Artist's commentary
Lance Cpl. James C. Farley, helicopter crew chief, Vietnam, 1965. Larry Burrows—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
"Farley stood outside where the pilot could see him, and as the rotors began to turn, whipping up choking clouds of dust, he gave the thumbs-up signal for take-off. Then he ducked into the belly door and took his place at a gun station. Twenty-five minutes later, the Yankee Papa 13 picked up its cargo of troops. Then it took off for the strike zone. With nine South Vietnamese soldiers and photographer Burrows aboard, the cabin of the copter was close and sweaty. But there was a fine breeze aloft, and for that all were grateful. The two young Marines who had spent the previous day in town in such high spirits were now caught up in the business of war, on a trip from which they'd return much older."
Image 11/29 of the photos of Larry Burrow's 'One Ride with Yankee Papa 13'.
The April 16, 1965, issue of LIFE Magazine is free on Google Books - https://books.google.com/books?id=RlMEAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
More info available in post #939

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