Info Sheet - Joseph S. "Joe" Bowen
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Cobra Pilot and Operations Officer for F Troop, 4th Cav in 1972-73
I never flew more than 40 nautical miles from Phu Loi, usually in support of the brigades at Lai Khe or Phouc Vinh. At 23, I assumed everyone's experience was just like mine. I have discovered that I was quite wrong - factors I didn't recognize then that significantly affected one's experience were:
when you were there,
where you were located,
what you were flying,
what unit you were with,
what the enemy was doing,
what the politicians were doing (or not doing),
how many tours you had, &
what was happening with one's family at home.
I have come to appreciate much more the diversity of experiences of others.