Sniper: Deadliest Missions

Okay, that was the coolest thing ever.

The History Channel did a great job re-enacting sniper stories.

However, I was NOT a fan of the gushing/exploding blood.

I've heard this story several times but it was so cool to see it re-enacted.

In middle school, my dad told that story to my class.

He told how his arm was trapped underneath the downed helicopter.

He pulled out a knife and started slicing away the skin around his elbow to 'cut' himself loose.

Only to realize that all he needed to do was let go of his gun.

Major Perkins--what were you thinking?!!

My dad emailed me this morning to clarify a few things about the story.

This explanation will only make sense if you've heard my dad's story or watched the show.

But I'm pasting it here so I'll remember it.

And let's be honest--who journals anymore?

My blog keeps track of things for me now!

...

"As the helicopters landed, the VC opened fire and one man wasn't able to get on the other helicopter. Once we were in the air--I learned that and told the other helicopter to get him. They did, but has he jumped in, another jumped out and the helicopter took off. So then we went in to get him--but we were shot down. I jumped as were crashing but was crushed by the helicopter. The men rolled the bird and pulled me from beneath. Ed did as portrayed in the program, but 2 cobra gunships also put down fire. When they ran out of ammo they landed, with their tails towards the enemy--still under heavy fire. The first loaded with survivors sitting on the stubby winglets (under which hung the rocket pods) and one man draped across the gunner's lap.

Bernie tried to help me to the 2nd bird but I was so broken up and in shock that I couldn't hold on to that short winglet (3 feet) and told him to lay me back down. He did and put a grenade in my right hand. He got in and as the helicopter turned to leave, Ed jumped off and yelled to the pilot that he wouldn't leave me to die alone and returned to lie next to me. He killed 2 more VC after the helicopter left (about 30 feet aways). Then another helicopter landed--after the departing pilot radioed that Ed was still down there. He was under heavy fire but got us out of there. The program got the facts straight but left out other details. The producer knew all the facts but was limited in time and was focused on the sniper issues. Ed faced down 30 or more VC and whipped them. He received no award except for the Purple Heart--as he was wounded as he fired from his position on top of the helicopter."

...

Can you imagine having a helicopter crash on you?

My dads a tough guy, but it's only skin deep.

He's really a teddy bear.

A big thanks to Ed Eaton for his heroic act that kept my dad alive April 3, 1969.