Access to History: Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot 

Here is a man who, by his own admission, barely graduated from high school. He is articulate, intelligent, sensitive and just plain smart. Contrast him and his ability to communicate with a high school graduate or even an university graduate today. Thank you for your sacrifices and service, sir.

I am a USAF Vietnam vet (72-73). I am virtually at a loss for words. I was so riveted to your interview it may have been the fastest 55 minutes of my life. There is no question God was your copilot and he did not fail you. I want to congratulate both you and your wife for a lasting marriage under such uncertain circumstances. What a strong commitment you both made. "Thank You" sir for your service to America and best wishes always.

I'm a female RAF AH64D/e pilot with 3 combat tours Afghan and Mr. Earles's interview has touched me deeply. I would like to be like him in later years telling my grandchildren of my experiences. I was conceited too, until someone told me of a Kipling rhyme which I Most Heavily paraphrase - " When you're shot-down and left on Afghanistan's plains; And the women come out to cut up what remains; Just roll to your pistol and blow out your brains; And go to your God as a Soldier; A Soldier of the Queen " - I'm now as humble as is Larry and hopefully, having acheived rank - forlornly aspire to be half as interesting, intuitively instructive and inspirational as Cmdr Earles. 'Heroes' are always forgotten but a legacy of teaching and guidance will outlast

I personally know Larry and Nora Earles when they lived in El Paso, TX. I taught with his wife at the same school and had the privilege of being his son's 4th grade teacher. They are wonderful people. They left El Paso in the 80's and lost contact with them. I wish we can connect again.

Flew Charlie and Mike models in III Corps and Cambodia mainly nights. This gentleman speaks in a level , knowledgeable no BS manner and it was very satisfying listening to him. Being an OH-6 pilot in I Corps must have been a very challenging and exciting time.

This is a man you’d definitely want on your team. A born pilot, he just didn’t know it till he answered the call. Thank you, sir.

My dad is a Vietnam Vet and when I was in Afghanistan I was on the phone with him when we started taking incoming and I just stayed calm and lied and said my platoon sergeant was calling me so had to go told him I loved him and ran out of the conex scared as I could be but soldiers know not to let their families know about that kinda thing it doesn't help anyone you just tell them that it's boring and everything is going well. Thank you to everyone of our outstanding Vietnam vets the toughest of all our Veterans.

He reminds me of the meter reader I met when I was about 8. When I saw him coming down the street I would run in the house to get him an ice cold bottle of coke, just to watch him open the bottle with his prosthetic hooks, hands. To me he was the incredible hulk. Watching him finish that drink and handing me the bottle. I remember asking my mother about his super hero hands and her telling me he came back from this place called Vietnam. Truly, you sir are still my hero.

One of the best interviews I've seen of military heroes. Amazing person.

A dear friend recently passed away served 2 tours as helicopter pilot in Nam spent the rest of his military career as a instructor...RIP Dave....

I love how he describes things. "Two pilots shot down twice in 30 minutes. They had a much more exiting afternoon than I did." LMAO!!!!

I really enjoyed this interview, thanks in large part to the young man who interviewed Mr. Earles. He asked good questions and listened until Mr. Earles was finished. Never interrupted once. Because of that courtesy, the interview flowed easily and was very interesting.

What a cool guy, especially how he re-established his relationship with his wife......big salute!

What struck me, was the clear, concise manner in which Mr. Earles answered the questions. There appeared to be no attempts to embellish or inflate the experiences he had, just clear answers to what must have been some harrowing events in his life at the time.

2 back to back tours (2 years straight) of Army aviation combat at low level over the jungles of Vietnam against a savage, determined enemy. What guts, these guys make me proud to be American. This warrior sounds like a descent, kind man as well. Thankyou for your service sir

This man is very well spoken. I can tell this man is grateful for life

Thank you, I was a doorgunner with 2 tours also, 1970-1972. So many thoughts popped into my mind, thank you for the memories.

My Dad served in Vietnam in the infantry. I’m so sorry you had to go through that in that Seattle airport. My Dad had a similar experience in San Francisco airport. You guys are heroes, you more than answered the call. Thank you so much!

I stumbled across this interview. The young man doing the interview is the next great generation and did a very good interview. I'm a drafted disabled Republic of Vietnam 1st Aviation combat veteran '68. I was a crew chief that trained on the OH 6 at Fort Eustis, Virginia in 1967. I was trained to be a crew chief on the UH-1 too. About 5 months of training. I was sent to Vietnam as an OH 6 Crew Chief. The OH 6 had a push pull type system with no hydraulics and no need for the hydraulic oil. The engine was a little gem. I had a pilot that shot a hole in the rotor blade with his revolver. I guess these guys learnt from us. Eaglegards...

I was a paratrooper, but the closest I ever felt to flying was a LOACH ride off FB Birmingham towards Camp Eagle. I was a Pathfinder at the time and operated hand in hand w/aviation, so this pilot decided he was gonna show me what he could do, and it was a thrill, to say the least. Those guys could fly them under jungle canopy and maneuver out, amazing skill.

A magnificent testimony of American's warriors. A well-done to all. From an 83 yr-old Marine.

Mr Earles, from the UK I'd just like to say how much I enjoyed hearing of your Vietnam experience, a true gentlemen and a true American hero. How your fellow countrymen treated you and your fellow brothers and sisters in arms on return was a disgrace. You are all heroes. I salute you sir.

Sometimes the Internet produces some quality content. What a well balanced individual he turned out to be. Thoroughly enjoyable...

Your story sound so familiar with what I wanted to do on graduation from college, only to serve in 'Nam. I was selected for Armor OCS and the day following college graduation in '67, was inducted, beginning the journey through Basic, AIT, and OCS at the Armor School, Ft. Knox, KY. I had never been physically challenged in life and I loved my training ... couldn't get enough! My story finds me losing my way during OCS as a former "love" distracted me from my "mission" of volunteering for 'Nam, but I was commissioned a 2Lt, not in Armor but in the Adjutant General Corp stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA and got married in '68 The Army knew what it was doing by taking me out of Combat Arms & placing me in an admin position where I could do no harm to anyone. I ended up leaving the Army wishing that I had been able to serve in Vietnam, in combat. Crazy, I know. Many have assured me that I had missed nothing but I still wonder what the experience would have done for me. I loved my Armor training. I wanted to go to "jump school" & survival school. Somehow, it was not to be & possibly why I am alive today. But I will always admire those of you who "kept busy" in the military, earning your CIB and many service recognitions. I am now retired and life has been very good to me. Divorce of my "love" distraction of 1968 after 20 years finds me married to a wonderful lady who kind of understands me after 33+ years. I often wonder if she, like your Nora, would have waited for me to finish my dream life with the Army. Thank you for sharing your "LOACH" & Huey experiences with us. All together you required "only the best" of yourself with the Army, in government service, and as a husband & father. You are 1st class and a wonderful credit to the Army and your service in safe administration. Thank you for your service! Jack

Nice job of letting Mr Earles finish all of his thoughts and not interrupting him. People don't tune in to listen to the interviewer. Questions were well thought out, and relevant. Mr Earles you are a hero! Thank you for your service.

I know this is and Old interview but here's a SALUTE to you sir!

A humble man worthy of respect

Really appreciated this interview!! I also served in Vietnam in 1968 and flew OH-6A's. Larry was a warrant officer and I was a commissioned officer (1st Lt while in Vietnam) so our training path was subtlely different but basically the same!! I am amazed at the commonality of his experiences and mine and would love to meet him at some point!!

All high school I took military training. Wanted to be a pilot which I did at 17 years old finally. Went to enlist to be a helicopter pilot at end of 1970 when 18 years old. My mother trashed the letters from the recruiters. Also hung the phone on them when they called. Kept me in a college i hated instead. I could have ended up shot up in Nam and killed, Heli pilots were shot down by hundreds a month in 1971-72. Thanks for your service, Captain.

You, sir, are an inspiration. Your wife, also, is obviously a very special lady. TOTAL RESPECT.

I want to add to the complement given to the interviewer. So many times the person interviewing disrupts the flow of the conversation. Thank you Mr. Earles for sharing your life story. Thank you for your service to your country.

Great video, I was in Nam too in the Infantry. Served in Americal, 11th LIB, Delta Company 1st/20th Inf. I posted a tribute to the last Chaplain to be killed in combat along with 10 other men. It all happened in front of me after Chaplain Merle Brown came out to our bush location on Easter Sunday 1971 to bring us hot food and give us Easter Services. I sat next to him for over an hour and talked with him. I felt he was my new best friend. I was devastated as I watched the explosions of his helicopter and knew he was probably dead.

Who could possibly give this a thumbs down?! What a hero this man is for his country. Great job by the student.

I have had the opportunity to meet Larry a couple times now, and he is a total gentleman. I really enjoyed listening to your story, Larry! I appreciate you and your service! :)

Larry, I too am a vet of Viet Nam, Jan.1966 - Jan 1967. I too spent a year and half at Fort Hood , Tx. I got out in July 1968. I want to say THANK YOU for your service and a wonderful story. God is watching over you. Thank you

"I wanted to be a sniper." Army sends him to flight school.

I'm an old 67-N ARNG helicopter fixer. Thank you for your service.

I was in the AF as a crew chief on jets . After that I went to Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic and sheet metal repair . I have the utmost respect for both services pilots but these helicopter pilots in all services are truly brave warriors . I flew with the Army pilots in Vietnam just to travel around but I was glad that I didn’t have to do it every day or so like they did . Flying low level with no protection is not a occupation conducive to longevity . These men are true heroes.

A BIG salute to this great American. 🇺🇸

Very good and smart interviewer, not interrupting and letting the interviewee tell his own story.

What an amazing story--I can't believe you got back in a helicopter after every crash landing! wow. I was lucky enough to have a Vietnam vet helicopter pilot when doing wildlife work in roadless areas of SE Alaska. He was so confident getting us in and out of tight spaces--you could tell he knew exactly what his craft was capable of. Once he took my coworker and I on a little flight where he skimmed an alpine ridge at low altitude and then took the helicopter in a steep dive down the other side, joking, "sometimes the engine does stall when you do this." We always felt so safe with him, which makes sense since he must have had soooo much flying under his belt compared to the civilian pilots I have flown with. Thank you for sharing your personal story of the war. These oral histories are so valuable for current and future generations. Thank god you survived to come home, but it must have been a tough transition. Thankfully nobody seems to blame service men and women now for things that are in the hands of politicians--back then was a crazy time in the US, lots of anger and politicians seemed so distant and inaccessible. Times have changed and I'm sure anyone who jeered a soldier back then must feel awful about it now.

What a guy. Thank you for your service.

I was in Vietnam about the same time Warrent Officer Earles was there, '68-'69. I was with the 595 Signal Company and we supported the Big Red One in DiAn and several other posts. I remember well when the copters would return from a mission as the runway was right behind our hootches. So many times the copters would just barely get back to base and crash land near where I lived those many years ago and so many were thrown from their aircraft when it crashed. We would run out and help them as best we could. It was so sad, but we were glad they made it back. One of my classmates was a Medic on one of those copters that never made it back. R.I.P. Larry Van Meter from Bluffton, Ohio, I miss you buddy.

Absolutely fabulous interview, top marks to the interviewer and the interviewee. Really enjoyed this. What a hero. Thank you, from the UK

As a civilian heli pilot I am in awe of these men.

Love this story. I to was in Nam and was spit on when I returned to Travis on a medi vac flight. I would not be alive today if pilots like you weren't there. You saved many lives. Thanks for your service.

Mr. Earles... THANK YOU for YOUR service!!!

How can 200 people dislike this mans life story?

One of the best interviews I have ever seen, what a brave, honest individual whom answers his questions thoughtfully.Sorry you lost ya mates Larry. Thankyou for your service.

So understated, so HONEST, so HEROIC, and a man who continued to serve after his war... Be proud of you life, Sir, we are honoured to hear you share your experience. You, Sir, are THE EMBODIMENT of all that's fine and good in the US Serviceman. One of the best and most informative RU-vid interviews I've ever seen. xx SF

As soon as i see the killer egg and he mentioned hunter killer teams i was like please be a scout pilot! Then he said i flew out in front was like yuss! These guy's where the bad boy's of Vietnam war army aviation. This should be good. Now back to the interview!

Mr Earles, Job well done. I salute you and all the men who flew in the Nam. I was the WOC who designed the safety sign that our class (68-27 - 68-515) built at the Y at Ft. Wolters. I had been a concrete finisher prior to entering the Army and with my classmates we built that sign. Quite a task for young men. Being in 68-515, 2 week accelerated program, I never got to see it finished but I see it is still standing on googlemaps. Left the military in late 69 and sold insurance most of my life. Raised a great family and now PAPA to 5 grand kids. I too was spit on and had a little old lady throw a can of urine are me. We were not liked and I lost jobs too by including VN on my resume. Learned to quit that. Glad you made it and God Bless you!

You are an extraordinary human being. I wish you a peaceful, content, happy, long, life

Larry Earles...Thank you for your service. You show remarkable courage, honor, integrity and patriotism. Welcome back home to the land of the free and the brave thanks to your contributions, dedication and commitment.

You are an articulate man who lives with pain of war. Thank you for your service and God bless you and your family.

Very nice interview jack black. And thank you captain Larry Earle

Hi Squirrel, This is Stan Jaworski I watched the whole video, One of the best. I still communicate with Joe Gwizdak and Jim Tomes. I am glad your life turned out OK. You and Mr. Phelps were the pilots I admired the most. I have a poster in my office taken out of the bunker we lived in.

If I’m ever half the man that this soldier is I’ll be very happy. Salute to you sir.

A friend of my fathers was a chopper pilot in vietnam, survived being down by enemy fire 3 times, hearing what these crews had to deal with was pretty unreal.

you can tell this was very emotional for him talking about his experiences

Thank you for your service. I was deeply moved by your interview and you are a genuine hero. Words not enough

One of best interview l have seen on Vietnam , what a great person and a true hero , welcome home ,God bless kind sir 🇺🇸

I was in Pleiku, Dak To, Ben Het. Combat Engineers. This clip brings back alot of memories. Flew on recon 1 time as a Combat Engineer. Mine swept road from Kontum to Dak To many times. Thks again. God Bless all who served their country there. Sp5 Larry C. White, 4/69 to 3/70.

An honour and a privilege - thank you sir...

What a humble man such dignity thank you for sharing your story

As a kid in my early teens I can remember visiting the USA on holiday from Ireland and watched with horror and disgust as a soldier on home leave from Vietnam was abused by his own country men at JFK airport New York, even then as a kid I knew the cowards that abused this soldier hadn't the balls to stand in his shoes.

AaI will be eternally grateful for these pilots & copilots crewcheifs& door gunners for getting us in & out of some horrendous situations & saving our lives!

I fought in Iraq (Baghdad) in may of 03. When the man was asking questions i would answer him before Mr. Earles did and remarkably we had the same exact answers for most the questions. Yes, mail call was the brightest part of the day but for some was the worse part as well. Also we didn't have access to phones in fobs (foward operating base) only when we got to go to the Baghdad international airport where the Division command was set up. Towards the end of my tour, the did start allowing Iraqi on the fob and they brought satellite phones we used to call home once a week for about 10 mins. Time flies almost 20 years have gone by and the sites and smells of war are still fresh in my mind. I just want to salute all the veterans that have served, are currently serving, and will serve in the future. God bless you and especially all my brothers that paid the ultimate sacrifice. " It shall be done"

Had two Vietnam tours. Only time I was disrespected was by the son of reporter Bob Considine. That occured at a party in Long Branch, N.J. 1967. My two tours were 1965-66, 1969-70. Then went to Panama for four years and retired 1980 as a major. I did my first solo Cessna 150 at Robert Gray Army Airfield. Yes, I was scared as well. Came home 2d tour 19 July 1970.

Excellent interview. Jacob's questions were concise and thought-provoking. The photo presentation and other production values were spot on and very well done. Larry Earles was flat out amazing. EXCELLENT interview. Kudos to everyone involved with this production. I just stumbled upon it today. Better late than never.

Two tours with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. I was a Forward Observer where we did multiple combat assaults, then 5 months a Liaison Officer for the 3/503. I flew 450 plus hours with the Battalion Commander. The Huey Pilots were nothing short of amazing men, courageous and caring about the soldiers. We lost hydraulics twice and were shot down twice. Everytime the skill of the pilots was extraordinary. The risks they were willing to take always exceeded expectations. I was in awe of the pilots and the door gunners. There was always a tendency to take them for granted. I doubt that they ever received the credit they deserved.

watched from mongolia repect to this succesful pilot im a chef pilot too ive learned soo much from him nice interview

Semper Fi from a Marine and Army OEF vet! Thank you for your service!

Wow! Great stories. My Dad was a Huey and Cobra pilot in Vietnam and he told me many stories such as the ones this gentleman told. I have so much respect and admiration for these guys and for my father! Thank you for your service.

That description of what pilots are like brought back memories of my father. He flew cobra gunships in 1969, I can still remember when he was over there. RIP dad. Thank you for your service Mr. Estes.

Thank you Larry for sharing your experiences as a Army helicopter pilot. God Bless you and your wife and thank you for your service. The more we hear about our American history the better the chance we can survive as a nation of free men and women dedicated to free speech, and liberty. Older fellows like you can teach our young people the missing parts of history they do not get in the public schools anymore due to PC culture blocking the truth. They need to know the truth, good and bad in order to lead others in the future. Thanks again for taking the time to share. 👍👍✌

I am HIGHLY impressed by the way Jacob conducted this interview! Better than many professionals we see around! Mr Larry Earles is an amazing guy! I wish there was more people like him I wish you Sir and your family all the very best!

Thank you Mr. Earles for your service and for opening up and helping us understand more of what you and the other members went through. Stay well and be safe.

Thanks, Larry and I am so glad you made it home.

Great interview, great story. Thanks Larry Earls, thanks to the interviewer, great job.

This is the most remarkable story.

THANK YOU LARRY !

For those who are interested in the type of activity, he was involved. A book called "Low-level hell" talks in detail of the risks, daily routine and procedures of a Hunter-Killer group.

this has been time well spent The young man asking the questions was both respectful and well prepared. I thank him and Mister Earls for taking their time to speak to us. I Thank Mr Earls for his service.

Thank you again for your service, Larry.

I'm really glad I found this video. Mr. Earles gave a very clear view of his time in Vietnam. You can tell that recounting his story was very poignant for him.

young people today have no cluethank you sir for your service,

I THANK GOD FOR MEN LIKE YOU. THANKS FOR ALL YOU DID.. YOUR A VERY LUCKY MAN. AND A TRUE AMERICAN!!

An outstanding and very respectful interview. Mr. Larry Earles thank you so very much for your service and welcome home. Honor salute to you and to all who have served, thank you.

What an articulate interviewee. Great stories, well told. As a veteran (1966-1970), I can relate to some parts of his history, but he has opened up some new aspects of a veteran's military days.

Jacob you did a perfect interview! Great Job! You let the man talk and you were humble and patient in your interview!

An honourable and honest man, very best wishes

Amazing story, thank you for your service and the sacrifice of your youth Mr. Earles.

With much respect sir I salute you. May peace be with you my friend. ✌

My father was part of the Hunter / Killer teams or "Pink Teams." He flew the AH1G Cobra and always had the utmost respect for the "Loach" pilots and the courage those men had while attempting to flush out the enemy. I know he lost many friends and fellow pilots who flew these helicopters in such dangerous situations. My father passed away at a young age from cancer due to Agent Orange. I wonder if Mr. Earles has had any problems with AO exposure due to his time in Vietnam? Thank you for your service, Mr. Earles and I thank Mr. Ehlers for conducting such an important and enlightening interview.

Thank you. The Veteran is an Icon of " Land of The Free, Home of the Brave "

That’s what an American hero is folks!!! Thank you Mr. Eagles for sharing your story and your service!! God bless you!!

You were the Bait. And those choppers were incredibly maneuverable-my favorite chopper to fly. Love the speed, the agility, the just plain fun you can have flying these ships. Unfortunately it’s not “fun” in your circumstances. Massive respect. Thank you, sir.

What a great documentary. I remember those times very well. I turned 18 in the summer of 1971. The draft was the lottery system then and my number was never call. My half Brother did back to back tours. I had a few close friend go to V.N. And they returned physically intact. We owe a lot of gratitude to our veterans. I’ll never understand how the hippies who were supposed to be about love treated the Veterans with such disgusting hate. Did I enlist? No, and I was glad not to be drafted, but I had much respect for our service men and women for their bravery and commitment.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024. I listened to many Vietnam RU-vid videos with a similar interview format and this one is one of the best. Both gentlemen communicated perfectly, the interviewer, with a soft voice who listened and did not interject, and the interviewee who replied to the questions very thoughtfully and with excellent comunication skills.