Puff The Magic Dragon Gunship Vietnam In Action
The Vietnam War was one of the most controversial wars in American history. The conflict lasted for over a decade and claimed the lives of more than 58,000 U.S. soldiers. One of the most interesting aspects of the war was the use of helicopters as gunships. One of the most famous gunships was the AC-47, also known as "Puff the Magic Dragon."
What is Puff the Magic Dragon?
Puff the Magic Dragon was an AC-47 gunship used by the United States during the Vietnam War. The AC-47 was a modified cargo plane that was equipped with three 7.62mm miniguns. The miniguns were mounted on the side of the aircraft and could fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute.
The AC-47 was used primarily for air support and ground attack missions. Its ability to fire large volumes of ammunition at a high rate of fire made it extremely effective against enemy positions, particularly at night. The AC-47's ability to fly slowly and circle a target made it a difficult target for ground fire.
The History of Puff the Magic Dragon
The AC-47 was first introduced in Vietnam in 1964. The aircraft was used extensively in the early years of the war and was credited with saving countless American lives. The AC-47 was particularly effective in protecting U.S. bases from enemy attack.
The AC-47 was eventually replaced by more advanced gunships, such as the AC-130, but it remained in service until the end of the war. In total, 53 AC-47's were used in Vietnam, and they were responsible for thousands of enemy casualties.
How Puff the Magic Dragon Got its Name
The name "Puff the Magic Dragon" comes from the popular children's song of the same name. The song was written in 1959 by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary. The lyrics of the song describe a friendly dragon named Puff who lives by the sea.
The AC-47 gunship was given the nickname "Puff the Magic Dragon" because of the sound it made when firing its miniguns. The sound was said to resemble the roar of a dragon breathing fire. The name stuck, and the aircraft became one of the most famous gunships of the Vietnam War.
The Legacy of Puff the Magic Dragon
The Vietnam War ended in 1975, but the memories of the conflict continue to live on. The use of gunships like Puff the Magic Dragon was one of the most controversial aspects of the war, but it also demonstrated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the American military.
Today, Puff the Magic Dragon is remembered as one of the most iconic aircraft of the Vietnam War. Its legacy is honored at museums and memorials dedicated to the conflict, and its story is told in countless books and documentaries. While the war itself was a tragedy, the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who fought it will never be forgotten.
