William Koontz Page 11

4th Battalion 42nd Artillery

William Koontz Battery C 4/42 Artillery 1967-1968

Quad 50 calibers doing a demo.

Quad 50 working out.

Quad 50.

Our ride has arrived. Not sure if this is the Oasis or Ban Me Thout Airstrip.

We are going on a big mission.

Regulars at airfield. Mike Stevens F.O. Radio Operator is the one standing in front without helmet.

Flight line.

Section of above photo enlarged. Helicopter from Company A 4th AVN Battalion in foreground,
behind him on the runway is a Cessna 0-2 spotter plane. In right of photo is an AU-23 Pilatus Porter
of Air America (the aviation arm of the CIA.)

Right section of flight line photo enlarged. This C-47 (DC-3)
also belongs to Air America.

Another part of the flight line.

Section of above photo enlarged. On the left is a Curtis C-46 Commando of Air America.
On the right is a Huey "Slick" from "Blackjack" Company A 4th AVN BN.

Slicks landing, looks like a good day for ride. Notice slinged Howitzer and equipment to be lifted out.

Huey's wait in the grass while a C-123 Provider lands on the runway.

For a two prop plane, this thing moves fast. Fairchild C-123 Provider.

Up and away ! No wonder I am half deaf.

Another Montagnard village and crossing a river to another LZ.

Huey from Company A 4th AVN BN - "Blackjack" logo can be clearly seen on its nose.
Mail is brought in the red sack and boxes of C-Rations for us. I hope Mom sent some cookies.

Hey Dude come back with my cookies !