Scope and Contents

The collection consists of three children's books written by David Watters about military helicopters featuring a light observation helicopter named Scout, based on Watters service as a helicopter pilot with two tours in Vietnam (1967-1968 and 1971-1972).

Biographical / Historical

David "Mike" Watters was born in 1948 in Wilmington, North Carolina. He volunteered for the U.S. Army and served for a total of 40 years (1967-2008) as active duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard. His active duty service included two combat tours of duty as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade at Long Binh (1968-1969) and with D Troop 1st Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment (June 1971-4 May 1972) and with D Troop 17th Cavalry Regiment (4 May-26 June 1972) at Chu Lai and Marble Mountain/Da Nang. He flew as a Light Observation Pilot (100B), a Pilot Infantry Officer 15/41 (Scout), and a Huey pilot. In May 1972 he participated in the Easter Offensive 1972. While in Vietnam he held the ranks of Warrant Officer 1 (WO1), Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) and, as a commissioned officer, Second Lieutenant and Captain.

During his military service Watters was awarded the Master Army Aviation Badge, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Bronze Star (2nd award), Air Medal (52nd award including 3 awards with 'V' Device), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (2nd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal (8th award), Air Medal (53rd award), Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (3rd award), National Defense Service Medal (3rd award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) (3rd award), Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 'M' Device (2nd award), and USA Senior Aviation Badge.

Watters retired from military service in 2008 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4). He continued flying helicopters as a civilian pilot for hospitals and air tours, and wrote three children's books about military helicopters featuring a light observation helicopter named Scout. He is a life member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion.