Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:53 | Paul Hart remembers growing up with some military influence in his family when he got his notice to report for a physical. He remembers not really knowing much about the conflict in Vietnam during the time of his joining.
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Paul Hart remembers his time in flight training at Fort Rucker before his deployment to Vietnam. After landing in Bien Hoa and getting processed, he was sent to the 1st Cavalry Division which was based out of An Khe. Paul was assigned to support the men on the ground as they patrolled the hills and valleys of Vietnam.
Paul Hart remembers two of his good friends from flight school, Ralph and Wylie. Helicopter pilots had a high risk of injury and death, but even decades later, Paul remembers these men and what happened to them both during and after Vietnam.
Paul Hart remembers a time in Vietnam when his aircraft was forced to ground and they had to act quickly to get themselves to safety. Sometimes, pilots weren't so lucky, like his friend Joe Fulton.
Paul Hart recalls some of the small moments that occurred during his time in Vietnam. In particular, he remembers being alone along Highway 1 where he could've been captured at any time.
Moving a gunship from An Khe to Dong Ha, Paul Hart had a close encounter that made him fly a lot more carefully.
Paul Hart remembers coming home from Vietnam and getting a not so friendly welcome upon his return. Remembering the Vietnam War and the affect it had on the country stands out and shouldn't be forgotten.
