B Troop Rifle just a few minutes away from insertion into an LZ near Tan An. An interesting historical footnote to the Vietnam conflict is the broadly accepted observation that Army Aviation units maintained good morale and focus, even as the war wound down. This seems reflected in the face of this Cavalryman in 1969. He later extended to become a Crewchief. Photo: Art Duff and Robert Pierce

Special Ops: LRRPS from the 1/75th Rangers. B Troop inserted and extracted them during their extended missions in the Tan An area during 1969. Here they pose before putting on their 'makeup' for a twilight insertion. Tan An 1969. Photo: Art Duff and Robert Pierce.

Another nocturnal group that enjoyed the full-service 'B Troop Twilight Moving Company' were the Navy Seals. The obvious advantage of support from an Air Cav Troop were Cobras and OH-6 Scouts if they got into a jam. Photo: Art Duff and Robert Pierce.

B Troop LOH scouting the "Plain of Reeds" area to the northeast of Dong Tam. This large wetland marsh area was poorly suited for travel by foot and many North Vietnamese Army units were caught trying to cross it. This was a favorite hunting ground for Stogies. Photo: Larry Simpson 1969

The early days...Crewchief Tom O'Brien with C Model '07' that came over with him when the unit deployed in late 1967. Tay Ninh. Photo: Tom O'Brien

A little while later....in the Spring of 1968, The hardware had changed considerably...So had Tom...having survived the Tet Offensive only 3 months earlier. Photo: Tom O'Brien.

Sgt Bill Smith relaxes and poses for a photo next to the bunker outside his hootch at Phu Loi in 1971. Photo: Bill Smith

Jim Kuttenkuler and friend 1967.Photo: Jim K.

Lee Salazar behind the wheel. 1968 Photo: Lee Salazar