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Their motto was "Hell from Above" . . . they were the "Intruders" of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company. A-502 called for the hellfire of their gunships, an airlift for a special operation, a routine observation misson, or a life saving rescue . . . the 281st could be counted upon to fill the sky with whatever was needed. In the illustration above, a daring helicopter crew drops in to pick up a Special Forces LRP ( Long Range Patrol ) team that has come under heavy fire. If a real life situation, one thing would be certain . . . the helicopter would not leave without the team on board. So daring were the crews of these whirling machines that they were once referred to as God's Own Lunatics. |
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The 281st consisted of three platoons. Two lift platoons, 1st Platoon - "Rat Pack" and 2nd Platoon - "Bandits" and one fire support platoon, 3rd Platoon - "Wolf Pack." The two lift platoons transported troops or supplies wherever they were needed. Gunships of the fire support platoon put the fire in "Hell from Above" and provided protection for the lift platoons. A-502 had the privilege of working with all three of these units whose men served with great courage and dedication. Please come back frequently to read the stories of the 281st's support for A-502. Webmaster's Note: Appropriately enough, the graphic at the top of the
page was generated from painting titled "God's Own Lunatics." The dramatic rendering was created
by Joe Kline, an extremely talented aviation artist. Joe displays his work at various military
functions around the country. To visit Joe Kline's website and see other samples of his work, please
click on the thumbnail of the original below. 
God's Own Lunatics - By Joe Kline |
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Special Forces - The Silent Professionals |
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United States Army Special Forces
Detachment A-502.
