50 years is a long time! Or is it just a blink...?
Hmmmm.
True-story — 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the 'end of the Vietnam War*' for the United States.
Remembering the Vietnam War is valid as a historic event not only because it happened, but because it shaped The United States of America in profound ways. In fact, I assert the Vietnam War continues to affect every American. Don't believe me? Invite me to your Rotary Club, Kindergarten, Lunch'n Learn, Block Party...
Or, you can start learning yourself (which is highly recommended as The Vietnam War isn't really even mentioned in schools today).
Ken Burns' documentary is certainly well produced! But be careful. Just like the McDonalds® doesn't define the concept of "hamburger," no one-source defines a historic event, especially what happened in Southeast Asia during the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s...
It can't be stressed enough that that studying history is far more than mere nostalgia, entertainment or collecting "names, dates and places" information. Studying history is the stuff of Life. And we either learn or we don't. We evolve or something else evolves beyond us.
Indeed, "History is Nutritious.™"
I digress.
Have a look at the top of this post — it's the progress-shot of Martin "Marty" Lenzini's A-4E Skyhawk, c. 1968**, stationed at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. I'm calling it "30% there."
This October, the finished piece will be unveiled at a Vietnam War 50th Anniversary "Welcome Home" event. More on that later. In the meantime, this post will focus more on the A-4 and set up the next TWO posts which will focus on Marty.
Marty is the first to tell anyone that his story is not unique, not worthy of a spotlight or celebration. If you can conjure a somewhat diluted Chicago accent, imagine this: "Jaahn, ah wuz just doin'my jawb."
But, as an "Old Guy**" he represents something so much more — an eyewitness, a participant and the beneficiary of fifty more years of wisdom to help the rest of us put the moment to good use.
So. Before we dive into combat, let's have some lighthearted fun.
Where's Chu Lai? It's here (look below).
 |
A pretty swell map of N/S Vietnam produced by the 50th Anniversary folk this past summer. Lots of arrows. I made my own (hint: the obvious red/white arrow goes to Chu Lai.) |
Today, Chu Lai, Vietnam is a resort community and manufacturing town. But 50+ years ago, it was a ginormous Naval base that served Marine aviation from 1965-1970. After that, the U.S. Army took it over until the new owners took possession in 1975. I looked for fascinating photos of the place and found none — air bases are inherently flat, paved and the buildings are rather boring to look at.
Need proof? Just ask any veteran of Chu Lai from the moment. Or, look at the photo below.
I found this official Marine Corps photo on Wikipedia. If you squint, you can see A-4 Skyhawks. If you're looking for something more picturesque, try here. Time changes things, eh?
Efficient, effective and cheap, the A-4E Skyhawk is one of the greatest war machines ever built. But, "greatest" is subjective, especially when geeks start analyzing data. WWII/Korean War/Vietnam War pilot Hank Snow answered my question, "What was the greatest airplane you ever flew?" with the brilliant answer, "Hmmm. The one I was flying at the time!"
Unfortunately, that's not exactly helpful. I wasn't able to jack-into Hank's brain and see for myself... though I often think of Hank, his family and his willingness to share...
I digress again.
In honor of the war's 50th, I decided to do some data analysis between the A-4 Skyhawk and the Sopwith F.1 Camel, a combat aircraft of 50 years prior. Why the Camel? Because. It's my blog and I can pick whatever I want.
Granted there were a blizzard of airplanes I could have chosen. But let this be a reminder to all who want to become a History Geek — we all have our perspectives, our biases... it's up to you to learn more.
Right?
Right.
Anyway. Click below.
Be careful drawing blanket performance conclusions about Wing Loading. But, essentially, a lower-wing loaded aircraft will be able to keep a sustained turn at a slower speed while a higher-loaded aircraft will be able to haul more, faster.
In this case, a Skyhawk vs Camel comparison tells us very little than the fact that aviation changed A LOT in 50 years.
Ok, so the A-4 Skyhawk was no Sopwith Camel when it came to twisting/turning dogfights. Heck, while the Camel was struggling to crack 120mph, the A-4E was still hurtling down the runway! Nevertheless, this rather silly graphic does illustrate one thing — humans have clearly demonstrated the capacity to learn from the past.
Can you imagine a proper aeronautical engineer announcing to the dev team, "Hey y'all. I'm thinking for this next sub-space drone that we do TWO wings and a total-loss rotary engine!"
If you can't imagine that, find anyone (repeat) in the aviation industry, show them the imaginary quote above and take note of their response.
Next graphic!
I remember reading David Halberstam's book, "The Best and The Brightest" and learning that the Vietnam War's chief architect (and former Ford Motor Company whiz), Robert S. McNamara, believed that transacting war from an accountant's perspective would make sense.
Having worked alongside Whiz Kid Accountants (WKAs) a time or two, I decided to channel my inner Wonk and come up with the graphic below:
Gawd, I hope you're laughing.
But I'm fairly sure that there are some of us who, even for a second
thought, "OMG! We should'a had Sopwith Camels in Vietnam!" I'm guilty, btw.
Well. Imagine that — the Camel is nearly 30% more efficient, pound per dollar, in carrying ordnance! Of course it has to be done a pound a time but geez... what a savings!
Ok. If you've never seen the movie "Galaxy Quest" you may not get the whole gist of the clip above. So watch the movie. The desperation of actor Alan Rickman's voice is palpable — he speaks for every soul that ever realized that there was more to life than the vacuity of "the present."
Whatever.
It doesn't take long to figure out that war may benefit business, it shouldn't be waged like a business. If you decide to learn about the Vietnam War from veterans who experienced it first-hand, they'll likely have clear opinions on this idea, too.
Sometimes the Accounting Weenies are right. Sometimes they're not. Seek to know the difference.
Ok. Moving on.
The prior two graphics are (though based on fact) completely silly. Heck, war is silly (even though our species tends to like 'silly' too often).
However the one below may be actually worth thinking about. Years ago, Dean Failor — 7x DFC recipient and pioneer in the development of laser-guided bombs — and I were talking about the terrible waste of resources that went into sending huge resources to WWII targets and only miss the mark. Laser guided bombs effectively erased that problem.
One bomb, one target --------- > Boof!
Remembering our conversation, I started thinking about the people/cost/efficiency of the A-4E vs Camel comparison; which was more effective (on a people-cost) at delivering ordnance?
Clearly, the Skyhawk! I can only imagine what the North Vietnamese Army would have thought seeing a gaggle of eighty biplanes buzzing over their heads...
Look below.
It's time to get ready to meet Marty.
I met him years ago. It was an honor. For one, Marty is a 4x recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (among others) and a gentleman of the old order. Truth be known, I've had dinner in his home. He's in my contact file. We have mutual friends.
So, if I call, he'll answer... and don't think for a second that I forget who I'm talking to...
A man who was there.
(deep breath)
This post had some funny bits and posted with my sense of irreverance. But the purpose is far, far more sober and serious — If you want to know "what was it like?" don't wait for someone else to make a documentary.
Seek, ask and listen.
The next post(s) will be what I learned when I followed my own advice.
 |
This is Marty, c. 1968-9 in front of VMA-211's logo emblazoned on some building at Chu Lai Naval base. I spent at least an hour drawing the lion that is leaping across the Wake Island atoll. |
*In spite of the Paris Peace Accords, combat continued in South Vietnam until the country's capitulation in 1975. But, be advised — American combat in the arena didn't end. I've made note to bring up the Mayaguez Incident at the appropriate time. And then, there was Cambodia...
**The term is offered in the utmost respect and glory. I've learned that 'young guys' tend to not know nearly as much as 'old guys.' Sure, younger people get technology, zeitgeist... but time — like compound-interest can make you more money — can make you wiser.
And God said it. Proverbs 8:11. I don't argue with God.
