The Cessna O-2 Skymaster flew some of the most dangerous missions of the Vietnam War. As a Forward Air Control aircraft, the O-2 marked enemy positions with smoke rockets, directed strike aircraft, and coordinated search-and-rescue efforts, often flying low and slow over hostile terrain. Art Elser describes one mission in the A Shau Valley, where a round tore through the side of the aircraft and into the cockpit. The pilot in the left seat was wearing the squadron’s only ceramic helmet. It absor