Ed Wolfe's notes from his Nighthawk mission with Wolman on May 21, 1970, six days into my tour.

 

The story below is from my first room mate in Vietnam, CW4 retired Ed Wolfe, with the permission of Craig Wolman. Thanks to both of you.

 

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On the evening of 21 May 1970, Craig and I were given a mission to check out a grid area that was SSE of FSB Mace and about 10km north of Ham Tan.  We flew out to that area after dark and started a VR with the Star Light Scope operator checking out the area. 

 

Shortly after we started, the Star Light Scope operator found a target which eventually was found to be 4 trucks and about 18 individuals on top of a small hill top in the process of transferring weapons and materials.  The Star Light Operator transferred the target location to the Xenon searchlight operator and then Craig gave the order to open fire with the mini-gun.  Eventually the 50-cal gunner on the left side of the Huey got into the action to open fire.  I had been about one week in country and this was the first nighttime and Night Hawk mission for me.  The instrument panel of the Huey did a blurry dance as the mini-gun and the 50 shot up the area.  A radio report back to Mace brought a AC-119 Spooky gunship and a flight of TAC Air fighters to the station we were working.  Both Spooky and the F-4’s lit up the area. 

 

After we had concluded that no fire was being returned, we headed back to Mace to attempt to get some rest.  After refueling, we headed to the aviation shelter and laid down.  About 0100, the battalion commander from that area challenged our report of the contact and ordered us to return to the area of the contact for a confirmation.  Ground troops found 4 burnt up trucks and 18 dead individuals.  I believe that we got credit for a truck or two and 4 of the dead, whereas the USAF got credit for the balance.