Eric Brethen: OH-6 Loach & AH-1 Cobra Pilot | Vietnam Veteran | 3 x Distinguished Flying Cross

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Eric Brethen is a former US Army Chief Warrant Officer and OH-6 “Cayuse” aka “Loach” reconnaissance and AH-1 “Cobra” attack helicopter pilot.

At just 19 years old, Eric found himself flying missions out of Cu Chi, just northwest of Saigon, in hunter killer teams in scenes reminiscent of Apocalypse Now. During his 19 months in Vietnam from 1969-1970, Eric flew 3,600 hours and was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Bronze Stars, Air Medals with Valor, Army Commendation Medals with Valor, and the South Vietnamese Gallantry Cross. 4:10 - The Army recruiter asks, ‘Have you ever thought of being a pilot? 5:35 - Ending up in 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry (3/4 Cav) flying to Vietnam in first class with Field Grades landing in Ben Oui. 8:13 - Getting picked up by the nephew of then SecDef Melvin Laird. 9:40 - Hunter Killer teams (Loach and Cobra).  12:24 - ‘Nobody volunteers for the Loach.’  14:33 - Watching a tail boom skid down the runway in front of the aircraft. 16:35 - The reality of an autorotation (video of MD-500 auto today). 24:50 - First flight outside the wire with a Pig (Loach) and a Snake (Cobra).  30:59 - Based in Cu Chi and farmed out to support missions in Ta Ninh and Katoom (1st Air Cav). 34:04 - Shooting a control tower with a mini-gun. Eric’s crew chief and close friend Kenneth Taylor had the idea to mount a mini-gun on the OH-6 for the first time. 40:34 - First combat engagement at Boi Loi Woods near Godaha village. 46:46 - How to steal a helicopter (twice) for a night out to the President Hotel. 50:06 - Fighting Cobras at night lining up on a ground strobe light. 56:15 - Only time being afraid. 1:01:28 - Being shot down a couple times with a real autorotation. 1:04:58 - Picked up a Cobra crew (sitting on the skids) that was shot down. 1:09:25 - Close up view to a Cao Dai temple (example). 1:17:04 - Transition from OH-6 to AH-1 and a testament to control touch. 1:20:49 - The decision to get out. 1:23:57 - Always carried a St. Christopher’s medal (the protector of travelers). Got one blessed by the Pope at one point.