Although the Huey started as a search and rescue helicopter, it became known as the symbol of the Vietnam War. Of the 4,000 helicopters, the Huey or the UH-1 was most commonly used. It developed nicknames such as the “Workhorse of the Indochina War” and the “Whirlybird (Seibert 1).” Deployed in early 1962, by 1968 there were around 116 Medevac Hueys, which could transport six wounded soldiers (Morrocco 72).
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“Sophisticated medical techniques and helicopter evacuations from the battlefield greatly reduced a soldier's chances of dying from his wounds. America’s overwhelming superiority ... also kept causalities down. If they got into trouble, soldiers could count on devastating air strikes ... to help them get out of it.”
-Phillip Caputo |
The Huey was also noted for its ability to double as a gunship. Included in the gunship were rocket pads, machine guns, and grenade launchers. Even though the Huey’s maximum speed was 120 mph and it could only stay aloft for 90 minutes, numerous bases around Vietnam enabled these helicopters to rearm and refuel quickly (Doyle 51).
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