Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

The Vietnam War was a brutal conflict that saw thousands of American servicemen killed or wounded. But amidst the bloodshed and tragedy, there were also countless stories of heroism and bravery. One of the most remarkable chapters in the war's history is the story of the combat rescues carried out by the US Air Force.

Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

by George J. Marrett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8122 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
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In the early days of the war, American pilots were often shot down over enemy territory. In many cases, these pilots were stranded in dense jungle, surrounded by hostile forces. The chances of survival were slim.

But the US Air Force was determined to save its downed pilots. In 1965, the Air Force created the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (ARRS). ARRS was tasked with conducting combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions. These missions were some of the most dangerous of the war.

ARRS crews flew into heavily defended enemy territory, often under fire, to rescue downed pilots. They used a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing planes, and even drones. ARRS crews also worked closely with Special Operations Forces (SOF) units, who provided ground support for CSAR missions.

The combat rescues carried out by ARRS crews were often daring and heroic. In one famous mission, an ARRS helicopter crew rescued a downed pilot who had been stranded in the jungle for three days. The crew flew into a heavily defended area, under heavy fire, to reach the pilot. They were able to extract the pilot and return him to safety.

ARRS crews also conducted rescue missions in Laos, a neighboring country to Vietnam. Laos was a neutral country, but it was secretly used by the North Vietnamese as a base of operations. ARRS crews often flew into Laos to rescue downed pilots and other American servicemen who had been captured by the North Vietnamese.

The combat rescues carried out by ARRS crews were essential to the success of the US war effort in Vietnam. They saved the lives of thousands of American servicemen. The bravery and heroism of ARRS crews is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the American people.

Notable Combat Rescues

Here are a few of the most notable combat rescues carried out by ARRS crews during the Vietnam War:

• Operation Kingpin: In 1965, an ARRS helicopter crew rescued a downed pilot who had been stranded in the jungle for three days. The crew flew into a heavily defended area, under heavy fire, to reach the pilot. They were able to extract the pilot and return him to safety.
• Operation Bright Light: In 1968, an ARRS helicopter crew rescued a group of American soldiers who had been captured by the North Vietnamese. The crew flew into a heavily defended area, under heavy fire, to reach the soldiers. They were able to extract the soldiers and return them to safety.
• Operation Bat 21 Bravo: In 1972, an ARRS helicopter crew rescued a group of American soldiers who had been stranded in the jungle after their helicopter was shot down. The crew flew into a heavily defended area, under heavy fire, to reach the soldiers. They were able to extract the soldiers and return them to safety.

Legacy of Combat Rescues

The combat rescues carried out by ARRS crews during the Vietnam War are a testament to the bravery and heroism of the American people. These rescues saved the lives of thousands of American servicemen. The legacy of these rescues continues to inspire American service members today.

ARRS crews continue to conduct combat rescue missions around the world. They are always ready to answer the call to duty, and they are always prepared to risk their lives to save others.

Cheating Death: Combat Rescues in Vietnam and Laos

by George J. Marrett

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8122 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE