Helicopter Pilot’s Unforgettable War Stories From Vietnam

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After being drafted into the Army in 1969, Stephen Franich Jr. completed training as a helicopter pilot and deployed to Vietnam in 1971. Franich would spend the ensuing twelve months flying combat operations with both the 134th and 129th Assault Helicopter Company.
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Chapters:
0:00 - Saying Goodbye
1:43 - Shot Down
5:25 - Witnessing Death
11:08 - Homecoming
14:50 - Worked Like a Charm
18:30 - Reflections
Welcome to the largest RU-vid channel exclusively dedicated to the Vietnam War. We strive to build a better future by learning from the past. All participants - and their military citations - have been vetted. For the sake of privacy, we do not share veteran contact information.
Do you know a Vietnam veteran, survivor or witness that should be interviewed? Send us an email at the address below.
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Опубликовано:

28 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 284

@scottcaldwell7480 14 дней назад

Sir, you earned the right to be as emotional as you want anytime, anywhere.

@JohnNiehaus-iz1fd Месяц назад

Love the St. Christopher story. May your Mom Rest In Peace.

@barsoom43 Месяц назад

Huey pilot, 68th AHC, Bien Hoa, 68-69.. My story is very similar to his story.. My mother draped the Miraculous Medal around my neck.. I too never turned down a mission.. It helped too that our church was right across the street from our home.. My mother never mentioned it but I am sure she spent a lot of time over there.. I needed all the help I could get..

@mrwest5552 24 дня назад

@barsoom43 - Thank You for your Service there.🇺🇸 Question : did you or others on your ship crew drip fuel into the sand filled cookie tin, place an empty tin on top to boil water for coffee per: Robert Mason ?

@barsoom43 24 дня назад

@@mrwest5552 Huey's had several fuel cell drains on the belly... What we did sometimes was fill a can with sand and wet it with fuel.. take an old style beer can opener and puncture across the top of the can to make little spikes sticking up.. Then light the JP-4 and set a can of food on top of the impromptu heater and warm the contents.. Had to be careful with that because we could get a scramble notice at any moment and have to pull pitch.. so there you'd be with a hot can and half warmed food.. Mostly, I ate my C's cold but I do have a picture of one of those little heaters.

@mrwest5552 23 дня назад

@@barsoom43 - thank you for your reply Sir - Mason's was largely the same recollection. cookie tins and army instant coffee, no sleep, engine shut down on the top of a knoll having flown all night, ate their cookies drank their coffee sittin' in the seat. back when i was young dumb and full of cum U.S. Forest Service brought on aux fire crews and i humped. we weren't given much beyond water so when a Forest Service crew gave up their old rats we thought it was payday. 🇺🇸

@raymondfryar1533 20 дней назад

Glad you made it back for your sake and mom's. Thanks for your sacrifice.

@barsoom43 20 дней назад

@@raymondfryar1533 Thank you.. Later in life, I turned my flight skills into more productive work as an air ambulance pilot for a major university hospital program.. flew over 5K medical flights in 26 years.

@Slcm02 Месяц назад

God Bless. I was a CW2 pilot in 4 corps in 69/70. Glad we both made it back.

@jackharle1251 26 дней назад

Thank you, Brother

@maninthemiddle55 Месяц назад

To you, good sir, and all those who served with the integrity with which you did, whether they came back alive or not, we thank you.

@josephdirvin401 Месяц назад

Chopper Pilots were life savers. Lima Platoon, A Co., 1/26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. Oct. 1, 1966- Oct. 1,1967. To all my dear pals, who gave all.

@jackharle1251 26 дней назад

Thank you, Brother

@josephdirvin401 Месяц назад

As a 11B I was amazed at the bravery, skill and tenaciousness of the ”Chopper” pilots.

@Navygrl58 Месяц назад

What an incredible story that was! 🙏🇺🇸.

@jeffreypinder9398 Месяц назад

Well done, Sir. Family is everything and family isn't always blood connected.

@probro101 Месяц назад

Such a heartfelt interview from a good man. It tugged on my heartstrings

@kevbrown7137 Месяц назад

Emotional 🙏 Salute... They called... He hauled..

@Combat556 Месяц назад

Very emotional story, thank you for sharing. I was a Marine stationed there near the DMZ in 1967-68 during the TET OFFENSIVE. I’ll never forget it.

@Buce-ku9vx 29 дней назад

What division, battalion, company, squad were you in troop?

@Combat556 29 дней назад

@@Buce-ku9vx HQ Co. 4th Marines, Communications

@smokeyp7565 Месяц назад

Thank you for sharing your story..Thank you for serving.

@ScaleHangar182 Месяц назад

Mr, You are a true hero!

@ritaschultz6859 4 дня назад

I saw posts from other Vietnam vets who called these Huey pilots angels in the sky ! Thank you for your service, your skill , bravery,and your honorable 🌹service to our country 🇺🇸 God Bless you ✝️

@-Cece Месяц назад

Thank you for your service and for those who served with you and after you. God Bless.

@ejsocci2630 Месяц назад

Welcome home and thank you so much for your service.❤️🇺🇸

@suepantos-fp6uk Месяц назад

My husband was there in the infantry. He was a lucky one that made it home.

@anthonycoiner5312 Месяц назад

Yes Sir you will see him one day and..He'll thank you for trying to save him!..God Bless You Sir..

@ellisandrews440 Месяц назад

My mom gave me a Saint Christopher’s medal to wear when I went to fly in the air force. I served and I am still here and will be 80 in September

@jayr5331 22 дня назад

Thank you for your sacrifice. It is very much appreciated. Thanks again.

@THEELTOPIAN1909 17 дней назад

THANK YOU!!!

@johnashep109 14 дней назад

Do you still wear the saint Christopher

@ellisandrews440 14 дней назад

@@johnashep109 Whenever I travel I wear it. As a matter of fact I just came back from. two week trip and wore it all the time

@patfromamboy 10 дней назад

What is a St. Christopher’s medal?

@ricardomorales7020 Месяц назад

I never called anyone a hero But you sire are one, l've hear lot of helicopter pilots stories from Vietnam ,and there's no doubts of your heroic deeds while there. All in all its one of the best and happiest Vietnam stories I've heard. Mom prays are blessing. Thank you sir 🙏

@Neptune730 6 дней назад

Thank you Sir for your courage and your service. And to all our service men and women. Thank you!!! I unfortunately never severed and wished I would have. You all have my respect and admiration.

@dannymckinley1545 Месяц назад

Absolutely incredible. Thank you for your service to America.

@xSGTxPEPPERx 6 дней назад

11B here. These guys always put themselves in harms way just to save our asses on many occasions. Hearing those rotary blades off in the distance was always a relief.

@jaftb2012 Месяц назад

Beautiful story sir! We all owe your family our gratitude ❤

@Dave-hc6pp Месяц назад

Welcome home Brother.

@garyluck8502 Месяц назад

Thanks for your service please remember you did your best!!! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!! Thanks67 was my year

@brucehinds7269 9 дней назад

Welcome home Brother. We were there and wearing our St Christopher medals at about the same time. I went over in Feb 72 and came home the end of Jan 73. My grandmother had a medal blessed by the bishop of her church and told me to wear it, that it would protect me . . . We saw a bunch of action that spring with the Easter Invasion, the stand downs and all, troops were going home everywhere but those of us the flew just changed units and flew special forces or ARVN support. Although many around me got shot up, my helicopter never took a hit. I tell the story on occasion but never heard anyone else with the same story. Thanks for sharing . . .

@greensombrero3641 Месяц назад

brilliant record Sir - thank you for sharing it for the future to learn

@krinkov7629 Месяц назад

Thank you for serving and doing your best. You didn't waver sir! Glad you made it home. Salute!

@TheGeorgiaRover 7 дней назад

Sitting here, floored. Wow. What an experience. Guys like this are truly special, indeed. Grateful for his service. ✌🏻

@jward9637 6 дней назад

I'm always impressed with these helicopter pilots. These guys had nerves of steel and bravery was never questioned. Semper Fi

@bradleymiller7375 Месяц назад

Thanks for ur service! Tears flowing!!

@roberts1938 Месяц назад

An extremely touching story that catches your voice in throat. War is not for good people, but unfortunately bad people start wars and good people have to end them.

@jackdacop9827 4 дня назад

As a retired Chicago Police officer I had St. Michael with me everyday. Saints are awesome and always there to help.

@robedwards4636 Месяц назад

Thank you for sharing your experience, your service and your passing on the heritage with your grandson!

@ExtremeRecluse 3 дня назад

Huey Pilot, 87-96, medevac most of the time. My heart goes out to you Steve and your St Christopher.

@janetmessman95 23 дня назад

And Go Your Way In Safety. St Christopher goes with me everywhere. Glad he was with you. God Bless You. 52 years wearing a POW-MIA bracelet

@jameslong9921 5 дней назад

May I ask who the POW-MIA bracelet belonged to or who it was made in remembrance for? I'm just curious because obviously it can't have been made for you, you not being either a prisoner of war or missing in action.

@janetmessman95 4 дня назад

@@jameslong9921 Charles L Hoskins . My first one was Frederick Masterson who was a POW and was released in probably 1973. Sadly he was killed in an automobile accident

@robertgraham5619 Месяц назад

Thank you for telling us your story. I'm very touched and inspired. I've heard that real heroes never consider themselves heroes, they just do what is needed to be done. How amazing you are still that "hero" willing to go back if needed! Thank you for being you!

@bradleymiller7375 Месяц назад

@robert, AMEN!!

@jasoncharles8651 Месяц назад

Right on brother.

@MySingleName Месяц назад

You say “inspired”, but have you done anything with that inspiration? Such as something as small as, donations to a veterans centre that helps to fight homelessness when they come home. Or something as big as joining the military yourself to make that change

@billjames3030 Месяц назад

God Bless this amazing soldier and his family. We are very grateful for your service to our nation. ❤

@tammyalbertsen9522 Месяц назад

I know so many Vietnam vets. Most just didn't want to discuss their experiences, but I could feel how it weighed on them. I'm so glad that through these projects, the vets are finally able to express their thoughts. Thank you.

@gotchagoing4905 Месяц назад

I flew my first tour in the Central Highlands, (II Corps), been to lz english a few times, LZ Bong Son, Oasis, Dak To. I can't remember all of those FSB's. I went down in my loach,(OH-6a) near Oasis I think it was. RVN- 7-/71/72. Now I flew a wheelchair. Scouts out.

@mittbutler7742 12 дней назад

Thank you for your service, sir. My son’s father in law was a Cobra pilot in Vietnam. Both of you are heroes!

@YOutsider Месяц назад

Beautiful survival story!

@johnashep109 14 дней назад

March 30th 1972 I was 11 years old,it was the year I got saved and Baptized

@Coppersaguaro Месяц назад

You are indeed a hero, sir. God bless you.

@user-uf2ji8lg1d Месяц назад

My mom didn't know I was coming home either. I miss my mom

@scottamcfarland Месяц назад

God bless this man.

@user-kt5vk2qs4b 9 часов назад

Good job, sir. You have my utmost respect. My cousin was a chopper pilot at about the same time. He has my utmost respect, too.

@arthouston7361 Месяц назад

You did what I had thought seriously about doing. Some guys coming back from being in country talked me out of it. I graduated VFMA in '70.

@sidv192 16 дней назад

"Pickle, soon as that door opens we are gonna be FIRST in line!" No wonder he survived with clever moves like that one!!

@nickdawn3985 Месяц назад

Thank you for sharing! GB

@m1k3fx 27 дней назад

SIr i could not hold back my tears when you went home and gave your mom back her necklace. Thank you for your service.

@danmurphy4472 Месяц назад

All Good SIR.......Thank You......and your Family......FOR EVERYTHING !!!

@tonym.9186 22 дня назад

I can sleep without a care. How do I thank you for your service. How do I thank all who are in service. WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

@garthrogers2176 Месяц назад

Wow very powerful story, god bless you Mr French

@garyjenkins6629 Месяц назад

Amazing story. God bless you, Sir.

@user-oq2rx2bj4u Месяц назад

Steven is of Croatian descent

@MrFrankturbo1 Месяц назад

Very touching to say the least

@user-nt1uh4rb8b Месяц назад

Thanks for your story. You are a veteran HERO in my book. Thanks for your service. God Bless you.

@edwardgovan130 Месяц назад

Brings back old memories.

@mbiker2010 9 дней назад

Wow! What a great man and great storyteller. Thank you for your service you are an inspiration to myself and I'm sure meant others as well.

@dianastewart2850 28 дней назад

We might have crossed paths, I too was in Tuy Hoa end of 1971 and early 72. I was with the 981st Sentry Dog Handlers and we were some of the last to leave before the base was torn down. We moved north just outside Qui Nhon to Lane Army Heliport, which also was downsizing. Didn't have enough of our own people so we had Korean tower guards. They were very good to work with, very dedicated.

@garbo8962 9 дней назад

I was in Di An 71 - 72 and we had ass kicking ROK'S so we never got hit with incoming.

@brobertson251 Месяц назад

Oh mate, your the best of the best

@PLUMGRUBBY. Месяц назад

You ARE a hero!! Dont think otherwise. God bless you and welcome home❤❤❤

@richp1114 Месяц назад

Welcome home Sir. Thank you for sharing your story.

@gordongoodwin455 5 дней назад

Thankyou for your story Stephen. Thankyou so much.

@mkepler5861 3 дня назад

what an incredible story of faith!!! thank you

@marioGarcia-du9eh Месяц назад

I wore my st. Christopher since 1970 and still have it on had replaced the chain a few times it also brought me back home ! Dang it just brought tears to my eyes! It’s the enamel Irish green! Semper fi!

@galesams4205 29 дней назад

i done 30 days as a door gunner on a UH-1 HUEY, around pleiku, pla-Durang, ankhe, ba Mettuit, tew a wah. 4th div.

@philbrown9764 24 дня назад

Welcome Home Brother from another Nam Vet, Chu Lai 68-69 1st MAW MAG 12. Liked your story.

@gil123bonsai 2 дня назад

Thank you for serving and thank you for an emotional story.

@TUMBLINJEST 3 дня назад

As a British senior guy I thank you for your service bud

@lifeveteran9766 Месяц назад

Like some off the other respondents here, I too was WOPA. Class 69-1, Nam 69-70 Ist Cav. I also had, and still have and carry, a St. Christopher medal. I used to tell guys over there that I wasn't superstitious - but that medal was what kept the main rotor blades on .... (LOL). Welcome home, Brother.

@tertessa Месяц назад

Thank you Sir..

@SoftwareBros Месяц назад

Happy Memorial Day everyone 🦅

@michaelmalone6858 5 дней назад

God Bless you, glad to call you a brother.

@frankfreeman1444 12 дней назад

Nam vet. This is slightly off topic and more than a little stupid and juvenile, but you might get a giggle out of it. I am sure that you remember the standard greeting when you met someone over there (at least among enlisted troops) of "SHORT!", followed by announcing how many days left before you rotated. So "short, 93 days" was how it went. I was in a shitter, on base somewhere in the Delta, just reading the graffiti on the walls, when I saw "short, 364 days, and it feels like I just got here yesterday! Stupid, I know, but it cracked me up then, and I still remember it 50+ years later!

@mikehoncho7252 Месяц назад

Very emotional story for all who heard it. Thank you Sir

@lowandslow3939 Месяц назад

Wow. That brought tears to my eyes. I was Infantry in the 80’s, never deployed. Much respect.

@stevet8121 Месяц назад

You would have if ordered to, so you deserve a big thank you!

@lowandslow3939 Месяц назад

@@stevet8121 I was begging to go, but there was nothing going on and nowhere to go. I was also very young and naive.

@stevet8121 Месяц назад

@@lowandslow3939 Every good combat soldier is young and naive. It's what makes them good combat soldiers. I'm 75 and was young and naive during the Vietnam era but missed seeing action.

@lowandslow3939 Месяц назад

@@stevet8121 Well, we both wrote the check, but Uncle Sam didn’t cash it.

@stevet8121 Месяц назад

@@lowandslow3939 Amen, brother!

@bushiepete 5 дней назад

thank you sir for telling this story and your mum thanking her for sending chris with you,, cheers from oz

@davidfusco6600 3 дня назад

What a great story. God bless you and your family, and thanks for your service.

@nickmad887 Месяц назад

Thank you brother, I was a tunnel rat and the copters saved my ass a few times .I LOVE MY FLAG

@larryulery3729 Месяц назад

Thanks for your service in vietnam. Mom's are great, they love you no matter what, an can embarrase you. I could never get over on my mom.

@skipallen3309 11 дней назад

Very moving video; thank you Stephen Franich for your service and your valor.

@GettingToHeaven 11 дней назад

Love the story. Here's another one. This was in 1968, south of Da Nang a ways. One of the guys in my unit carried a Lucky Eddy's Rabbit Foot on his dog tag chain. He got chided for it from time to time, but he was respected enough to where the guys knew to back off when need be. The guy's first name was Doug. We came under an ambush and Doug got shot in the chest. The hole needed to be plugged up and one of the guys yanked the Rabbit's foot off Doug's chain and stuffed it into the entry hole. Back at basecamp, doc's said it probably saved his life.

@maureendrozda9960 17 дней назад

Thank You, Sir, For Your Beautiful Story & Your Service! How Could It Not Be Emotional! I'm Glad You & Your Friend Came Home, & Your Grandson! A Dear Friend Of Mine Was A Dustoff Pilot & Instructor Who Also Served In Vietnam In Those Last Years... When The Gulf War Was To Begin, Rick Was Still Serving & He Was One Of The 600+ Americans Who Died During That Very Brief War....He Was Killed In Training With His Night Vision.... I Never Got Over It, It Felt Like I Had Lost My Brother, Who Also Served In Vietnam! It Is So Very Important That Veterans, From Whatever Era, Share Your Stories, Your Experience & Your Wisdom For Future Generations & To Know The Sacrifices That You Have Made! God🙏Bless You!🇺🇸

@markthemovieman Месяц назад

Thank you for your service, sir. God bless you.

@HRM.H Месяц назад

Amazing video

@lightninwillie2261 Месяц назад

So much you did for all of us here. My friend Chris flew helicopters in Viet Nam...thank you.

@LK-bz9sk 23 дня назад

This mans story has me in tears.

@bicivelo 2 дня назад

Wow! What a powerful story. Thank you for sharing! I try to shake the hands of vets wearing hats like his when I can. Especially ww2 vets. I see them less and less 😢

@johnfranborra 16 часов назад

That must be the sweetest story I ever heard from that terrible war; it should appear in places like National Catholic Register and the wider, secular press! I've worn St. Christopher for more years than I can remember; only time I was without the medal was during SERE training, when it was confiscated and was used against me during mock interrogation. I flew with a Vietnam Huey vet until a couple years ago; he was in his early eighties when he finally called it quits; we all love him, admire his skills and are awed by his service. You guys are the very definition of hero! God bless you and your family, Stephen!

@freightdawg6762 День назад

Incredible, Thank you Mr Franich

@hossee1 26 дней назад

I was very fortunate to have crewed Hueys and flown with some of the pilots who had flown in Vietnam. The best of the best!

@brianrobertson1211 18 дней назад

This man's service and others like him preserved our American freedom. Thank you sir.

@crystalheart9 20 дней назад

Thank you for your stories and service Mr. Franich. St. Christopher came full circle.

@rotorblade7363 28 дней назад

Thank you for the story and welcome home, Sir.

@tats7859 29 дней назад

Only the ones that are inside looking out can see what a real hero looks like, and, ' sir' when I see you, I see a real HERO!!! Thank you for your work and your service 🙏