Fire from the Sky: Seawolf Gunships in the Mekong Delta

This is the dramatic history of the HAL-3 Seawolves, the U.S. Navy's first and only helicopter gunship squadron of the Vietnam War. Established "in country" to support the fast, pugnacious river patrol boats of the brown water navy, the squadron's mission quickly expanded to include rapid response air support to any friendly force in the Mekong Delta that needed immediate, no-holds-barred assistance. Operating in two-plane detachments from specifically configured amphibious ships, hastily constructed bases, and primitive campsites, the old, combat-worn Seawolves responded to distress calls within minutes. Flying in all kinds of weather, day or night, the gunships arrived at tree-top level with forward firing rockets, flex-guns blazing, and door gunners hanging outside or standing on the skids of the violently maneuvering helicopters. They also inserted SEALs deep into enemy territory, rescued combatants, and evacuated the wounded when Medevac helicopters were not available. Gleaned from historical documentation and the colorful recollections of over fifty Seawolf warriors, the author provides the first complete history of the most decorated navy squadron of the Vietnam War from concept to the moment the last squadron commander turned out the lights.