- Joined
- Nov 18, 2007
- Messages
- 277
O.K. here's the story behind this knife..
My uncle was a gunner on AC-130 Spectre Gunships from 1969-1972. He was stationed in Thailand and flew over 500 missions into Vietnam and Laos.
Ironically, he was killed while on a C-130 transport in 1985.
I have always wondered what my uncles Vietnam experience was like. But, he would never really talk about it when he was alive.
I have recently been doing a lot of research about him while he was in Vietnam.
I have learned some amazing facts about some of the things he endured during that 4 years.
Me being from a background of 15 yrs. in Law Enforcement, can somewhat understand why he never spoke of most of it...
All of this research has inspired me to build this knife.
The carving on the side of the knife is somewhat reminiscent of the nose art that is commonly found on AC-130 gunships.
I have a lot more research to do in order to find out what his 27 air medals, 4 DFC's, and 2 bronze stars were awarded for. But, so far I have learned that I should be extremely proud to have a bit of his blood in me....
I have also been very humbled by learning so much about so many of the other brave Spectre members from not only that era but in the years since.
Our freedom does not come without sacrifice!!!!!!!
Knife specs:
OAL: 9 1/4"
Closed: 5 1/4"
Blade: 4" of .180 stainless Damascus
Frame : .150" Titanium
Thanks for looking
My uncle was a gunner on AC-130 Spectre Gunships from 1969-1972. He was stationed in Thailand and flew over 500 missions into Vietnam and Laos.
Ironically, he was killed while on a C-130 transport in 1985.
I have always wondered what my uncles Vietnam experience was like. But, he would never really talk about it when he was alive.
I have recently been doing a lot of research about him while he was in Vietnam.
I have learned some amazing facts about some of the things he endured during that 4 years.
Me being from a background of 15 yrs. in Law Enforcement, can somewhat understand why he never spoke of most of it...
All of this research has inspired me to build this knife.
The carving on the side of the knife is somewhat reminiscent of the nose art that is commonly found on AC-130 gunships.
I have a lot more research to do in order to find out what his 27 air medals, 4 DFC's, and 2 bronze stars were awarded for. But, so far I have learned that I should be extremely proud to have a bit of his blood in me....
I have also been very humbled by learning so much about so many of the other brave Spectre members from not only that era but in the years since.
Our freedom does not come without sacrifice!!!!!!!
Knife specs:
OAL: 9 1/4"
Closed: 5 1/4"
Blade: 4" of .180 stainless Damascus
Frame : .150" Titanium
Thanks for looking
