Photo of ship piloted by CW2 John Beckman in late 1970 after action in AO just outside An Khe.
Pete Riesenberg was flying in Lead Scout as Observer and Mr. Beckman was flying wing with an unknown Observer.
The Lead ship had made 3 or 4 passes down through one of those areas that give you the creeps. They switched positions with Mr. Beckman's ship. Mr. Beckman's Observer was a new WO who was learning the ropes to fly Scouts and they took over Lead position. During thir first pass, they recieved fire and took hits. Mr. Beckman was hit across the left side of his face by small arms fire. He was awarded Purple Heart for wound. A few inches more and things could have been a lot worse.
Welcome to the Scout Platoon.
