>I think the Apache's are not able to take being hit nearly as well as A10s,

No, they definitely can't! But they are much better at avoiding taking fire in the first place.

>plus have less fire power and take longer to get places.

This, and the higher maint-man/hour per flight hour.

>"...the JTAC didn't feel safe bringing in helicopters in to evacuate the wounded personnel."

Thanks for that link, hadn't seen it.

>...the convoy's commander approved the pilots to engage "danger-close." The term is meant to clearly communicate to the ground and air forces that the need for support is so grave the ground commander is willing to accept the potential risk to the friendly unit for the life-saving employment from the air.

Scheisse. Gives you chills if you really think about it.