Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report. The Defensse of Attopeu
Abstract
The use of the AC-47 for the night defense of isolated hamlets and forts has became a common practice throughout the South Vietnam area. It bas been credited with the major role in recent engagements at Plei Me and A Shau. In these circumstances, however, the defended areas were under ground attack and conventional flares were used to attain and strike enemy forces. On 4 March 1966, an AC-47 pioneered a new concept in night air support at Attopeu, Laos. Utilizing a recent development for improving night vision, the Starlight Scope, the AC-47, "Spooky 41", was able to engage and immobilize a large Communist force without the use of flares or other types of illumination. This action stopped the Communist take-over of the airstrip and city of Attopeu and enabled Laotian forces to retake positions on the original defense line.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA586293
Entities
People
- Melvin F. Porter
Organizations
- Pacific Air Forces