The War Above The Trees

The War Above the Trees

March, 1969. Another season would soon change in America. Winter was ending and the warm breezes of spring were melting the snow. The earth would renew itself as it has done for thousands of years. The generation of Americans which had been born since the Second World War was becoming young adults. Termed the ''Now'' generation by themselves, many made plans for the up coming year. Fueled by ''Rock N Roll'', ''Free Love'', and the 'Anti-War Movement'' these plans would bring change to a troubled country. The ''Summer of Love'' would be the answer of this which many needed.Half a world away, another season was about to change and other members of the is generation made other plans. The Dry season in the Central Highlands of Vietnam would soon end. It would be replace by the Monsoon season which would come out of the west. For this reason, young American soldiers would again enter th Valley of Death which was called the Plei-Trap.The War Above the Trees is the story of the air crews flying support to the men of the 4th Infantry Division during Operation Wayne Grey in March and April of 1969. This is a day by day account of what happened as seen through the eyes of a young crew chief. It includes After Action Reports and eyewitness statements of both air crew members and infantry personnel which were on the ground. This is not a story about the war, but rather the story of the young soldiers who fought there. It tells of the brotherhood formed by the small things which was part of our lives. A meal shared with friends. The time spent together which would bring relief from the madness of the war. It is not the story of heroes but of young men doing their jobs in a war they did not understand.This is a factual account of an operation few people have heard about. It was not written to judge the actions of the people responsible for its planning. Its main goal is help the people who were there still looking for answers thrity years later. It is also a tribute to our borthers who died and the hope that their families can find some closure to their loss.