The concept of the door gunner originated during the Vietnam War, when helicopters were first used in combat in large numbers. The original personnel who served as early door gunners aboard CH-21, UH-34, and UH-1 helicopters in Vietnam, were enlisted men, with a designated and specially trained crew chief serving as both the aircraft's maintenance manager and a door gunner.
The concept of a door gunner emerged during the Vietnam War, when helicopters were first widely employed in combat. The original personnel who served as early door gunners aboard CH-21, UH-34, and UH-1 helicopters in Vietnam were enlisted men, with a designated and specially trained crew chief serving as both the aircraft's maintenance manager and a door gunner.