The H-21, a tandem rotor goes to fight in Vietnam

America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47
Chinook
December 13, 2006
Go!
The H-21, a tandem rotor goes to fight in Vietnam
Our intentions are to show how the CH-47 did its jobs in
Vietnam, Afghanistan and the humanitarian relief effort in
Pakistan. In good conscience, we cannot talk talk about the
CH-47's introduction to combat in Vietnam without first
talking about its predecessor tandem rotor helicopter, the H-21
"Shawnee." Both the Army and Air Force operated the H-21
in Vietnam. We'll only address the Army.
The helicopter developed so quickly that the military services
had a lot to learn about using it, especially in the areas of rapid
logistics movements and air assault. The Army, and the other
services, employed a variety of helicopters in Vietnam. All
together, approximately 12,000 helicopters served there. The
truth is that the helicopter industry lacked specific
requirements direction from the Army, and that resulted in
many designs.
From our perspective for this report, there were two
fundamental designs: the single rotor with vertical tail rotor
and the tandem rotor, which was the design used for the
Chinook.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Tandem rotor helicopters, a
brief history
CH-47 walk-around
The H-21, a tandem rotor
goes to fight in Vietnam
The Chinook gets its
initiation in the Vietnam
War
Fast forward to Afghanistan,
at war, and Pakistan, a
humanitarian role
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Click on book cover to learn more.
The H-21 tandem rotor, known as the "Flying Banana" and
"Sagging Sausage" to many, played a central role in driving
the combat and helicopter design requirements for airborne
assault and logistics movements.
"Thunderbird Lounge: An aviator's story about one early
transportation helicopter company," is a book by Major
General Robert J. Brandt, USA (Ret.) about the 33rd
Transportation Co. (Lt. Hel.) and the H-21 in Vietnam.
Commenting on the book, David L. Eastman underscores the
pioneering role played by the H-21 and its crews. He writes,
"The H-21's are graphically described (in this book) in all their
quirks and needs, as well as the skillful men who had to fly
them. I find the earliest years of Vietnam helicopter warfare
fascinating to read, as these men ... laid down the tracks for we
later aviators to utilize in the mid-sixties on..."
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
The H-21 had only one engine, a radial piston engine, driving
two rotors. We have seen capability numbers all over the map:
speed ranging from 90 mph (we believe to be a cruising speed
number) to as much as 132 (probably maximum speed); range
from about 265 mi. to 400 mi., service ceiling from 8,000 ft.
all the way up to 19,200 ft.
Ron Fiman (right) and unknown gunner at aft door of H-21 serial #135,
"Miss Zoe Ann," sometime between 1963-64. Presented by Ron Fiman and
117th AHC.
We have seen reports that they were armed with 7.62 mm or
12.7 mm door guns. However, we have also seen official
Army documents saying that early attempts to arm the H-21 at
the door were ineffective. We have also seen articles saying
the H-21s were unarmed. The photo above says that old #135
had a gun mounted and a gunner to fire it. Al Compton's unit
started receiving B-models in November 1962 and these were
"fitted with factory made rocket pods and quad 7.62 machine
guns."
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
While the aircraft itself was 84 ft. 4 in. long, her cabin was
actually fairly small. The interior cabin useful for cargo or
people was that area between the two red lines on this photo.
The entire aft end is occupied by engine, hydraulics etc.
Assault troops normally entered through the aft port door,
which was small, and slowed their movement on and off. It
was equally hard to upload and download cargo and wounded
troops. The forward starboard door, while the aircraft was on
the ground at rest, was too high off the ground to mount troops
or cargo quickly. While airborne, the flight cabin was level,
increasing crew comfort.
Let's take a look at the H-21's main cabin interior. This shot,
by Classic Rotors, is the best we've seen of the interior cabin.
H-21 interior. Presented by Classic Rotors.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Interior of a CH-21C. Presented by Wayne Buser's Soc Trang Army Airfield
1963.
We ran across a website by Laurent "Angus" Beauvais, who
has built a 1/48 model of a H-21 flown by the French in
Algeria in the late 1950s. The French relied heavily on the
H-21 in that war. By the way, the French liked using guns with
the aircraft. Beauvais is a very serious modeler, and has
presented two interesting photographs of the interior as he
built it for his model. He has paid close attention to detail. We
commend his site to you.
You can see the red ribbed seats on the side of the fuselage,
and provision for liters for wounded. The see again the main
cabin is not large.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
The cockpit, by Beauvais.
The cockpit, by Wayne Buser's Soc Trang Army Airfield 1963.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
The cockpit, by Burkhard Domke.
We also commend the website of Burkhard Domke to your
attention. He has some terrific photography of the German
H-21 at the Luftwaffenmuseum Berlin-Gatow. His photo of
the front flight cabin correlates well with Mr. Beauvais' model.
He has many more close-up shots of the aircraft, in effect,
providing a great walk-around.
An Army document entitled, "Fundamentals of Army Aviation
II," prepared by the US Army Transportation School and
published in April 1961, provides a transportation light
helicopter company Table of Equipment (TOE). It says, "An
H-21 company can lift approximately 280 troops, 28.8 short
tons of cargo, or 240 litter patients. In sustained effort, these
capabilities are reduced by 25 per cent, or the lift capability
can be adjusted by an aircraft availability factor which is
dependent on the duration of the operation." This document
says a company had two platoons, each platoon equipped with
five light transport helicopters. One H-21 could carry from
8-10 troops. If a company used all ten aircraft in its two
platoons, it could lift about 100 troops per trip, meaning that
to lift 280 troops would require three round-trips by the entire
company.
While Alaska is certainly a far different place than Vietnam,
the 12th Aviation Co. flew the H-21 in Alaska. You will recall
an earlier discussion explaining that the H-21 liked cold
weather, explaining why the USAF bought it for air rescue
operations in the Arctic regions. In any event, one officer
assigned to Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense
Artillery, the last US Nike-Hercules missile battalion, who
flew to work every day at Site Bay, Alaska aboard the H-21,
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
has said this about how the pilots flew the Shawnee:
"The pilots always chose their path based on needing an
open area in case of power failure and a need to make
an emergency landing. One evening, during crew
change, the wind picked up and the helicopter was
having trouble making any headway against the wind
coming up Cook Inlet. As chance would have it, the
chopper lost power. We came down just short of an open
area. Lots of toothpicks. The chopper ruined. All of our
crew escaped unharmed, but the pilots were in the
hospital for a few weeks. Everyone recovered fully.
That is, all but the chopper."
Let's get on to the Shawnee's service in Vietnam.
USNS Core approaching a berth in Saigon Harbor, June 17, 1965, with
Douglas EA-1F Skyraiders for the Vietnamese Air Force. Presented by
NavSource Naval History.
Elements of the Army's 8th (Ft. Bragg) and 57th (Ft. Lewis)
Transportation Companies (Light Helicopter) were the first to
arrive. Eighty-two H-21s (we believe all C-models) and about
400 men arrived in Saigon on December 11, 1961 aboard the
USNS Core, an escort carrier designed for moving cargo,
known to many as a "baby flattop."
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Shawnees over South Vietnam, 1962. Presented by wikipedia.
Their main job was to transport Army of the Republic of
Vietnam (ARVN) troops to battle areas and back. These were
the first US cargo-transport helicopters to be operated in
Vietnam. It is our understanding that these H-21s were the first
Army helicopters to enter the Vietnam War. By this we assume
researchers are saying the first to enter officially as part of
official Army aviation units. Whatever the case, the H-21s'
arrivals ushered in "a new era of airmobility in the US Army."
This was an important signal at the time that the US was going
to commit combat power to Vietnam.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
H-21s enroute to Vietnam on the USNS Croatan, 1962. Presented by the US
Army Transportation Museum.
The 8th staged out of Qui Nhon, and the 57th served in
southern III Corps, we believe stationed at Ton Son Nhut AB
in Saigon.
H-21 helicopters at Ton Son Nhut AB, on the other side of the fence from the
Army Security Agency (ASA) Cantonment area, August 1962. Note the crew
member carrying a machine gun. Photo credit: Al Russo
These two units were followed in early 1962 by the 33rd, 81st
and 93rd Transportation Companies along with the parent 45th
Transportation Helicopter Battalion.
View of flight line of the 33rd in September 1962. Aircraft have had
markings toned down. Note no gravel, revetments or buildings. Also, the
thunderstorm in the right background. US Army photo, courtesy of Ralph
Young, Author. Presented by 33rd Transportation Co.
The 33rd Transportation Co. (Light) set up shop at Bien Hoa,
near Saigon, with two platoons originally.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
The beginning: tents, red dirt, PSP flight line, Odd Pleiku, October 1962.
Presented by The Beginning, Camp Holloway, 1962, 81st Transportation Co.
The 81st Transportation Co. set down at Old Pleiku in the
strategic central highlands.
Aerial view of Soc Trang, on February 8, 1962. Fifteen H-21's are visible;
H-21C, s/n 56-2056 , and one other in the air, three just touched down on the
right side just south of the GCA antenna unit. Six more on the left side of the
apron and three in front of the 80th Trans. Det. hanger. US Army Photograph
from the collection of Ralph Young. Presented by Wayne Buser's Soc Trang
Army Airfield 1963.
The 93rd Transportation Co. initially went to Soc Trang.
All together, this marked the beginning of getting serious
about air assault. Air Assault means moving forces by
helicopter to engage and destroy enemy forces or to seize and
hold key terrain.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
H-21s loading up ARVN forces for departure to the combat zone, 1963.
Presented by the US Army Transportation Museum.
The 145th Combat Aviation Battalion (CAB) history describes
the H-21's early days. The history is fascinating. We commend
it to you. Just 12 days after the arrival of the 8th and 57th in
December 1961, they were engaged in their first airmobile
action in Vietnam in "Operation Chopper." The 145th's history
describes it this way:
CH-21Cs on the ramp with ARVN troops on ramp at Soc Trang waiting to
board. Presented by Wayne Buser's Soc Trang Army Airfield 1963.
"The first combat assault in Vietnam, on 23 December
1961, was conducted in pineapple fields about 10 miles
east of Saigon and just south of the village of Duc Hoa
with 30 aircraft from both the 8th and 57th
Transportation Companies participating. At dawn on the
morning of 23 December 1961, the pilots examined
their aircraft with unusual thoroughness. Each item on
the pre-flight check list was carefully scrutinized.
"Simultaneously the Vietnamese paratroopers quietly
and orderly broke themselves into chalk loads and
assembled around the helicopter that was to make
history for them. Slowly the time passed. One hour, two,
then three. The pilots laughed nervously as intelligence
patiently tried to get a fix on the radio that we were
after. Then the word came. Go!
"With the 57th Transportation Company leading into a
small page in history, thirty helicopters formed in
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
echelons right and left, gaining speed as they left the
Saigon Airport behind. On time, and on target, the
helicopters flared for a landing into an almost
impossible zone. Perpendicular rows of pineapple fields
deep in mud and water. If ever pilot training and
technique paid dividends, this was the day. Small arms
fire broke out immediately and several of the aircraft
were under fire as they departed the area to return for
additional troops and reinforcements. All the aircraft
departed this area but one.
"As the pilots looked back they could see the cloud of
black smoke and orange flames reaching for the sky and
there was little doubt as to what had happened. Another,
but undesirable first for the 57th Transportation
Company. The first aircraft to be lost to insurgent
activity while on an operational mission. Operation
Chopper was a great success."
ARVN troops board CH-21C at Soc Trang. Presented by Wayne Buser's Soc
Trang Army Airfield 1963.
They airlifted 1,000 ARVN paratroopers that day. The mission
was a success, largely because of the surprise element, and
presaged rapid growth in air mobility operations during the
war. This was the first tactical operation involving the air
movement of combat troops into battle.
Early on, the transportation companies required two pilots
flying the H-21. They worried about a pilot getting hit by
ground fire, and getting lost, especially in the heat of battle or
when over sparsely populated terrain.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
CH-21 pilot, believed to be Capt. Young, piloting serial #135. Presented by
Ron Fiman and 17th AHC.
The men flying these missions did so with very little
experience in tactical combat air movement operations,
precious little tactical direction, and almost no supporting
doctrine. In essence, they and those who followed wrote the
scripts. This was no easy chore, because the men and their
helicopters were spread far and wide throughout South
Vietnam, conditions making it tough to coordinate and pass on
lessons learned. For example, "how to" approach into and
select touch-down points in hot landing zones (LZ), and "how
to" avoid ground-fire while on their way. Thankfully, there
were veterans of the Korean War in the mix and there were
men who had the knack for seat-of-the-pants operations and
developing new ways of doing things.
H-21 crew pose with aircraft number 034, Vietnam, 1963. Presented by the
US Army Transportation Museum.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Stan Barkdoll was a H-21 crew chief with the 8th
Transportation Company (later changed to 117th Assault
Helicopter Co. (AHC) with introduction of Hueys) in 1963-64,
and comments, "Damn H-21 midcase transmission is about the
loudest noise you could possibly imagine." Robert Ryan, a
civilian who hopped rides on occasion with the H-21,
underlines the noise, saying flying as a passenger was "like
living inside a bass-reflex stereo cabinet." He also worried that
the aircraft vibration while in flight might disintegrate it! Al
Compton writes, "The old A models were good but we were
flying them into the ground. The hours were adding up on
them faster than we could count. We encountered severe
cracking and just plain not enough power."
Compton's unit started receiving B-models in November 1962.
These had more power.
The learning curve would be tough. The H-21 was involved in
rudimentary air mobility activity. They lacked most of the
support around them that later units would enjoy. In addition,
the ARVN knew nothing of air mobility. ARVN troops had to
be trained how to board, how to sit while airborne, and how to
disembark. Many were unenthusiastic aboard boarding.
The Marines issued a report called the COVAN Report which
presents verbatim responses of a sample of US Marines who
served in Vietnam as advisers, 1954-1973. The report is
entitled, "Communion in Conflict." In Chapter 10,
"Unsuccessful Incidents," one respondent described what it
was like to air assault a battalion of Vietnamese Marines into
combat when these Marines had never previously flown in a
helicopter. He said this:
H-21 serial #021 in LZ, sometime between 1963-64. Photo credit: Granger.
Presented by Ron Fiman and 17th AHC.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
"In April of 1963, the 2nd Battalion, Vietnamese Marine
Corps conducted a search and destroy operation west of
Camau as part of a Vietnamese Army operation on a
grand scale. The US Army provided 25 H-21 banana
helicopters which we were to use for a vertical assault.
HU1 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft provided close
air support. The 2nd Battalion, with a strength of about
700 composed of three infantry companies, arrived at a
dirt airstrip by truck. One minute after arriving we were
informed that the Marines would make the assault by
helicopter and the first wave was scheduled to take off
in one hour. The Marines had never used helicopters
prior to this time. The result was awful. The 25
helicopters were in a line a half a mile long. There was
no effective communication between the battalion
commander and his company commanders. The way it
worked out was that as many people that could fit in a
helicopter got aboard and they were transported to the
LZ in the middle of Viet Cong country. The choppers
returned for the next wave. Machine guns got on one
helicopter and the ammunition on another. Officers and
NCOs were not necessarily with their own troops. There
was no plan for getting the people into a fighting posture
at the LZ."
That said, at the time the old Banana was appreciated.
Brigadier General Jack Quinn, USA (Ret.) would say:
"As a non-pilot...as always, I recall you guys as the real
pros whom we all owe so much to. You certainly saved
the skin of many of my grunts and I --and I will always
thank, honor and love the guys of Army Aviation in
Vietnam 1962-1975. Your H-21s out of 'old' Pleiku flew
my 20th Vietnamese Ranger Battalion out of Kontum in
'62-'63."
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Blue Tail #085 CH-21 taxiing out at start of assault mission, sometime
between 1963-64. Presented by Ron Fiman and 117th AHC.
While searching around for information about the H-21, we
ran across a few names of these "pioneer army aviators."
General Brandt said they include Tommy Cruz, Joe
Henderson, Pop Edwards, "and the dynamic twins, the Good
Olsen and the Bad Olsen;" we are certain he mentions many
more in his book. Al Comption mentions Capt. "Drivin Ivan"
Slavich and Capt. Joel R. Steine, both pilots, and Spc5 Donal
Bunner, a crew chief, and Sgt William "Bill" Deal, a gunner
(KIA). Don Joyce, whose memoir is part of a compilation
entitled "Flight School," says that "Hank" Beau, while flying a
CH-21C, was the first Army aviator wounded in Vietnam.
The transportation companies enjoyed considerable success
with few losses during their first year. But in January 1963
came a rude awakening at Ap Bac, about 40 miles southwest
of Saigon.
ARVN Troops with CH-21. Presented by Steven Stibbens, "Jan2-3, 1963, AP
Bac, First Battle of the American War."
On January 2, ten H-21s were tasked to lift the ARVN 7th
Infantry Battalion into an area north of Tan Thoi. Poor
weather, mainly fog, slowed the operation down. CH-21s
approaching the area flew within range of light arms fire and
took multiple hits. They nonetheless got to their LZ and
unloaded their troops.
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America's "Happy Hooker," the CH-47 Chinook
Two downed H-21 helicopters at Ap Bac. Presented by wikipedia.
But one was too badly damaged to lift off. A second came in
to rescue the crew, but took extensive damage and had to
remain on the ground. Away from this area, a third CH-21 was
forced to land. Finally, a fourth CH-21 was forced to abort a
rescue after receiving heavy fire and was forced to land shortly
thereafter because of battle damage. The ARVN force was
defeated, its first major defeat by the Viet Cong insurgents,
and four CH-21s were lost.
All four companies and the parent were renamed in 1963:
118th, 119th, 120th, and 121st Lift Helicopter (Light)
companies, parented by the 145th Helicopter Battalion.
UH-1 Iroquois "Huey", photo courtesy of Global Security
Commencing in 1963 and continuing through May 1964, the
H-21s were replaced by the UH-1 "Huey." The Huey rapidly
became the helicopter of choice in Vietnam.
The CH-47 Chinook arrived in 1965, taking over tandem
rotor, heavy lift duties.
The Chinook gets its initiation in the Vietnam War
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