These extraordinary Super 8mm home movies from the Vietnam War, come from a member of the “Ravens”. The Raven Forward Air Controllers, also known simply as The Ravens, were fighter pilots used for forward air control in a covert operation in conjunction with the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States in Laos during America’s Vietnam War. The Ravens provided direction for most of the air strikes against communist Pathet Lao targets and People’s Army of Vietnam’s infiltrators in support of the Laotian Hmong guerrilla army.
SCENE #1: (00:00:00) Flying over lake and Wat (Buddhist Temple) at the foot of the mountain on which Wat Phu is located (Southern Laos, near Champassak). Raven 58 walking along path near Wat Phu viewing the various statutes. He was taken to Wat Phu near the end of his tour in Laos. This would have been in October 1970. Raven 58’s GIB (Guy-in-the-Backseat, Kon Ty,—the Laotian interpreter who flew with the Ravens when flying over enemy territory or out reconnoitering), is taking the movie. After viewing some of the statutes, Raven 58 approaches Wat Phu.
SCENE #2: (03:22:00) Tour of weaving factory in Laotian village showing thread-making machines. And then the weaving machines making cloth.
SCENE #3: (05:13:10) Women in Laos on porch preparing meals.
SCENE #4: (05:46:10) School buildings and schoolyard in Laos. Where a close-up is shown of children looking out window and the girl standing outside the window—some children do not have enough money to go to school, and often, girls do not go, but to learn they may sit outside the classroom window and listen to the instruction.
SCENE #5: (06:22:08) People in Viet-Nam getting on bus along road to be taken to another town. Vendor in street pushing cart selling ice cream. This is on the road near Nhatrang.
SCENE #6: (06:43:05) Raven 58 at army compound on the Eastern edge of the Bolavens Plateau. Soldiers have their family live with them in these compounds.
SCENE #7: (07:42:10) The O-1 Crew Chief smoking “weed” from a Bong at a Bassi toward the end of Raven 58’s tour in Laos. This was a party for the Ravens. The 2 men on the floor preparing the Bong are Laotian T-28 pilots. One of the Ravens is shown smoking next. Raven 58 is then shown next smoking. Laotian preparing the weed. The strings tied on the wrists of the Ravens are tied on during a Bassi and are part of the ritual.
SCENE #8: (11:50:10) Flying over Saravane, Laos. Showing the palm trees is where the “upscale” families lived. The golden spires are Buddhist Temples.
SCENE #9: (13:26:04) C-47 dropping Laotian army parachuters during Army Day Festival in Pakse, Laos.
SCENE #10: (15:27:05) Army compound and soldiers preparing to retake Saravane, Laos which had been captured by the North Vietnamese Army.
SCENE #11: (16:36:15) Shops in Laotian village along the Mekong River. One of the Raven’s talking with the Laotian children. The Laotian soldier is the Raven’s GIB. The woman is the shop owner.
SCENE #12: (18:48:15) Bombing target on unknown mountain top in Laos. … (19:07:05) Activity in village during rainy season. … (20:33:15) Flying along the Mekong River showing village during rainy season in 1969 which flooded many villages along the Mekong. … (21:43:00) Kon Ty (Raven 58’s GIB) getting gas for jeeps.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
