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Dirty Thirty

In April 1962, 30 U.S. Air Force pilots were sent to fly as advisors in the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) 43rd Air Transport Group. Their arrival permitted the VNAF to release some of its own experienced pilots to form new units for its rapidly-expanding air arm.

This small group of Americans usually served as co-pilots in VNAF C-47s. Their missions included flare drops, airborne assaults, airborne resupply, leaflet drops, loudspeaker broadcasts, and cargo and troop movements.

Around-the-clock duty hours with 40-50 missions a month often forced them to live in their flight suits. After a "by-the-book" officer made a passing comment about "these dirty pilots," they adopted the name "Dirty Thirty."

A second group of 30 USAF pilots replaced the original group in the spring of 1963. During the 20-month period they were on loan to the VNAF, the 60 Dirty Thirty pilots flew approximately 25,000 hours, earning 97 Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Click here to return to the South Vietnam: The Advisory Years Overview.

 

 

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