Bananas: One of our crew chiefs carried a 100 foot long rope ladder in the back of his Huey attached to floor rings that he could kick over the side whenever it was needed. When returning from missions he would watch the terrain intently and come on the intercom and announce, “Bananas sir, bananas!” We would circle the area and use his directions to put us directly above the banana trees he had spotted. We would stop at a hover about 75 feet over the trees, out would go the rope ladder and down he went. He had a long extension for the ICS cord so he could remain in contact with us. He also had a ruck pack he wore backwards for the harvest and when it was full he’d tell us to pull him out. Normally, we would find an open area and slowly lower him to the ground and then land to retrieve him, his harvest and the rope ladder. At times he would climb back up the ladder to get back aboard.All this was absurdly dangerous for all of us but I guess we never gave it a second thought. The little yellow-green bananas were the sweetest, most delicious I’ve ever tasted and made an absolutely wonderful Daiquiri.
5 comments:
I would never think to risk my life in a jungle full of amunition for a banana daiquiri. So many vets came home alcoholics---because it was there!
And to think all I have to do is ride down to the Piggly Wiggly for some! LOL
lol @ Shelia and Ms. Jan's comments! And to think that I don't even buy the readily available ones at the Piggly Wiggly because I don't like them!
I have nanners to post but it will be a little later....Everyone needs comic relief, but hanging your friends from a ladder, Mike I am glad you are still with us! God has a plan for you.
Being young and in the middle of a brutal war makes young people do things like that. It's the high spirit of young.
Post a Comment