The Newsletter of The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
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IN THIS ISSUE... Christmas in Vietnam stories 2015 Reunion Information Trends in Military Aviation 3rd Wire on a carrier landing
4-9 12 20-21 23
TAPS 27-32 Welcome to the VHPA 34 Southern Airways Memorial dedication 35 VHPA Chapter Activities 36-40 Š 2014 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. All rights reserved. Issue 33-06 ~ November/December 2014
VHPA Officers, Members of the Executive Council and National Committee Chairman - 2014-2015 President Vice President Past President Senior Member Midterm Member Junior Member Secretary/Treasurer Founder
Bob Hesselbein Clyde Romero Bill “Moon” Mullen John Shafer Mike Sheuerman John Sorensen John Powell Larry Clark
President@VHPA.org clyderomerof4@bellsouth.net hpilot1963@aol.com johnshafercpa@comcast.net msheuerman@tx.rr.com jsorensen7106@gmail.com rotorpylut@yahoo.com
National Committee Chairmen and Committee Assistants Aviator Magazine
David Adams, Editor/Publisher Tom Kirk, Asst. Editor
Aviator@VHPA.org TomKirk@embarqmail.com
Chaplain
John Sorensen
JSorensen7106@Gmail.com
Chapter Liaison
John Sorensen Jack Salm, Asst. Chair
JSorensen7106@Gmail.com Johnsalmjr@Gmail.com
Historical
Mike Sloniker, Chairman Bob Hesselbein, Asst. Chair
mikesloniker@yahoo.com Beaner1138@aol.com
Investments
Bob Smith, Chairman Bob Potvin, Asst. Chair
tigersmity@hotmail.com PotvinR@Stifel.com
Legal Advisor
Mike Poindexter, Legal Advisor
poinlaw@aol.com
Membership
Mike Sheuerman, Chairman Bob Howard, Asst, Chair
msheuerman@tx.rr.com ltcbobhow@tx.rr.com
Membership Directory
Gary Roush, Editor & Chairman Mike Law, Asst, Chair
groush2@earthlink.net mglaw@earthlink.net
National Reunion
Mike Law, Chairman Gary Roush, Asst. Chair
mglaw@earthlink.net groush2@earthlink.net
Public Relations
Bob Hesselbein, Chairman
Beaner1138@aol.com
Records/Database
Gary Roush, Editor & Chairman Mike Law, Asst, Chair
groush2@earthlink.net mglaw@earthlink.net
Reunion Site Selection
Moon Mullen, Chairman Bob Hesselbein, Asst. Chair
hpilot1963@aol.com Beaner1138@aol.com
Scholarship Program
Tom Payne, Chairman Mike Sheuerman, Asst. Chair
bandit32@cox.net msheuerman@tx.rr.com
1-800-505-VHPA (8472)
Secretary/Treasurer
John Shafer, Asst Chair
johnshafercpa@comcast.net
E-Mail:
VHPA Marketing & Fundraising
Moon Mullen, Chairman John Shafer, Asst. Chair
hpilot1963@aol.com johnshafercpa@comcast.net
VHPA Calendar Project
Mike Law, Chairman Gary Roush, Asst. Chair
mglaw@earthlink.net groush2@earthlink.net
VHPA Aviator Newsletter:
Aviator@VHPA.org VHPA WebSite:
V H PA . o r g VHPA Headquarters and Headquarter Staff contact Information Phone:
HQ@VHPA.org
AVIATOR PRIVACY STATEMENT The VHPA Aviator contains member privacy information the VHPA considers proprietary and confidential. This information, including but not limited to the VHPA Chapter list, shall not be used for commercial solicitation purposes or for any correspondence related thereto without prior written authorization from the VHPA president. Correspondence relating to commercial purposes or solicitations shall only be sent to the VHPA Officers, Committee Chairmen and/or Staff listed in this publication.
E -mail i tems to Th e Av i a t o r a t : Av i a t o r @ v h p a . o r g THE VHPA AVIATOR, THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION (ISSN 1930-5737) (USPS 001-497) is published six times yearly ~ January, March, May, July, September & November. The VHPA is organized as a 501 (c ) (19) fraternal military organization and one copy of each newsletter is included in each of our Memberʼs Dues, yearly subscriptions to the Aviator are available to non-members for $36.00. Published by See David Adams, Enterprises, LLC, 2900 Arbor Court, Round Rock, Texas, 78681 for the VHPA, headquartered at 2100 N. Highway 360, Suite 907, Grand Prairie, TX 75050. Periodicals Publications postage paid at Round Rock, Texas and additional mailing points. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VHPA HQ, 2100 N. Highway 360, Suite 907, Grand Prairie, TX 75050
Page 2 The VHPA Aviator
FROM T H E V H PA ST AFF AT H Q!
From the President of the VHPA -
BO B H ES S EL B E I N
I was recently asked two questions by a reporter at the 31st VHPA Annual Reunion in Louisville: What are the requirements to become a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and why is this association important to you? The first answer was easy: “(1) Full membership is limited to those who piloted helicopters in the Vietnam War.” The second answer was direct: “(2) I am proud of our honorable wartime service and enjoy the experience of once again being with my brothers-in-arms.”They were concise answers perfectly designed for the typical 12-second, television soundbite, but the second question lingered in my mind after the interview was finished. I knew my response was acceptable, but neither was it complete nor adequate. True, pride and brotherhood are two strong pillars that fortify our association, but today there is much more to our shared affiliation. We now possess an inner drive to ensure what we proudly did as young warriors is remembered by future generations. Our research efforts--data gathering, the detailing and written interpretation of military events—ensure the history of rotary-wing combat in Southeast Asia shall not be forgotten. Beyond the names on The Wall and dry narratives in military archives, the details of individual heroism shall not be lost to time and failed memories. To this purpose we extended our circle of brotherhood beyond those who survived the rugged hours of combat flying. For over three decades we have responded and embraced the families and friends of our dead brothers who seek specific details of their death. Many parents, spouses and children only knew the pilot they loved was dead, and the mystery of not knowing how or why rekindled the pain at each recollection. We comforted the families; we answered hard questions. Because of our organization many families learned the painful details, thoughtfully explained by a VHPA member, a pilot and friend, gently honest, and frequently spoken with a cracking voice and shared tears. It is a difficult VHPA mission, but one that brings comfort to the Gold Star families. We also serve the future of our nation by proudly reaching deep into our wallets to help young scholars afford and achieve a better education. This, in turn, enriches our great nation with young adults equipped to face the challenges their generation will confront as we pass from the scene. It is a generous gift, a fine legacy, from our generation to the next. And finally, in a time of national dissention and anger, I am extraordinarily proud we stand by our charter to be non-partisan and non-political, pure to our mission and with fidelity to the core objects and purposes of the VHPA’s existence. My personal favorite: “To enhance and accredit the cohesiveness, espirit de corps, and traditions of valor of rotary-wing aircrews that flew in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Era.” We are an island of honor and stability in the purest sense, clear in our purpose, true to our code. For that we can all stand proud.
Don’t Forget…..if you move, be sure to call HQ with an update to your contact information! This assures that you do not miss any issues of your newsletter. If you have not received an issue lately, give us a call to make sure we have your correct address on file. Also, you can go on line to https://directory.vhpa.org and log in with your member number, then set up a password or use your social security number. Then on the left side will be a box with red lettering that says “Other Services”. Under “Other Services” will be a box that says “Update My Information”. Click on this button and you can make updates directly to your information. 2014 directories can no longer be pre-ordered at the reduced price. They are now $25 if you would like a CD or paper directory. You can now pre-order the 2015 CD Directory for $10 and the 2015 Paper Directory for $15. As always, our goal is to make VHPA the best it can be for you, the members! If there is anything that we can do to make that happen, PLEASE LET US KNOW! S he rr y R od ge rs V HP A O f fi c e Ma n ag e r
To the Members of the VHPA Some of you may not know that the De pa r t m en t of T r a ns p o rt a t i o n F ed e r a l A v i a ti on Adm inistr atio n pr esents th e Wr ig h t Brothers Mas ter P il ot Aw ar d to pi lot s for fi fty y ear s of de dic ate d ser vic e in Aviatio n Sa f et y . It i s i n re co g n i t i o n o f t h ei r co nt r i bu tions to build ing an d maint aini ng the safes t av i a t i on s ys t em i n th e w orl d t hr ou gh p ra ct i c i ng a n d pr om ot i ng s a fe a i rc r af t op e ra t i on s of more than 50 consecutive years from date of the i r f ir st so l o. T he c r it e ri on i nc l ude s 5 0 ye ar s w i t h o u t a n ac ci de n t a n d w i th o u t a v i o la t i on o f F A A r u le s , d o cu me n ta t i on mu s t a l so i nc l ud e th re e l e t te rs o f re co mme n d at i o n . The good news is that shoot downs do not count against the pilot, or many VHPA members would not be eligible! More information of requirements and the nomination process is available by looking up the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award o n t h e i n te r n e t . I r e c e i ve d t h e aw a r d t h i s year. Many of you may be eligible. Safe Flying, Charles R. Rayl VHPA Past President 96-97 and Legal Advisor Emeritus
Page 3 The VHPA Aviator
From the pages of Stars and Stripes – 25 December 1964 BIEN HOA, South Vietnam — Bob Hope, who said he wasn't arrival, weren't even told where they were going until they were scared to come to Vietnam, but added they had to blindfold the airborne out of Saigon. Military police were everywhere, and airplane, brought some laughter to a place of war Christmas Eve. Hope, commenting on the security backstage, seemed amazed and The comedian and his appreciative. Even troupe arrived from under a blistering sun Thailand Thursday that sent the temperaand an hour later ture to 92 degrees, it Hope, a golf club in seemed like Christmas one hand and a beautiwhen the cast ended the ful girl at the other, show with Silent Night. made it feel like The approximately Christmas here. He 1,000 airmen in the had told his official audience sang along, welcomers, "We've heads lowered, then been looking forward rushed to the stage to to coming here. We've shake hands with the been warming up — if stars. One man put it you can call it warming simply, "It's a great thing up — in Korea, then for them to come here. It makes it feel a little the Philippines and like home." Thailand. (UPI said Hope dined "It's kind of a kick to Thursday night with be here on Christmas blood on the cuffs of Eve." his shirt after personalThen Hope, aided by ly shaking hands with Jerry Colonna, Jill St. 42 of the American vicJohn, Janis Paige, tims of a Viet Cong Anita Bryant, Anna bombing which coinciMaria Alberghetti, dentally welcomed him Julia Bubbles, Miss to Saigon). World Ann Sidney, Hope noted the Peter Leeds and Les bloodstains when a Brown and his band UPI correspondent put on a two-hour pointed them out. "I show as fighter bombers and heli- Mike Mealey ©Stars and Stripes didn't realize I had the copters whizzed over- Vietnam, December, 1964: From World War II to the Gulf War, veterans have bloodstains," he said, fond memories of one person who linked them to home and provided them head. Hope quipped: with a much-needed break from battle: Bob Hope. Here, at Pleiku on their surprised. Hope went "It's a thrill to be here 1964 Christmas tour, Hope and comedian Jerry Colonna talk with Warrant on to say that he and his in Sniper Valley. Hope Officer Bruce Mauldin, whose name will also ring a bell with veterans; he's group were driving into the son of the beloved World War II Stars and Stripes cartoonist Bill Mauldin. I do as well as Henry Saigon from the airport Cabot Lodge — he got out. What a welcome I got — they when the blast occurred. Security agents sent their baggage thought I was a replacement. We got a 40 gun salute. Three of truck racing back to the airport but permitted Hope and his party to proceed to the fashionable Caravelle Hotel, less than them were ours.'' He went on and on. And the veteran Miss Paige and the other 100 yards from the still burning officers barracks where the beauties in the cast had the men whistling and clapping every time explosion went off. they flashed a smile. Maj. Gen. Richard Stilwell, who welcomed "We could smell the explosion," said Miss Sidney. "I saw them the troupe to Vietnam, thanked Hope on behalf of the more than sweeping the glass off the pavement when we arrived." Later 23,000 Americans in Vietnam, adding that it was the biggest occa- Hope left a dinner with American Ambassador Maxwell D. Taylor and the commander of the U.S. forces in Saigon, General sion of the year for any serviceman. A cloak of secrecy surrounded the tour here for security rea- William C. Westmoreland, and visited the U.S. Navy Hospital, sons. Newsmen, given only a two-hour advance notice of the talking to wounded Americans. Page 4 The VHPA Aviator
CHRISTMAS CARDS FROM 1971
Hugh Preacher, a US Army Captain who was assigned as an advisor to MACV Team 22 of the 22nd Infantry Division (ARVN) in Kontum Province of South Vietnam, sent us copies of two of the Christmas Cards he received in early December 1971. The interesting thing about them is that one is from the Prime Minister of South Vietnam and the other is from the Commanding General of the 22nd Infantry Division of the South Vietnamese Army. Hugh added “I always thought it was pretty interesting that both of these cards appear to be hand signed. I think the ones from my US chain of command got lost in the post somewhere”. The sad thing about them is that most of the men I worked with never lived to see the Christmas of 1972. “During the Easter Offensive in March 1972, the 22nd infantry Division in Kontum Province took a hell of a beating. My 14th
Cav counterpart might have survived (he was a Major) but most of my team (a Captain and a 1LT ) I worked with as part of the 22nd Division and the 42nd regiment were wiped out in Kontum Province during the offensive.” The CG of the 22nd (Trien) was replaced in February 1972, there is very little on him after that. The Prime Minister was around the end of 1972 but the whole of South Vietnam was coming apart at the seams so I doubt there was much celebration going on. He escaped as Vietnam fell in 1975.” Hugh ended his e-mail with the note “I was not a flyer, but I loved you all of you, just like everyone on the ground did. We depended on you guys for our lives and we all saw too many of you guys go down. We will never forget”
Cheers and welcome home! Hugh J Preacher E-Mail: hughjpreacher@aol.com
Page 5 The VHPA Aviator
EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR THE VUNG TAU AIRFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT by Dan Walker SO WHAT’S OUR NEXT MISSION? In early December 1968, the 330th General Support Company recovery team was tasked with bringing a salvage C-47 fuselage from Tan Son Nhut in Saigon to Vung Tau for the purpose of conducting a fire drill at the Vung Tau airfield. The rigging crew had the plane prepared for lifting when we are arrived with our Chinook; the ground crew had added a large drogue shoot to help streamline the load of the C-47 fuselage. As I recall, at the start of the mission we were easily making a 50 knot ground speed while flying into a direct headwind, but just as we started the last 15-mile leg of the flight across the Vung Tau bay, we lost the drogue chute. The C-47 fuselage immediately turned sideways and continually acted as a brake to our forward progress. It took at least another 30 minutes to complete the 15-mile run. As we approached the drop point, one of our ground crew documented the load drop off with a handful of Polaroid photos and later that day he gave them to me something for which I am grateful till to this day. Until recently, this flight was recorded only in my “minds-eye�. That is until we found the pictures this spring in letters I had written home to my new bride. She had thoughtfully saved them these last 48 years. Cpt. Dan Walker dkw1000@verizon.net
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HELICOPTER P PPILOTS WHOO DIED OR WHOSE BODIES WERE NOT RETURNED ".2 FROM 3OUTHEAST !SIA DURING THE 6IETNAM %RA WHOSE BODIES WEERE NOT RETURNNED ".2 FROM 3OUTHEAST !SIA DURING THE 6IETNAM I %RA 00RINTED IN FULL COLOR THIS X INCH ")' WALL CALENDAR IS THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ALL 6(0! RINTED IN FULL COLOR THHIS X INCH ")' WALL CALEENDAR IS THE PERFECT GIFT FOR ALL 6(00! MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES Only MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES Only $14.95 - plus shipping ($5 ($$5 ďŹ rst calendar; $1.50 each add’l addd’l cop copy). py). y Missouri M iissouri rresidents eesidents add 6.225% % sales tax. 4 4O ORDER CALL THE PUBLISHER TOLL FREE AT O ORDER CALL THE PUBLISHER P TOLL FREE AT
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From the Staff of the VHPA Aviator We W e want w a n t to t o take t a k e this t his opportunity o p p o r t u n i t y to t o wish w i s h everyone eve ry on e a great g r e a t Thanksgiv T h a n k s g i ving i n g and and a wonderful w o n d e r f u l Holiday H o l i d a y Season. Seaso n. We W e are a r e looking l o o k i n g forw f o r ward a r d to to working w o r k i n g with w i t h our o u r Members, Memb ers, cont c o n tributors r i b u t o r s and a n d adve a d v ertise r t i s ers rs t o mak m a ke 2015 2 0 1 5 even e v e n bett b e t ter! er! On Wednesday, December 25th, 2013 ĘťRagsĘź Connaway (raggs18@att,net) sent this photo of his 1969 Christmas Dinner to several other of his fellow A Troop, 7/17 Cav pilots. In the message Rags said “Enjoy your Christmas meal and remember how it once was. Merry Christmas to all.â€? ~ Rags
Page 7 The VHPA Aviator
On Long Final home for Christmas by Bob Sander By the fall of 1971 I was getting short, counting the days to DROS, and looking forward to being home for Christmas. But those last three months seemed like a year! Back-to-back typhoons raked the coast. The first one took most of the roof of our hangar and the second one completed the job, but the war went on. It was just a lot harder to keep everything flying. Then the word came down. The 101st was preparing to stand down and return to CONUS – all except for our company, D/158. General
Hanger damage after the first typhoon, with this one we lost the flight line doors.
More damage from the second typhoon, note complete loss of roof.
Hamlet, the Assistant Division Commander, flew up to Camp Evans to give us the word and see what we needed. It was obvious that we needed work on the hangar and it was not hard for him to discern that we needed a mess hall as we stood outside a ripped up tent eating a B-Ration meal in the rain. A couple of days later a construction crew showed up and delivered some sheet metal and lumber and said they would be back to start work later. A week or two passed and the construction crew still had not made an appearance, but we started getting replacements reassigned from other units in Vietnam. According to the postmarks on the letters to my wife, the last letter I mailed home from Vietnam was on 28 November 1971. In this letter I told my wife this would be the last letter she would receive because the mail service at Camp Evans was shutting down. I told her that we had orders to Fort Rucker and I would be home in a couple of weeks. Then the facts began to change. D Company was going home with the rest of the battalion and my bat-
talion would be the first to redeploy. We immediately launched into Operation Keystone – turning in all equipment in preparation to stand down. The new guys and the not so new guys received transfer orders and a lot of the old guys got Christmas drops and disappeared. But I received new orders courtesy of the 101st Airborne Division. I was staying with the 101st to be the commander of the 158th for the return to Ft. Campbell. This dubious honor was not based on my seniority, but rather the fact that I was the D Company maintenance officer. My reunion with my wife would have to be delayed. The slick companies turned in everything. But D Company’s Cobra’s, as well as our organizational and direct support tool sets, were going back to the states with us. Manpower shrank while the workload increased but by mid December we were ready to move out when LTC Featherstone passed me the battalion colors and I signed the assumption of command order. When we arrived at Phu Bai to out-process, the Division Chief of Staff directed me to report back to him for further instructions once out-processing was complete and we would be ferried to Da Nang by CH-47s. By the time we had finished out-processing all CH-47 passenger missions had been suspended due to poor weather and the catastrophic loss of a Chinook with a load of soldiers in the Hai Van pass. When I reported back to the Chief he asked if we had all out processed. When I replied, “Yes sir” he made no further comment. I asked him how we were supposed to get to Da Nang and he asked me again if we had completed out-processing. Again I replied, “Yes sir.” The gist of his reply was that if out-processing was complete, we were no longer part of the division and it wasn’t his problem. I asked, “Who is my next higher commander?” He replied that as far as he knew it was the CONARC commander. That may have been a good answer but was probably not a fact known by the four-star Commander back in the States. Using the title of a battalion commander under the direct command of the four-star at CONARC, I went to the Phu Bai Airfield USAF detachment and demanded every available C-130 until such time as the battalion had been moved to Da Nang. The Air Force Sergeant at the desk immediately gave me a “Yes Sir.” The date was about 21 December and the Phu Bai terminal was filled with people with Christmas drops awaiting transportation. The remnants of the 158th, however, moved to the front of the line. I began to think that, more than likely, I had grossly exceeded my authority and would be called to account for my action. However this was not going to be the last time I called on my imaginary four-star connection before we got home. The surprises continued after arriving at Da Nang for further out-processing and redeployment to the States. The processing facility at Da Nang was apparently accustomed to handling individual redeployments, not units. They intended to manifest us individually for the return flight. We would be spending a night at Da Nang while we out-processed and they planned to billet us separately, quartering enlisted, NCOs and officers in separate buildings. That was not my plan. I wanted to maintain close control of the battalion. Every NCO had been assigned his share of enlisted men and we had organized a chain of command. After a brief but contentious discussion the folks at Da Nang conceded and we were billeted together and manifested to fly out as a unit. This turned out to be a fortunate turn of events as it placed me in the right position to face the next confrontation with the REMFs at Da Nang. Page 8 The VHPA Aviator
Midway through the process at Da Nang MPs arrived and starting collect- short order a lieutenant wearing the braid of a General’s aide ran on to the ing the majority of the NCOs for allegedly failing drug urinalysis. A serious plane asking for “Colonel Sander.” I stood up and identified myself. He said nose-to-nose confrontation ensued as I, in less than civil terms, pressed the he was looking for Colonel Sander not Captain Sander. When I told him fact that this was a unit move with a chain of command and nobody was there was no Colonel Sander and that I was in command he uttered an going to haul off my NCOs without going through me first. I knew each of expletive under his breath and said “Follow me sir.” As we went down the ramp I could see a brigadier standing by his staff car the NCOs, and while their blood alcohol content may have occasionally ran on the high side, they weren’t dopers. The situation was beginning to waiting to greet “Colonel Sander.” As I stepped on the tarmac the NCOs I get serious. An MP lieutenant, who was obviously impressed with his had rescued from the Long Binh detox center broke ranks, ran down the Gestapo-like authority, and I were going at it nose-to-nose when a doctor ramp, put me on their shoulders and set me down in front of the general as happened by. Although I didn’t immediately recognize him, as luck would the aide was explaining that there was no “Colonel Sander.” After I rendered have it, I sat next to him during my return flight to Vietnam after my two- my salute the general directed me to his staff car and commented that I cerweek leave. He called me by my first name and asked what all of the ruckus tainly seemed to be popular with my NCOs. There were troops from was about. I told him the situation and he volunteered to personally per- Campbell on hand to load the baggage while the soldiers of the 158th form another urinalysis for the NCOs. They all passed – as I knew they boarded buses and cattle cars bound for a mess hall for a hearty steak and welcome home breakfast. would. Shortly thereafter we left Vietnam in a flight of two C-141s. As soon as all gear was inventoried and secured we were processed We arrived in Oakland late on 23 December. Nothing had gone right since we left Camp Evans. As we approached Oakland, several soldiers through the personnel and finance systems. The troops were assigned bilfrom the west coast wanted to know if they could take leave from Oakland lets and we completed the DA Form 31s for the rest of the soldiers, so they instead of going direct to Fort Campbell. It seemed like a reasonable request could go on leave. My hand written leave forms were accepted – no questo me but I didn’t have the DA Form 31s to write out the authorizations. tions asked. Sometime during the day the Secretary of the General Staff But I agreed to hand-written leave authorizations on notebook paper for all asked about my leave plans. I replied that my wife was in Oklahoma City. soldiers that lived on the west coast, as long as they agreed to find a buddy By the time we had completed the work it was mid afternoon and I had litthat would agree to take care of their gear when we got to Fort Campbell. I tle hope of finding a way to get to an airport and finding a flight to Oklathen asked our pilot to pass the word to the other C-141 in the flight. The homa City on Christmas Eve. After the last soldier was on his way home, the SGS drove me back to the soldiers were in fatigues and flight suits - not the uniform required to be able to leave the Oakland Depot. This sparked another confrontation with the airfield. We boarded the Commanding General’s UH-1 and took off for MPs at Oakland. But again, I bullied my way through. For the record, Nashville. When we arrived at the airport there was an American Airlines every one of these soldiers reported to Fort Campbell on time, and in full 727 waiting on the taxiway. Someone from American Airlines met me as I got out of the Huey, handed me a ticket and compliance with their leave orders. said I could pay for it later as he escorted me It was about 2200 hours on the 23rd when we to the aircraft. A stewardess directed me to a arrived at Travis AFB. The layover was just long first class seat while the passengers applauded. enough to refuel and change aircrews. EveryI arrived in Oklahoma City about 1900 where we had been we were not expected. The hours. The reception at Fort Campbell and concept of unit moves just did not seem to exist. the courtesy extended by American Airlines I expected more problems on arrival at Campwas far from typical for other returning Vietbell, particularly since we would be arriving on nam veterans. It was a great Christmas! Christmas Eve. I found a pay phone and called Just one more note; my personnel assignthe Fort Campbell Staff Duty Officer – a lieument orders generated by the 101st just didn’t tenant. I told him that I was the battalion comseem quite kosher. It was a completely new mander of the 158th and the battalion would set of orders and not an amendment to the arrive about 0530 hours and wanted to ensure previous orders to Rucker. After an abbrevithat provisions were being made for our recepated leave I returned to Campbell and placed tion. He didn’t have a clue! I told him that I had a call to DA just to be sure I was where I was about 20 minutes before we would be airborne supposed to be. Sure enough - I was on the again and just enough pocket change for one rolls as AWOL from Ft. Rucker. more phone call. Fatigued and angry, I told him that I would arrive at Campbell before he was Bob Sander in Vietnam, taken by Wayne Robert (Bob) Sander off duty and that I would have his ass when I got Twiehaus, the 2nd platoon leader and later XO of E-mail: bob.sander56@yahoo.com there if he failed to have someone on the phone Delta Company. that could give me an intelligent answer when I calledback. Editor’s note: Typhoon Hester of October 1971 was regarded as one of the I made the call back. This time a lieutenant colonel answered the phone most destructive storms to strike Vietnam since 1944. Once over the South and I explained the situation. His reply was that we were not due to arrive at China Sea, Hester further strengthened and ultimately attained peak winds Campbell until on or about the 16th of January. He asked for our ETA and of 105 mph. On October 23, the storm made landfall near Hue, South said they would be ready. Vietnam. The most significant impact from Typhoon Hester was felt in When we touched down at Campbell the pilot came on the intercom South Vietnam, where winds in excess of 100 mph caused extensive damage and instructed everyone to remain seated until told otherwise. As we taxied to several United States Army bases. The hardest hit base was in Chu Lai off the runway I could see the flashing lights of MP cars and figured that I where three Americans were killed. At least 75 percent of the structures on had just about hit the end of the rope with my bravado and bullying. In the base sustained damage and 123 aircraft were damaged or destroyed. Page 9 The VHPA Aviator
A Touch of Home: The Vietnam War’s Red Cross Girls by Do u g Do nn e l l Jesse Leon Smith, a Huey “slick” pilot in Vietnam with D Troop Fresh out of the University of Georgia, Larry Hines arrived in 1/10th Cavalry, remembers getting a call to pick up passengers at a Vietnam in July, 1968. “The Red Cross and Command assumpfor ward base that had tions were that since we come under fire. “When were all so wholesome and we got there, rockets were like ‘the girl next door’, coming in all around us the Donut Dollies would and out at the helipad be immediately accepted were four Donut Dollies (but) we knew some of in their blue dresses, steel you were confused, even pots, flak jackets, and carresentful, about us coming r ying M-16’s”, Smith into your space uninvitrecalls. “ There was no ed,” Hines recounts, panic, they just got aboard, “Once we made some handed their equipment friends out on the fire out to ground crew and off bases and LZs, the accepwe went.” tance of our visits Most, if not all, Vietnam improved.” Veterans have their own On larger bases like memor y of those blue Cam Rahn and Da Nang, dress clad “Clubmobile Donut Dollies staffed Recreation Workers” in Recreation Centers servour midst. Doug Bradley, ing thousands, but thanks Six Donut Dollies pose with a 1/9th Cav Loach – date unknown a Vietnam Veteran, wrote to the ready availability of in the Huffington Post, helicopter transport, “Nurses are usually the first to be many found themselves in those remembered and praised (in discusremote “fire bases and LZ’s” and were sions of the role of Women in Vietfrequent passengers on aviation unit nam), but I rarely encountered any aircraft. during my 365-day tour in Vietnam Mary Blanchard Bowe fondly rememin 1970-71. But what I did see a bers her experience with the 4th whole lot of were members of the Infantry Division's Camp Enari-based helicopter units in ’69-’70. "My favorite Red Cross Supplemental Recrething was riding with you in helicopters ational Activities Overseas (SRAO) at tree top level", Bowe recalls, "The program, more commonly referred favorite of mine was called the ‘Loach’ to as ‘Donut Dollies’”.1 just three of us and the beautiful counIn the course of the Vietnam tryside.” She has since tried to recapWar, 600+ young women volunture the "Thrill" with ultra-light and teered, “even competed”, for Donut hot-air balloon flights, but admits they Dolly positions, according to Dolly can’t measure up to that wartime expeVeteran Mar y Laraine “Larr y” Holley Wattsʼ Class of Donut Dollies, 1966. rience. Young Hines. All the women in the Photo courtesy of Holley Watts Ms. Bowe attended D Troop 1/10th program were between 23 and 25 Cav’s “Shamrock Stand Down” reunion this past years of age and they couldn’t be currently April in Branson, MO., where she recounted married or have ever been married to be some of the experiences she and fellow Donut accepted into the program. Contracted for a Dollies had in Vietnam. Proudly wearing the 12 month tour, with a provision that anyone light blue dress she wore in-country, Mary could go home in 24 hours without a reason, passed around the pre-requisite cookies and “Donut Dollies” went from classroom to comKool-Aid to her D Trooper audience. “It was bat zone in a matter of weeks. " We were young and invincible,” says Candace Fennell M a r y E l l e n S u p a c k , G l e n d a A l l e n you who made it all worth while,” Mary said, who served 20 months in-country, "If you and Lois Hartvigson catch a ride in eyes glistening with pride and restrained tears of Huey out to a firebase in Vietnam. recollection, “No matter what else, we were were to ask today, I am sure that most of us aPhoto courtesy of Holley Watts always happy and proud to be around you.” would do it again.” Page 10 The VHPA Aviator
And not all was spit and polish seriousness. Donut Dolly Holley Watts in a “Wordpress” blog writes: “We maintained our sanity with a sense of humor, especially initiating a new girl on her first run. Just prior to boarding the chopper we’d introduce her to the crew then one of us would give the pilot a simple nod. His response was a ‘just-so’ dip of the blades and the new girl’s skirt would fly straight up, usually accompanied by a scream and desperate attempts to push it back Watts also recalls an apology she received from a helicopter pilot. Explained the pilot, “By the end of the day, we had a lot of unpleasant odors on that aircraft but when the Donut Dollies got on board their perfume was heavenly (‘DD’s regarded perfume as part of our uniform’ notes Holley Watts). Why the apology? “Because,” he Donut Dolly Larry Hines in Vietnam Larry Hines being honored this year for her service to the American Red Cross, note the said, “we always took the long way home.”3 uniform and the great smile are still the same! Larry Hines served with the USAF in Cam Ranh and the US Army in Dong Ba Thin (18th Eng Bde), Chu Lai (Americal Division), and Phu Bai (101st ABN). With a WWII Vet ( 1 “ D o l l i e s D e s e r v e O u r T h a n k s ” , b y D o u g B r a d l e y , father, her husband a Navy pilot who flew over 100 missions in www.thehuffingtonpost.com, 3/28/2012.) Vietnam, and a son now in the Navy, She knows what serving coun- ( 2 “ W o m e n I n W a r t i m e : A D o n u t D o l l y ” , b y H o l l e y W a t t s , try is all about. “As much as all three generations hate war, we are www.vvmf.org/wordpress/, March 13, 2013.) (3 Ibid) willing to volunteer and serve and care,” she humbly adds. (Thanks to the Vietnam Memorial Fund website vvmf.org for enabling the conMary Bowe, her husband and two dogs, live near San Antonio, Texas. She thanks all Vietnam Vets for their service, and adds, “I nection with Holley Watts, and to Holley for forwarded our emails to her sister cherish my memories and thank you for all you did for our country,” Donut Dollies Candice Fennell, Mary Bowe, and Larry Hines, whose comments and then adds for her air crew hosts from long ago, “…And for giv- appear in this article by permission.) ing us rides.” To our Donut Dolly sisters wherever you are, thank you for volunteering and serving. You occupy a special place in the hearts of all the men who served alongside you, where you and your blue dresses standing out against the dark green foliage, rust colored dirt, and OD of our existence, is a memory we all share.. Doug Donnell E-mail: dwdreps@yahoo.com
INVASION OF LAOS, 1971 Lam Son 719 By Robert D. Sander
$29.95 HARDCOVER · 304 PAGES · 14 B&W ILLUS., 6 MAPS
In Invasion of Laos, 1971, Robert D. Sander chronicles the political planning and military execution of one of the most costly losses of the Vietnam War. A powerful work of military and political history, this book offers eloquent testimony that “failure, like success, cannot be measured in absolute terms.” Donut Dolly Mary Blanchard Bowe (top-left), with D Trooper (Crew Chief, 66-67) Bob Beck (top-right), D Trooper (Helicopter Pilot and Maintenance Platoon Commander) Bob T. Watson (lower-right), and Pat (Mrs. Bob T.) (lower-left) celebrate at the D Troop reunion in Branson, Missouri in April of this year.
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Yes, this is the exact same hotel we used for the 2006 VHPA Reunion. It has been remodeled and is smaller because they converted some of the suites in their famous tower to condos. In 2006 the VHPA completely sold out the Marriott and had many attendees in the near-by Omni Hotel. The Reunion Committee STRONGLY encourages those needing a ADA room or those wanting a King bed to make their reservations early. Year after year, these room types are all spoken for at least 90 days prior to the Reunion.
Welcome to the 2015 Reunion!
Hotel Booking Instructions for the 2015 Washington Reunion Last updated 26 Sep 2014 Wardman Park Marriott Washington Reservations call: 1-877-212-5752 mention the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Aug2015 or book online link: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/167df34f The Wardman Park Marriott is located at 2660 Woodley Road NW, Washington, D.C. 20008. Until the 31 July 2015 cutoff, $119 standard room (king or 2 beds) with single – quadruple occupancy plus 14.5% tax. The VHPA contract starts Friday, 21 August and runs through Tuesday, 1 September. Because this hotel is an easy walk from the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro Station on the Red Line, no airport shuttle is planned for this Reunion. The VHPA contract includes free internet in the sleeping rooms and $20 per day self-parking (discounted from $42) for attendees. Attendees who are not hotel guests will need to get their discount parking card from the Welcome Desk. You can earn Marriott Rewards Points for this stay. This hotel does have a Concierge Lounge. The VHPA contract includes all of this hotel’s ADA rooms over the peak nights. What is Passkey? Passkey is a hotel booking and reporting system used for business groups, conventions and large reunions. The VHPA has been using Passkey since 2010 even though it was not directly visible to the reunion attendees. Should you desire to make a hotel reservation and wish to call the hotel directly (202-328-2000), you will be referred to the 877-212-5752 line mentioned above. Should you desire to use one of the Marriott’s hotel reservation toll free numbers, you can speed things up greatly by mentioning (1) Passkey system (2) Wardman Park Marriott (3) Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Aug2015. As best we can determine, all Marriott hotel reservation staff have access to both the Marriott and the Passkey systems; so the quicker you get the agent to the Passkey system the faster they can complete the business you have in mind.
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In the beginning, there were “Flying Bananas”!! By Tom Payne
CH-21C, 56-2136 during the dry season (62) Photo Courtesy John Ness
The CH-21 ‘Shawnee’ was the first troop transport aircraft assigned to operations in RVN 53 years ago, on December 16, 1961, the first USN aircraft carrier arrived in Vietnam, its decks loaded with US Army helicopters and Aviators. The CH-21 “Shawnee” had arrived. And the rest, as they say, is our history! The initial five units to go to Vietnam were CH-21 Transportation Company (Light Helicopter) (H-21) units. The 57th deployed from Fort Lewis, WA and the 8th from Fort Bragg, NC. Then the 33rd deployed from Ft. Ord, CA, the 93rd from Ft Devens, MA and the 81st from Hawaii. The later deployed units had given up many of their H-21s to the first deploying units. As a result, the entire U.S. Army was thoroughly scoured to find flyable H-21s for replacement aircraft, even from Alaska. The first units were transported by USNS Core and USNS Card transport ships and arrived at the port of Saigon on December 16, 1961. The third unit, the 93rd, arrived in late January 1962 and were flown ashore from the carrier, USS Princeton, to Da Nang Air Base. The 93rd had been carried from the US to the Philippines, on the USNS Card in Spraylat coated cocoons and then assembled and flown to the decks of the USS Princeton for transport just off the shore of Da Nang, Vietnam where they were flown ashore so as not to cause alarm! The second wave of H-21 units, the 33rd and the 93rd arrived in Sept 1962. A little know fact is initially each H-21 unit had assigned two OH-13’s for Command & Control and/or Maintenance purposes. However, they could not keep up with the H-21s and were quickly replaced with 2 to 4 fixed wing TL-19Ds (soon to be redesignated TO-1D “Bird Dogs”.) Remember, most all
aviators at the time were transitioned to helicopters from fixed wing aircraft. Ultimately the in-country assignments of the first helicopter units to Vietnam were as follows: 8 t h T ra n s po rt a t i o n Co m p an y – Cam Ranh Bay (later Qui Nhon and redesignated the 117th Avn Co) 3 3 rd Tr a n sp o r t a ti o n C o m pa n y – Bien Hoa (later redesignated the 118th Avn Company) 5 7 t h T r an s p o r ta t i o n C o m p a n y – Saigon (later redesignated the 120 th Avn Company) 8 1 s t T ra n s p o rt a t i o n Co m p a ny – Pleiku (later redesignatd the 119th Avn Co.) 9 3 rd T ra n s p o rt a t i o n Co m p a ny – Da Nang, initially then after 8 months to Soc Trang. Later redesignated the 121st Avn Co.) The early US Army Aviation units were not only pioneers, but trail blazers and “test pilots” for the thousands of aviators to follow over the next 8+ years in Vietnam. Their helicopters had wooden blades, many removed cowlings to reduce weight and very often flew in pairs due to many, many maintenance problems in the heat and dust of Vietnam. A great debt of gratitude is owed each and every one of those who “Flew Above the Finest”! Note: Historical data excerpted from Army Avaition of Vietnam Vol. 1 authored by Ralph Young Additional information regarding the 33 rd Transportation Company can be found on the following website www.118ahc.org/33rdTransCo.htm. Tom Payne, who served with the 118th AHC “Thunderbirds” Aug 66-Aug 67.
USNS Croatan with 33rd and 81st Trans Aircraft (Aug 62) (Photo courtesy John Ness)
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WWW.MYVERNON.BIZ/RICKYOOD
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor of the VHPA Aviator… With each issue of the Aviator I receive, I devour the articles and of course, check to see who has gone to meet his maker. With so many days gone by since we all served together in Nam I am seeing more and more of my friends, mentors and stick buddies listed in TAPS, and one of them listed in this last issue was CWO Keith Borck. Allow me to digress. My good friend Stan Arnold and I received orders to Nam in the fall of 1962. It was our Christmas present that year. After attending CH-21 transition at Rucker, off we went. We arrived on a Friday afternoon in March and after checking in we were told by the Adjutant that we would get our assignment the following Monday. Stan respectfully asked that we be assigned to the same unit. He related that he and I had come out of the 2nd Avn. Co. 2nd Inf. Div. Ft. Benning, GA. and would appreciate being assigned to the same unit in Nam. Well, of course, the needs of the service prevailed and I was assigned to the 93rd. Trans Co. at Soc Trang and Stan was assigned to the 8th Trans at Pleiku. Upon arriving at Soc Trang I was pleased to find Jim Burke, a flight school classmate and fellow Texas Aggie. Ed Seymore was the commander of the unit that had a considerable contingent of senior warrants. I was then a 1Lt. The 93rd had had its nose bloodied in the battle of Ap Bac in January. I had heard of the Ap Bac battle but I certainly did not know that Keith, the company IP had been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross as a result of that encounter. The same CW4 Keith Borck gave me my local orientation ride and check out. He demonstrated to me the intricacies of dislodging the main landing gears of the cumbersome H-21 from the mud of the rice paddy. Keith never once mentioned the battle nor his award. I recognized him as one of the most professional and humble aviators that I ever had the privilege of serving with. I remember so many of the guys at Soc Trang. Vern Mattie, was another IP with whom I frequently flew. There was also Bill Lamb, Full Moon and Half Moon Mullins (a CW2 and WO1), Buzz Brabec, Lt. Nordyke, Lt Miller, and Cpt. Yanamura, my platoon commander. Carl Streever was our maintenance officer. Then there were Jimmie Steelman, Lt Shelton and so many more that I can't recall all their names. Some of our readers probably served with Keith and some of the original Soc Trang Tigers but I thought the world of Him and it is so sad to see these mentors and friends start to pass away. Thank you, and all your Aviator staff for honoring these fine men. G e n e B ey er E u g en e B e y e r @ Gm a i l. co m
missions he would like to share with me for my next book. He then told me about the Shark crew they rescued. I asked him if this was the mission where the pilots recognized each other’s voices on the radio and he told me that it was. Can you believe it? This guy was the Crew chief of the EXACT crew I was looking for! He has since passed me the contact info for the other crewmembers. Just thought I would pass this along, it made my weekend...thanks again for your help. PS – I just love the power of the VHPA, the VHPA Aviator and the CHPA! P h i l M a rs ha l l E -m a i l: d m z . d u s to ff @ ya h o o . c o m CORRECTION - The Aviator regrets the mistake in the caption of the photo for Camp Holloway in 1971 which ran in last issue's Eyes With Teeth story. Member Duane Oberquell (d.oberquell@comcast.net) reminded us that In 1971, the 101st was assigned to I Corps and it was the 52nd Avn Bn that was headquartered at Camp Holloway.
To the Editor of the VHPA Aviator… Thanks for publishing the recent article by John "Pepe" LaDue. He and I were both TH-55 IPs at Fort Wolters upon our return from Vietnam in 1968. We both flew in Flight C6 and lived in the same apartment in Fort Worth’s, Ridgmar Square, which is still standing and looking good. I had not seem Pepe in 45 years, but noticed from the article he lived in the Poconos, a place I was about to visit with my family. So we managed to get together and share a beer, and a few great photos and stories. This is yet another example of the value of being a VHPA member. J o h n P . E g a n , " Th e P l a ti n u m R ul e " E - m a i l : j e1 9 0 0 7 2 @m s n. co m To the Editor of the VHPA Aviator… This is just a quick note about how well the VHPA works when it comes to filling in details about the new book I want to write (see Issue 32-05 - Letters to the Editor). I was at an American Huey 369 event in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, this weekend and met a man from the 498th AHC. I noticed that he had a 498th T-Shirt on so we started talking. I asked if he had any Page 17 The VHPA Aviator
GARY KLOPFENSTEIN’S ACTIONS FINALLY RECOGNIZED By Peter Tyner, Mountain Democrat, Placerville, California. Used with permission. for descent control. Flames were already consuming the wounded bird. Calling on all his training and discipline, Klop was able to guide the powerless shell to a soft if fiery landing. Assault-helicopter pilot Gary Klopfenstein flew so many missions The two other Slicks rapidly disgorged their soldiers and flew out. in the Mekong Delta of South Vietnam, he lost count. Highly The 35 new troops (minus casualties) immediately joined the ongotrained, the pilot kept himself and his flight crews alive with proper ing conflict. Fierce fighting raged as Klop now scrambled to save lives. planning and by-the-book execution. That, he knew, would raise the Attacking from the sky, the gunships also provided precious moments odds of a good outcome in a war that seemingly had no end, and some of cover. Klop reached crew and passengers of the burning aircraft. say, no point. He organized survivors and guided them to the relative safety of a rice By late August of 1969, the enemy had established a major resupply paddy dike. That’s when he realized his crew chief, Chuck Zorn, was route using Cambodian territory to bring munitions and supplies missing. He knew he had to return to find Zorn somewhere in the down from the north. The route crossed back into Vietnam in the flaming wreck and would be in Charlie’s sight the whole time. But, muddy delta where the powerful like every real hero, he didn’t think Mekong River empties into the South twice. China Sea. How to disrupt that operaHero’s instinct tion was problematical as Cambodia Gary Klopfenstein understands was off-limits. Helicopters were the responsibility. He was a fire fighter for game-changers in modern warfare but the U.S. Forest Service before being they were also vulnerable in this oddly drafted in 1967. He remembered a colprotracted struggle. American soldiers league telling him, “get helicopter flight and gunships had recently engaged the training if you can.” He did just that and Viet Cong there, but to a draw. Now a went on to earn the Instructor Pilot and blocking action by more boots on the Lead Pilot designations as well. That ground was needed to “destroy the training brought him an alternating gate,” the trailhead near the border. schedule of “Ash and Trash” missions. Orders ASH stood for Assault Support HeliAt 1:30 a.m. on Aug 30, the 114th copter, consisting mainly of inserting Assault Helicopter Co. received orders and extracting Navy Seal teams and to insert 35 more combat troops into moving GIs into assault positions. Every the assault on the “gate.” Within other day he would fly these combat mismoments Warrant Officer Klopfensions and in the alternate days he flew stein launched into the darkness with the “Trash” flights, referring to adminishis human payload, flying lead in his trative flying of VIPs or parts resupply Huey transport helicopter, or Slick, a missions, including supporting the term used to describe a modified Bell South Vietnamese army. UH 1 Iroquois (Huey) in which ASH missions were his favorites. Seal weapons pods are removed to make Teams were busy in the Vietnam war. room for more soldiers. Three slicks “After a mission they’d be extracted by were in formation, flanked by dual helicopter,” Klop recalled. “We flew a gunships. Armed only with a pair of ton of Seal extractions. Normally the onboard M60 machine guns, the 22pick-up point is the highest peak, but the year-old flew a bee-line above the Mekong Delta is absolutely flat. That’s enemy-laced rice paddies toward the SILVE R ST A R re ci pie n t Ga ry Klopf e n st e in ho lds a fli gh t h e lme t choice target practice for Charlie.” landing zone. a t hi s ho m e i n S h i n g l e S p r i n g s. D e mo c r a t p h ot o b y P a t D o l l i n s Indeed many of Klopfenstein’s heliAs far as Klopfenstein was concopters were perforated by bullets, but remained airworthy — until cerned, it was just one more mission in this sprawling if treacherous that night in August 1969, when his bird was blown out of the air. rice-bowl of South Vietnam. Enemy activity was increasing sharply in “So I found my crew chief alive but pretty badly wounded. I gave him those fertile dung fields, no doubt troubling to the nearby capitol of first aid, then carried him to the dike where the survivors could better Saigon. The bird approached short final (one minute to the landing help,” said Klopfenstein. The modest Klopfenstein doesn’t mention zone) and requested the firing of two rockets, whose bright flashes it all happened unprotected from enemy fire and the shelter was hundefined the spot where soldiers would exit by jumping to the ground. dreds of exposed feet away from the scene. Then the transport ship would quickly peel away. Charlie (the Viet Help arrives Cong) who had fought so stubbornly to protect this operation was The survivors found a working radio and Klop called in support. also there, waiting. Time passed and then the AC-47 gun ship arrived, bristling with Hi t 4,000-rounds-per-minute machine guns blazing from nearly every Suddenly ground fire ripped through Klopfenstein’s descending window and door. Nearby units sent in everything they could, and transport. The flanking gunships immediately lit up the rice paddies the VC disappeared as they often did when the advantage was lost. with return fire, but Klop’s instruments were now shattered and bul- “Charlie didn’t like conventional battles, he preferred hit-and-run let holes peppered the craft. The engine and hydraulics were dead. He tactics,” reflected the hero pilot. Klop guided the evacuation heliheard moaning from wounded crew members and troops and fought copter to the new location by strobe light, then refused to board until Page 18 The VHPA Aviator
he had assisted the last wounded man. In total Klop lost two troopers and a crew member in that 2:30 a.m. ambush. The VC lost 65 of their own, according to the Seals who came back the following day to make certain Klop’s helicopter was totally destroyed. It was. New assignment and surprise Soon after, the helicopter warrior was reassigned to Texas to complete his service obligation. He was handed an envelope to carry to the new assignment containing his own files, accompanied by the stern order, “Don’t look inside.” But he did. And there to his surprise he discovered he had won the Silver Star for his actions in the downed helicopter incident but no one had told him nor had there been a ceremony. That seemed odd, as the Silver Star is only one position lower than the Army’s highest award, the Medal of Honor. Time passed. After his separation, he went back to school and in 1974 earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of California, Davis. But fighting fires had been his calling for many years and with few jobs available for a zoology major, he accepted a position in 1976 with the Arden Fire Department, forerunner to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department. He retired from Sac Metro as battalion chief 30 years later, having developed a complex and successful helicopter division for the department. Finally Recently in the course of conversation with an acquaintance, Matt Swindle, Klopfenstein revealed the story of the lost medal. A Lt. Colonel in the Marines, Swindle asked if he could pursue closure on the matter and Klop agreed. On April 17 at the Marine’s Memorial Club in San Diego, at an event celebrating Vietnam War Veterans, Marine General Anthony Zinni (RET.) pinned the Silver Star to Gary Klopfenstein’s uniform.
L oo k i n g f o r … … . k i d n e y d o n o r Glenn Herpst, Class 67-25/68-501 and Hornet 24, 116th Avn Co (68-69), is in need of a kidney. He has been seriously affected by Agent Orange and has suffered kidney failure. He undergoes daily dialysis and several hospital visits weekly. If anyone with Type A positive, or O blood types is willing to donate a kidney : Please contact Glenn directly at gwherpst@gmail.com Best regards, Bill Wallace, Class 67-23/25, 243 Avn Co, 1969 L o ok i n g F o r … a n y o n e w h o kn ew SS G T J a me s Le i gh I received an email from a friend who is trying to help the daughter of SSGT James Leigh. He was not KIA in Vietnam but he did serve with the 238th at An Khe. His daughter never met her dad. Thanks, Bob Tillery tillster47@gmail.com
It had been nearly 45 years since the young soldier’s intrepid actions saved others from the burning wreckage of the Huey Slick and from possible capture or death by the VC ambushers. The public reading of Warrant Officer Klopfenstein’s gallant reactions to the sudden arrival of hell so long ago was heard by his attending family and friends. In their proud faces the paradox of Klop’s delayed recognition became clear — had the ceremony taken place in 1969, the story would have been reduced to military clichés, and the brave pilot would not have known that because he helped others survive, he survived, and because he survived, this appreciative and loving band of witnesses became possible. Wars begin to fade into numbers as the years go by. Klop knows the stats. In the 10 years of the Vietnam experience more than 7,000 Army Hueys flew in service. More than 3,300 were lost. Of an estimated 40,000 pilots, just over 1,000 perished along with 1,115 crew members. Klopfenstein lives on 5-acres in Shingle Springs with wife, Lyons Realtor star Linda Babin. Son Matthew, 26, is in law school, daughter Rachael just graduated UC Davis and is starting grad school at Oregon State University. Youngest daughter Jessica is a freshman at Oregon State. Asked about regrets, Klopfenstein is quiet for a moment. “One,” he said quietly. “The abandoned friendships. I regret not staying in touch with all the war guys I served with.” If the Crew Chief and door gunner Chuck Zorn, or any soldier who flew with the 114th Assault Helicopter Company reads this, be advised Lead Pilot and Warrant Officer Gary Klopfenstein is reaching out to you. Editor’s Note – VHPA Life Member Gary Klopfenstein may be reached at 916-677-0800
Looking For...information on the death of Lee Alter I am trying to find out the circumstances surrounding the untimely death of a friend and flight school classmate, Captain Lee Alter. We graduated with flight class 69-50 and went directly to Vietnam where we were assigned to different units. We still ended our tours on the same day and re-joined each other while waiting muster back to CONUS. We flew into SAETAC and hung out in Seattle for a couple of days to "acclimate", but mostly just to ogle round eyes in mini-skirts. We never crossed paths again. Something brought him to mind recently and I found out that he died in 1976, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Any information any of our member could provide about his days after returning from Vietnam or about his death would be greatly appreciated. Steve Headley E-Mail: stevenheadley@bellsouth.net
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Trends in today's Military Aviation... Built From Scratch ~ New MH-47G B y : Da n P a rs o ns o f F l i g h tg l ob a l. com US Special Operations Command aviators already fly a highly advanced version of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy lift helicopter, but not until 29 September did they have one built from scratch. The command’s MH-47Gs, as they are designated, have previously been heavily retrofitted CH-47C, D and E models. Building the aircraft from the ground up allowed for a monolithic, machined airframe rather than sheet metal, which cuts down on vibration fatigue and subsequent maintenance. Design work began in 2011 and first flight of the first new-build of a total eight on order took place in late September. The helicopter is slated for the 160th special operations aviation regiment, known as the Night Stalkers, and was delivered at Boeing’s Ridley Park facility on 29 September. Steve Parker, Boeing’s cargo helicopter and H-47 programme manager says it is “without a doubt the most capable Chinook that Boeing has ever built.” “This will ensure that the Chinook will remain relevant for the conventional army and special operations through the 2060s,” Parker says. The new-build aircraft has a machined airframe mated to extended fuel tanks that double its range over the standard CH-47. It includes a digital advanced flight control system (DAFCS) and extensive sensor suite and electronic warfare capabilities, the details of which are classified. Its engines are outfitted with infrared-signature suppressors and it sports a terrain-scanning radar pod. The aircraft also has an aerial refueling boom, which is unique to special operations. The first aircraft must undergo strain and vibration flight testing, so it will not deliver to the 160th until August 2015, says Helen Miller, H-47 product manag-
er at the army’s technology application program office (TAPO). The following seven MH-47Gs will not have to undergo that testing and so will deliver faster once production is complete. “Our intent was to capture as many of the modifications here in the factory, but our configuration never stops evolving. There are things that we will go to a post-production facility to catch these aircraft up for.” Col Dean Heitcamp, deputy commander of US Army Special Operations Aviation., says “This aircraft inherently incorporates the best capabilities that our special ops air crews are demanding.” The aircraft also represents a convergence of conventional and special operations aviation within the army. The conventional force’s CH-47Fs are scheduled to return to the Boeing facility beginning in 2018 for Block-2 upgrades that will improve their lift, speed and avionics. Special operations command also plans to perform Block-2 upgrades on their MH-47Gs to increase the commonality of parts and systems with the conventional aircraft, says Colonel Paul Howard, TAPO program manger. Commonality among the various H-47 fleets reduces the logistics and maintenance burdens on maintainers in the field. Special operation will lean on the conventional army’s existing research and development effort that will result in the Block-2 upgrades. “This aircraft very well may be the first stepping stone on which the army, both conventionalandspecialoperations,willbasethefutureoftheCH-47fleets,”hesays. Block-2 upgrades include advanced rotor blades that could add 680.38816.46kg (1,500-1,800lbs) of lift, among other weight-saving modifications. “If this vision of greater commonality is realized, the H-47 Block II effort, we can all benefit from greater lift, capacity, structural enhancements, torque loading ,” Howard says.
Black Hawk Choppers Are Finally Getting the Digital Cockpits They Need The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is among the most (in)famous and easilyrecognizable choppers in the US military. And, beginning today, these venerable aircraft will receive a 21st century kick in the cockpit. The Black Hawk medium lift utility chopper has been dutifully serving the US Army and Special Forces since its introduction in 1979. It's repeatedly proven its durability and performance, spawning no less than 30 utility and special operations variants. The UH-60 has more spinoffs than CSI. But because they've been in service for so long, two problems emerge. First, the avionics originally installed are now woefully obsolete. Second, only a portion of the Black Hawks in service today have been upgraded to the new flight system, which fragments the fleet worse than Android and demands pilots learn to fly in both the old analog cockpit and the newer system found in variants like the UH60M. However, Northrup Grumman announced earlier today that the US Army has just awarded them the contract to replace the existing analog control panels with
"digital electronic instrument displays," the NG press release reads. "The new designation for this upgraded aircraft will be UH-60V. The system virtually replicates the newer UH-60M pilot-vehicle interface, providing a common training environment." The defense contractor also revealed a demonstration model today, showing what the new system is capable of. Per the NG press release: The system features a centralized processor with a partitioned, modular operational flight program with an integrated architecture that enables new capabilities through software-only solutions rather than hardware additions. The architecture maximizes the UH-60L platform performance and reliability while minimizing total life cycle cost. The system is also smaller in size, lower in weight and requires less power than legacy processing systems. Northrup expects to perform the upgrades on between 700 and 900 UH-60's over the next few years, though there is no timetable yet for their completion. Sent to us by Member Ron Miller
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Bell Helicopter submits V-280 design for JMR-TD Marina Malenic, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defense Weekly Key Points According to Gehler, Bell's team has I Bell Helicopter designed its V-280 emphasized cost in its "clean-sheet design" of the Valor. Known for its V-22 Osprey tiltroValor emphasizing light, innovative tor aircraft, which it builds with Boeing, Bell materials, and simplified design eleaimed to provide the speed and agility of a titlments in order to reduce cost. I The company is confident that rotor design at a relatively low price for JMR, Gehler said. tiltrotor aircraft can provide superior "We conducted a lot of activity to reduce performance, but said it wanted to cost on this aircraft," he said. "You get great enhance the design's appeal by driving performance with a tiltrotor, but cost is somedown the price. times an issue so we decided to take that into Bell Helicopter has submitted its consideration from the moment we began offering to the US Army for the Joint designing." Multirole Rotorcraft-Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program, a The V-280 Valor tiltrotor is Bell Helicopter's concept for the U.S. He noted that costs were mainly reduced by company official said during a 10 July Army's Joint Multi Role (JMR)/Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program. dropping weight and increasing reliability. Artist conception by Darren Quick "Every aspect of this aircraft has been looked teleconference with reporters. at from a cost perspective," said Gehler. "Bell has submitted its initial design For example, the company decided to simplify or outright forego design features and risk review," said Chris Gehler, Bell's director of operations for military prosuch as the automatic wing fold on the V-22 that it saw as unnecessary for JMR. grams. "That was submitted on June 12." Other methods the company used for weight reduction included extensive use The Pentagon is expected to choose two industry teams out of the four competing for technology demonstration contracts under the JMR project at the end of of "newer, stronger, and lighter" materials such as advanced composites for many July. JMR is then expected to feed into a Future Vertical Lift (FVL) effort to devel- components, and Gehler said that the ultimate Valor design for FVL would feaop a family of helicopters for the Pentagon beginning sometime in the next ture an all-composite fuselage. The concept demonstrator for JMR will stop short of that, but will have many composite-based components, including the v-tails and decade. A Bell Helicopter-Lockheed Martin team and Karem are each developing tiltro- wings, he added. The engine will be another difference between the planned JMR demonstrator tor designs, while AVX and Boeing-Sikorsky are separately working on coaxialrotor designs. Each team is expected to provide at least half of the development and the design as envisioned in the future. The JMR demonstrator will use legacy funding leading to a flying prototype, which they would demonstrate for the gov- General Electric T55 engines, while the ultimate design would incorporate new technology from the army's Future Affordable Turbine Engine program. ernment in 2017.
Marine Corps Retires the Venerable UH-1N Huey, first aircraft delivered in 1971 After more than 40 years of service, the Marine Corps retired the aging UH-1N approached the aircraft and placed his hands on the cargo deck and started to cry. Huey helicopter during a “sundown ceremony” Aug. 28, 2014, aboard Naval Air I didn’t know what to do so I put my hand on his shoulder. He told me that his brothers, who didn’t come home and were now on the Memorial Wall, flew their Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. The UH-1N Huey is a twin engine, utility helicopter manufactured by Bell last flight in a UH-1N. I knew then that it wasn’t my Huey at the airshow, it was Helicopters in 1969. Bell began the delivery of 205 UH-1N helicopters, to the his and a whole generation’s.” The UH-1N platform flown by Navy and Marine Corps in HMLA-773, has been replaced 1971. For more than 40 years by the new UH-1Y Venom platof service, the UH-1N has form which provides dramatically been operationally employed improved capabilities to its predein Vietnam, Grenada, the Percessor in terms of range, airspeed, sian Gulf, Afghanistan and payload, survivability and lethality. Iraq. The UH-1N flew its last In 1996, the Marine Corps combat flight in 2010 in launched the H-1 upgrade proAfghanistan. gram, signing a contract with Bell “Over the years the Marine Helicopter for upgrading 100 Corps has developed a number UH-1Y Venom UH-1N Huey UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys. The of upgrades for the aircraft including improved avionics, aircraft survivability equipment and a forward look- largest improvement was the increase in engine power. Replacing the engines and ing infrared sensor,” said Maj. Joseph C. Begley, an AH-1W pilot with Marine the two-bladed rotor system with four blades, the Y-model will return the Huey Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 Detachment A, Marine Aircraft Group to the utility role for which it was designed. Originally, the UH-1Y was to be remanufactured from UH-1N airframes, but in April 2005, approval was granted 49, during the ceremony opening remarks. The UH-1N holds sentimental value for many who attended the final flight. to build them as new helicopters. “A big thing for us is training and the UH-1Y is really going to help us be comDuring the ceremony, many shared their personal accounts about the aircraft. “The UH-1N is American history; it’s a touchstone aircraft of combat for a full bat ready and have a more predominant place in Marine Corps aviation,” said Lt. generation,” said Col. Philip M. Pastino, commanding officer of MAG-49. “I was Col. Mark Sauer, commanding officer of Det. C, MAG-49. Though the magnifa lieutenant at the El Toro airshow in 1990 manning my Huey, [during] a static icent UH-1N has retired, the Marine Corps have great expectations for their new display, when an older gentleman stood back and stared for a good while. After a platform, the UH-1Y Venom. w ww . ma r i n e s. m i l pause he asked me in a shaky voice if he could touch the Huey. He slowly Page 21 The VHPA Aviator
Custom Helicopter Rotor Blade Plaques George photographs a couple in his tour group
er Ord for w no tmas is Chr ivery! Del
~ MILITARY AWARDS ~ HONORS ~ CHALLENGE COINS Complete with laser image options that include: Aircraft ~ Unit Patches ~ Photographs
Plaque insert options include: Medal Challenge Coins, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Vietnam Veteran Coin and all levels of Aviator and Crew Wings. Coin Inserts can be made removable to expose engraved information on their back.
Paul E. Bartlett
Every year since 2008, Iʼve taken a group of 25 to the heart of the Central Highlands of Vietnam. We tour Saigon first then the Mekong Delta. Three nights in Pleiku and one in Kontum allows us time for visits from Camp Enari to Ben Het including Montagnard Villages and orphanages. We see Kontum, Dakto, Tan Canh, and much more. We drive the passes on the way to the beach resorts of Quy Nhon and Nha Trang. Have lunch in An Khe. We will stop where you want and see what you came to see. This tour is about your return experience. See the web site for detailed itinerary. The tour starts in Saigon on Jan 22 and ends there Feb 3. The costs is $1620 per person/double occupancy, single supplement $575. Included is transportation on our 40 passenger A/C bus (with Wi-Fi), in-country flights, hotels, most meals, entrance fees, English speaking guide and lots more. Tour extensions to Delat and Angkor Wat are available. Not included is your roundtrip flight to Vietnam.
For full details and to register for this tour, go to our website at: www.Brothersforever.us or contact me directly at 540-220-9266 (cell), 800-248-1690 (office) or georgedese@comcast.net
Vietnam Veteran Helicopter Pilot
413-329-0168 C e l l w w w. H e l i P l a q u e . c o m
CALL ! T O D A Ye a t s S O n ly 5 ! Left
George DeSerres, CW4, Ret Flight class 66-13, Gun Pilot for 189th AHC and 117th AHC, Slick Pilot for the 189th AHC
ELEVEN MONTHS AND NINETEEN DAYS: A VIETNAM ILLUSTRATOR’S MEMOIR is an engaging narrative of Air Force illustrator John Bowen’s Vietnam service. Bowen, an experienced commercial illustrator, enlisted in 1961 and reenlisted in 1965. Late in 1967, he found himself headed to Tan Son Nhut AFB. Assigned to the 834th Air Division, Headquarters Unit, which managed all tactical airlift operations in Vietnam, he could reasonably expect a fairly uneventful tour of duty. He soon learned no place is safe in a war zone. The Tet Offensive began a few weeks after his arrival.
Bowen’s detailed memoir focuses on individual emotions: his own, those he served with, and those of his family. It is very interesting to follow the deeply personal and different perspectives each experienced during Bowen’s tour. He describes the efforts that he and his fellow airmen went through to defend themselves from rocket attacks, assaults on their base, and dealing with their losses. All of Bowen’s original drawings and paintings of the Airlift resupply operations in Vietnam are kept at the Air Force Academy. He has recreated 43 drawings for this book.
Bowen arrived at Tan Son Nhut and settled into the routines of his assignment although a little creativity was needed to obtain a supply of the tools of his trade from the “Country Store.” Bowen’s responsibilities involved producing visual displays, documents, and graphic artwork used in publications, signs, charts, and posters. He was also tasked with documenting the ongoing airlift operations by drawing and painting these operations at Tan Son Nhut and other airfields in Vietnam.
You can visit Bowen’s website at
Bowen’s book won the Silver Medal in the Autobiography/Memoir Category of the Florida Authors and Publishers Association Annual Competition.
http://www.johnbowenwatercolorist.com/artist.html Eleven Months and Nineteen Days: A Vietnam Illustrator’s Memoir (269 pages, $24.99 + $3 shipping) by John Bowen, ISBN: 978-0985729578 is available directly from the author at john@johnbowenwatercolorist.com Page 22 The VHPA Aviator
OK, Th ree Wi re in a H elo ! By Marc Liebman
od in a long, nine plus month, all-expense paid round the Oneofthethingsthatthoseofuswhowearthewingsof world Westpac cruise on the U.S.S. America(CV-66). gold of a Naval Aviator that separate us from all other U.S. Our line periods on Yankee Station were filled with strikes military aviators is that, at least during the Vietnam War, against the Ho Chi Minh trail and in South Vietnam and we were required to get carrier qualified. During our pasoccasional escorted photo reconnaissance sorties sage through the training command, we had to overthenorth. make a minimum of arrested landings, a.k.a. “traps” Much wasbeing made about who was going to get on an aircraft carrier. In Naval Aviator parlance, the cruise’s last trap on Yankee Station. Since this that phase of the training was known as going the was my first cruise, I learned that the “last trap” was a boat. big deal and was usually given to a CO who either Back when I went through the training comwas going to retire or go off to the big, gray steel desk mand in 1968/69, every one of us flew the piston intheskycalledthePentagon. engine T-34B and based on needs of the Navy, If I remember correctly, one of the fighter desires of the student and magic wand waving by squadron COs made his desire to make the last trap the squadron’s administration officer, we were sent well known. The reasons why it was an even bigger off to basic to fly either the T-2B, a straight wing, deal than usual are lost somewhere in history. Needsingle engine jet. Or, we got to fly the radial engine U . S . S . A m e r i c a , ( C V -6 6 ) less to say, we were a fun loving bunch and though we T-28 which was designed to transition pilots from the would add a little levity to the last recovWorld War II vintage T-6 to high perery of the last line period. Back then, I formancejets. was a salty, bearded lieutenant junior Of all the airplanes I have flown, the grade(thesameasafirstlieutenant). T-28B is still my favorite because it flew, Throughout the cruise America had smelled, smoked on start-up, required night duty so it was near sunrise when lots of rudder (and trim) on take-off and we called the break just after the CO’s landing like a World War II fighter. F-4J passed the bow of the carrier. By What your right foot did was controlled the time he entered the groove the bywhatyoudidwithyourrighthand. If HAC of our UH-2C, Lieutenant Lonyou were at 80 – 90 knots and had the nie Loren, made sure we were at 325 gear and flaps down and shove the feet in theabeam theLSO platform. As throttle up to the stop, it would torque the co-pilot,I pulled a newly installed roll. It has the R-1820 radial engine that lever on the side of the instrument pumped out 1,425 horsepower which is panel and called “Paddles, Angel 22, the same engine that powered the H-34. ButIdigress…. Marc Liebman (L) and his co-pilot Lennie Loran stand by the third trap on the deck of hook and wheels all down. State 1.2.” the U.S.S America and preserve the historic moment for prosperity. 1.2 meant we had about twelve hunStudent Naval Aviators who went to dred pounds of JP5 which was good for jets out of primary flew the T-2B and came back to Pensacola from Meridian, MS where the basic jet training squadrons aboutanhourbeforethelowfuellightcameon. There was a pregnant pause from the LSO platform before we heard, “Paddles were based. In the home of Naval Aviation, they transited to the twin-engine T2C during a short stint in a squadron called VT-4. After getting six traps, they roger, Angel Double Deuce, call the ball.” Later, we found out that someone on would go on to advanced training in either the A-4 or the ancient, Korean War the LSO platform actually looked at the UH-2Cthrough binoculars and saw our freshly made and properly painted tail hookhanging behind and below the tail vintageTF-9s. Those of us who went through Basic in the T-28 were sent to VT-5 at Saufley wheel. As we rolled into the grove on November 7th, 1970, the LSO dutifully gave us a Field outside Pensacola which had the same mission as VT-4, i.e. get us carrier qualified. The plane we flew was the T-28C which had a chopped prop, stiffer lineup and a very loud power call as we slowed below forty knots crossing the oleos and most important - a tail hook. We got to fly approaches at 82 knots true round down. After all, neither Lonnie, the HAC or I hadmade anyarrested landairspeed with the canopy open, land on the boat and do a deck run take off, just ingssinceourtrapsintheT-28C. The UH-2C touched down just short of the three wire (there are four on U.S. liketheydidinWorldWarII. The point I want to make is that all Naval Aviators at the time, at least of those carriers) and at a leisurely 5 – 10 knots rolled to a gentle stop with our hook snared that wore Navy blue uniforms instead of Marine greens or Coast Guard medium the wire. We were, of course, on the centerline for the last trap of the cruise. The blues were carrier qualified. Us Navy (and Marine helo drivers who got traps in LSO showed up in our ready room to debrief Lonnie on his pass. He gave Lonnie the T-28) rotorheads, are a unique breed because we are both rotary and fixed an O.K. pass (that’s an A) with a grade of 3.0! The attached photo wound up on wing qualified AND are carrier qualified. QED, we are the only FULLY QUAL- thecuttingroomfloorwhenthecruisebookwasprintedafterwegotbacktoNorIFIED Naval Aviators. My point is this, all the fast mover guys who only flew folkdocumentstheeventbutitisproofthatevenhelodriversgettraps! Marc Liebman, Captain USN (retired) fixed wing aircraft are, by definition are “restricted” Naval Aviators! Sorry, but I VHPA Life Member digressagain. www.MarcLiebman.com The‘thereIwas,flatonmyback…’partofthestorybeginsintheGulfofTonkin E-mail: marc@marcliebman.com in November, 1970 at the end of a long cruise that started when we pulled away from the pier in Norfolk, VA earlier in the year. It was the end of the last line peri-
Page 23 The VHPA Aviator
GENERAL JACOB FRANKLIN WOLTERS by Jim Godfrey THE INSTALLATION: When we students started primary flight school, it is doubtful that many of us spent much time thinking about how Fort Wolters got its name or the significance of the installation. Fort Wolters was named for Brigadier General Jacob Franklin Wolters, a man who figures prominently in early 20th Century Texas military and political history and was considered by many to be a great man. Certainly all of the sources that were consulted for this article paint a picture of a good and fair leader in both his private and military life. We also gave little thought to the men who had preceded us or about the history of Fort Wolters in general. Although 40,000 student pilots passed through the entrance to the post (many on their way to fly and fight in Vietnam), they were latecomers to the installation, as more than200,000 soldiers passed through the same entrance at old Camp Wolters during World War II, they too on the way to war. But the history goes back even further to 1925 when BG Wolters negotiated for the original acreage that would eventually become Camp Wolters, Wolters Air Force Base, Camp Dallas (ROTC), and Fort Wolters. Thousands of Texas National Guard soldiers, Dallas Area ROTC students, and Army Engineers trained there before we did. There was also a NIKE missile base close to the main heliport. In 1921 the Texas National Guard was using the Mineral Wells Rock Creek area as a field training ground. Then Troop F, 124thCavalry of Texas National Guard moved to Mineral Wells in 1923 along with a band and a medical detachment. Troop F was involved in patrolling the border from Brownsville to Fort Bliss and, later the troop was activated for federal service during World War II and served in Burma under Lord Mountbatten. They were assigned to clear the Burma Road, and one member of the unit, 1st Lt Jack L. Knight, won the Medal of Honor. Then, in 1925, a grant for the construction of a new National Guard Training Camp was given to General Wolters and the city commissioners of Mineral Wells purchased 50 acres next to Mineral Wells Lake for the headquarters. At that time, the population of Mineral Wells was 7,000 and the mayor, John Miller, got citizens together and an additional 2,300 acres were leased. From 1933 to 1935, the Civilian Conservation Corp lived there and built facilities for the camp. But as war loomed, in 1940 the camp was selected as the location for an IRTC – Infantry Replacement Training Center – and on March 22 of that year, the post was officially handed over to the US Army. This camp was to become the largest of the infantry replacement centers during the war. At the end of the war, the post was deactivated and in 1946 it was returned to the National Guard. However, in February of 1951 it was reactivated and re-designated Wolters Air Force Base. The principal mission was to train US Army Engineer units for construction activities for the Air Force, as the Air Force did not have integral construction engineering capabilities. In July 1956, the base reverted to control of the US Army for the purpose of training helicopter pilots, and that function was moved from its previous location at Camp Gary
in San Marcos, Texas. By September 1956 the school was activated and the first class graduated in April of 1957. Then, in June of 1963, the base was designated as a Fort and two years later, in 1965, it became the US Army Primary Helicopter School. After the Vietnam War, in 1973, Fort Wolters was officially closed. The flag was lowered for the final time and that flag is now in safe keeping at the Mineral Wells Public library. From 1940 to 1973, at least 14 Medal of Honor recipients (eight in Vietnam) trained at the post, notably Audie Murphy and Ed “Too Tall” Freeman, names that most of us easily recognize. Also, one infamous soldier received his training at Camp Wolters during WWII: Eddie Slovik, the only soldier to be executed for desertion since the Civil War. THE MAN: So who, exactly, was General Wolters? Jacob Franklin Wolters was born of German heritage in the Central Texas town of New Ulm on September 2, 1871. In that period, Central Texas had many German immigrants and their heritage can still be seen today in the hill country near San Antonio and Austin. His parents were Thomas and Marguerite (Wink) Wolters, and in addition to Jacob, they had five other children. Jacob was born at a time when it was possible for a person to be acquainted with men that fought in the War for Texas Independence from Mexico, the Indian wars, and the Civil War. When he was born, the battle of the Alamo had been fought only 35 years earlier, the Civil War had ended only six years before, and there were still American Indian conflicts until about 1890. So it was likely that Jacob had neighbors and associates who were involved in a lot of early Texas military history. Jacob even wrote a short book about one of the incursions into Mexico in 1842 that was based on some of his conversations with the men from the expedition. The book, Dawson’s Men and the Mier Expedition, was published in 1927 and described a disastrous sortie into Mexico by American troops from Texas. Early schooling for Jacob was in Schulenburg, Texas, and later he attended Add-Ran College (which became Texas Christian University) in the tiny town of Thorp Springs. At Add-Ran he studied law and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1896. “He has always fearlessly advocated what to him seemed right and to the best and lasting benefit of a majority of the people” from Fayette County: Her history and her people). This seems to sum up the sentiment that most of the contemporary sources held about the General. His first step in politics was to run for and be elected County Attorney of Fayette County. After serving 2 years, he formed a partnership with Judge R. H. Phelps and practiced law in La Grange, Texas. Jacob married Sallie E. Drane of Columbus, Texas, on April 25, 1893. They had two sons, Theodore Drane Wolters and Russell Franklin Wolters. In 1896 he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives from the Twentyfifth District, Fayette County, and became one of the most influential leaders of the Democratic Party during that period. In 1905 Jacob moved to Houston and established a new law partnership with Jonathan Lane and James X. Storey. He continued to be involved with politics, and in 1918 he helped to elect William Pettus Hobby governor. While executing his duties as general
General Wolters and the Texas National Guard at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas in 1921.
2 5 th Te x a s L e g i s l a t u r e Ho u s e o f R ep r e s e n t a ti ve s p h o t o o f y o u n g J. F. Wo l t e r s St a te R e p r e s e nt a t i v e 1 8 9 7 State Preservation Board, Austin, Texas
intheNationalGuardduringmany civilactions,heworkedwithanumberofTexasgovernors. Before starting college, Jacob started his military career. He entered the Texas National Guard as a private in 1891 in Company D of the Fayette Guards and later served as a first lieutenant in the First Texas Cavalry, United States Volunteers, Troop H (Lane’s Rangers), patrolling the Mexican border. He served in that capacity during the Spanish-American War and then, during World War I, he organized the Texas CavalryBrigade.TheTexasCavalryBrigadewastobemobilizedforFederalService on January 2, 1919, but the war ended before this could occur (In 1921 the brigade became the 56th Cavalry Brigade). On January 17, 1911, Jacob was appointed Lt. Colonel, and then on April 1, 1918, he was promoted to Brigadier General. Upon hisretirementin1934,BGWolterswaspromotedtoBrevetMajorGeneral. CIVIL ACTIONS and MARTIAL LAW: The ’20s and ’30s were busy times for the Texas National Guard. This was the time of the Great Depression, prohibition, race riots, the oil boom, and other events like natural disasters that required the Texas governors to call out the National Guard. These included tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and, once, even to fight grasshoppers. To call out The Guard in this era basically meant, “General Wolters, we need you again.” Although The Guard was to be used 17 times for events in Texas between 1918 and 1938, the following events are the most significant involving the command of General Wolters. Galveston, Texas: In March of 1920 labor disputes with the Longshoremen’s Union resulted in a strike against the docks in Galveston, leaving the state’s largest port idle. There were assaults on the non-union men who were being employed to keep the port open, and sometimes this violence led to riots. As was the norm at that time, the Texas Rangers were sent in first, but they were not able to solve the problems. Fearing more violence and injuries, the governor decided in June to send in the Texas National Guard and the 1st Texas Cavalry was mobilized. In those days, cavalry still meant men on horseback. Even today mounted men can still have a great effect on civil disobedience. Martial law was declared on June 7 and this early deployment would lay the blueprint on how the general would handle future actions and martial law. Wolters arrived and immediately started patrols, while at the same time evaluating the effectiveness of local law enforcement. Often during martial law, the local authorities had to be relieved of their duties because they had become ineffective or were corrupt. One of the general orders that was issued to his men was to shoot to “hit,” if they had to shoot. He admonished his troops that shooting into the air was ineffective and
only encouraged more rebellious actions. His troops quickly restored order, and in September martial law was lifted. By October 8, the troops had left Galveston, allowing General Wolters to return to Houston and resume his law practice. Mexia, Texas: It was not long after the events in Galveston, in 1921, that oil was discovered in the small Central Texas town of Mexia, which is very close to Waco. In a very short period of time, the population swelled from 2,500 to close to 50,000, and Mexia became a typical oil field boomtown. Boomtowns brought in workers, prospectors, and a lot of people who wanted to make money off of the unsuspecting. Trouble began to brew by December of that year and the Texas Rangers were once again sent in because it was evident that the locals could not keep law and order. Again, the action of the Rangers was not successful, so, on January 11, 1922, martial law was declared and the soldiers under General Wolters mounted up and headed for Mexia. The troops arrived from the various parts of the state on trains (depending on which of the units were mobilized), and then quickly set up camps and began patrolling. Texas Rangers Frank Hamer and Tom Hickman (two of the most famous Texas Rangers) were already in Mexia along with 11 other Rangers when The Guard arrived. These two men would be associated with The Guard in these types of actions for the next 10 years. Ranger Hamer was to become even more legendary in Ranger history as it was he who tracked down and killed Bonnie and Clyde in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, in 1934, just a year before General Wolters’ death. General Wolters began to clean up the many violations of the law, including prohibition violations and gambling, and soon brought the area under control. By the end of February, martial law was ended. The population of Mexia today is only about 7,500, but one can still see evidence of the oil boom when driving through the area. P or t r a it o f G e n e r a l Wo l t e r s Ne s b i tt Me m o r i a l L ib ra r y , Co l u m b u s , Te x a s
continued on pg 33
Photo General Wolters at Camp Wolters. 1927 Texas Military Forces Museum, Austin Texas
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TAPS BARBER, Harry Lee Graduated flight school w i th f l i g h t c l as s 6 6 - 3 , f l e w i n V i e tn am wi t h B/7/17 Cav (1969-70) Harry Lee Barber, age 76 of Dover, Tennessee passed away Saturday, June 7, 2014. He was born October 28, 1937 in Jonesboro, AR and served 20 years in the United States Army where he completed three tours in Vietnam as a Cobra Helicopter Pilot. He was owner and operator of US Bass, in Dover, TN. He is preceded in death by his brother, Don Barber. Survivors include his wife, Virgie Joiner Barber of Dover, TN, four children, three brothers, two sisters, seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Land Between the Lakes Church of Christ, P.O. Box 267 Dover, TN 37058. BERRYHILL, Charlie Graduated flight school w i th f l i g h t c l as s 6 0 - 8 , f l e w i n V i e tn am wi t h 1 1 9 th A HC ( 1 96 5 - 6 6) , th e 18 9 th AH C (1969-70) and 1st Avn Bde (1970) under the Alligator callsign. Charlie Barryhill, CW4, USA (Ret) age 83, passed away on Monday June 30, 2014 at Red River Regional Hospital in Bonham, TX. Burial was help on July 8, 2014 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX. with full U.S. Army funeral honors. Charlie was born in Edna, TX. After high school he joined the Army and became a helicopter pilot. He married Ronda Ann Knox in the Military Chapel at Ft. Hood, TX on January 15, 1969. He served 36 years in the Army and retired as the highest ranking Warrant Officer of the Army. During his career he proudly served in the Viet Nam war as a helicopter pilot and was awarded several decorations including 27 air medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit. Charlie is survived by his wife Ronda Ann of Bonham, Texas, one daughter, one son and three grandchildren. He is further survived by three sisters and numerous nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. For online condolences please go to: www.coopersorrells.com BETZ, John Albert Graduated f l i gh t s c h o o l w i t h f l i g h t class 65-18, flew in Vietnam with the 155th AHC (196567 ) un de r th e S tag e c oa c h callsign John Albert Betz, 74, died on Sunday, July 13, 2014. Born in Ellensburg, Washington, John spent his childhood in Sunnyside, Washington. At the start of John’s seventh grade year, the family moved to Quincy, Washington, where John graduated from high school in 1958. He went on to college at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington, graduating in 1964. With an ROTC obligation, he enlisted in the Army and made his dream of flying come true by becoming a helicopter pilot. After a tour in Vietnam,
he became an instructor pilot and finished out his tour in Fort Worth in 1969. He then returned home to the Northwest and began work in the potato farming business. In 1978, John joined his brother Richard in an onion venture, around that same time, John founded Columbia Sun, a potato processing venture he created with his father Ernie. John was a devoted and loving father. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and building things. Some of his greatest passions were furniture making and woodworking. He was a fine craftsman and an accomplished storyteller amongst numerous friends and family. John was a loyal friend to many and always quick to help when anyone was in need. He also enjoyed serving the youth of the Hermiston community through coaching Babe Ruth baseball and serving as chairman of the Hermiston School Board. John is survived by one son, his sister and his brother. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vange John Memorial Hospice, 645 W. Orchard Ave, Hermiston, WA. Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com BOCKMAN, Frank Wallace Graduated flight school with flight class 65-2, flew in Vietnam with the 120th AHC (1965-66) and the OH6A NETT (Team) 1969-70) under the Razorback and Superbee callsigns. Frank Wallace Bockman, LTC, USA (Ret.), age 74, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, September 06, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Phenix City, Alabama, Frank graduated from high school and junior college at Marion Military Institute, Marion, Al., and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army in 1962. He completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees in civil engineering at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa. Frank began a distinguished 20 year career as an aviator and engineer in 1964 at Ft Benning, GA. Other assignments were Ft. Wolters, TX, Ft. Rucker, AL, Ft Belvoir, VA, Ft. Bragg, NC,. Engineer District, Anchorage, AK, Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Ft. Hood, TX , Inspector General Staff, Atlanta, GA, Ft. McPherson, GA. His assignments included two combat tours in Vietnam from 1965-1966 and again in 1969-70 as a helicopter pilot flying UH1 gunships and Loach (Light Observation) helicopters. He received a Meritorious Service Medal, 2 Bronze Stars, 22 Air Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals, 1 National Defense Service Medal, 3 Vietnam Service Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, 4 Overseas Service Bars, United Nations Service Medals, a Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Parachutist Badge and an Army Aviator Badge. Frank also served in the Army Corps of Engineers and retired in 1986 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Frank loved his country deeply and served it well. Upon retirement, he used his engineering expertise to head the Fulton County Water and Sewer Depart-
ment, followed by the Cobb County Water and Sewer Department. He was currently employed by Khafra Engineering in Atlanta. Frank was married to the love of his life, Carol Taylor Bockman, on 6/24/61. They were blessed with 3 daughters who still live in the metro Atlanta area. He is also survived by a sister, one uncle and a number of cousins. Frank was a member of the American Legion number 0029, the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, First Presbyterian Church Marietta, and Men Serving God Monday morning Bible study. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory LTC (Ret) Frank W. Bockman to The Wounded Warrior Project, at www.support.woundedwarrierproject.org, or First Presbyterian Church of Marietta. 770-428-1511 www.mayeswarddobbins.com – B U RK H A L T E R , L o n n i e L . F le w i n V i etn am wi th A T ro o p, 7 / 1 C av ( 1 9 6 7 - 6 8 ) under the Blackhawk callsign. Lonnie L. Burkhalter, MAJ, USA (ret), age 78, passed away June 13, 2014, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born in Springtown, Texas and proudly served his country for thirty years in the U.S. Army and seven years in the National Guard. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gladys F. Burkhalter; three sons, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one sister. D AVI S, AL Gra dua ted flight school with flight class 69-32, flew in Vietnam with the 611 TC CO under the Shotgun 18 callsign. Al Davis, LTC, USA (Ret) died April 16, 2014 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer at his home in Gulfport, Florida. He grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, graduated from Springfield Technical High School and went on for advanced degrees from University of Massachusetts and Rutgers University. Upon graduation from UMass he was commissioned as 2nd Lt, Armor and completed flight training with class 69-32. In Vietnam he flew O-1 Bird Dogs with the 221st RAC and helicopters with the 611th Trans out of Vinh Long in IV Corps. His continued career in the Army had him in various assignments with Combat Developments at Ft Rucker, with the 3rd Armored Division’s 503rd Aviation Battalion at Fliegerhorst, Hanau, West Germany. His talents were further utilized when he served as professor at the Navy War College and later as Professor of Military Science at the University of Rhode Island. He converted his love of flying to a second career in sailing when he retired and left Army Aviation in 1990. Al sailed far and wide himself and taught Page 27 The VHPA Aviator
TAPS sailing professionally from his home in Florida. He ran a sailing school and established his highly respected Davis Maritime boat survey business with the help of his best friend/wife Cindy. Additionally Al spent these last 12+ years of his life as an environmental activist in an attempt to save Gulfport's Clam Bayou Estuary winning a lawsuit against the EPA; an important and rare Clean Water Act victory against the government Goliath. He also advocated for the protection of the Public's right to access public land and water. His well researched papers and eloquent public speeches influenced public policy decisions for over a decade. Al Davis is survived by his wife Cindy, three daughters, one grandchild and legions of Army and civilian friends who will never forget him. Sent to us by Member Ed Strazzini GAR N E R, Ja mes A ndrew Graduated flight school with flight class 55-P, flew in Vietnam with the C/229th Avn, 1st Cav Div (1965-66). James Andrew "Andy" Garner, CW3, USA (Ret) died January 30, 2014 in Carrollton, Texas of congestive heart failure. Andy was born in Jacksboro, Texas and graduated from Jacksboro high school in 1947, went on to earn a bachelor's degree in general education from University of Nebraska, in 1965. He joined the Army in November 1947, retiring in December 1967. Garner was part of "C" Company 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Division, completing tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He graduated helicopter flight training school in November 1955, becoming a flight instructor. Sponsored by the Provost Marshall of Ft. Knox, Kentucky, Garner was flying food, clothing, and toys to an orphanage in the mountains. The crew chief saw fuel coming through the floorboard, so Garner landed on a dirt road, sleeping in the H34 Sikorsky until mechanics arrived the next day. Local bootleggers thought they were being raided. Garner was awarded the Commendation Ribbon with Pendant for meritorious achievement, Far East Command (Korean Operation), in 1950-1951. He flew the first "manned" helicopter to the top of Pikes Peak, prior to deploying to Vietnam. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for outstanding meritorious service in ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. In Operation Silver Bayonet, his HU1A Bell helicopter was shot down in the Battle of la Drang, An Lao Valley, Vietnam. The battle and Air Offensive took place November 14-18, 1965, making the cover of Life Magazine in February 1966. The battle is the subject of the book, We Were Soldiers Once and Young as well as the film 'We Were Soldiers'. Garner later enjoyed a 40-year career in Investment Counseling. The day before he died he called for the market report, giving a thumbs-up that he approved of the Dow Jones. He was perpetually positive, always smiling, and liked everyone he met. James Andrew
Garner is survived by his wife of 64 years, Aileen Garner, of Carrollton, Texas, one daughter, three grandchildren, one sister, an uncle many nieces and nephews. Donations may be made to any charity of your choice. HINES, Daniel Gene, graduated flight training with Flight Class 68-24 and 68-34, flew in Vietnam with the 68th AHC under the Top Tiger callsign. Daniel (Danny) Gene Hines, 67, of Haughton, Louisiana passed away on Sept. 26, 2014. Danny was born in Magnolia, Arkansas; a country boy at heart, he loved his family and time living in Arkansas. When in high school, Danny's family moved to Evansville, Indiana where he graduated from Harrison High School in 1965. He then briefly attended Indiana State before entering the Army. Danny was a highly decorated helicopter pilot achieving the rank of Captain while serving two tours in Vietnam with the 68th Assault Helicopter Company, "The Top Tigers." He met the love of his life, Cynthia Carole Masterson, at church in Evansville, and they were married in Hawaii in 1970 between his two tours. Danny was stationed at Ft. Bragg and then Ft. Sill where they were blessed with a daughter, Amanda Leigh Hines, the light of Danny's life. After leaving the army with seven years active duty, Danny moved to Bossier City, LA, to be near his family and continue his education. While earning his BS in Business Administration from LSU-S, he was camp commander of the Bossier National Guard for four years. After graduation, he went on to work in the oil and gas industry with the Western Company, Nowsco, Enron, EOTT, and Trinity Services. He was a man of integrity and honorably weathered life's ups and downs with immense humility and grace. Danny and Cynthia honored the Lord and blessed their family with their loving marriage of over 44 years. Danny is survived by his wife Cynthia, his daughter, his two grandchildren, one sister, one brother and numerous nieces, and nephews. Danny loved to spend time with his family and friends, cook, garden, hunt, fish, shoot, and walk his dog. Naturally inquisitive, he was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Danny worshiped at Bellaire Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with his friends in the Craw-gator Dive Club. www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com H I N K L E , G a r y N . G r a d u a t e d f l ig h t s c h oo l with flight class 66-17 and 66-19, flew in Vietnam with E/82 Arty, 1st Cav Div (1967-68) and the 240th AHC (1971) under the Greyhound 3 callsign. Gary Neil Hinkle, CPT, USA (Ret) 68, of Melbourne, Fla., went home to live with his Lord and Savior and departed loved ones on Thursday, July 17, 2014. Gary passed due to complications that arose after back surgery and lung failure. Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Cathey Chupp Hinkle, as well as two sons. Also surviving are two brothers, his two precious pets, boxers BJ and Sissy. Gary leaves behind many caring
nephews and nieces. Gary was a member of the 1964 Montevideo High graduating class. He loved sports and excelled in track, basketball and football. Upon graduating, he enlisted in the Army under the Warrant Officer/Helicopter program. Gary went on to serve 11 years, pulled three tours in Vietnam, being shot down two times (back injury). His lungs suffered from exposure to Agent Orange. Gary resigned the Army as a captain and received numerous combat awards. After Gary returned to civilian life, he worked full time and attended night classes resulting in a degree in Marketing Management. He then gained employment as salesman for heavy equipment. Many times he was awarded top salesman. He coached his son’s baseball team with perfect attendance. Gary adored his wife and never failed to brag about her in family discussions. He and Cathey were soul mates. His last wishes were to be cremated and have no formal funeral. He wished for his family to review their photos and celebrate the good times. Gary will be missed by his many friends and loved ones here on Earth. Like his father, Gary never met a stranger. Cathey also sent us this note along with his obituary: Cpt. Gary N. Hinkle was a previous VHPA member who died after his tours in Vietnam, on 07/14/2014, at the age of 68. He died from complications following back surgery. His back was injured in Vietnam after suffering 3 helicopter crashes. One crash was caused by the loss of a tail rotor, and he was shot down twice. He never forgot the feeling of joy he had when he was flying a helicopter. Cathey’s address is: 619 Casa Grande Dr., Melbourne, FL 32940 H U R T , J a m e s L . G r a d u a t ed f l i g h t s c h o o l w i t h f l i g h t cl a s s 68-509 and 68-15, flew in Vietnam with the 189th AHC. Captain James L. Hurt, CPT, USA (Ret), was born in Pittsburg, Kansas and died on September 12, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. He attended Pittsburg schools and PSU. He was in the US Army and served in the 189th Helicopter Company, Pleiku, Vietnam as an Aircraft Commander. He received numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross for valor in aerial combat, 27 awards of the Air Medal for Valor in aerial combat, Aviation Badge, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Quadruple Bronze Star attachment, Expert Infantry Badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon, Expert Badge and Auto Rifle Bar and Pistol Bar, Sharpshooter Badge and Rifle Bar. He later served as Commander of Bravo Company, Fifth Battalion, Third Brigade, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. When an injury left him unable to fly, he was medically retired on October 5, 1973. He was later employed by the United States Postal Service from 1976 until he retired in 1999. He was a youth softball, baseball and football coach and Boy Scout Troop Leader. He held membership in American Legion
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TAPS Post 64, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled Veterans of America. He was proud of his military service but at heart was a family man. His greatest pride was his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. In addition to his wife Barbara Marie, whom he married on October 7, 1967, he is also survived by three daughters, one son, two cherished grandchildren and one expected grandchild. Survivors also include two sisters, one brother and numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences can be sent to www.bathnaylor.com, memorials are suggested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Hughes Syndrome Foundation. MICHEL, George Graduated f l ig h t s c h o o l w i t h f l i g h t c l a s s 5 8 - 6 , fl e w i n V i e tn a m w i t h A / 2 2 9 A HB , 1 s t C a v ( 1 9 6 5 66) u nder t he S erpen t call si gn , o n h i s seco nd t ou r, G eo r g e w a s a s s i g ne d to t h e 665th TC Det and attached to t h e 3 6 1 s t A W C ( 1 9 6 8 - 6 9 ) u nd er t h e P i n k Panther call sign. George Michel, MAJ, USA (Ret), 80, passed away while surrounded by his family at his home in Conroe, TX on August 22, 2014. In 1967 George formed the 665th TC Detachment which was attached to the 361st AWC for field maintenance support, both units deployed Vietnam in 1968. Through his leadership in aircraft maintenance support, George was credited with establishing and maintaining the best aircraft availability in the battalion for which the 361st was known. Seventeen of George's twenty year military career was spent flying helicopters; he rose through the ranks eventually retiring as a Major. George had a second career with Emery Worldwide/Consolidated Freight Ways before retiring a second time in 1996. He was a life time member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. He was also a frequent volunteer at Conroe Regional Medical Center, Mended Hearts and as an AARP tax aide. George is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann Michel, daughter, Tanya Greenfield and husband Booth, son, Michael Michel, grandchildren, Tara Greenfield and Logan Michel and sisters, Helen Lennon and Margie Johnson. The family has requested that you make donations to Rose of Texas Hospice in George Michel's name at 855-800-7673. You are invited to view our webpage and leave written tributes to the family at cashnerconroe.com MITCHELL, Harry E. Graduated flight school with flight cl as s 6 9 -7 , fl ew i n V i etn am wi t h the ACT, 11t h ACR (1 9 6 6 ) an d C / 7 /1 7 C av ( 1 9 6 8 - 7 0 ) u n d e r t h e Re d 1 2 callsign. Harry E. Mitchell passed away with dignity at the age of 72 on August 10, 2014 July after cancer rapidly
took over his mind and body. He died at home like he wanted with his wife by his side. He was a man that loved his country, family and friends, fishing anytime, anywhere and above all his wife of 31 years, Susan Mitchell and their cats, Buddy and Spooky. From a family of nine, Harry leaves behind one remaining sister, many, many cousins, nieces, nephews and tons of family and friends throughout the world. Harry needed his parent's signature to join the army and finished his education in the military. In his 50 years of service in the military he has seen and done more than many. He was put on active duty in 1961-62 and assigned to Ft. Hood where he served as ground scout during the Cuban Missile Crisis and in 1967 did a tour with the 7th Airborne. During his time as attack helicopter pilot he served with the Viper, now the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Division with 2 terms in Vietnam receiving 2 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Valor, he retired from active duty as CW3 in 1981. He remained at Hunter Army Airfield working as Flight Simulator Instructor and later managed Airfield Operations conducting the first power projection operation as part of the newly formed rapid Deployment Force. He retired from Civil Service in September of 2011. Remembrances: please make donations to Hospice Savannah, who helped greatly or the Humane Society of Savannah, his two favorite charities. RENFRO, Ronald D. Graduated flight school with flight class 59-13 & 61QC, flew in Vietn a m w it h t h e 1 1 7 t h A H C ( 1 9 6 5 - 6 6 ) , B / 2 5 A v n , 25 IN F D IV ( 19 68 ), t he 58t h CA B (1968) and HHC 25th AVN, 25th INF DIV (1967-68) und er t he S id ewinder and Tropic 14 callsigns. Ronald D. Renfro, LTC, USA (Ret), age 79, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. He was born on September 7, 1935 in Santa Monica, Calif. Ron served his country in the U.S. Army as the Armed Helicopter Platoon Commander in 117th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion and Army Ranger Aviator in the Vietnam War. Ron was highly decorated for his bravery in Vietnam earning The Bronze Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Ranger Master Aviator, Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and many other Medals of Honor during his tours of duty and service. Ron is survived by his wife, Penny Renfro of Laughlin, Nevada, two daughters, one son, two brothers and ten wonderful grandchildren. Military honors were held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Please sign our online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to WoundedWarriorProject.org. Our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather "Sidewinder 6" ~ may you rest in peace.
ROUSSE, William C. Gradu a te d f l ig ht tr ai n i n g w i th Flight Class 60-2FW and 622 Q C , f l e w i n V i e t na m w i t h MA A G - M A CV FL T DE T ( 19 62- 6 3) , t h e 1 / 9t h CA V , 1st CAV DIV (1968-69) and 1st AVN BDE (1969) under the Blackhawk 6 callsign. William C. Rousse, Brigadier General, USA (Ret), passed away March 21, 2014 after a courageous battle with cancer. His beloved wife Marian (Mimi) lovingly cared for him as only she could throughout the battle. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son Curt, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Gen Rousse grew up in Florida and was the first one in his family to earn a college degree, enrolling at the University of Florida in 1947 with $70 in his pocket. He later earned a Masters Degree in Business. Bill joined the Army in 1951 as a PFC and retired as BG in 1977. He attended the Fixed Wing Aviator Course and flew with MAAG Vietnam in 62-63, followed by Rotary Wing Qualification Course. He completed C&GSC and later was Assignments Officer for Aviation qualified Armor Officers. He considered his greatest military honor and achievement to lead the first Air Cavalry Squadron (AirCav), the 1st Squadron, Ninth Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Div from Jun 68-Jan 69. His next assignment was G1 for the 1st Aviation Bde. Bill attended the College of Business at Syracuse University and then the Army War College. The following assignment was with DCS-Personnel, HQDA. Bill commanded the 1st Bde, 1st Armored Div and was selected for BG and served as Comptroller HQUSAEUR. His last assignment was Assistant Division Commander, 2nd Armored Div. His awards include LOM with 2 OLC, DFC with OLC, Air Medal with Number 27, ARCOM with 2 OLC. After his retirement he worked for the State of Florida as a Cabinet Member. The Rousses made their home in the Asheville, NC area. Blackhawk 6 proudly wore his Stetson to his final MOAA meeting. A true Officer and Gentleman, he is missed by all who knew him. Sent to us by Member Harry E. Mitchell SCHRADER, Raymond W. Graduated flight training with Flight Class 68-29 and 68-517, f l e w in V ie t n a m w i t h t h e 52 n d A R T G R P (1968-69) under the Sundown 509 callsign. Raymond W. Schrader, 68, of Point Pleasant, New Jersey passed away on Aug. 19, 2014. Born in Jersey City, he lived in Point Pleasant for most of his life. After his graduation from Christian Brothers Academy Ray entered the United States Army during Vietnam. He received multiple commendations as a helicopter pilot during the war, including the Bronze Star. He was the owner and operator of Schrader Yacht Sales, Point Pleasant, which he founded in 1980. Ray was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association; was an avid boater; and also was a communicant of the Church of Saint Martha, Point Pleasant.
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TAPS which he founded in 1980. Ray was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association; was an avid boater; and also was a communicant of the Church of Saint Martha, Point Pleasant. He loved traveling, photography, and spending time with his family. Surviving are his beloved wife of 42 years, Patricia Rapp Schrader; and three children. Also surviving are his three brothers, five grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, beloved cousins; and his extended Schrader Yacht Sales family. Donations made in his memory to the Saint Vincent dePaul Society of Saint Martha Church, online condolences to the family available at: www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com. SHERMAN, Richard Dean Graduated flight training with Flight Class 68-512 and 68-20, f le w i n V i e tn a m w i t h th e 4 9 t h H E L SU P (1968) and the 7/17th CAV (1969). Richard Dean “Dick” Sherman, COL, USA (Ret.) was called to his heavenly home July 1, 2013. He was born July 20, 1944 in South Dakota and moved to Cheyenne, when he was four years old, marking the beginning of his life-long love of Wyoming. A graduate and athletic standout of Cheyenne Central High School, Dick attended the University of Wyoming on a basketball scholarship. During his tenure at U.W., Dick broke many records on his way to achieving All-America status and later membership into the U.W. Athletic Hall of Fame. Following his education, Dick was called into service for his Country and served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. After a career in the Army and ending his service as the USPFO in Wyoming, he retired at the rank of Colonel. His military career spanned 31 years and was marked with many awards including the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism. Dick worked tirelessly as a member of his community, volunteering for various organizations including Cheyenne Frontier Days, where he served for many years and led the Contract Acts Committee and served as the General Committee Chair. Dick had a zest for life and a deep love for family and friends. Countless friendships were started with a warm handshake from a massive hand and the booming words, "Hi, I'm Dick Sherman". Dick is survived by his wife, Jenny, two daughters, his mother, five grandchildren, one sister as well as many relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife Patsy and their son. A memorial service was held Cheyenne, Wyoming, internment was held at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society and/or the University of Wyoming Athletic Scholarship fund/Cowboy Joe Club. SMITH, Harold E. Graduated flight training with Flight Class 70-07 & 70-11, flew in Vietnam with A/158th AVN, 101 ABN (1970-71) under the Ghost Rider 64 callsign.
Harold E. "Itty-Bitty" Smith, 66, went home to be with the Lord, June 30, 2014, with his loving wife by his side. He lived his early life at South Mountain, Pennsylvania, and moved to Florida in 1992. Married in 1976 to Adonica J. (Daywalt) Smith, he is survived by two brothers and one sister. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Harold served three years in the US Marine Corps, joining in 1965. He served in Vietnam (MASS-3, MACG-18, Ist MAW). His orders took him to many areas of operation in the I Corps area, including Khe Sanh. He completed his tour of duty in December 1968. Joining the Army in June 1969 and served as a pilot in Vietnam with the 101st Abn Div, Co A (Ghost Riders), 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion. He earned numerous decorations, medals, and citations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross w/OLC. He was severely wounded in Laos on March 19, 1971, participating in Operation Lam Son 719. Harold earned a private pilot's license in 1984, flying from the Washington County Maryland Regional Airport. In 2005, at the request of Rick Lester, Harold was awarded "Honorary Membership" by the 48th AHC (Blue Stars) for his effort to rescue the pilots and crew of 48th Guns ("Joker 99") on March 19, 1971. Harold acquired many lasting friendships during his lifetime and military service. Two of those, loyal and committed friends and fellow pilots/Gerald Rockwell and Burt Amos, were with him during his final days. SWINDELL, Farrell Duane Graduated flight training with Flight Class 71-21, flew in Vietnam under the Centaur 55 callsign. Farrell Duane Swindell, CWO, USA (Ret), 71, of Clarksville, TN, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2014 at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Farrell served 23 years active duty as an AH-1 Cobra helicopter pilot. He served in the Vietnam Conflict and Desert Storm. Among his awards, he received the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Valor, 24 Air Medals, and two Purple Hearts. Farrell is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cathy Swindell of Clarksville, TN; three sons, three daughters, and twelve grandchildren. Burial was held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-West in Hopkinsville, KY. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.neal-tarpley.com. WEIKEL, Robert L. Graduated f li g h t tr ai n i n g wi th F li g h t C lass 6 8 - 6 , f l e w i n Vi e t n a m w i t h t h e 1 2 1 s t A H C (1 9 6 8 - 6 9 ) a n d t h e 33 6 t h A H C ( 1 9 6 9 ) u n d e r t h e Tiger and Warrior callsigns. Robert Bob “Lee” Weikel, MAJ, USA (Ret), passed away September
2, at home under the care of his family and Hospice of Jefferson County. He was born in Baltimore, MD, and graduated from Baltimore City College in 1964. He entered the Army in 1966, graduating from OCS as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967. After OCS, he volunteered for training as an Army aviator and in 1968 graduated from Army helicopter training school. Robert served in Viet Nam from 1968-1969 with the 121st and 336th Assault Helicopter Co's. He was awarded the Air medal and Bronze Star. Robert left active duty in 1971 as a Captain after serving 5 years. He spent many years in the Army Reserve units and was promoted to Major in the Reserves in 1982. Robert was placed on the inactive retirement list in 1987. After leaving active duty, he attended and graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1973 with a BS degree in Aviation Management. He also took graduate courses in business at the University of Maryland, College park, MD. He worked many years as a flight instructor and independent contractor and remodeler. The family moved to Northern New York in 1988. He eventually became a real property assessor, resigning due to ill health. Robert enjoyed woodworking, golf, American history and aviation. Robert is survived by his wife of 36 years, Shirley Ann (Macklen) Weikel of Lorraine, NY. VHPA member Art Jacobs adds: Bob and I were Sigma Chi fraternity brothers at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1973-1974 after we had gone back to school when our Army obligations were finished. We both worked in Washington, DC after graduation in 1975-1976. We often got together there, and even drove down to Daytona Beach from DC a couple of times together for long weekends. Bob and Shirley Macklen were married for 36 years. I knew Shirley in Vietnam. She was an Army nurse I had first met at Fort Sam Houston in late 1967 when I attended the Medevac / Air Rescue school right after Flight School on the way to Vietnam. Bob and I would only discover this additional coincidence in our lives after we had connected in DC after college. Bob and I also volunteered to coach an allgirls softball team in Maryland the Spring of 1976. Twenty single girls between 18 and 28, most of whom had never played before (“Okay, to the left is 3rd base, and to your right is 1st base - please go there first.”) It was both challenging and as fun as flying low level with no doors! I last saw Bob and Shirley just before the VHPA reunion in Philadelphia. My son Scott and I had decided to take a road trip on the way to the reunion and visit the Halls of Fame for football, baseball, and basketball. Lorraine, NY was an easy dogleg on the road between Canton and Cooperstown. Bob was the same kind and generous man I had known since school, and he and Shirley took us on a tour of Lorraine where she grew up. Like most tiny villages, our visit made the local newspaper’s social column. The world will miss this gentle man, doting husband, and dedicated father.
Page 30 The VHPA Aviator
TAPS To the members of the VHPA I was saddened to recently hear of the death of Bill Holloman, one of this nation’s fine “Tuskegee Airmen”. Although Bill passed away back in 2010, he was still one of my hero’s from my time in Army Aviation. I had the privilege of serving with then "MAJ" William Holloman in 1969 at Gablingen AAF, Augsburg, Germany as part of the USAREUR Safety and Standardization Detachment. MAJ Bill and I had both recently departed Vietnam and were sharing some war stories/down time at the canteen when he remarked "I strafed this airfield in 1945 in my P-51." After nearly chocking on my soda I asked for more details which he kindly provided. From that day forward I used to revel in telling folks "I flew with a Tuskegee Airman". I told this story for more than 3 decades to lots of non-believers until one evening at the 2008 VHPA reunion in San Antonio a colleague came up and said "hey, you know that story you tell about flying with a Tuskegee Airman.....well I think he's here!!!" Sure enough my buddy brought Bill over and as soon as we saw each other we both let out show-stopping howls!!! I spent the rest of the evening dragging Bill around telling people: "This Is The Guy!!!" What a great night that was!! Attached is a photo of our encounter!! I have also enclosed a copy of Bill’s story taken from the pages of the Seattle Times. In the story the author includes more photos and antidotes from Bill’s Life Story. Regards, CW5 (Ret) Steve Davidson E-Mail: pay2fly@aol.com Tuskegee Airman Bill Holloman dies at age 85 William H. Holloman III, a Tuskegee Airman, didn't stop serving his country when his active duty as one of the United States' first African-American combat pilots ended after World War II. By Keith Ervin, Seattle Times staff reporter. Photos by staff photographer Gene Fioretti and used with permission. Lt. Col. William H. Holloman was a Kent, Washington resident. He died on June 15th, 2010 at the age of 85. Bill Holloman, a Tuskegee Airman, didn't stop serving his country when his active duty as one of the United States' first African-American combat pilots ended after World War II. He was called back to service in the Korean War and became the Air Force's first black helicopter pilot. He went to war again in
Vietnam. During the nearly four decades after he retired from the Army, he served his country in a different way: by teaching younger generations how war and aviation intersected in a way that helped end centuries of racial separation. A St. Louis, MO native who as a teenager was so crazy about flying he would walk two miles to an airport to watch the planes, he volunteered for an allblack aviation-training program at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Because some Army generals were dubious about the ability of African Americans to maintain and fly aircraft, the Tuskegee Airmen were required to undergo twice the training as their white counterparts. One of 450 trainees sent to North Africa and Italy, Lt. Col. Holloman flew a single-seat P-51 Mustang fighter-bomber from a base in Italy to targets in Germany, Austria and Eastern European countries. He flew 19 combat missions, including escorting bombers and hitting enemy targets. Stationed at bases segregated by race, the black fighter pilots and the white bomber crews mingled in towns where whites insisted on buying drinks for their fighter escorts. When Lt. Col. Holloman sailed back to the States, he walked down a gangplank in New York and saw signs that read, "Whites to the right, coloreds to the left."
A founding member and first president of the Sam Bruce Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Lt. Col. Holloman took the Tuskegee story to virtually anyone who would listen. "Just by talking to him you were touching a primary point of history," said Greg Anders, commander of Cascade Warbirds, a vintage-aircraft organization Lt. Col. Holloman was active in. Lt. Col. Holloman annually hosted panels at the Museum of Flight, spoke to young people about history and aviation, and traveled the country sharing his story. His calendar was booked for the next two years with speeches, aircraft fly-ins and other events, daughter Lesley Holloman said. "He never slowed down. ... He loved that people wanted to hear what he had to say about history," she said. Flight jacket in museum Lt. Col. Holloman's World War II flight jacket is on display at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. He attended the museum's opening in 2008, standing by the jacket and telling the Tuskegee Airmen story to the 3,000 visitors, said the museum's executive director, Barbara Earl Thomas. His presence left Thomas and others in tears, she said. "When people realized that he was actually the person that belonged to the jacket, they were like, 'Oh, my god, you're kidding!' ... That was the moment when people made the connection. That made us feel like we were a living museum." W.B. Holloman, LTC (Ret.) is survived by his wife, Artie Adele Holloman, of Kent, Washington, two sons, two daughters and five grandchildren.
The war at home "I always say we were fighting two wars: the war against Hitler and the race war at home. Both were to preserve democracy," Lt. Col. Holloman told Seattle Times columnist Danny Westneat in 2008. Although racial segregation continued in much of the country for another two decades, the Tuskegee Airmen showed white aviators and their commanders that they, too, were first-class warriors. President Truman issued an executive order in 1948 integrating all branches of the armed forces. President Obama invited the Tuskegee Airmen to his inauguration last year. After World War II, Lt. Col. Holloman did stints dusting crops in South America and flying small commercial planes in Canada. An Air Force reservist, he was called back to active duty during the Korean War and in Vietnam, where he switched to the Army. He retired in 1972.
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TAPS Arthur H. Kesten, 92, who with his wife Dotty cofounded both ARMY AVIATION Magazine in 1953 and the Army Aviation Association of America, (AAAA) in 1957, passed away on Saturday September 6, 2014 of natural causes. He is survived by Dotty, son Dale, daughter Lynn, and granddaughters Lauren and Shannon. A full obituary is posted on the AAAA Website, internment will be held at the Arlington Cemetery Columbarium in the Spring of 2015. Donations are encouraged to: The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc.; The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.; or The Cornell University, "Class of 1944 Cornell Tradition Fellowship Fund". There is no doubt that without Art and Dotty the AAAA would not be what it is today. They were inducted together to the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 1975. We owe them both a huge, huge debt.
Don't Forget -the deadline for this year's "Lighter Side of Vietnam" issue is 29 January 2015 Get off your backside and send us something! Aviator@VHPA.org or (254) 289-1947
Records of the recent deaths of the following seven potent ia l m em b e r s of th e V H P A w e r e g l e a n e d f r om i n t e r n e t searches within these last two months. All information that the VHPA has for these men may be found at VHPA.org or by calling 1-800-505-VHPA. If any of our members have more information please report it to: HQ@VHPA.orgor call 1-800-505- VHPA (8472). ALBERT, Vernon E., graduated flight school with flight class 633WT and 63-7W, flew in Vietnam with A/501 Aviation (1965; passed away in Lafayette, LA, on September 11, 2014 after a long battle with cancer BROWN, George A., passed away on September 20, 2014 at his home in Chandler, Arizona. DOLIN, Gerald L. “Gerry�, graduated flight training with Flight Class 66-5W, flew in Vietnam with the 114th AHC; passed away peacefully in his home in Ventura, CA, on Monday, July 28, 2014. F R EES TO NE, W ill iam H. CO L, USA (R et ), graduated flight training with Flight Class 67-4; died suddenly on September 22, 2014. A service and burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date. G A N E Y , L oy d R . S r ., flew in Vietnam with the 190th AHC (1967-60; died on September 6, 2014 in Pensacola, Florida. OLROYD, Michael Lee, graduated flight training with Flight Class 67-13; passed away on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at his home in Pensacola, FL.
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continued from pgs 24-25
Borger, Texas: The events in Texas were quiet for some time following Mexia, and it was seven-and-a-half years before The Guard and General Wolters were called on again. The event this time was another Texas oil field boom in the town of Borger in the far northern part of the Texas panhandle. Just as in Mexia, a small town had become a boomtown, with corrupt local officials led by Mayor John Miller. In 1927 Governor Dan Moody sent in a force of Texas Rangers, again led by Frank Hamer and Tom Hickman. The Rangers had a stabilizing effect for a while, but then the local District Attorney was murdered, which precipitated martial law to be declared and the National Guard being mobilized. Many of the undesirables quickly left Borger, much to the dismay of nearby Amarillo. By mid-October, martial law ended as the town was once again under control and The Guard withdrew.
was set up in Kilgore and The Guard stationed men in Gladewater and Longview as well. The Brigade began to get control of the fields and by September, agreements had been made between the operators and the commission so troops began to withdraw. During the period of martial law, there were many challenges to the legality of the action of the Governor. The Supreme Court, finally, weighed in and upheld a lower court challenge to martial law stating it was illegal. At one point General Wolters was even held in contempt by the courts as he (and the governor) refused to abide by a lower court ruling that martial law was illegal, but he continued to enforce martial law (he was later exonerated.) When on December 21, the Supreme Court ruled against martial law, the enforcement of martial law ended. This was the last time that the National Guard was used for these type actions as The Texas Department of Public Safety took on this role in the Sherman, Texas: It future. When General Wolters was only six months later retired November 1, 1934, that more trouble resultafter 45 years of service to ed in the call for help his country and his state, he from the governor. This was the most experienced time it was racial trouble martial law commander in in Sherman, Texas, the United States. He north of Dallas. In May wrote articles for the Cavalof 1930 a black man was ry Journal covering all accused of rape and a aspects of martial law. The lynch mob quickly gathNational Guard was called ered. The local officials out so many times during were able to disperse the General Wolters’ commob but the district judge requested help, as Im a ge o f d o wn t o w n Ki l g o r e T e x a s il l u st r a t in g b e in g a b l e t o wa l k f ro m o n e e n d o f to w n t o a n o t h e r w i th - mand that in 1930 he o u t g e t t i n g o ff o f a n o i l w e l l . wrote the book on martial he feared much more East Texas Oil Museum, Kilgore College, Kilgore texas law both figuratively and trouble would follow. The judge was right. Texas Ranger Frank Hamer and three other Rangers arrived literally. Many of the policies that he put in place are still applicable today and Genand dispersed another attempt by the mob to get to the accused. The mob broke eral Wolters was the recognized expert for martial law. His book, Martial Law and into the courthouse during the trial but Ranger Hamer broke up the attempt Its Administration, became the textbook for martial law at the time. General Wolters died on October 8, 1935, less than a year after retiring, at the using birdshot and tear gas. Shortly thereafter, the mob finally captured the jail and the accused was killed. It was never clear if he died from injuries or smoke inhala- age of 63 and is interred in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Houston. The general pertion as the jail was burned. His body was dragged through the streets and hanged formed his duties with the highest honor, dignity, and loyalty to his country, state, and then stores and homes were burned. The Guard was called out and order was and fellow man and it is fitting that the installation that he founded bears his name. Hopefully the “Gate” at Fort Wolters will always remain as it is, and his name, at restored. The need for martial law ended by May of that year. least, will be remembered. Henderson, Texas – The East Texas Oil Fields: Oil discoveries in When the fort was active, there was a museum on post that held several artifacts Texas during this era could be both good and bad. The next hot spot that required from General Wolters, including his sword, flag and a portrait. When the post action from the state and the need for the National Guard occurred in the huge closed, these items were returned to his family. It would certainly be fitting, if these “East Texas Field,” and this was probably one of the more difficult deployments for items can be found, to make them available to a museum like the one being built at The Guard and General Wolters. There was almost no control on the number or Mineral Wells or at the museum at Camp Mabry in Austin, the National Guard location of the wells being drilled or on the amount of oil being taken out of the headquarters. A search is underway. ground, which caused prices to collapse, and many leaseholders were not getting James D. (Jim) Godfrey any money from their land and oil. The Texas Railroad Commission was the Fort Worth, Texas (817-371-7033) authority that regulated production of the wells in the state, but the operators were jimgodfrey0@gmail.com in open defiance to the commission, resulting in the field being quickly depleted. There were so many wells in Kilgore, for example, that even as late as the ’50s one could walk from one end of the town to the other without ever getting off of a Author’s bio: drilling platform. Jim Godfrey VHPA Life Member, flight class 69-10. Slick and gunship pilot in Landowners were understandably upset and asked the governor to take action. the 192nd Assault Helicopter Company, Phan Thiet, RVN June 69-70. After At the time, General Wolters was engaged in his legal profession as an attorney in Vietnam he taught basic instruments at Fort Rucker and “retired” as a Captain in Houston for The Texas Corporation – later to become TEXACO– so he was an 1972. Founder of the 192nd AHC Association and active in doing research on expert in the oil industry as well as a good military commander. He was ordered on the 192nd AHC and 10th ABN. He is looking for any information on General August 15 to get ready to mobilize, and on the 16th, martial law was declared and Wolters, any of the commanders of Fort Wolters, and unpublished photos – espeThe Guard moved to East Texas from various parts of the state. The headquarters cially of the early years of the post – for a possible book.
Page 33 The VHPA Aviator
WELCOME TO THE VHPA! Look the list over and if you recognize anyone, give them a call, drop them a line or send them an e-mail welcoming them into our Association. Full contact information is available either on-line in the Member Services section of our website, or through our staff at HQ by calling 1-800-505-VHPA.
Line 1, Last, first, MI and/or nickname of new member; double asterisks (**) ID new life members.Line 2, his current city and state, branch of service. Line 3 -5 , his (Flight) Class and Vietnam Unit(s) served with, if that info is available
We welcome these 49 new Members to the VHPA! All have joined our Association during the period from 1 August - 1 October, 2014 Anderberg, Phillip E. Lady Lake, Florida, US Army Flight Class(s): 66-7 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): B/25 AVN 25 INF in 66-67; 101 AVN 101 ABN in 69 Anderson, Melvyn L. 'Mel' Richmond, Virginia, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-22 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): L/3/11 ACR in 67; 191 ORD BN in 67-68; D/1/10 CAV in 70 Bailey, Eric M. Nederland, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-513 68-21 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/1 AVN 1 INF in 68-69
Butler, John K. Radcliff, Kentucky, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-12 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): D/2/1 CAV in 69-70
Gambrell, Jarvis D 'Sugar Bear' Katy, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-29 69-27 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 174 AHC in 70-71
Mann, Neal K. 'Nice' ** Quinter, Kansas, US Air Force Flight Class(s): 70E (USAF) Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 21 SOS in 72-73
Butler, William O. 'Bruce' Burke, Virginia, US Army Flight Class(s): 70-48 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 114 AHC in 71-72
Harris, Charles A ** Ashburn, Virginia, US Army Flight Class(s): 67-15 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): D/1/1 CAV in 68-69; A/2/17 CAV 101 ABN in 69; B/229 AHB 1 CAV in 71-72
McDermott, Tony ** Sagle, Idaho, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-10 68-14 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 229 AHB 1 CAV in 68-69; 129 AHC in 71-72
Cary, James S. 'Jim' ** San Diego California, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-12 68-42 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 3/5 CAV in 69-70; 7/1 CAV in 69-70; 164 CAG in 69-70
Bartlett, Drew A Auburndale, Florida, US Army Flight Class(s): 64 Vietnam Combat Unit info not provided
Church, Willard R. 'Bill' ** Juneau, Alaska, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-10 69-13 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): D/1/4 CAV 1 INF in 69-70
Baxter, Jackie L. 'Jack' Elizabethtown, Kentucky, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-10 68-14 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/4 AVN 4 INF in 68-69; 129 AHC in 72-73
Drake, Michael L. Cicero, Indiana, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-16 68-26 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): HHC 214 CAB in 69-70
Beasley, William G 'Bill' Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, US Army Flight Class(s): 67-17 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 1 AVN 1 INF in 67-68
Edmiston, Kenneth H. 'Chaplain' Milford, Kansas, US Army Flight Class info not provided Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 222 CAB in 68-69
Boyington, John E. 'Pappy' ** Yazoo City, Mississippi, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-39 69-37 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 281 AHC in 70
Embler, Broadus J. 'Bucky' High Point, North Carolina, US Army Flight Class(s): 70-41 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): C/159 ASHB 101 ABN in 71-72
Brown, Kenneth D. De Queen, Arkansas , USArmy Flight Class(s): 69-13 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/1/9 CAV 1 CAV in 69-70
Eskey, Richard L. Hubert, North Carolina, US Army Flight Class(s): 64-3W Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 114 AVN in 64-65
Bryant, Emmett L. 'Lee' Forsyth, Georgia, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-8 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 116 AHC in 69-70
Farris, Dan R ** Albuquerque, New Mexico, US Army Flight Class(s): 71-22 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): C/158 AVN 101 ABN in 71; C/101 AVN 101 ABN in 72; 18 AVN in 72
Burton, Rex A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-36 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 595 SIGNAL in 67-68; 155 AHC in 70-71
Fluhr, Gilbert Wayne ** Huntsville, Alabama, US Army Flight Class(s): 67-15 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): D/1/1 CAV in 68-69; A/2/17 CAV 101 ABN in 71; F/4 CAV in 72
Haxton, Owen ** Novato, California, US Army Flight Class info not provided Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 116 AHC in 65-66; HHT/7/17 CAV in 67; USARV in 67-68 Hood, Ralph Denton, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-28 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/228 ASHB 1 AVN BDE in 70-71 Jenks, John D. ** Winchester, Kentucky, US Army Flight Class info not provided Vietnam Combat Unit(s): C/7/1 CAV in 67-68 Jones, Harold L. 'Hal' ** Lawrenceville, Georgia, US Army Flight Class(s): 58-16 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 114 AVN in 64; 611 TC CO in 63-64; HHC 223 CAB in 67; HHC 17 CAG in 67-68; HHC 1 AVN BDE in 71 Koller, Frank L. 'Frank' Fort Worth, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-19 68-33 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 235 AWC in 69-70 Lewis, Floyd C. 'Lew' ** Anthem, Arizona, US Marine Corps Flight Class(s): 50-56 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): HMM-263 in 66-67; HMM-161 in 67-68 Lonon, John H. Russellville, Arkansas, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-40 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 15 MED 1 CAV in 70 Mack, Frank T. Vista, California, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-515 68-27 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): B/123 AVN 23 INF in 69-70
McWhorter, Robert ** Longmont, Colorado, US Army Flight Class(s): 67-14 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/1/9 CAV 1 CAV in 67-68 Moss, Spurgeon A 'Sam' ** Ackerman, Mississippi, US Army Flight Class(s): 71-3 70-47 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 71 AHC in 71-72; 116 AHC in 71-72; 173 AHC in 71-72 Mullen, Edward F ** Concord, New Hampshire, US Army Flight Class(s): 64-6W Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 162 AHC in 67; 11 CAB in 67 Overstreet, James R. ** Hillister, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 65-11 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 155 AHC in 65-66; 214 CAB in 68 Parris, Richard ** Washington, District of Columbia, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-30 Vietnam Combat Unit info not provided Partin, Gary K. Independence, Missouri, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-27 Vietnam Combat Unit info not provided Pond, Cary Mike Canon City, Colorado, US Army Flight Class(s): 68-505 68-7 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 173 AHC in 68-69 Pugh, Benjamin F Boxford, Massachusetts, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-22 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): HHC 11 CAB in 71
Page 34 The VHPA Aviator
WELCOME TO THE VHPA (CONT.)
From the pages of the Mineral Wells Index Historical Marker dedication honors Southern Airways By TODD GLASSCOCK
and used with permission Rokey, Michael D. Amarillo, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-28 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): D/3/5 CAV in 70-71; C/3/17 CAV Sass, Fred W. ** Ocala, Florida, US Army Flight Class(s): 60-5 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): AIR AMERICA in 61; KOREA in 64-65; 178 ASHC in 67 Simmons, Robert L. 'Bob' ** Austin, Texas, US Marine Corps Flight Class info not provided Vietnam Combat Unit(s): MAG-16 in 65-66 Snyder, William D. Magnolia, Texas, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-28 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 129 AHC in 69-70 Stevens, Story C. 'Sto' Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, US Army Flight Class(s): 52-C Vietnam Combat Unit(s): ACTIV in 64-65; 58 TC BN in 69-70 Sutter, Vernon K ** Phoenix, Arizona, US Army Flight Class(s): 69-16 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): 68 AHC in 69-70 Swan, Val A La Mesa, California, US Army Flight Class(s): 56-60 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): ACT 11 ACR in 66-67; HHC 1 AVN BDE in 69-70 Wilkinson, Glenn R Winnetka, California, US Army Flight Class(s): 70-9 70-7 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/101 AVN 101 ABN in 70-71
They flew millions of hours, first teaching young aviators to hover and then how to fly. The flight instructors of Southern Airways of Texas made sure the U.S. Army helicopter pilots they trained at Fort Wolters would be “Above the Finest” Cu t t in g t h e r ib b o n th a t o f f i c i a ll y o p e n s t h e So u t h e rn A ir wa y s M e m o ri a l (the motto of army ing aircraft. He trained helicopter pilots from aviators) and Saturday instructors and 1966 to 2000 and retired a test pilot. His employees of the training company were honother goals were marrying his high school ored with a dedication of a city historical sweetheart, which he did; and becoming a marker at the gates of the former fort. “We highway patrolman, which he trained for lived and worked in a unique moment in time, when he was 21. performing a task like no other,” said Wayne In the 1950s, the U.S. awarded a training Brown, a former instructor and Southern Aircontract to Southern Airways, originally out ways Association representative told the of Alabama, to establish the Army Primary crowd attending the dedication. Helicopter School. The company moved to That task, beginning in February 1964, was then Camp Wolters in 1956 and the first class for Southern Airways instructors to train graduated in 1957. In 1964, the company pilots to fly about various makes and models incorporated into Southern Airways of Texas. of helicopters including the bubble-windBy 1967, the company had grown to more shield Bell OH-13 through the Bell OH-58 than 3,200 employees and at its peak had Kiowa Warrior, a scout helicopter used in the more than 500 instructors and maintenance Vietnam War for artillery observation and test pilots. other reconnaissance missions. When the base closed, more than 5 million Kiowas were just one of many helicopters flight hours had been flown and more than former instructor Ralph Boyd trained pilots 40,000 student pilots had logged training to fly. hours. “I was here until they shut the base down,” T O D D G L AS S C O C K he said. Fort Wolters closed in 1973”. He e - m a i l : t g l as s c o c k @ m i n e r a lw e l ls i n d e x. c o m said he never met a person who worked for Southern Airways that didn't love it. “EveryPhotos by Fort Wolters Chapter member body wanted to be here.” Wayne Sanderson Outfitted Saturday in his hunter green Southern Airways instructor's uniform, Boyd recalled his time at Fort Wolters, saying it fulfilled one of his three major life goals: pilot-
Witcher, Earl E ** Atlanta, Georgia, US Army Flight Class(s): 59-2 Vietnam Combat Unit(s): A/227 AHB 1 CAV in 66-67
R o b e r t E . " B o b " He l t e r b r a n , a f o r m e r So u t h e r n A ir w a ys i n s t r u c t o r , v i e w s t he h i s t o r i c a l m a r k e r w i t h h i s so n B o b H e l te r b r a n .
E n t r a n c e to t h e S o u t h e r n A i r w a ys M e m o r i a l , l o c a t e d o n t h e f ut u re s i g h t o f T h e M us e u m o f t h e V i e t na m W ar i n M i ner al Wel ls , T exas .
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C URRENT VHPA C HAPTERS ALASKA CHAPTER Lynn Kile, President 12243 W Skyline Dr Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: 907-696-5453 Email: llkile@aol.com ARIZONA CHAPTER Bill Sorenson, President 7903 E. Plata Ave. Mesa, Ariz. 85212 (480) 354-1135 heavyhogah1g@cox.net CALIFORNIA CHAPTER NORTH Ken Fritz, President 9357 Honeywood Court Orangevale, Calif. 95662 (916) 988-7027 kenhfritz@sbcglobal.net CENTRAL NEW YORK CHAPTER Tom Mc Millen, President 17 Broad St. Morris, NY 13808 (607) 263-2551 tomgenevamcmillen@yahoo.com FORT WOLTERS CHAPTER Adam Steczko, President 6828 Pentridge Drive Plano, Texas 75024 972-618-5364 asteczko@verizon.net GEORGIA CHAPTER Bill Mc Rae, President 351 Willow Glen Ct. Marietta, GA 30068-3940 (770) 843-3973 E-Mail: wmcrae@mindspring.com LOUISIANA GULF COAST CHAPTER Victor Lent, President P.O. Box 111 Arabi, LA 70032 (504) 201-9070 VHPA-NewOrleans@earthlink.net MICHIGAN CHAPTER Richard Deer, President 308 W 4th St Charlotte, MI 48813-2186 Home Phone: 517-543-2962 Email: richdeer@att.net
UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER Bert Leach, President 6710 Vernon Avenue S #318 Edina, MN 55436 E-Mail: Puma79@comcast.net (Russ Joyers) Home Phone: 952-593-0821 MONTANA CHAPTER Todd Brandoff, President Box 790, Lolo MT 59847 (406) 273-2511 tbrandoff@hotmail.com NORTH ALABAMA CHAPTER Les Haas, President 1844 Signal Point Road Guntersville, AL 35976 (256) 520-4897 LHaas@charter.net NEW JERSEY CHAPTER Pete Purnell, President 4 Peacock Lane Mendham, NJ 07945 (972) 740-5582 ppurnell@att.net NORTH CAROLINA CHAPTER Brock Nicholson, President 1 Roosevelt Drive Clayton, NC 27520-6522 (919) 550-5688 BlueStar26@embarqmail.com OHIO RIVER LZ CHAPTER Bob Hamilton, President 170 Jackson Rd. New Castle, KY 40050-6731 Home: (502) 845-2914 E-Mail: CAPTBOB757@aol.com www.ohrivlz.org OKLAHOMA CHAPTER John Gaines, President 1009 May Lane Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006 (719) 660-9244 Email john_nelda@yahoo.com OLD DOMINION CHAPTER President: Don Agren 13712 Sandy Oak Rd. Chester, VA 23831 (804) 796-5880 dnaagren@comcast.net SOUTH DAKOTA CHAPTER Jim Miles 610 N. Summit Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (605) 338-8288 E-Mail: DustOff1525@Yahoo.com
SOUTH MISSOURI CHAPTER Bill Thompson, President 440 South Farm Rd 205 Springfield, MO 65802-6280 Phone: (417) 861-0965 E-mail: wthom65802@aol.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER John P. Hargleroad 7500 E. Quincy Ave, Apt H-204 Denver, CO 80237 Phone: 314-753-2482 C E-Mail: jhargleroad@airmethods.com THE ALAMO CHAPTER Chip Brown, President 121 Creek Landing, Spring Branch, TX 78070 Home phone: 830-438-3311 Cell phone: 210-273-8015 E-Mail: kibrown@gvtc.com SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER (Celebrate Freedom) Chapter Larry Russell, President 254 Bear Creek Rd. Little Mountain, SC 29075 (803) 553-0113 larry@esad.net SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Sven Akesson, President 26601 Brandon Mission Viejo, CA 92692 (948) 348-9509 (home) (949) 689-7061 (cell) svenakesson@yahoo.com VHPA OF FLORIDA Frank Hoover, Presiden 954 Crown Street Sebastian, FL 32958 Email: frankhoover@bellsouth.net WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER J.C. Combs, President 3530 Inverness Dr NE Tacoma, WA 98422-2252 253-952-0330
Hawaii Chapter – Provisional Ken DeHoff - POC E-Mail: khdehoff@gmail.com 808.754.6871
Notice to all Members of the VHPA For a limited time, liaison between the National HQ of the VHPA and the Independent Chapters has reverted to John Sorensen of the Chapter Liaison National Committee. John can be reached at 417-759-7487 or via E-Mail at: jsorensen7106@gmail.com. Feel free to contact John concerning any details on opening your own local Chapter of the VHPA and/or for seeing what assistance is available from HQ to support your efforts.
The VHPA and Chapters share information and guidance with one another for the mutual benefit of each other. All of our Chapters are separate and independently managed organizations not under control of the VHPA. The VHPA is not authorized to act as an agent or a representative for any of the Chapters nor are any of the Chapters authorized to act as agent or representative for any of the other Chapters or the VHPA as a whole. Page 36 The VHPA Aviator
VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES ALAM O CH APT ER At the September deadline for input for this article, we had scheduled a meeting for election of 2015 officers, subsequently conducted on October 23rd. Therefore, our new officer names were not available at the deadline. The 2015 officer list can be found on our website at www.vhpa-alamo.org . Al Flory will again host a Christmas party at the Army Residence Community on December 12th. Alamo Chapter members should monitor their e-mails or consult the Chapter website for details. This party was great fun last year. Tentative plans for 2015 include another trip to the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas, and another bus trip to Luckenbach, Texas – hopefully when Willy is there, and probably on Texas Independence Day (April 21st.) Again, members should check e-mails and check our website in order to participate. OLD DO MI NI ON C HAP T ER The Old Dominion Chapter of VHPA met on September 6, 2014, at the Legend Brewing Company. Fourteen members were present. The meeting was opened with a prayer by Don Agren. Old Business Treasurer Jim Holden reported a current balance of $1,903.55. He also reported that he had investigated partnership with other organizations as a way to combine funding for a scholarship. Several members recommended additional organizations to contact. Our intent is to have a scholarship that is identified with our chapter. More information will be provided as it is obtained. Bill Ryan presented several designs for a chapter logo. After hearing comments and suggestions, he will continue to produce more options for future consideration. New member Jim Squyres reported on the 2014 VHPA reunion held in Louisville. Several of our members attended and all had positive comments. New Business Contact has been made with Arlington National Cemetery regarding donation of a tree as part of the 2015 VHPA reunion. The tree will be provided by Old Dominion Chapter member Fletch Flemmer’s Ingleside Plantation Nursery. The details will take a significant amount of time to finalize. President Don Agren and several other members met with VHPA national staff at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington regarding the 2015 reunion next August. As the local chapter nearest to the reunion site, we are identified as the “host” .This would involve assisting the staff with registration, welcome desk activities and acting as ticket takers at various events. Don asked us to consider participating and he distributed materials detailing the days, times and activities that require volunteer help. Discussion will continue at future meetings. President Agren reported that he would ask Gwendolyn Matthews of the Hunter Holmes McGuire Medical Center to discuss the MyHealthVet web site at our November meeting. She has accepted. Our next meeting will be at 1300 on October 4, at the Legend Brewing Company. By Hugh Adams: Secretary F O R T WO LT ER S C HA P TE R The December meeting will be held at Logan’s Road House restaurant, on Saturday, December 6th, 2014. The address is 948 N.E. Loop 820. The EC will meet at 11:30, followed by the general membership meeting beginning at noon (1200 hours). Flat rate for the meal is $20 per person. Come early and enjoy the company of your friends. Since elections for the chapter officers weren’t held at the last meeting, they will be held at this meeting. As usual, all are welcomed to attend. By: Adam Steczko, President, Fort Wolters Chapter
S O U T H M I S S O U R I C H AP T E R The South Missouri Chapter of VHPA held its third quarterly meeting of 2014 on September sixth at Jack Stack Barbecue in Kansas City. The meeting was well attended and included first time attendee and new member Ken Sherfey and his wife Kathleen. They live in neighboring Kansas and we welcome them into our chapter. One of the highlights of this gathering was the reunion of chapter members Chuck Guy and Don Gieseke. In 1967, they served together in B Company, First Aviation Battalion, First Infantry Division. This was the first time they had seen one another in forty-seven years! Isn’t that what local chapters and reunions (whether on the local level or the national scene) are all about? It was great for all of us to see these two warriors reunited! Our sourth quarterly meeting returns to The Keeter Center, on the campus of the College of the Ozarks, on November eighth and will begin at 11:00AM. This is always a very special meeting and certainly one that you will want to attend. The staff and students have always honored veterans with the utmost respect and appreciation -We could not ask for more. Chapter member John Sorensen will be making a photo presentation of his recent return trip to Vietnam, as part of the college’s Veterans Travel Program. Please check our website, vhpasmo.org, for more details about this meeting and other chapter news and activities. As 2014 draws to a close, the chapter leadership wishes all chapter members and their families, as well as members of all of our sister chapters and the VHPA, a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Bill Thompson, President
UPCOM ING REUNION S Company A and Company D of the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division joint reunion November 1 -5, 2014, Marriott Riverfront Hotel, Savannah, Georgia. Members and friends are invited. Reunion information and registration information: www.reunion.a227ahb.org POC: Howard Burbank @ chickenman@a227ahb.org The 162nd AHC will hold its Fall 2014 Reunion Novvember 7-9, Cocooa Beaachh, Florridda POC: Don Welch, dwelch27@verizon.net or 727-667-0644 Members of helicopter flight school class 66-12 (green hats), December 1965 through August 1966. Hugh Smith and I are planning a class reunion in San Antonio for the laastt haalf off 20144. Please contact me (Al Flory) at: aflory54@satx.rr.com or by phone at 210-599-9673 if you are interested in joining us. The 134th Assault Helicopter Company will be holding its first west coast Reunion on June 24-28, 2015 in Boise, Idaho. Full details at: www.134thahcid.weebly.com. POC for the event is: Kirk Muth at (208) 2977730 or Dick Sheehan at (208) 891-4315. Special offer for first time reunion attendees! 57th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) 12th Biennial Reunion, Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas Auggust 28-30, 20155. Full details at: www.57thahc.com, POC is Jim McKenzie, (817) 821-4070 Want to see your Reunion listed here? Send details to: Aviator@VHPA.org
Want to see your Reunion listed here? Send details to: Aviator@VHPA.org Page 37 The VHPA Aviator
VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES MIC HIG A N CHA P TER The Michigan Chapter of the VHPA completed a very successful participation in the Moving Wall activity in Hamburg Township, MI. At least 12 chapter members volunteered to man our booth over the Labor Day weekend. Several wives came as well and added some different perspective to our war stories. We met many veterans, especially from the Vietnam era, and many members of the public who were interestH uey f l yin g ov e r t he M ov in g Wa l l ed in our service in Vietnam. We also recruited some new chapter members, including one from an adjacent state chapter (who es and Vietnam era aircrew members as well as younger family members. We need to develop the next generation to continue our legacy. says you can't belong to more than one chapter?). R i ch D ee r, P res i d en t The activity was very large in scale. Besides the Moving Wall as the centerpiece, there were many displays of historical military equipment, uniforms, photos, and other memorabilia. There was great attention to detail throughout. It was a huge draw for many in the community as well the region and beyond. Along with many others, chapter member Glen Veno was very instrumental in making it all happen. A sight and sound very familiar to Vietnam veterans was a Huey provided by American Huey 369. The Huey was overhead frequently, flying over the Wall and the area. Some of our chapter members took advantage, joined their organization and rode along. And a few even got to ride in the left front seat and fly it. Another popular event was a Bob Hope USO show put on by Lynn Roberts, a great M ic hig a n V H PA C h ap t er m e mb er s w ith B ob Ho p e i mp e r so na t or , ( l Bob Hope impersonr ) Ri ch De er , C ha r l ie Ma r ti n, J im Hu n t , ' B ob Ho p e' Lyn n Ro be r ts , ator. Besides Bob Hope, Lee Luck he impersonated Jack Benny, Jimmie Durante, and Red Skelton - all amazingly realistic with many great jokes! Photos and information about the Michigan chapter can be found on our website vhpami.wordpress.com and on our Facebook page Michigan VHPA. Michigan chapter members are encouraged to spread the word to recruit new members. M ic h i ga n V HP A Ch apt e r m e mb e r s Ri c h D e e r, Gab e Hu ds o n, R o d Don't forget associate O f f h au s, B o b Ri ch , D o c Far rel l at M o vi ng Wall act i vit y in H am H u ey f ly i n g ov e r M i ch i g an members including spousburg, M I VHP A Chapte r display
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VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES N O R TH A L A B AM A C H AP TE R The North Alabama Chapter, VHPA (NAVHPA) has had a non-stop summer. We are usually busy with social events and exhibits but this summer was wacky crazy busy. Looking forward, we have the upcoming Veterans' Day celebrations as well. Whew! The summer started with a display of our UH-1C/M Buccaneer 3(Buc 3) at the Dittofest 2014 for United Cerebral Palsy at Ditto Landing marina on the Tennessee River on June 14. It was one of the hottest days of the year (of course) but it provided us a chance to teach many attendees about Buc 3 and Vietnam. The convoy required to safely transport Buc 3 to the marina had to traverse some narrow, windy roads, but our crew remembered their combat days and persevered. The NAVHPA members were able to take July off. This was fortunate, because August started a busy couple of months. We exhibited our own “classic” Buc 3 at a large classic car show in Ardmore, Alabama on August 9th. Then, on August 30, we displayed Buc 3 at a special event for the Unsung Heroes/First Responders in our communities. These hometown heroes ask for so little. We were proud to be able to honor them while we educated their friends and families. Then we exhibited Buc 3 to the members of the Life Christian Academy and Church in Harvest, Alabama on September 10. Children, for whom Vietnam is ancient history, were again able to touch and sit in a piece of that history. They could also talk to survivors of some of the air battles fought there. This is our way of keeping the sacrifices of all VN veterans alive in the minds of this latest generation. On Sep 20, the NAVHPA exhibited Buc 3 at the Yulista Corporation’s picnic at Tate’s Farm. Yulista has been a vital sponsor in restoration of Buc 3. The Yulista event allowed us the say Thank You to the many Yulista employees who have provided expertise and skill, much of it on their own time, to see Buc 3 restored to her current glory. Many asked us if we were going to get Buc 3 flyable. Our standard response is, “All it takes is money. Do you have a million dollars to donate?” Regardless, a great time was had by NAVHPA members and Yulista employees. The rest of our fall promises to be even busier than our summer. Our third quarter
"Buc 3" at Ditto Landing Marina
Students from the Life Christian Academy in Harvest Al.
"Buc 3" diplayed at the Yulista's Corp. Tate Farm
Several members shown at the Ardmaore Location
Social Event is a dinner theater presentation of “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, at Chaffin’s Barn in Nashville, TN on September 28. More than thirty couples are signed up. This promises to be great fun. We will be at the Madison, AL Street festival on October 4. We will be fund raising with our sponsor/partner Schnitzel Ranch. We intend to sell out of all the good German food like Schnitzel sandwiches, bratwurst and, of course, funnel cakes. Our exhibit schedule for Buc 3 starts on November 3 at the Jackson Center in Huntsville. We will be participating and supporting the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Vietnam War. It continues with a display at the GoldmanSchiffin School on November 7 The celebration of Veterans Day begins with a display at the Veteran’s park in Cullman, AL on November 8 and back in Huntsville for the Veteran’s Day Parade on November 11. The NAVHPA has participated in this parade since our founding in 2008. We try to make it bigger and better each year. NAVHPA will again be supporting “Wreathes Across America”. The organization is involved in placing over 3000 Christmas wreaths on graves of veterans of any US war. This is Huntsville’s eighth year and it was the first city in the State of Alabama to honor our fallen Veterans with a wreath. We use artificial wreaths, not fresh, and save them for several years to enable us to remember more Veterans. We also encourage other places to do the same. This type of active schedule is permitted by our increasing membership. We have, as of this writing, 59 paid members in our chapter. If you know of any VHPA members who reside in North Alabama or Southern Tennessee, please let them know about us. They can contact our chapter President, Les Haas at lhaas@charter.net. By: Ralph Weber
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VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES F LO R ID A C HA PTE R in Inverness, FL with our OH-6 and “Little Loach”. During September we held On November 20 th we our twenty-second Annual will hold our Board of VHPA Reunion at the PlanDirectors meeting at 1300 tation on Crystal River, Cryshours in the Hillsborough tal River, FL. It was the County Veterans Park, largest reunion attendance we Tampa, FL. have had in many years and December 4 th through I’m sure that was mainly due the 8 th will be spent in to the fantastic guest speaker Arcadia, FL supporting we had, BG Robert “Bob” the DeSoto County VetStewart. Bob and I attended erans Appreciation Days flight school together and with the OH-6, “Little were stick buddies with the T h e O H - 6 a n d T o m T o m l i n s o n i n f r o n t of t h e P l a n t a t i o n o n C r y st a l R i v e r Loach”, and our Sales. The same Southern Airways IP, Sam Moving Wall will also be Stone. We were joined by Harvey Persyn another of our there. classmates of class 66-10. Bob’s talk was of his time with Since this is my last artiNASA as the Army’s first astronaut and the first person to cle for “The Aviator” I walk untethered in space. Bob kept everyone on the edge would like to thank David of their seats as he spoke about his space experiences. He Adams and his staff for all walked us through a mission starting on launch day of their assistance and for through the landing. He took a very dangerous mission the support I have and kept us all laughing with his description of the mission received from the memand his feelings. If you ever have an opportunity to attend bers of VHPAF. one of Bob’s talks I encourage you to make every effort to BG Robert “Bob” Stewart delivering the Keynote speech attend. Also during the meeting we presented Achievement Awards to the following individuals: Bob & Mary Anne Lazzell; Robert “BJ” Atkins; Frank & Susan Hoover; BG Robert Stewart; and the Plantation on Crystal River. We also presented the Jim Yoho Memorial On September 7th through the 9th, some of our VHPA quilters were Award to an individual who has demonstrated their willingness to joined by friends in Miami, Oklahoma. Kathleen Sherfey, Wanda Payne, Pat step up and support our events and that award went to Frank Clifton, Liz Sorensen, Phelba Wecas, and Jo Maples put together four quilt Hoover. This year we presented for the first time the Jim Basta tops (pictures of two accompany the article), which will then be quilted by Service Award to the individual(s) who have given years of their Roslyn Atwood, of Phoenix, Arizona. These quilts will be given to deserving time and energy in support of the VHPAF and its goals. This year veterans in the future. we presented two individuals the award: the first going to “Mr. Not only do these women donate hours and hours of their time, but also a Sun-N-Fun” as he gets ready for the twenty-second year of organizconsiderable amount of money goes into this project. Many others made ing our efforts at that event - Howard Smith The second award quilt squares and took them to the Louisville reunion, and this is the next step was presented to an individual who has held every officer position in the process! This is a relatively new project for our VHPA ladies, so the in the chapter and served as our Treasurer for over ten years - Ken hope is that more quilt squares will be made and taken to future reunions. Mulholland. Everyone is encouraged to join in making this very worthwhile endeavor sucOn Saturday morning we conducted our annual meeting and cessful for many years to come! elected our officers to fill the positions effective January 1, 2015. By: John Sorensen They are President: Frank Hoover, Vice President: Dr. Joe Ponds, Secretary: Mike Waugh, Treasurer: Tom Tomlinson, and Chairman of the Board: Tom Rountree. October will be a slow month giving everyone time to prepare for a very busy winter with our “Snow Birds” return to the warmer climate. During the school days between November 5 th and 14 th we will support the Veterans in the Classroom program in Citrus County. On November 7 th we will support the Sea Park Elementary School in Satellite Beach, FL with the OH-6 on display, while members to speak to a number of classes. On November 11 th we will march in the Veterans Day Parade
QUILT UPDATE
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Young Eagles takes kids to new heights
Tri-City Voice newspaper, serving Freemont CA and surrounding communities
By Julie Grabowski and used by permission In a world of endless options and entertainments, the next big thing and the best new gadget, it’s hard to say what will grab a kids imagination and take root. It could be a sport, something artistic, or a mental challenge. But how about moving into another realm altogether? One where their feet don’t even touch the ground? The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Vintage Aircraft Chapter 29 has sponsored the Young Eagles program since 1992, providing free airplane rides for kids ages eight through 17 at Hayward Executive Airport. Rallies are held one Saturday per month where rides are given in private planes by experienced EAA volunteer pilots. “The program introduces children to aviation and we hope to spark their interest in it” says Young Eagles coordinator Pat Polehla. Over 3,000 kids have flown with the program, but the experience goes far beyond just an exhilarating flight. Those interested in learning more about the world of aviation can sign up for an EAA Student Membership, which includes an online magazine, enewsletters, and free admission to over 300 science and technology museums. Kids can then take a free interactive online course that teaches the basics of flying. Those 13 and over who have completed the first three volumes of the course can step out from behind Photo by John Buckham the virtual and into the actual for a free hands-on flight lesson. EAA also awards a $3,000 scholarship once a year for kids who want to pursue flight training. The opportunity to attend the EAA Air Academy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is also available for teens 16 through 18. In recent years we’ve had six kids receive the $3,000 scholarship and three have attended Air Academy. Twenty-one kids took to the skies on the June 28 rally via a collection of Cessnas, a Beechcraft Bonanza, and Photo courtesy of Julie Grabowski Piper Comanche. But previous scholarship winners Kenny Shen and Shani Williams along with three other frequent Young Eagles participants and a few adults were treated to a special flight aboard a piece of living history. A fully restored Vietnam era Army UH-1H Huey helicopter made its first appearance at a Young Eagles event, courtesy of the Bay Areabased EMU, Inc. or HueyVets. HueyVets is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization comprised of veterans and family members dedicated to educating the public and preserving the history of the Huey and 135th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) that served in Vietnam. The 135th AHC was unique in that it was comprised of U.S. Army and Royal Australian Navy members, garnering it the title Experimental Military Unit (EMU), which ironically is also the name of a flightless Australian bird. HueyVets began to take shape when Vietnam veteran Geoff Carr purchased
a Huey in 2003 from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office. Carr, his son Brandon, and long-time friend and fellow Vietnam pilot Peter Olesko completely stripped the Huey, Photo c ourtesy of Julie Grabowski and guided by photos repaired the craft in under a year to recreate EMU 309 as it appeared in winter 1970/71. 309 was a significant choice, as Olesko crewed that helicopter for over nine months during the war and Carr also crewed her on several occasions. She was also the longest surviving aircraft that served with the 135th, lasting an incredible 28 months. Initially not much thought was given to the personal emotional impact their undertaking would make, but they discovered there was benefit all around. “There was a lot of reward to it,” says Carr. “There’s something about a Huey and vets getting together from all wars that is cathartic.” This was the experience of Andy Perry who served as part of the Australian contingent in the 135th and had Carr as his crew chief for six months. Having quit flying and undergone years of rehab for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, on Perry’s annual trip to the States last year he flew again for the first time in 30 years. “I’m back with my crew in a comfortable situation, with my mates encouraging me,” said Perry. “It was an amazing experience, changed my life. It’s like coming home.” Randy Parent has flown Young Eagles kids in his Piper Cub for over 20 years and has been with HueyVets for 10. Parent was a crew chief on a Huey during the war, and at the rally shared piloting duties with Olesko. Kids and adults alike got a thrill they’re not soon to forget thanks to the outreach of HueyVets. The Huey is housed at Bud Field Aviation at Hayward Airport and is worked on almost every weekend by Carr and other HueyVets members. It mostly flies in a 300 nautical mile radius from Hayward, but Perry hopes to transport it to Australia in 2015 to share its history with his countrymen and increase awareness of the aviation partnership between the U.S. and Australia in Vietnam. 2015 is a big milestone for the country as it marks the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), which commemorates the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand troops in World War I. Whether looking to obtain a private pilot certificate and start down the path to an exciting career or kickstart the beginning of a lifelong hobby, Young Eagles offers the first step to getting kids off the ground and into the beautiful blue beyond. And who knows what kind of history they might meet along the way? Julie Grabowsk, Tri-City Voice newspaper www.tricityvoice.com
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The Cub Inn is a 5,000-square-foot log cabin that offers unique charm that blends our love of aviation with the great outdoors. Located in CaliforniaĘźs Sierra Nevada mountains just 25 miles from Yosemite National Park, our five guest rooms sleep either two or four people, and they all feature a private bath. Our guests start each day with a hearty country breakfast and are also invited to join us in the living room each evening to enjoy a glass of wine and a light snack. The Cub Inn is the life-long dream of husband and wife team, Piper Cub owner and pilot Charleen Beam and VHPA Life Member Joe Riley.
B Now ook Holi for the days !
Full details and booking information are available on our website:
TheCubInn.com Or call us at: 209-962-0403 (land line) to book.
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Military Historical Tours (MHT)
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off the price if you register by 1 January!
Schwarzkopf, during his 1993 return return
Tour Leader: John Powell, 1/9 Cav
Above: Christmas in Saigon ...lots of balls & lots of fun! Right: Bring everyone in the family back as Vietnam is very family friendly! &RQWDFW XV IRU D EURFKXUH DQG WRXU GHWDLOV
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DoD willing to reconsider discharges of Vietnam vets with PTSD By Andrew Tilghman Military Times Sep. 3, 2014 - 03:26PM http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140903/NEWS05/309030039/
Army sergeant who earned two Purple Hearts for combat injuries he suffered in Vietnam. Hagel, a longtime veterans’ advocate and former top official at VA, played a key role in finalizing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The lawsuit estimates that a quarter-million Vietnam-era veterans were sepaThe Defense Department has agreed to reconsider the bad-paper discharges rated with other-than-honorable discharges and up to 80,000 of them may have for thousands of Vietnam-era veterans who may have suffered from combat- suffered from PTSD. The Pentagon’s new rule will apply to all veterans with related post-traumatic stress disorder but were kicked out of the military in the discharges prior to the formal recognition of PTSD in 1980. The vast majority of those are likely to come from the Vietnam era. era before that became a diagnosable condition. The Pentagon is also ordering the four military services to mount a “public In a new rule announced Wednesday, the Pentagon said veterans from the Vietnam era and other past wars with other-than-honorable discharges will be messaging campaign” this year and next year targeting veterans who may be given “liberal consideration” if they seek to correct their military records and affected by this policy change. The new guidance is focused on veterans with low-level misconduct that may provide some evidence of a PTSD diagnosis that existed at the time of their serhave resulted in administrative discharge. It is unlikely to affect veterans who vice. Upgraded discharges could result in the restoration of some benefits, such as were court-martialed for serious misconduct and kicked out with a bad-conduct disability pay, separation pay or GI Bill benefits from the Veterans Affairs discharge or dishonorable discharge. One defense official familiar with the policy change said the aim is to strike a Department, which are typically denied to vets who receive other-than-honorable discharges. Health care in the VA system is typically provided to veterans balance between addressing concerns from veterans who suffered from a legitimate psychiatric disorder regardless of their discharge. without eroding the In today’s military, PTSD is respect derived from considered a mitigating factor honorable service and the for misconduct and behavioral millions of veterans who problems. The military services earned it. are required to grant a medical “This is not a get-outevaluation to any service memof-jail-free card,” the ber who claims PTSD before defense official said. finalizing a bad discharge. In effect, a veteran seekThe Pentagon’s new rule ing a revised discharge comes in response to a federal will have to prove three lawsuit filed on behalf of several elements: that he or she veterans in March that claimed suffered from PTSD at the Defense Department was the time of service, that wrongfully denying discharge the cause was related to upgrade applications from vetermilitary service and that ans with claims and evidence of the symptoms were a facPTSD. The new policy was tor in the misconduct applauded by the Yale Law underlying the otherSchool Veterans’ Legal Service than-honorable disClinic, which is spearheading the federal lawsuit. U . S. so l d ie r s c a r r y a w ou n d e d c o mr a d e t hr o u g h a sw am p y a r ea d u r in g a c ti on in V i et n a m in 1 9 69 . charge. The memo is directed “DoD appears to be taking a T he De f e n se De pa rt me n t h a s a g re ed to rec o n si de r th e b a d- pa pe r dis c ha rg e s f or t h ous a n ds o f Vie tsignificant step to correcting a n a m -e ra ve t e ra n s wh o ma y h a v e s uf fe re d fr om c o mb a t -re la t e d p os t- tra u ma t ic s tr es s di so rde r bu t toward the Army’s and Air Force’s Boards for longstanding injustice,” said Jen- we re ki ck e d o ut o f t h e m ilit a ry in th e era b e fo re t h a t be c a m e a dia g no s a ble c on di ti on . ( N a t io n a l A r c h i v e s / A F P ) Correction of Military nifer McTiernan, a student Records and the Board for Correction of Naval Records, which handles intern involved with the lawsuit. However, she said, it’s too early to tell how the new rule will be implemented requests from sailors and Marines. The memo says: “Liberal consideration will be given in cases where civilian providers confer diagnoses of PTSD or PTSDand the lawsuit is likely to continue. For years, the military services have rejected PTSD claims from Vietnam-era related conditions” and there is further evidence that the disorder existed at the vets with what McTiernan called “Catch-22-like denials” that say changes can- time of service. “Liberal consideration” will be granted in cases where any docunot be granted without a diagnosis of PTSD from the 1970s — even though ment — military or otherwise — can substantiate the existence of one or more PTSD did not become officially recognized by the medical profession until symptoms of what is now known as PTSD. However, in cases involving “serious misconduct,” the boards will “exercise 1980. And for many veterans, fixing their official discharge document, known as a caution” and carefully consider the likely causal relationship of symptoms to misconduct, the memo says. DD 214, is about more than VA benefits. Scrutinizing records that are now more than 40 years old will be a challenge, “Having an other-than-honorable discharge is a stigma. When someone has a DD 214 with an other-than-honorable discharge on it, it leads employers to especially since some of them were destroyed in a massive 1973 fire at the possibly not hire them, it leads to discriminatory treatment in other aspects of National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. The last time the Pentagon issued force-wide guidance for service-level records their lives, it negatively affects their life prospects,” McTiernan said. “These are veterans who honorably served their country and have a psycho- corrections boards was in the wake of the 2011 repeal of the “don’t ask don’t logical wound of war and they should be recognized for having served honor- tell” law. That guidance allowed former service members to seek changes to their military records if their separation was related to the military’s 17-year ban ably, not stigmatized and discriminated against,” she said. The Sept. 3 memo was signed by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, a former on gays serving openly in uniform. Page 43 The VHPA Aviator
Guts and Gumption: Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Wore Their Hearts on Their Helmets By Lisa Hix Collector’s Weekly - November 8th, 2013 and used with permission
Like the soldiers who fought in World War II, most of the men and women who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War in the ’60s and ’70s were remarkably young, between the ages of 18 and 25. Those who volunteered to man the primary aircraft of the war, the helicopter, put their lives at a risk every day they were on tour. As a result, their commanding officers were often willing to look the other way when the pilots, gunners, and other crew members had their helmets painted in bright colors with their girlfriend’s name; their call sign or unit insignia; their favorite rock bands or comic-book characters; or mascots from their hometowns, in much the same way World War II pilots painted their leather A-2 flight jackets. “They were painting the peace symbol on their helmets, and then taking off and shooting at people every day.” Perhaps most interesting are the helmets painted with ironic or dead-serious anti-war messages, as well as the prevalence of stars-and-stripes helmets, which at first glance may seem like obvious patriotic riffs on the flag and the popular Nazi-smashing comic superhero Captain America. But there was another rebellious “Captain America” known for his stars-and-stripes helmet that young men idolized in 1969—the motorcycle-riding hippie played by Peter Fonda in the film “Easy Rider,” who imports illicit drugs from Mexico, mingles at a commune, patronizes a brothel, and freaks out on acid. We talked to John Conway who runs The Legacy of Valor website for the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association Museum, a Collectors Weekly Hall
of Fame site. Conway graduated from high school just after the fall of Saigon in 1975, which brought the war to an end. Because of that, he never enlisted, but he’s always admired the bravery of the men and women who served in times of war. For years, Conway’s been documenting these helmets for the VHPA website and, more importantly to him, the stories of the servicemen who wore them.
Wayne Moose, a scout gunner for F Troop 4th Cav Air, says “I wrote home to my parents for paints and brushes so I could paint my helmet.” (Courtesy of Moose, via VHPAMuseum)
Collectors Weekly: What were the official Army rules about personalizing helmets? Conway: It was not authorized, but enforcement tended to vary from unit to unit. Some commanding officers had no problem with artwork on helmets or aircraft, and some of them strongly discouraged it. There was no real pattern to it. A given unit might be flying daily with all the artwork they could muster, but when their commander reached the end of his tour and left country, the new guy could come in and put the wraps on all of it. There really wasn’t a strong Army doctrine that was universally enforced. Largely, it was tolerated. When you’ve got a guy who’s looking death in the eye every day he jumps in a helicopter and takes off for combat, it’s hard on morale Pin-up imagery was rare on Vietnam helicopter helto come along and tell him he mets, but this “enhanced” image of a crew chief’s can’t paint his girlfriend’s name wife was also painted on the assault helicopter itself. on his “bird” or his helmet. ( C o u r t e s y o f Jo h n L ea n d r o , v i a V H P A Mu s e -
Top: Lift platoon Crew Chief John Hyatt sports a bright orange helmet with platoon and troop patch designs. (Courtesy of Hyatt, via VHPAMuseum.org) Above: An unusual early U.S. Air Force helmet used by an Army rotary-wing aviator, restored by Don Mong. (Via VHPAMuseum.org)
Collectors Weekly: How did the experiences of helicopter pilots in Vietnam compare to those of the Army pilots in World War II? Conway: When it comes to Americans, we all like a fight when we think it’s right. I think the spirit of patriotism and the will to help oppressed people was there in Vietnam just like it was in World War II. You still had the youthful effervescence of young men who were Page 44 The VHPA Aviator
intelligent, well-educated, and flying a very expensive aircraft. Not only was the aircraft at stake, but also your passengers, so there was a huge sense of responsibility in both wars. Of course, the big difference is the Vietnam guys came back from a war where we weren’t the clear and obvious winners. So they dealt with the social implications, and it was quite a trauma for a lot of them. As a part of a cohesive team in their unit, they all depended on each other. When they left that “family,” they came back to a world that had no idea what they had accomplished and lived through. They were sometimes perceived as baby killers or drug freaks, completely erroneous perceptions that had been generated by the media and also by protesters and the subculture. Collectors Weekly: I noticed some helmets had peace signs, marijuana symbols, or psychedelic lettering. Were some of these guys part of the ’60s youth culture before they left? Conway: Yeah, some of them were. But the symbols didn’t always mean exactly what they looked like on the surface. In regards to the peace sign, in some cases, it was meant as social commentary on the irony of the situation they were in. They were painting the peace symbol on their helmets, and then taking off and shooting at people every day. The guy who owned the helmet with the peace sign on the site, he recently passed away. For the site, he wrote about his flying scarf. His unit gave scarves to everybody as a membership ritual, and they all had to have it embroidered with their name and their call sign. When he picked his up, he had the seamstress flip it over, and on the backside of it—and pardon my French because this is not language I use normally use—he had her embroider “Fuck this asshole war.” At some point in the game, he developed his own anti-war sentiment, but for whatever reason stayed with the job and got through it. Like I always say, there are a lot of deep psychological implications to this war. It’s something that you don’t run into with World War II stuff because you had guys that were raised in simple environments and their job was clear-cut. The WWII vets had support back home, and when they returned, everybody loved them. The soldiers in Vietnam were getting news from home within hours, which the guys in World War II didn’t get, and it wasn’t always favorable. I guess it all kind of depended on where you were at the time. If you were in school during the youth movement of the era, I think it was a major awakening of social conscience. The presence of politics and big business in the war was starting to become obvious. The South Vietnamese forces that we were supporting, in many instances, we far less committed to the situation than we were. So that sort of information was going back home. Collectors Weekly: Were the stars-and-stripes helmets based on the flag or were they based on “Easy Rider”? Conway: I think it was a little of both, really. The image of Peter Fonda on that motorcycle with the stars-and-stripes helmet and his low-key yet rebellious persona as Captain America captured a lot of people’s imagination. Also, the original Captain America, the comic-book superhero, was a childhood hero for a lot of those guys. On the site, you see Hugh Mills in a helmet that says boldly, “WAR” on the front of the visor. You can’t see it, but on the left side it says, “can be hazardous to your health.” And on the right side of his helmet, it’s painted with Captain America holding his shield. Mills was a guy who went over voluntarily. He was well-educated, he made a career out of the Army, and he was never involved with the drug culture. He relished the irony of the statement his helmet made. He is still active in his community as a law enforcement officer today Collectors Weekly: Did the servicemen ever use these painted helmets to keep a tally of victories like the WWII pilots did on their jackets? Conway: It’s not really all that common, but sometimes a helmet has a
countdown for “DROS,” or the day the serviceman returned home from overseas, what was called a “short-timer’s calendar.” Usually, when a guy got down to the point where he only had somewhere between 30 and 60 days left, his commanders would pull him off flight duty so he would have less of a chance of getting terribly injured or killed within days of returning home. Some refused and flew right up to the last day of their tours. I’ve seen a helmet that’s got tombstones painted on the back of it that
Counterculture hero and biker “Captain America,” played by Peter Fonda in the 1969 film “Easy Rider,” at left, wore a very patriotic helmet—a style that was popular with men manning helicopters in Vietnam, like Bill Blackburn, at right. (Courtesy of Blackburn, via Joe Stone, via VHPAMuseum.org)
symbolized how many confirmed kills the pilot had from his best recollection. Helicopter vets call that “KBA,” or “killed by air.” Again, you don’t often see anything that aggressive. The guy told me he didn’t wear the helmet much, but his unit had a tech rep—civilians that work for the companies that manufacture various sorts of equipment, weapon systems, or even the aircraft—and the rep was a fairly talented artist. I think he had him paint three helmets, and one of them had the tombstones on it. Those would be the only two things I know they kept track of by using their helmets as a “scoreboard” of sorts. E d i t or ’ s n o t e : John Conway, the webmaster of www.VHPAMuseum.org is a regular advertiser with the VHPA Aviator. His ad, Wanted – Helicopter Memorabilia from the Vietnam War, seeks almost anything we used in southeast Asia and whatever he acquires is used in the numerous displays he sets up throughout the country to tell our story to the public. One thing that sets John apart from the others is that he is happy to pay for the material he acquires. Another thing is that all his acquisitions i m m e d i a t e l y become the property of www.VHPAMuseum.org and are not for sale to collectors or other enthusiasts. See his ad in the next Aviator for the full details of just what he is looking for (basically anything from any service), or you can contact A rare example of a Vietnam helicopter helmet painted him immediately at with a body count, here designated with Viet Cong flag JPConway@sbcglobal.net markers. They flags symbolize mostly confirmed enemies or by calling 816-561“killed by air,” (Courtesy of Steve “Tooth” Bookout, via 3265. VHPAMuseum.org
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M E MB E RS - HA VE A B O OK FO R JO H N TO R EV IE W ? CO NT A CT H I M A T: BO O K RE VI EW S @ VHP A. O RG
By VHPA Life Member: JOHN PENNY BAC SI by Jerry Krizan and Robert Dumont is a memoir of Krizan’s tour of duty in RVN as a Special Forces Medic. His journey to Special Forces Detachment A-331 at Camp Loc Ninh began in Muskegon, Michigan when he lost his draft deferment between Muskegon Junior College and starting courses at WMU. Basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood was followed by AIT at Fort Polk and PreOfficer Candidate School at Fort Ord. At Fort Ord, Krizan changed course and requested and received entry into the Special Forces. After Special Forces school, Krizan completed 41 weeks of extensive medical training for SF medics. Assigned to A-331 at Camp Loc Ninh, Binh Long Province; Krizan soon found himself conducting combat operations, gathering field intelligence, and in this case; providing security for a very porous border LAST MEN OUT by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin is an exceptionally well researched narrative of the events surrounding the collapse of South Vietnam and the Fall of Saigon in 1975. The story is particularly compelling due to much of it being told through the eyes of the eleven young Marines who were the last to leave. The ARVN pullback from Hue and the so called “orderly withdrawal” from Da Nang turned into a wholesale rout that the NVA exploited all the way to gates of the Independence Palace in Saigon. It was a month of chaos and heartrending images of Vietnamese civilians and soldiers fleeing on jammed roads and impossibly overcrowded boats. The situation at the US Embassy also soon became chaotic. Operation Frequent Wind, the largest helicopter evacuation ever carried out began as politicians wrung their hands, and the US Ambassador dithered. Helicopter crews flew around the clock and returned again and again to the embassy to coax their overloaded aircraft off the improvised LZ and the embassy rooftop; some crews flying over 18 hours without a break. THE SECRET WAR by the late VHPA Member J.H. Dixon is an engaging novel of the so called “secret war” conducted by the CIA in Laos. Dixon was a Special Forces instructor at Ft. Bragg and an Army Aviator in RVN in 65 and 67-68 (call signs Firebird, Superhook, and Rebel). The book became a novel after the CIA asked him not to write it as non-fiction. Unfortunately, he passed away shortly before the start of his book tour. Dixon’s story includes a compelling array of good guys, outright evil doers, and some who had not yet decided which side they were on. A Special Forces team is inserted into Laos to support the Hmong in their fight against the Pathet Lao. It is a situation where nothing is what it seems, including loyalties. A rogue First Sargent’s only goal is to reap the rewards of the opium harvest, the Captain is an addict, and a CIA operative in charge of the US and indigenous forces is playing the field and will kill anyone who gets in his way.
area. He made a point to accompany as many of these missions as possible providing basic medical care to team members, allied and indigenous forces, and local villagers. Severe cases were stabilized and medivacked ASAP. The AO A-331 was assigned was a complex mix of indigenous troops and mercenaries from both sides of the border and local villagers were of mixed loyalties. With the main NVA infiltration route close by, there were frequent enemy troop movements in the area and A-331 was occasionally targeted with particular accuracy. Bac Si is a reading experience that is both compelling and an informative narrative of the services and sacrifices made by the Special Forces Medics who served in RVN. Bac Si: A Green Beret Medic’s War in Vietnam (224 pages, $25.45 hard cover, $9.99 Kindle) by Jerry Krizan and Robert Dumont, ISBN: 978-1612002460 is available from your local book store, Amazon, or other book suppliers. Then, there were no more helicopters and a “communications glitch,” left the eleven Marines waiting and wondering on that rooftop as the crowds stormed the embassy. They held true to the Marine moto of “Semper Fidelis.” The authors conducted extensive interviews of the eleven Marines and their thoughts, actions and personalities make for a very riveting reading experience, even after 39 years. Last Men Out: The True Story of America’s Heroic Final Hours in Vietnam, (304 pages, $10.13 paperback, $9.92 Kindle) by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, ISBN: 9781439161029 is available by order from your local book store, Amazon or other book suppliers. Enter the single straight arrow: Jake Campbell. Jake always wanted to be a Green Beret and made the team in spite of efforts to keep him out. During the operations in Laos it becomes clear to him why some did not want him on the team. As the pieces fall together and the tensions mount, Jake also has another problem; his love for the daughter of a disapproving Hmong war lord. The Hmong fought on the US side in a war to deny the NVA the use of the Ho Chi Minh trail through Laos and suffered terribly when the US abandoned the effort. The Secret War brings that time to life again for all who served and supported the US efforts in Laos, or just wondered about it. This is a well written, gripping book that does not disappoint. The Secret War: A Melungeon Brothers Thriller (328 pages, $26.96 hard cover, $17.96 paperback, $3.99 Kindle) by J.H. Dixon, ISBN: 978-14620576.41 is available by order from your local book store, bookstore@iuniverse.com, or other book suppliers.
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