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Robert Mason

CHICKENHAWK

Author’s Note

This is a personal narrative of what I saw in Vietnam and how it affected me. The events all happened; the chronology and geography are correct to the best of my knowledge. The names of the characters, other than the names that are famous, and unimportant characteristics of all the persons in the book have been changed so that they bear no resemblance to any of the actual people in order to preserve their privacy and anonymity.

I’d like to put in an apology to the grunts, if they resent that term, because I have nothing but respect for them and the conditions under which they served.

I hope that these recollections of my experiences will encourage other veterans to talk. I think it is impossible to know too much about the Vietnam era and its effects on individuals and society.

Instead of dwelling on the political aspects of the war, I have concentrated on the actual condition of being a helicopter pilot in Vietnam in 1965—66. The events, I hope, will speak for themselves.

I want to thank Martin Cruz Smith, Knox Burger, Gerald Howard, Constance Cincotti, Jack and Betty Mason, Gerald Towler, Bruce and Susan Doyle, and Jim and Eileen Helms for their generous aid and encouragement.

I am particularly indebted to my wife, Patience, for her unflagging support in difficult times, both in the writing of the book and in the life that it’s about.

Map

Bell HU-1 Iroquois Schematics

1. Heating Burner and Blower Unit

2. Engine

3. Oil Tank Filler

4. Fuel Tank Filler

5. Transmission

6. Hydraulic Reservoir (Pressure Type)

7. Forward Navigation Lights (4)

8. Pilot’s Station

9. Forward Cabin Ventilator (2)

10. Cargo Suspension Mirror

10A. Pitot Tube (Nose Mount)

11. Tail Rotor (90°) Gear Box

12. Aft Navigation Light

13. Tail Rotor Intermediate (45°) Gear Box

14. Synchronized Elevator

15. Tail Rotor Drive Shaft

16. Anti-Collision Light

17. Oil Cooler

18. External Power Receptacle

19. Cargo-Passenger Door

20. Passenger Seats Installed

21. Swashplate Assembly

22. Landing Light

23.

24. Search Light

25. Battery

26. Alternate Battery Location (Armor Protection Kit)

27. Pitot Tube (Roof Mount)

28. Aft Cabin Ventilators (2)

29. Stabilizer Bar

29A. Hydraulic Reservoir (Gravity-feed type)

30. Engine Cowling

1. Pilot’s Entrance Door

2. Sliding Window Panel

3. Hand Hold

4. Shoulder Harness

5. Seat Belt

6. Shoulder Harness Lock-Unlock Control

7. Collective Pitch Control Lever

8. Seat Adjustment Fore and Aft

9. Collective Pitch Down Lock

10. Seat Adjustment Vertical

11. Directional Control Pedal Adjuster

12. Microphone Foot Switch

13. External Cargo Mechanical Release

14. Directional Control Pedals

15. Cyclic Control Friction Adjuster

16. Cyclic Control Stick

17. Microphone Trigger Switch

18. Hoist Switch

19. Force Trim Switch

20. Armament Fire Control Switch

21. External Cargo Electrical Release Switch

22. Search Light ON-OFF Stow Switch

23. Landing Light ON-OFF Switch

24. Landing Light EXTEND-RETRACT Switch

25. Search Light EXTEND-RETRACT LEFT-RIGHT Control Switch