| Accession Number | P05707.031 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Transparency |
| Maker |
Speedy, Ian Maxwell (Max) |
| Place made | Vietnam: Bien Hoa Province, Bearcat Base |
| Date made | 4 May 1969 |
| Conflict |
Vietnam, 1962-1975 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: AWM Licensed copyright |
Australian and United States Army personnel on the day of the handover of command of the 135th ...
Description
Australian and United States Army personnel on the day of the handover of command of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army, from Major (Maj) Paul E Raetz to Maj Harry T Woodmansee (II). Left to right: Maj Harry T Woodmansee II; 2088 Lieutenant Robert George Ray, Observer, 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Bob Merkley Pilot, 135th AHC, and Maj P E Raetz. RANHFV is serving with the 135th AHC in Vietnam. Due to its integrated nature, the unit is designated an ‘experimental military unit', with the nickname EMU. Based originally at Vung Tau Air Base, the company moved to Fire Support Base Black Horse near Xuan Loc in December 1967. In November 1968 the unit was moved to Bearcat Base, north east of Saigon. Throughout their service in Vietnam members of RANHFV provided tactical airlift and gunship support for Australian and allied ground forces.