Sikorsky H-34

The Sikorsky H-34, a piston-engine helicopter originally designed for anti-submarine warfare, became an essential asset in the secret war in Laos, particularly in supporting the Hmong forces. Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft, the H-34 was later adapted for various military roles, including troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery.

In U.S. military service, the H-34 was often painted in a distinctive green color, which led to its nickname, "Jolly Green." This name was later associated with the larger and more advanced HH-3 and HH-53 helicopters used in search and rescue missions, but the H-34 also played a significant role in these operations. The "Jolly Green" helicopters became symbols of hope for downed pilots and soldiers, as they were known for their reliability and the bravery of their crews in dangerous rescue missions.

During the 1960s, the H-34 was a key component of U.S. operations in Laos, particularly within the Air America fleet, a covert airline operated by the CIA. These helicopters supported various military and humanitarian missions, including the transport of Hmong guerrillas led by General Vang Pao, the delivery of supplies to remote and often inaccessible locations, and the evacuation of wounded personnel from the battlefield. The challenging terrain of Northern Laos, where the Hmong were active, made the H-34's capabilities especially valuable (Anthony & Sexton, 2024).

The H-34 was also involved in critical missions such as the insertion of reconnaissance teams and the transport of road watch teams under Project Shining Brass, which supported intelligence operations in the region. These missions required the helicopters to operate with a high level of secrecy, often flying without markings and with pilots dressed in civilian clothes to maintain plausible deniability under the Geneva Accords (Celeski, 2024).

References

Anthony, V. B., & Sexton, R. R. (2024). The war in Northern Laos 1954-1973.

Celeski, J. D. (2024). Special air warfare and the secret war in Laos: Air commandos 1964-1975.