Scope and Contents

Slides, letters home, book manuscript (written by David Petteys), Life Magazines, and Military publications such as The Observer, Sea Tiger and Pacific Stars and stripes documenting Captain David Petteys tour of duty in Vietnam as a Marine helicopter pilot from August 1966 to September 1967.

Biographical / Historical

David Petteys enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1962 with the hopes of becoming a pilot and arrived at Quantico, VA where he was to attend Officer Candidate School. Following OCS at Quantico Petteys attended preflight training at Pensacola, Florida. In August 1964, Petteys is assigned to HMM 363 in Santa Ana, CA flying helicopters. During the summer of 1965 Petteys is attached to HMM 165, a newly constituted H-46 squadron in California, preparing for deployment to Vietnam. The advance party of HMM 165 arrives at Ky Ha, Vietnam in August of 1966, to prepare for the arrival of the rest of the men and helicopters. From August 1965 Petteys flies missions in a variety of helicopters participating in troop lifts, recon, med evacs, resupply and troop support missions. Petteys returns to the United States from Vietnam in September 1967 after flying for a year in Vietnam and receiving the following commendations: Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross and 28 Air Medals.

Series

• Series - Correspondence