During operation Ballarat, Australian troops made contact with Viet Cong in thick jungle. RAAF No. 9 Squadron was scrambled to evacuate Australian casualties. Because of the thick jungle helicopters were unable to land and were winched up. United States helicopter gun ships gave covering fire to the RAAF craft. (not shown in visuals). Squadron Leader Jim Cox a flight commander was first into the area. He ran into enemy fire and the winch was shot away. He returned to base while the remainder of the flight continued with the operation. The wounded were quickly ferried back to the task force HQ and within minutes were on their way to Australian and American hospitals.
Source: Australian War Memorial During operation Ballarat, Australian troops made contact with Viet Cong in thick jungle. RAAF No. 9 Squadron was scrambled to evacuate Australian casualties. Because of the thick jungle helicopters were unable to land and were winched up. United States helicopter gun ships gave covering fire to the RAAF craft. (not shown in visuals). Squadron Leader Jim Cox a flight commander was first into the area. He ran into enemy fire and the winch was shot away. He returned to base while the remainder of the flight continued with the operation. The wounded were quickly ferried back to the task force HQ and within minutes were on their way to Australian and American hospitals.
