LIFE in the Vietnam War

After standing outside the copter, giving the thumbs-up signal for take-off, Farley ducked into the belly door and took his place at a gun station. Twenty-five minutes later, Yankee Papa 13 picked up its cargo of troops. With nine South Vietnamese soldiers and Burrows aboard, the cabin of the copter was close and sweaty. "But there was a fine breeze aloft," LIFE reported, "and for that all were grateful." (Larry Burrows—Time & Life Pictures/Getty... more 

After standing outside the copter, giving the thumbs-up signal for take-off, Farley ducked into the belly door and took his place at a gun station. Twenty-five minutes later, Yankee Papa 13 picked up its cargo of troops. With nine South Vietnamese soldiers and Burrows aboard, the cabin of the copter was close and sweaty. "But there was a fine breeze aloft," LIFE reported, "and for that all were grateful." (Larry Burrows—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images)

Click here to see the full collection at LIFE.com less