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Facebook contribution by James Loesch in 2022
Dak To - Late summer 1967 335th AHC Cowboys - Gunship Crew Chief Ship #12930 I took the image as we hovered over the east end of the Dak To strip to our revetments on the north side after refueling. I have seen this image many times over the years because it is in a folder I use as screen saver files. I am always surprised at how casual our flying was, hovering 75 feet above a DC-3 preparing for takeoff. James Loesch March 23, 2022 James Loesch July 2, 2022 335th AHC Cowboys 1967-68 Crewchief Falcon Gunship Platoon Ships #63-12930 and #38685 I posted a picture a few months ago, that I made in late 1967, shot from my door as we hovered across the runway at Dak To. It is looking down at a DC-3 getting ready for takeoff. One of the comments about the picture came from Pat Rogers, a member of the UH-1 CE/Door Gunners Group. It blew me away. He said “I have 63-12930 in my hanger right now! Undergoing restoration for a museum.” I was stunned to learn that my old ship had not become scrap metal, and 55 years after it was mine, it might fly again, and live in a museum. I have included a screen shot of post that Pat commented on, some pictures of my ship and me, and a few pictures that Pat sent to me of the ship on a trailer and in his hanger, Aircraft Restoration Services, at the beginning of the restoration. There is also a picture of the magnetic compass that was in the ship during a mission out of Dak To, which was hit by a round that came up through the chin bubble, nicked the compass and went out through the roof. I don’t know what made me think to keep the compass and send it home instead of the trash. I’m glad I did. It sits on my desk today. Maybe I’ll donate it to the museum where the ship ends up. I hope to see my ship again someday and sit in my seat once more. James Loesch |
