A helicopter does not want to fly.
It is maintained in the air by a variety of forces and controls,
working in opposition to each other;
and if there is any disturbance in the delicate balance,
the helicopter stops flying immediately and disastrously.
There is no such thing as a gliding helicopter.
This is why being a helicopter pilot
is so different from being an airplane pilot;
and why, in generality,
airplane pilots are open, clear-eyed, buoyant extroverts
and helicopter pilots are brooders,
introspective anticipators of trouble.
They know if something bad has not happened,
it is about to."
Harry Reasoner
ABC Evening News
16 February 1971
SQUADRON HISTORY - 1943 to 1993
PERSONNEL KILLED IN ACTION IN VIETNAM
--- POPASMOKE REUNION INFO - 2008 ---
This website is dedicated to the many men who gave a part or all of their life to the pursuit of the mission of Marine Observation Squadron Two (VMO-2). They consisted of turbine mechanics, avionics technicians, airframe mechanics, admin clerks, corpsmen, flight surgeons, ordnancemen, paraloft specialists, pilots and personnel from other squadrons who came to VMO-2 for the exhilaration of the type of mission which we were assigned.
It is because of these dedicated individuals readying and crewing the various aircraft and gunships for each mission that the USMC was able to remain a significant element in the conflict.
I'M A HELICOPTER PILOT, DON'T CRY FOR ME
Don't grieve for me, I've returned to base.
To join my fellow Marines - at the Holy place.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, and laughs, A loved one's touch.
You can wear your flightsuits, fly a hop each day,
It's a pretty nice place, So I think I'll stay.
I've seen a few who went before me,
The guys from Vietnam are here,
So brave, so young we were back then
I still can shed a tear,
But we're United States Marines,
And there is nothing that we fear.
Oh, � God said the devil is still looking for "jane",
And yes, I did get to see John Wayne.
So if you happen to get "the calling", And you're at the pearly gate,
Remember to listen for those rotors, And look for a squadron mate.
"Mrs. Windy" Paula Page
Note: Major Doug Page, USMC(Ret), died in January 1999 from the after-effects of Agent Orange. He served in Vietnam with VMO-2 and VMO-6
Marine Observation Squadron Two
in the Republic of Vietnam
When American advisers were inserted in 1962 (with Operation Shufly), VMO-2 was there. Again in 1965, the Close Air Support and Tactical Air Control (Airborne) missions were shared by the crews of VMO-2 and VMO-6. Later in the war, the missions were additionally shared by VMO-3 and then the newly-organized HML-167, HML-367 and HMA-369. By the end of the Vietnam War, VMO-2 had evolved from primarily a medevac, observation and attack helicopter squadron with UH-1E's under MAG-16 into a fixed wing observation and attack squadron under MAG-11 at Danang Airbase, flying exclusively the OV-10A Bronco. VMO-2 had served from April 1962 to April 1971, nine consecutive years. During that period, nearly 1900 men qualified to wear the squadron insignia of VMO-2.
Each of the above squadrons provided a significant degree of security in every way to the Marine ground units and transport helicopter squadrons engaged in combat. Through medevacs, close air support, and retraction missions, they were there to serve all Marines engaged in combat.
Commanding General, FMFPacific
11 July 1967
Capt. Alan H. Barbour, USMCR
VMO-2 (1966-67)
MMAF, Phu Bai, Dong Ha, Khe Sanh
Republic of Vietnam
USMC Links
National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps Orientation Film
Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
