I was a helicopter pilot during 1967 and 1968, flying Huey's in the central highlands. My unit issued S&W model 10 with 4in barrel, or model 1911 45's. I chose to carry the 1911in a shoulder rig. We flew in jungle fatigues. I always figured the handgun was to throw at the bad guys so insisted my crew chief and gunner brought an M-14 not the M-16. If we went down, my plan was the crew guys would use the door guns and carry them, pilots use the M-14 and we'd all have the same ammo. By the grace of God I never had to see how that would work out. 12months, 978 combat flying hours and never shot down. Shot up but never down, AMEN.
John