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Background: Pilots of U.S. Air Force Film rescue helicopters in the Republic of Vietnam have accomplished many daring rescues of American pilots shot down over enemy territory in North Vietnam.

Many pilots brought down by enemy fire North Vietnam have been successfully rescued...somethings picked up from under the eyes and weapons of enemy troops. Often the pilots of the huge "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters are forced to hover over the jungles of enemy territory at tree top level, at times even lowering pararescue personnel into thick undergrowth to pick up a downed pilot.

A successful rescue of a downed pilot in enemy territory, however, is a team effort involving much more than the courage and determination of a single helicopter crew. Also closely involved are ground and Air Command Posts; AlE Skyraider "Sandy" pilots, and the six-mn "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter crews who go in for the pickup.

Orbiting as high as 30,000 feet with long range highly sensitive radio systems, the airborne command and post - with the call sign "Crown" - can direct a rescue and relay all communications from the rescue area to the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center at Saigon.

The AlE "Sandys" fly in all over the area to seek out any hidden enemy forces and concentrate firepower on their positions. Armed with rockets, machine guns, 20mm cannons, and bombs, these rugged fighter-bomber propeller aircraft also carry smoke bombs to screen the rescue area from enemy ground fire, and smoke rockets to mark targets for each other.

Following suppression strikes, the "Sandys" remain in the rescue area and fly while "Jolly Green Giant" helicopter crews pick up the downed pilot.

This film shows the successful rescue of two U.S. Marine Corps pilots shot down over North Vietnam last year.

Participating in the rescue operation was U. S. Air force Lieutenant Colonel Baylor R. Haynes. 42, who commanded the "Jolly Green Giants" from October, 1965 until September, 1966, during which time 96 pilots were rescued from North Vietnam. Colonel Haynes flew 40 combat missions himself.