• Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us
The West Point Center for Oral History
  • Home
  • Archives
    • USMA Leaders Through History
    • The Vietnam War
    • Combatting Terrorism
    • Soldier to Citizen: Life After the Service
    • Honor And Integrity
    • Brent Scowcroft Series in Military History
    • Iraq and Afghanistan War Archive
  • Interviews
  • About
    • About the Center
    • Center News
    • Our Supporters
    • Our Leadership
    • Contact Us

Flying A Huey In The Vietnamese Air Force: A Battalion Commander In The 64th Helicopter Tactical Wing

Uc V. Nguyen

Description

LTC Uc Nguyen grew up in a rural area near Saigon. His father was an officer in his village. During the Vietnam War, Uc served as a helicopter pilot. After graduating from the Vietnamese Military Academy, he came to America to learn to fly helicopters. Returning to Vietnam, he flew Hueys, and eventually became an aviation battalion commander. While in command, he helped develop airmobile operations and the general capabilities of aviation units. Working side by side with American pilots, he took part in major campaigns such as the Tet Offensive. He fled the country three days before the fall of Saigon on 27 April 1975, flying his family to safety in his own helicopter. Reflecting on the war, he wishes there had been more joint operations between the Army of the Republic of Vietnam and the United States. In this interview, he talks about his childhood in Vietnam, joining the military, training in the United States, and returning to fight the war. He discusses the culture of the Vietnamese, and compares it to what he observed in the American Soldiers. He describes several operations he participated in, the process of Vietnamization, and the impact of journalism on the war. Finally, he talks about fleeing the Republic of Vietnam and coming to America.

Video Details Interview Date:22-Sep-18
Interviewer:Chris Dao
Biographical Details Name:Uc V. Nguyen
Branch:Vietnamese Air Force
Service Start:1959
Service End:1975
Specialty:Helicopter Pilot
Additional Resources
The West Point Center for Oral History Logo

About
Contact

How You Can Help

The West Point Center for Oral History is a privately funded organization that relies on the generosity of donors. When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the West Point Association of Graduates website and instructions on how to give to the Center. We appreciate your generosity! Support The Center

Stay Informed

Be the first to know! Sign up now to get updates and email alerts when new interviews are released. Join the West Point Center for Oral History's Pipeline Alert.

"*" indicates required fields

© 2026 · West Point Center for Oral History   |   West Point Department of History   |   U.S. Military Academy   |   U.S. Army