How often did Huey door gunners get hit during the Vietnam War? Why didn’t they get shields for protection?

2020-10-15T21:17:51-04:00

Question&Responds: How often did Huey door gunners get hit during the Vietnam War? They seem very vulnerable and were often shown being hit by Hollywood. Was that accurate? Why didn’t they get shields for protection?

Terry Kulisek, Helicopter door gunner 269th Combat Avn, Bn., Cu Chi 67-68

First, door gunners were INVICIBLE, we never worried of injury (at 18yoa) we had no fear. Second, any material between us and those trying to kill us was cumbersome and in the way, returning fire was our answer and a clear view was needed. We wore and sat on chicken plates (ceramic/steel vest inserts ) and that would suffice. Although anyone with time in the air lost friends and fellow crewmates to hostile fire and crashes, it was NEVER going to be you, so goes the frame of mind?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 15 at 2020 11:34 PM

2020-10-15T23:34:49-04:00

Why didn't they have shields? Aside from the engine and transmission there wasn't anything in the bird that would stop a bullet. Many crews detail the rounds punching through the aluminum belly or the plexiglass bubbles. Parts of the bird were magnesium and burned.

The aircraft weight, high humidity, and high heat all reduced the lift and payload. They had a tough time just lifting. Now add armor...

The slicks were carrying infantry squads which all had to get out through the same two doors. The gunners did have a little place to sit but it's all the same exit space.

LTC Wayne Dandridge , I miss anything?

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 16 at 2020 7:11 AM

2020-10-16T07:11:51-04:00

Well, my buddy Bob served 2 1/2 tours as a Gunner, got hit twice, the last time got him medically retired. I asked him why he kept going back and his response was almost verbatim to that of Bunny in Platoon.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2020 8:21 AM

2020-10-16T08:21:49-04:00

I think that's how most 18y/o feel when they're out in combat. It's a defense mechanism to handle the fear. "I can't show fear, so instead I'll bury it and act like this major stressor isn't a stressor at all!"

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 16 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-10-16T10:43:43-04:00

In regards to shields it just isn't feasible. The whole point of aviation is to be able to stay on station as long as possible, travel as far as possible and carry as much as possible. Large steel shields would have increased weight, reduced range and taken up room that would have been filled by equipment or troops. Also considering Huey's are light skinned aircraft the ricocheted rounds would have damaged the aircraft. The russians proved that heavily armored helos look cool but aren't nearly as practical.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 16 at 2020 7:03 PM

2020-10-16T19:03:45-04:00

One reliable source publishes 2197 pilots and 2704 aircrew died in Vietnam and 47% of the helicopters assigned to the theater were destroyed. I myself had 2 gunners wounded. Our gunners, as well as the pilots and crew chiefs generally wore ceramic plate bullet bouncers, but you've got to realize the aerodynamic brake and additional weight a "shield" would have represented.
Besides, as Terry Kulisek said: "We were INVINCIBLE" or maybe naive?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 16 at 2020 9:34 PM

2020-10-16T21:34:34-04:00

Common Top- Shields, were mostly wearing /sitting on flack jackets. Only bullet shield were what they put on CAV/M113 Vehicles. Too damn big and too damn heavy- would cut their lift cap by at least 1- maybe 2 pax., Also- bug one- cut down on gunner mobility. Also anything that missed gunnies, was probably hitting transmission, so bye bye birdie.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Oct 19 at 2020 5:21 PM

2020-10-19T17:21:45-04:00

Goes with the age. Young warriors are indestructible, as is their civilian counter parts. Never gave it a thought until near the end of my career.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Oct 19 at 2020 8:39 PM

2020-10-19T20:39:37-04:00

Young and invincible.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 19 at 2020 9:26 PM

2020-10-19T21:26:34-04:00

Helicopters in general were at risk. Over 5,000 went down.

Response by LTC Gary Earls made Oct 22 at 2020 11:14 PM

2020-10-22T23:14:42-04:00

What shields are you writing about?? In my aviation company, C/158th, 101st Airborne Division, the back plates of our protective chest protectors and gave them to our door gunners and crew chiefs. We had a shortage of check protectors. During my aviation tour, I didn't loose any crew member. And yes, we saw lots of fire fights in Northern I Corps.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Oct 31 at 2020 5:34 PM

2020-10-31T17:34:27-04:00

As a Crew Chief and Door Gunner in Vietnam '65 to '66 for an Attack Helicopter Company, my first Chopper had 23 bullet holes in it when I had to put her on a ship and send her home. You pretty much nailed who we were and I Salute you and thank you for that.
BTW, two days after I left for the States my Company moved North and I was told we lost half of our Company. Tore me apart! God Bless you my Brother and glad your home!