During the Vietnam war, say, the late 1960's to early 1970's part of it -

What branches of service operated rescue choppers?

Which outfits?

What kinds of choppers did they use?

How many were in a crew?, I know about the two in front, but how many more rode in back running the winch and guns?

Never got there, during that timeframe I was recovering from a broken back I got in an accident, and they didn't want me...

HATS OFF to those who did go, you have my lifelong respect, admiration, and gratitude!

THANKS for the information, I am trying to do some research to answer some questions.

 

You need to be much more specific. Rescue who? Where, over water, jungle? Operated by who? Navy, Army?

 

I know for certain the USAF & the USMC had helo rescue units. I don't know any specific units as most are probably de-activated long ago. I personally know several Vietnam vets, one being my father who volunteered 3 times & spend 3 years there, and if you're serously interested, I can try to find unit names. I do know the single most decorated man in USAF history is Duane Hackney. He was a Para-Rescueman and retired as a CMSgt after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.

KC-10 FE out...

 

Let's say rescue GI's from jungle when necessary.

 

Try google "Tet offinseve" or "rescue of dustoff 65- a medics view"
Almost any chopper at one time or another was used for "rescue" from cobras to the heavys, USN, and USMC used HC-7's and sikorsky H-34. Some had door gunners some didn't.
Just search Tet offinseve.

 

I have a neighbor that flew battle support. he participated in the famous Hamburger Hill. That doesn't help answer your question at all, just reminded me of what those guys had to go through.

 

the huey was the helicopter of choice for that mission. A huey may have 1 or 2 gunners, and possibly a medic in the back depending on what it was doing. So I guess that puts it between 4-5 guys per chopper on that type of mission.

 

Only saw Hueys from late 68 to late 69 used for evac. NEVER saw a Cobra used for evac. But damn they could lay down some protective firepower.

9th Inf. Div. (2nd 47th) around Dong Tam and on the Mekong. Memory is getting thin on the action, and the equipment, sorry.