New blood has arrived in the valley this morning. Troop C/7/17th Cav. will replace Troop A. Troop A is pretty beat up and are in need of rest and reorganization. Their scout ships will remain with us to help locate units along the Plei-Trap road. The brass feels that they can help speed up the resupply of these units.

Part of the flight is held while D/3/12 again assaults Hill 800. The rest of us continue the resupply the northern part of the valley. Even with the Hummingbird's help locating the guys on the ground is difficult at best. Because of the rains the heat in the valley has increased and the winds are also causing problems. Hovering above the trees has become quite a chore. The long days and stress of combat is also a factor. Pilots are on edge as simple tasks become major problems.

By mild morning D/3/12 has taken Hill 800. The enemy has moved back into the jungle. The dead and missing from the past two days are recovered. Just before noon, B/1/8 makes contact. A brief fire fight results in 1 NVA dead and 1 US WIA. They will set up an ambush here while the WIA is moved back to TF Alpha's location to be evacuated. We pick up the wounded soldier and head for Mary Lou.

During the trip to Mary Lou we hear the call for help. Gator 834 which had landed right after we left TF Alpha's has been caught in the enemy cross fire. They have taken several rounds but still are flying and have power. We listen as chase ships follow her back to Polei-Kleng. As we reach Mary Lou they reach Polei-Kleng. Returning to resupply a few of the crews help inspect Gator 834. Sheet metal damage to the tail boom and minor damage to the rotor blades. The crew decides to return to Holloway rather then have the ship slung loaded out.

Cobras from C/7/17th and our Crocs return to TF Alpha's location and clear the area around the perimeter. The afternoon continues with a few reports of ground fire. Late in the afternoon we hear that a convoy which was headed to Plei-Mrong is being ambushed. Gunship are on station as another part of the valley heats up. We work until dark.

During the flight home we are informed that two helicopters were shot down during the ambush. Bikini 69 from the 170th AHC and Black Jack 400 from the 4th Avn. Bn. Eight crewmen wounded. One would die the following day from his wounds. The convoy suffered 10 killed and 18 wounded.

The long hours and the endless stress of the mission is starting to show. Why was A/7/17th releaved and we weren't? There were many questions but few answers. Another post flight in the dark. Cold chow and sleep that would provide no rest for our bodies. War was insane but this was crazy.