Photo Album '70, Page 11
(Click on image photo for larger image)
1stLt. Doug "Baby Sahn" Orahood was bootlegging flight time in the Cobra, until he got caught, and took this picture as he flying guns.  For a complete description click on the photo.
-
Photo by, 1stLt. Doug R. Orahood 
Looking toward Thong Duc at center, LZ 25 at right center and the Infamous "Tennis Courts" at upper left.
-
Photo by, 1stLt. Doug R. Orahood 
A recon Team being transported to safety after an emergency extract on a device known as the ladder.  When a recon team is in contact with the enemy you need to get them out fast, not one at a time on the hoist, and that is what the ladder provided.  Additionally its use meant there was not a suitable LZ, generally the ladder was used to extract recon teams beneath the triple canopy of the jungle.  That is why the length of same was approximately 100+ feet.  The ladder is unrolled out the back of the helo and falls to the ground where the recon team climbs on board. 
-
Photo by, 1stLt. Doug R. Orahood 
The SPIE rig seen here replaced the ladder for extractions because it wasn't as prone to get hung up in the trees going in or coming out of a hot recon team extraction zone.  Worked faster and exposure was less.
-
Photo by, 1stLt. Doug R. Orahood 
Doug, want to link this as the rehearsal for the "Dog & Pony Show" story which I will research.  I do want your input from what you remember about the rehearsal day and the day of infamy.
-
Photo by, 1stLt. Doug R. Orahood 

Back Browser  or  Next '70 Page  or  Album Index  or  Home

-