"The mortar rounds came in. And they hit. I woke up … came out of the daze with the scream from the RPM warning system. The fire light was on and every … red light, every yellow light was on. … I looked down and … see fire coming up from below."
Description of Interview:
Ron Markiewicz relates his adventures which began as a “draft-induced volunteer” who later went through OCS and then flight school where he earned his wings as a rotary wing aviator. He served in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971, first in a staff position at Tuy Hoa, then as a slick pilot with the Rattlers (the 71st AHC) in Quang Tri, from where he participated in Lam Son 719, and finally ending his tour back in Tuy Hoa with the 134th AHC. He describes an unconventional use of hydraulic fluid, interesting tidbits about race relations and drug use, difficult moral dilemmas, and heroic actions.
Key Words: Draft-induced volunteer, Rattlers and Firebirds, Dolphins and Sharks, Lam Son 719, Counteroffensive PH VII, Consolidation I, Consolidation II, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Firebase Center, Russian language, the Dap, 134th Assault Helicopter Company, racism, drug issues
Key People: Joe Benedict, Eric Burdon
Unit:
71st Assault Helicopter Company, 14th Aviation Battalion, 16th Aviation Group, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal)
Service Location:
Chu Lai, Khe Sanh, Tuy Hoa, I Corps
Read the Complete Transcript of this Interview.