The term "Sparrow Hawk Standby" in Vietnam, made the hair on the necks of the bravest Marine helocopter pilots come to attention. The assignment meant you were ready to man your aircraft NOW and launch, night or day, to recover the recon team that was in trouble many times in the face of some really angry enemy fire. When I hear "Sparrow Hawk" today, it still triggers emotions and memories of the many experiences and brave guys I knew there and the missions we flew.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Mission over



Buddy, there ain't anything like gettin' back aboard ship ... alive ... and knowing a good hot meal and air conditioning were waiting. Not having to worry about "incoming" would mean a another safe night with comforts that the less fortunate guys stuck ashore could only dream of. It was a brief but greatly appreciated respite for the squadron. It never lasted as long as we all wanted. Morning would start the war all over again ... ashore.

No comments:

Post a Comment