Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
jim moore [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
Here is A RATTLER song from 1966. " Last Saturday night I went drinkin' me and my wingman got laid. Now me and my wingman have parted, got caught at the gate by Jug Haid" Jug Haid, good niiiight, Jug Haid, good night. Sung to the tune of "Good night, Irene"
September 24, 2021 - quantico, MD United States
jim moore [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
Fellow RATTLERS, I am posting this as an apology for my previous e-mail. Ron Seabolt thankfully just called to correct my error. I had unjustly castigated Major Carey, when the officer I really meant was Jug Haid, whom we all remember not so fondly. Again, my apologies. RATTLERS UP! Jim Moore, RATTLER 28
September 24, 2021 - quantico, MD United States
Norman Pruett [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Peace sign ANKA nose
Hey guys, a little sneak preview! When I came home in 71' I had one the Firebird Calling cards, "You Call We Kill", in my wallet. Many years ago I posted a picture of it here in our "Vietnam Photographs" section, under "Norm Pruett's Pictures". I always intended to send it in, to include in our memorabilia display, but had lost it.. well just tonight my wife Leslie found it! I'm making arrangement with Ron to ship it in, I hope our surviving Firebirds enjoy it! As we all sure enjoyed the cover they gave us in those hot LS's God bless bro's and welcome home ... to our Firebirds Calling Card!
September 10, 2021 - Lincoln, CA United States
Michael Stone [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
From January to June 1968 I served as an infantry platoon leader with the Americal Division, 1/52, 198th LIB. Flew many missions with the Rattler crews. I remember in particular one pilot named "Fitz". Flew with him a few times back and forth from LZ Baldy to Chu Lai. Was also on LZ Anne, Center and West among others. A special thanks to the pilots and crew who provided fire support for my unit on June 6 1968 in "Dragon Valley" and the dust off that flew into a hot LZ to evacuate me and several of my men to the hospital in Chu Lai that day.
September 6, 2021 - Exeter, RI United States
Marty Visser [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
does anyone recall the tail number of "Smokey"; the UH-1H model equipped with the fog oil sprayer mounted in the engine exhaust and pump and bladder tank under the cabin passenger seats? I crewed this bird for a little while and am looking for this information to complete a project, better yet if there any photos of her doing her thing; i.e., laying smoke, that would be fabulous
September 3, 2021 - Denton, Texas USA
Marty Visser [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign:
does anyone recall the tail number of "Smokey"; the UH-1H model equipped with the fog oil sprayer mounted in the engine exhaust and pump and bladder tank under the cabin passenger seats? I crewed this bird for a little while and am looking for this information to complete a project, better yet if there any photos of her doing her thing; i.e., laying smoke, that would be fabulous
September 3, 2021 - Denton, Texas USA
John Mateyko [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: Rattler 21
Do any Rattlers or Firebirds in the areas affective by heavy rains and winds in the past five days need any help?
September 2, 2021 - Lansing, IL United States
Stephen Alexander [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
My deepest thanks for creating and maintaining this great website. Not only is it the important documentation of an important part of the Vietnam war, but for someone such as myself and my family it helped solve the mystery of one of our family members death. A phone call in 1969 about the death of our cousin Barry now has a full story to it. It was researching what happened in Vietnam on 9/22/69 that lead me to your site. ~ I would suggest that if it hasn't been already this entire site should be archived at the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. My wife has been at the LC now for 30 years and was one of the staff member to head it up, as well as being one of the people to staff the table at it's first big kick-off at the opening of the WW2 memorial in DC. Her father was WW2 signal corp. front lines through most of the European theater so she has a personal connection. If you need help getting the archiving done please don't hesitate to reach out. Thanks again.
August 26, 2021 - Baltimore, MD USA
Hal Bowen [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler 16 & 3
Another sad day. Just learned that we lost Joe Galloway co-author of "We were Soldiers Once, and Young" as well as author of "God's Own Lunatics". Vietnam Veterans lost a great friend and advocate. He was a guest speaker at 2 of our reunions and gave very moving presentations. I wish you a great landing, Joe
August 18, 2021 - Wake Forest, N.C. USA
ND Pruett [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Nose art peace sign
God rest Brother Chico, I remember him: Chico's passing and Hal's post makes me want to mention something, otherwise i'd keep private: All you ex Firebirds n Rattlers -ATTENTION! Go apply your PTSD disability NOW! before its too late. I applied last Feb - just got awarded 70%...in case you're wondering - that's 1,444$ per month!!! Do it! you're owed that money! We EARNED it, its not a hand out! Don't sit on your behinds thinking it over - just DO IT! start by finding your local VA advocate, the rest is easy, really. The Gov has set aside millions for this, they expect you to claim it!
August 17, 2021 - Lincoln, CA USA