Just saw an excellent piece on Mil Channel on Viet Nam FACs.

[DemoTex]

I did not know that 2 out of the 12 USAF Medal of Honor recipients in Viet Nam were FAC pilots. Having worked with the big-balled Nails (USAF FACs flying OV-10s) on the Ho Chi Minh Trail at night, I am not surprised.

[pwb]

1. They saved my ass.

We would pop smoke so they knew where we were, then they would mark the target. Needless to say they could never buy a drink at the club, everybody loved them.

[Islander Expat]

2. I've slid out of the back of those lots of times

Great bird for insertions, just unclip the strap and wait for the climb.

[DemoTex]

3. Damn! I knew they had that capability, but I did not know it was used.

USMC or USAF? Didn't it have capability of hauling 10 troops? That number comes to mind. Clam-shell doors in back? I was never a big fan of the Garrett/AirResearch TPE-331 engine, but some are.

[Islander Expat]

5. Well, I was on SEAL team for several years...But that OV-10....

There was a cover that would detach off the back and we would sit sizzer'd between the man behind our's legs with the first man in the stick sitting at the door with his legs hanging out in the breeze.

All there was was like a gunners belt strap clipped across the opening in front of the first man.

All the first man would do over target is unclipped the belt and move it out of the way, and get ready for a steep, hard climb. And zing, right down the slide. Nothing to it.

[pwb]

4. FAC's are fixed wing aircraft used to mark bombing runs and rescue points.

You are talking about the jolly greens choppers i think.

[unhappycamper]

6. I had the opportunity to fly backseat in a Bronco once.

Cruised around the Michelin Plantation for a few hours and then went cloud chasing. I've got a Bronco Buster certificate around heah somewhere.