

What’s Covered:
-A recovery mission after a Mohawk aircraft is shot down.
-The strategic importance of the Huey during the Vietnam War.
-The significance of U.S. military advisors working with ARVN forces.
-Reflections on the evolving role of military advisors and their impact in global conflicts.

📷 Featured Photo: A still photo of an OV-1 Mohawk airplane and H-34 helicopter sitting on a tarmac.

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VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MohawkAircraft #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories