Major (Maj) Paul E Raetz, US Army (fourth from left) relinquishes command of the 135th Assault ...

Accession Number P05707.071
Collection type Photograph
Object type Negative
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

Description

Major (Maj) Paul E Raetz, US Army (fourth from left) relinquishes command of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC) to Maj Harry T Woodmansee II (second from left) at the change over ceremony. R93484 Leading Airman Photographer James Connolly, 2nd Contingent, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) (right, with camera) is photographing the proceedings. RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV) is serving with the 135th AHC, United States Army. 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.