Pffft, why we are going to win, number 6325: these guys. (And the US has lots of these people in the service of the nation, thank God.) Short story, Apache helicopter pilot gives his seat to crashed, stranded fellow pilot under fire and the Apache flies out with the Apache pilot strapped to the wing and the other pilot who crashed is in his seat:

ABC News: The OH-58 Kiowa reconnaissance helicopter flown by Chief Warrant Officers Mark Burrows and Steven Cianfrini was flying a routine mission in support of ground troops when it was forced down by heavy gunfire.Burrows and Cianfrini survived the crash landing with only minor cuts and bruises, but came under immediate ground fire as the insurgents who had shot them continued to fire on the aircraft....

Having already sent out a distress signal, the pilots soon heard American aircraft overhead. Burrows made visual contact with a Kiowa helicopter from their unit that guided an Apache helicopter to their position on the ground.Apaches are narrow two-seater attack helicopters where the pilot sits behind the co-pilot. Designed to carry missiles on its wingmounts, there is no room on the aircraft for additional passengers.

When the Apache landed, Burrows said the co-pilot got out of his front seat to make sure they weren't injured. He then strapped Cianfrini into his seat and closed the hatch.The Apache pilot then led Burrows to the gun mount on the left side of the helicopter. "I then sat on a ledge up against the engine and clipped in with a little safety harness strap," said Burrows. "The Apache pilot then went to the other side of the helicopter where he strapped himself in as well."

Once both pilots were safely strapped to the gun mounts, the Apache took off for a Baghdad airstrip. The Apache pilots quickly unloaded their passengers then took off again to continue with their original mission.

Happy Fourth of July everybody, these are the people that ensure liberty. There are thousands of heroes that came before them. Soldiers, sailors and others that paid for freedom and for the security of the US with their courage and sometimes their lives. These two guys strapped to the outside of a helicopter for a forty minute ride are just happy everybody made it out, they say. But this is the heart and soul of America and has always been. The pilot unflinchingly gave his seat to the wounded guy and took the ride strapped to the engine. These are amazing people. They are not the first and not the last, but they are astounding and awe inspiring.

Update by Howie: I saw this was posted today on DVIDS. It had over 8000 views. That is very high for there so I just happen to have that one. I've not seen it yet but here it is.

Posted by: JaneNovak at 09:56 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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