Bound together for all time by blood
and common nightmares – We are Brothers Forever

L to R – Doug Schultz, Rusty Glenn, Stan Esckilsen, Vic Bandini

The Summer ’69 Firebirds flew and fought together in Vietnam during the Summer of 1969. The small group of pilots, crew chiefs, and door gunners meet annually for a few days of fellowship and camaraderie at various locations around the United States.

Firebirds is the given name of the UH-1C (Charlie model Huey) armed helicopter platoon of the 71st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) headquartered at Chu Lai, Republic of South Vietnam.

Ramona Henderson, wife of the first 71st AHC Commander, gets credit for naming the Firebirds after Stravinsky’s ballet. Who would have thought Vietnam gunship warriors were named from a ballet!

(c) Copyright – 2023 Vic Bandini