R59629 Leading Airman Aircrewman (LACM) Noel Ervin Shipp, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), ...

R59629 Leading Airman Aircrewman (LACM) Noel Ervin Shipp, RAN Helicopter Flight Vietnam (RANHFV), observes the countryside below during an operational flight of an Iroquois helicopter of the 135th Assault Helicopter Company (135th AHC), United States Army. LACM Shipp, wearing a helmet and radio microphones, is sitting by the open door of the helicopter, ready to fire his M60 7.62mm general purpose machine gun which is supported by a ragged piece of rope or cord hanging from the ceiling. The ammunition belt is resting across his knee. RANHFV is serving with the 135th AHC, providing tactical airlift and gunship support for Australian and allied ground forces. LACM Shipp was killed in action during gunship operations on 31 May 1969. The helicopter in which he was travelling was shot down by enemy fire at a landing zone (LZ). His fellow 135th AHC crew members, Specialist 4 Byron Bill Bowden, Warrant Officer Class 1 Steven Louis Martin and Captain Dennis Michael Phillips were also killed.