Hello, my name is Jim Cole. My tour in Vietnam was from July 69 to November 70. Many of the events are remembered but the names have disappeared.

I served with the 73rd from July 69 to February 70. That's right, I did an extra tour... seemed like the thing to do at the time. Started out on a maintenance crew and ended up in the tech inspectors office. They didn't fly until the red x was signed off.

I have a bunch of faded photos, if they can still be located. There is an album I haven't seen in a couple of years that has two 8x10 photos - that form to display the complete flight line and hanger at Vung Tau. Took them from a Chinook as we left for Phouc Vinh to replace a propeller and nose gear on a Mohawk. Seems on the take off roll, the PSP runway separated and clipped the nose gear... and ended up damaging the propeller. Replaced both and got out of there before the rockets came. Next time I'm in the attic, I'll see if I can locate the album. Got another one in Long Thanh of a Mohawk making a high speed pass just over revetment heigth. One test pilot taking another to Long Binh for the trip back home. Wish it had been a motion picture, as they pulled up, they did a beautiful aileron roll. Really impressive! After returning to the states, spent the next year at Fort Rucker... clerk typist in post headquarters.

"Armymules" comes from my ownership of two m274 truck, platform, utility, 1/2 ton, 4X4. Wanted one since 1957, so when I found a couple, I indulged.

I hope you enjoy the photo album. The album will be expanding as time permits... and will try to get more text to go with the images.

Thanks,

James R. Cole
73d Aviation Company
armymules@juno.com


James R. Cole
73d Aviation Company
armymules@juno.com


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Last update: January 27, 2002