Never had more than side arm in cockpit and long time long weapon was MI carbine for officers anyway. Time got to PI '66 they had us qualify on M-16 and I thought the spring action "twang" louder than a shot itself. Just one occasion to fire on O-1 Bird Dog familiarize mission S of DaNang. Day before I checked one out with 2 20's taped and after landing off a late light mission up North we took off and directed 3 carrier A-1's on a French plantation mansion E of Hiway 1. Worst bombers I ever saw, missing it entirely as the prettiest target ever all white columns. Finally last pass we followed the bomb down to bury self under the front porch but was a dud. Fool no doubt did not arm it at all. we joked it'd be dug up and on the trail next morning while a mama san swept up the dirt they made. Pilot Dick said wanna spray your thing. Can't miss the ground 1000'. Armed the round and he banked left and I fired auto as he yelled STOP!!! Ejects were hitting in the back of flak vest. I thot, didn't realize out the left was the wrong way to fire? Has any ever done this with him? Then we recced N up the road and he dropped a red smoke right on the path and said check it out. If any run they are confirmed bads we can call it. Farm folk and pigs kept walking both ways so we went slowly on to home base and got some sleep in the after burner bangs and piston roars.
Then I was directly involved in the A-10 Wart Hog/USAF B-57 Canberra ground attack replacement decision on AF Secretary inspection of all the SEA combat flyers for input. Another story I've told a few times since '67. Something would be wise NOT to do! Use him as a 2nd banana straight man! 8
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