| 5th ACS |
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| Over the next year, more than 10,000 combat sorties were flown over the jungles of South East Asia, and several million leaflets were dispensed. Most of the flying was conducted at low level and slow speed, which made us very tempting targets to the enemy on the ground. Although we had several aircraft damaged or destroyed, only one crew member was injured and there were no fatalities during the first year. The follow-on crews were not quite as fortunate. At least five members were killed or missing in action between 1966 and 1969. |
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| Upon completion of our tour of duty in November 1966, we returned to the United States to a variety of new assignments or careers. Replacement crews arrived each year to continue the mission. Because of the increased psychological warfare requirement, in March of 1967 the unit was split to form two squadrons. The 5th ACS was responsible for III and IV Corps and the 9th ACS covered the two northern corps. In May, they began replacing the U-10 with O2B aircraft. The psy war aircraft were deployed to forward detachments and six C-47s were assigned to Nha Trang for flare missions. Combat sorties for 1967 increased to over 20,000. In 1968 the squadron was renamed the 5th Special Operations Squadron and continued leaflet and loudspeaker operations until its inactivation in 1969. The 5th SOS was reactivated in 1995 operating MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft. |
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| Way back in November 1965, A new kind of squadron in Nha Trang did arrive. We were called Air Commandos and known as the 5th. Loudspeakers and leaflets were what we fought with. With little U-10s and the old Gooneybird, We delivered the VC the ungarbled word. We tried to convince them that they could not win. And the best thing to do was to turn themselves in. For each one of their guys who gave up the strife, One more of ours wouldn't lay down his life. This mission was dangerous as most of them are, But we all did our part to help win the war. We completed our tour and went our own way, But frequently thought of our friends far away. Some have passed on but others remain And now is the time to to meet once again. So join your old comrades and be of good cheer. Remember old times and friends who're not here. |
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| Ode to the U-10 The U-10 is an aeroplane. At least that's what the wheels maintain. But those that fly it will agree That's not what it's cracked up to be. Helio thought it would be swell To build it for S-T-O-L. But one thing they did not foresee Was how it would S-T-O-P. It takes off slow and flies the same But that's not how it won its fame. The one thing that amazes all Is how it lands rolled up in a ball. With no regard for rank or skill, It seems to crash almost at will. But we will solve the problem yet. We'll learn to catch it in a net. |
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| Art Benjamin administering last rites to U-10 |