The VHPA Aviator

The Newsletter of The Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association

#3

on the list from Newsweek magazine, predicting popular holidays for the 1960's, suggested Vietnam as the place...

"for the tourist who really wants to get away from it all" IN THIS ISSUE...

Fool’s Bunker...................................................10 Find a Grave in Arlington National Cemetery....14 Status of the Vietnam Helicopter Memorial.......17

Reunion update.............................................19-22 Rescue of Lady Ace...........................................24 Welcome to the VHPA.......................................39 Š 2015 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. All rights reserved.

Issue 34-01 ~ January/February 2015

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

Tom Kirk, Editor David Adams, Publisher

TomKirk@embarqmail.com Aviator@VHPA.org

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

AAAA/VHPA SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE ALERT

by Mike Scheuerman The deadline for applying for a VHPA Scholarship is right around the corner. You can request Scholarship packets from AAAA after January 1, 2015.

Applications are due NLT May 1, 2015. VHPA will have five $3,000 awards available for 2015. Last year, over forty people applied for our scholarships.

Five received our scholarships and another twenty received AAAA awards totaling over $35,500. In addition, another ten people whose parents or a grandparent we consider eligible to be members of VHPA, were awarded a further $26,000 in scholarships. This included the recipient of a $12,000 - four year award.

Last year VHPA members donated over $20,000 to the VHPA scholarship fund. The Executive Council (EC) voted, last year, to match membership donations. To say the least we, the EC, did not expect the membership to be that generous. One member gave $10,000. This year the EC will match up to $15,000.

To be eligible for a VHPA Scholarship there are only two requirements to apply. The recipient must meet both of the following requirements: 1) You must be the descendant of a dues current VHPA member or a descendant of a helicopter pilot who died in Vietnam while serving as a pilot.

2) You or your sponsor must be a dues current member of AAAA. There is an Associate Membership classification for students.

Encourage your descendants to apply. If you know of someone who qualifies as stipulated above,please let them know about our scholarships.

GOOD LUCK!

A T T E N T I O N !

During each year’s reunion, at the Annual Business Meeting, our members elect two (2) officers – a Vice President and a Junior Member at Large, to serve on the Executive Council (EC) for a three (3) year term.

Serving on the EC involves participating in teleconference calls as scheduled by the President and performing certain leadership duties at some reunion events. This service to our brother aviators is both challenging and very rewarding! If you are interested, or you know someone willing to serve, please contact me via email or phone call and I will be happy to send you a candidate information packet.

John Sorensen, Junior Member at Large Election Coordinator Jsorensen7106@gmail.com (417) 759-7487

+L 7HFK ,QF +HOLFRSWHUV ,QF

FR O M T HE V HP A ST A FF AT HQ !

It is that time of year again – Reunion Registration! Be sure to register early! There are numerous events that have maximum capacities and you don’t want to miss out on these special events! If you have any questions concerning tours or events, be sure to give us a call, we will be happy to help. We hope to see you there!

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 the Aviator.

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. 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 ordered at the reduced price. We do have a few of these paper and CD directories available at HQ. The price is now $25.

Give us a call if you would like one. You can now pre-order the 2015 CD Directory for $10 and the 2015 Paper Directory for $15.

If you know of anyone that served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and they are not a member of VHPA, give us a call and we will check to see if they are in our database. We would love to send them membership information and a copy of the Aviator for their review; and of course, we would love for them to become a member!

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 happen‌PLEASE LET US KNOW! Shee r r y R o d g e r s V H P A O f f ic e Ma n ag er Email: Info@HiTechHelicopters.net

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From the President of the VHPA -

BOB HE S S E L B EI N

Several months ago the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association confronted a dangerous threat to the publication of our superb AVIATOR Magazine when the editor, our good friend and superb volunteer David Adams, was hospitalized with a life-threatening condition. He is a one-man dynamo of creativity and publishing talent, and we were concerned no replacement was available to do the work.

Just like a military change of command, David “received the flag” and took command of the magazine from the amazing Jack Swickard, a fine editor whose editorial talents and creativity led to many impressive upgrades: he changed the publication’s name to The AVIATOR, and enriched the black and white early newsletters with vivid color, greater content and size. We all benefitted from his editorial touch.

David continued the publication’s evolution from the smaller newsletter to the fine publication it is today, both editing and publishing our primary communication device six times a year without profit to himself, whatsoever. His long devotion cannot be understated, and we owe our most heartfelt appreciation for his many years of service. Thank you, David Adams.

Fortunately for all of us, David met, vetted and “apprenticed” another great VHPA member, Tom Kirk. A career military/civilian pilot and veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm, Tom volunteered to assist. David then took the time to educate Tom on the complicated processes that produce our world-class magazine six times a year, and when his health no longer allowed him to serve as the AVIATOR editor, Tom stepped forward to carry on the mission.

This event highlights the need for other VHPA members to step forward and volunteer. We simply do not have enough at the present time. The second page of the AVIATOR lists the committees and individuals titled to the tasks. If you

count up the names, you’ll see a number of committees have the same individuals performing double duty; too few are doing too much for so many. The organization needs more member volunteers, and it needs them now to insure the VHPA continues to operate.

A survey conducted two years ago produced a 77 percent consensus that the VHPA should remain a “last man standing” organization; what has not been addressed is how this disassembly will be accomplished.

At the present time, it remains a dismal, future task, but it must be done before our ranks weaken and shrink.

We must ask the cold question of how will the VHPA devolve? Do we begin to reduce the frequency of our publication; shrink the reunion lengths and venues; do we hire people to produce the AVIATOR and manage the reunions we currently enjoy? These are questions the VHPA Executive Council must soon begin to consider and perhaps conclude with a plan, not this week, not this month, but sometime in the near future. The ability of aging volunteers to do the needed work will certainly be a factor of VHPA longevity.

In the short term you need to ask yourself what you can do to help the VHPA. Our aging volunteer staff needs redundancy to ensure the quality is sustained for the years to come.

Now is the time to step forward and be counted!

Page 4 The VHPA Aviator

A CIRCUS OWNER runs an ad for a lion tamer and two people show up. One is a good-looking, older retired helicopter pilot in his mid-sixties and the other is a gorgeous blond in her midtwenties.

The circus owner tells them, "I'm not going to sugar coat it.

This is one ferocious lion. He ate my last tamer so you two had better be good or you're history. Here's your equipment -- chair, whip and a gun. Who wants to try out first?"

The girl says, "I'll go first." She walks past the chair, the whip and the gun and steps right into the lion's cage. The lion starts to snarl and pant and begins to charge her. About halfway there, she throws open her coat revealing her beautiful naked body.

The lion stops dead in his tracks, sheepishly crawls up to her and starts licking her feet and ankles. He continues to lick and kiss her entire body for several minutes and then rests his head at h e r f ee t . T h e c i r cu s o w n er ' s j a w i s o n t h e f l o o r . H e s a y s , " I ' v e never seen a display like that in my life." He then turns to the retired helicopter pilot and asks, "Can you top that?" The tough old helicopter pilot replies, "No problem, just get that lion out of there."

MY ‘O LD ER‘ PI LO T P AL S will understand this...

During a long day of looking around a car show, me, and a couple of my younger friends, stopped in at 'Hooter's' for some Hot Wings and a few beers.

After being there for a while, one of my friends asked me which waitress I would like to be stuck in an elevator with?

I told him "The one who knows how to fix elevators."

I'm old, tired, and pee a lot.

Sent to us by member Al Roettger (Blame him, not me! David Adams)

Sent to us by Member Harry Bryant

Fixin’ To Die Rag Fixin’ To Die Rag is the true story of Charlie Company of the First Cavalry Division’s 229th Assault Aviation Battalion during 1970. It was a tough year; Charlie Company lost men to the enemy, to accidents and to bad weather.

The last radio transmissions of two aircraft commanders broadcast the horrors of doomed men.

Flying at night in a brutal thunderstorm, the Slick commander of 66-16985 made a last radio transmission:

“Get off the Controls… Get off the Controls!”

Flying in clear skies, the aircraft commander of 68-16123 transmitted on guard and announced the doom of eight men:

“Gooood Morning Vietnam…

We’ve Just Had a Mid-Air Collision.”

Fixin’ To Die Rag is available at Amazon.Com, Barnes&Noble, and other online and “brick & mortar” bookstores. It’s available in paperback and e-book format.

Fixin’ To Die Rag

by Roy Mark ISBN: 9781484135105 Cover Art: Joe Kline (www.joeklineart.com) Foreword: Roger C. Baker, Major, U.S. Army, Retired www.RoyMark.Org www.Facebook.com/Roy.Mark.Books E-mail: Roy@RoyMark.Org

Amazon.Com Barnes&Noble Smashwords.Com OverDrive.Com Kobo.Com and other online and offline bookstores

Ask for Fixin’ To Die Rag by name or ISBN No. 9781484135105 at your local bookstore.

Page 5 The VHPA Aviator

“ POOPIE

PANTS”

`

The year I spent flying OH-23 Ravens and later the OH-6A ued to get worse until it became absolutely volcanic. I was ready to “Loach” helicopters for Americal Division Artillery was full of har- formally declare an in-flight emergency over guard, except that it rowing and sometimes frightening experiences. One experience I didn’t work.

I squirmed in the pilot’s seat, landed abruptly, turned off of the remember quite fondly now was different…and quite amusing lookchopper and with the rotor still turning, left my passengers and ran ing back.

My problem resulted from the heavy partying our unit had the off at full steam to one of the out houses on firebase East. Alas, I was night before. One of our clever crew chiefs got a case of cheap, too late. tough-as-hide steaks from the Navy CB’s in Chu Lai. This crew You know how it is when you have to go REAL BAD and get physichief was always good at trading and performing an acceptable kind cally close to the place where you can go and whoops? Well it hapof military larceny referred to as “midnight requisitioning.” He pened just like that---a volcanic eruption.

I fought the many zippers on my one-piece flight suit and sat found all sorts of useful stuff for us.

The steaks he requisitioned that day were too tough for the usual down on the john to finish my business with real messy skivvies. I BBQ. They had to be more carefully cooked. Our Texan Longhorn did the only thing a refined officer and gentleman would do, I chopper driver, Lieutenant Connor Dotson, said "Not to worry boys ripped the cotton skivvies off and dropped them down in the hole. I we will make fajitas out them tough ol’ steaks just like we all do in cleaned up and felt like a human being again. I was ready to face the Texas." He did, with lots of hot sauce, onions, green peppers and challenges of flying in combat and face death again. I strutted over jalapenos. He even made homemade flour tortillas, using lard to the mess tent and made the mistake of having a cup of strong black coffee. Several minutes later, it was off to the races again. I ran obtained from the Officers Club.

All the crew chiefs and pilots were eating hot Tex-Mex food, out from the mess tent to the crapper I christened earlier and nearly drinking beer and having a damn hot ol’ time…a, Katie-bar-the- made it honest, I darn near made it.

Now I had a problem - no underwear to sacrifice. I cleaned up door, rip-tearing-time. One of the Majors even came down from their billets up the hill which we referred to as “Silk Stocking Row” best I could and casually asked the first person I saw where I could to partake in our merrymaking. Later we learned that not all of find some water.

"To drink?” Asked the Spec-four I saw carrying a wooden box. those inhabitants of “Silk Stocking Row” appreciated our party.

"No I kind of need to clean up a little Some of the Field-Grades up the hill had soldier,” I said sheepishly. the audacity to complain to our Full Bird "Try behind the mess tent, Sir." that the scrubby pilots were at it again havI walked quickly but with dignity ing a good time and worse, carousing with over to the mess tent, found a hose with the enlisted men. running water and splashed water and It was a memorable soiree, but I didn't soap and tried to clean my gray cotton realize then that the next day would be flight suit the best I could. more memorable. In the morning, I felt as I didn't drink any coffee the rest of the if a herd of elephants had dropped their day. Perhaps I had some bread or somebiological matter on my tongue. I still had thing like that for lunchæI can’t to fly in the mountains over the hostile remember. I do remember that I really countryside. I crawled out of bed, show- Darryl James besides his OH6 in 1969 didn't feel like eating again until it was ered under our make-shift shower, well past supper time. formed from a beat up jet fuel tank, and I flew back to the Ky Hai heliport, shaved. landed and parked in the sand-bagged I skipped breakfast then met some revetments. My friendly crew chief artillery guys I was scheduled to take to came out to greet me. I could tell I lit firebase East in the mountains. We took up every sensor in his ‘smellatory’ panel off in the clear, cool morning air and headbecause he cut me a wide birth. ed to the mountains in an obsolete OHWe had a great time the previous 23G with crappy radios. Twenty minutes night and although I suffered the follater we were over the triple canopy mounlowing day, I took solace in that those tainous jungles of I Corps in Vietnam who had to smell me that next day sufapproaching our destination. I began the fered too. Somehow today that makes usual descending circle to set up for a landing on the narrow edged mountain Darryl James and Connor Dotson at the Louisville me smile and think, You know it wasn’t Reunion always so bad over there. ridge.

Suddenly, while setting up my approachCopyright © September 15, 1998, Arthur Darryl James, to-land, I got a supreme urge to relieve the pressure in my bubbling All Rights Reserved lower GI track. It was urgent, very urgent and it got worse; It continPage 6 The VHPA Aviator

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MUST BE TRUE How do you know when your date with a scout pilot is half over?

He says, "Enough about me, now let's talk about flying."

What is the ideal cockpit crew? - A scout pilot and a dog.

The pilot is there to feed the dog, and the dog is there to bite the pilot if he touches anything.

How many scout pilots does it take to change a light bulb? Just one. He holds the bulb, and the world revolves around him.

How do you know if there is a scout pilot at your party?

He'll tell you.

What's the difference between God and scout pilots?

God does not think he is a pilot.

What is the difference between a scout pilot and a pig?

The pig doesn't turn into a scout pilot when he's drunk.

What do scout pilots use for birth control?

Their personality.

What is the difference between a scout pilot and a jet engine?

A jet engine stops whining when it pulls into the parking spot.

WHEN I WAS YOUNG I decided to go to Medical School. At the entrance exam we were asked to rearrange the letters PNEIS and form the name of an important human body part which is most useful when erect.

Those who said SPINE are doctors today. The rest of us are retired pilots sending jokes by email....

Sent to us by Lloyd Smith

Sent to us by Life member Dale McKnight Page 7 The VHPA Aviator

Page 8 The VHPA Aviator

FISHINGan Aviator’s Story The rain was pouring and there was a big puddle in front of the bar just outside the Army Airfield. A ragged old gunship Pilot was standing near the edge with a fishing rod, his line in the puddle. A curious young Air Force fighter pilot came over to him and asked what he was doing.

'Fishing,' the old guy simply said.

'Poor old fool,' the Air Force officer thought and he invited the ragged old gunship Pilot into the bar for a drink.

As he felt he should start some conversation while th e y w er e s ip p i n g th e ir w h is ky , th e h a u g h ty A ir Fo rce p il ot a sk ed, " A nd ho w m a ny h av e y ou caught?” “You're the eighth,” the old Gunship Pilot answered.

Sent to us by member Chuck Oualline

~ A I R

T O

A I R

Disclaimer: No animals were injured in the course of this event - in spite of our best efforts.

Our UH-1 slick's mission for the day was routine ash and trash. We had hauled supplies to remote outposts of the Korean Army near Phu Hiep and were ready to head home.

The crew chief was one of the oldest in our unit - must have been 24 at least - and I called him Dad. He had had a bad streak of luck with his M-60 machine gun. It seemed every time he tried to fire, the gun would jam. I called it his single-shot, bolt-action, 7.62 mm, M-60 machine gun.

He knew of a designated free fire area and asked if we could fly over it to check his gun. Since that was pretty important to us should we have an encounter with Charlie, I agreed.

As we approached the free fire area, a large bird - probably a crane - took off and flew ahead of us. Dad yelled over the intercom that he wanted me to fly in formation on it while he tried to shoot it down. I maneuvered the aircraft into position, the bird was about fifty yards out at our 10 o'clock position and Dad opened fire. One shot. His gun jammed again.

I flew behind the bird to get on the other side and let the door gunner have his chance. We got into position with the bird straight out at 3 o'clock. The door gunner opened up and went full rock 'n' roll. His gun was just cooking away.

C O M B A T ~

But tracers went past the bird on all sides as it just flew along.

The gunner fired about three hundred rounds and never hit him.

The bird finally landed on a stream bank. As we circled, the door Author, Rich Deer g unner fired another hundred rounds or so and mud flew up all around the bird. He pecked at it, probably getting some food that the rounds uncovered.

But the bird was never hit. I'm glad it didn't have the capability to fire back.

I finally told the gunner to give it up and we straightened out to head home. All the way back, Dad cussed and banged on his gun.

Ric h D eer M i c hi ga n Ch a p ter r i ch d ee r @a tt .n et

Page 9 The VHPA Aviator

FOOL’ S BUNKER

By Dan Hickman During my first week in Vietnam, our Air Cavalry Troop was “shelled” twice. The second “attack” was as humorous as the first attack was terrifying; proving that there can be humor amid the horror of war. This is the story of a joke that got out of hand.

The first mortar attack was on my third day in-country. At midnight, the first mortar round impacted just 400 meters away.

Jarred awake by the blast and shouts of “INCOMING,” I rolled off the cot and pulled my new flak vest over me like a blanket.

Successive rounds thundered ever nearer resulting in a pounding heart and ringing ears. Soldiers could be heard cursing as they scrambled for cover between the crashes of exploding shells. Explosions continued - each closer than the last.

Spontaneous prayer came easily at such times. The final explosion blew a hot blast of dust into my refuge and then…blessed silence, save for the pounding of my heart.

Afterwards, little could be seen in the darkness. The damp night air was filled with suspended dust and the odor of explosives. In the distance, soldiers were shouting for a medic. A field ambulance rolled by in the darkness. Our own artillery batteries roared to life, illuminating the darkness with counter-fires toward suspected enemy positions.

Finding no way to help, I returned to the hooch and tried to sleep. The next day we learned that sixteen people had been wounded, and one soldier had been killed.

Two nights later, a group of “newbies” was called to a meeting in the slick platoon leader’s hooch. Eleven pilots, including Lieutenants Elmore Jordan and Dale Fish, crowded into the leader’s tiny seven by eight foot hooch. It was sparsely furnished with a cot, chair, and a small field desk. There was only enough room for four people to sit: three on the bunk with our leader in his chair. That left seven of us standing shoulder-to-shoulder or leaning against the walls. The flight leader read by the dim light of a single bulb. Reciting from a lengthy list of administrative requirements, he covered such important items as, “Be sure to sign the malaria pill roster,” ad nauseum. Smoke from several cigarettes filled our crowded space. Outside, the night was eerily quiet.

From nearby we heard a frantic shout of, "INCOMING!” A second later there was a thundering crash followed closely by sounds of what I would have sworn were mortar fragments hit-

ting the tin roof above our heads. Our single light bulb went out plunging us into darkness. (Note: It wasn’t a mortar at all – the “explosion” was the impact of a very large dirt clod thrown onto our flimsy tin roof by a mischievous scout pilot. It was a joke - but the joke got out of hand quickly.

Inside the pitch black room, eleven frantic, cursing men became ridiculously entwined as we all tried to hit the floor in that tiny space. There were more pilots than floor to lie upon.

Men piled upon men with several of us left crouching, unable to move with two layers of contorted pilots curled about our feet and legs. Over the cacophony of curses, Lieutenant Jordan swore out in pain, “Ouch, Ouch, #%@#, Ouch!” In the darkness and confusion, we actually thought we had a casualty. In reality, Lieutenant Jordan had landed on three lit cigarettes with several pilots pinning him to the floor.

Due to our bewilderment, we all believed a mortar round had hit close; and someone among us was wounded. But in a crisis, leaders emerge. In the pitch black confusion, an authoritative voice said, "Run to the T hi s is a pi c tur e of t he bunker before the next round hits!" The nearest bunker was a "trench bunker" in Di An narrow five-foot deep trench with a slightly raised roof of sandbags suspended by wooden beams. Not hearing other rounds impacting yet, I thought, “This seems like a great idea!”

Lieutenant Dale Fish was nearest the door so I said, "Let’s go," and gave him an encouraging push out the door towards the trench bunker. The others followed, and we ran for cover with Fish several steps ahead in the darkness. Arriving at the darkened bunker, Lieutenant Fish dived into the narrow entrance, smacking his head on the 6X6 beam that held up the heavy sandbagged roof. Fish was knocked unconscious and fell to the dirt floor five feet below. Although just a few steps behind in the darkness, I didn’t see Lieutenant Fish hit the heavy wooden beam. Arriving at the bunker entrance, I jumped feet-first into the dark hole, managing to stay on my feet after the five-foot drop. It was a short run along the rough dirt floor to the rear entrance. Reaching the rear entrance, I was surprised that Lieutenant Fish wasn't there. The remaining nine pilots jumped in behind us, most of them landing on the unconscious Lieutenant Fish. The “wounded” Lieutenant Jordan was further pummeled after being energetically dragged to the bunker by two well-meaning pilots who pitched him through the entrance. Lieutenant Jordan grunted Page 10 The VHPA Aviator

in pain as he too landed on the unconscious Lieutenant Fish lying below.

Though “safe” in the small Bunker, we were forced to stand single file by the narrow, shoulder-deep trench. It was impossible to talk to anyone except the person next to you. To compound the confusion, there wasn’t a flashlight among us. In the mayhem and inky darkness, no one yet knew what was wrong with our wounded. Lieutenant Fish was still unconscious on the dirt floor by the bunker entrance, but we had no idea why. We were convinced that we had two wounded!

While we were trying to sort out the confusion, the aerorifle platoon leader, who had also been in the meeting, ran by us with rifle and a cartridge belt loaded with hand grenades. "I’m going to alert the infantry and get them to their defensive positions!” he shouted and with that, the platoon leader disappeared into the night. Moments later, one of the recently alerted infantrymen accidentally fired a burst of automatic rifle fire into the ground.

Hearing the burst of automatic fire nearby, those of us in the Bunker assumed there was an infiltration of Viet Cong inside our perimeter. The “wounded” were dragged to the bunker center with great difficulty. Then two of us, with pistols drawn, crammed into each of the bunker’s two narrow entrances. Though poorly armed, we were determined to defend our little fort from assaulting enemy soldiers.

After alerting his platoon, the infantry platoon leader ran over to Division HQs with the news that we were under attack. By SOP, Division immediately initiated counterbattery fires and final-protective-fires on the perimeter. A minute later, the entire perimeter lit up with outgoing artillery and flares.

We were surrounded by automatic weapons fire, flares, artiller y, and maybe enemy in the wire! Wow – this was turning into a real battle!

With pistols “at the ready,” we guarded our little bunker and even got other passers-by to climb down into the bunker with us. "What are you doing down there ?” passers-by would ask.

“Don't you know we're under attack!" we would tell them. Soon we had our bunker filled to capacity with fools.

Minutes later, a jeep came to a screeching halt nearby; and a G-2 (intelli-

gence) officer dismounted to do an analysis of the mortar impact. The shell-crater analysis would give headquarters a rough idea from what direction the shell had been fired. We told the G-2 officer about the rifle fire and all the other things going on, but the brave staff officer said he had to get to the point of impact quickly to complete his report and perhaps adjust the counter-fire. We told him that we didn’t know exactly where the shell had hit but pointed him toward the hooch where we’d been meeting when the round hit.

In a few minutes, the G2 came back fuming, spoke into his jeep-mounted radio, and then walked back to our bunker.

He had found the large dirt-clod and uncovered the hoax. He told us what he had discovered and with an inspired torrent of profanity, pronounced that we were the stupidest fools in all of Vietnam. We sheepishly climbed out of the bunker.

The firing gradually stopped, and the night became quiet again – except for the howls of laughter as word spread from unit to unit about the wild hoax played on some new pilots over in the air cav troop.

Lieutenants Jordan and Fish recovered from their "wounds." And in the months that followed, we were shelled again (by the enemy) many times. Each mortar and rocket attack brought its own personal terror. However, the infamous dirt clod mortar-attack was the source of much laughter over that year, and just one of many humorous incidents we experienced in Vietnam. We did not discover the identity of the alleged “dirt clod bomber” until a reunion over 40 years later. The “dirt clod bomber” turned out to be our chief prankster, Lieutenant Art Stratton. Even decades later, we still enjoyed another good laugh.

This is a photo of a barracks building hit by a 120mm mortar in Dong Tam. Page 11 The VHPA Aviator

SAGE ADVICE FOR FLYERS A u t ho r s U nk no w n H i s t o r i c i l l u s t r at i on c re d i t s a n d a p p r e c i a t io n g o t o G i l W al k e r

FLYING RULES TO LIVE BY 1. Try to stay in the middle of the air.

2. Do not go near the edges of it.

3. The edges of the air can be recognized by the appearance of ground, buildings, sea, trees and interstellar space.

It is much more difficult to fly there.

4. The three most common expressions in aviation are, "Why is it doing that?", "Where are we?" and "Oh Shit".

5. Weather forecasts are horoscopes with numbers.

6. Progress in airline flying: Now a flight attendant can get a pilot pregnant.

7. Airspeed, altitude or brains: Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.

8. A smooth landing is mostly luck; two in a row is all luck; three in a row is prevarication.

9. I remember when sex was safe and flying was dangerous.

10. We have a perfect record in aviation: we never left one up there!

11. If the wings are traveling faster than the fuselage, it's probably a helicopter - and unsafe.

12. Flashlights are tubular metal containers kept in a flight bag for the purpose of storing dead batteries.

13. Navy carrier pilots to Air Force pilots: Flaring is like squatting to pee.

14. Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding it.

15. What is the similarity between air traffic controllers and pilots? If a pilot screws up, the pilot dies; If ATC screws up, the pilot dies.

16. If something hasn't broken on your helicopter, it's about to.

NOTABLE QUOTES 1. When a flight is proceeding incredibly well, something was forgotten. - Robert Livingston, "Flying The Aeronca" 2. Just remember, if you crash because of weather, your funeral will be held on a sunny day. - Layton A. Bennett 3. Never fly the 'A' model of anything. - Ed Thompson 4. When a prang seems inevitable, endeavor to strike the softest, cheapest object in the vicinity, as slowly and gently as possible.

- Advice given to RAF pilots during W.W.II. 5. The Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you. - Attributed to Max Stanley, Northrop test pilot 6. A pilot who doesn't have any fear probably isn't flying his plane to its maximum. - Jon McBride, astronaut 7. If you're faced with a forced landing, fly the thing as far into the crash as possible. - Bob Hoover 8. If an airplane is still in one piece, don't cheat on it; Ride the bastard down. - Ernest K. Gann, advice from the 'old pelican 9. You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3. - Paul F. Crickmore

10. Never fly in the same cockpit with someone braver than you. - Richard Herman, Jr., 'Firebreak' 11. There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime.

- Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1970. (It was still there in 1972.)

12. The three best things in life are a good landing, a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities in life to experience all three at the same time. - Author Unknown Courtesy of Member Ron Miller

Page 12 The VHPA Aviator

If you served in any of the following Aerial Rocket Artillery units during the Vietnam Era you are invited to the 18th Aerial Rocket Artillery Reunion in Columbus, GA, May 6 – 10, 2015: C B a t t e ry / 2n d B a t t al io n (A R A ) / 4 2 A rt i l l er y / 1 1 t h A ir As s a u l t D i v is i on 3r d B at t a l i o n /3 7 7 t h A r t i l l e r y ( A R A )/ 1 1 t h A i r A s s a u l t D i v i s i o n 2 n d B a t t a l i on /2 0 t h A r t i l l e r y ( A R A )/ 1 s t C a v a l r y D i v i s i o n 4 t h B at t a l i o n / 77 t h A r t i l l e ry ( A R A ) / 10 1 s t A i r bo r n e D i vi s i on F B a t t e ry / 7 7 t h A r t il l e r y ( A F A ) / 1s t C a va l r y D i v is i on F B a t t e ry / 7 9 t h A r t il l e r y ( A F A ) / 1s t C a va l r y D i v is i on A n y Pr o v i s i o n a l A RA B a t t e r y

This R eu n ion c e l ebra t es 50 y ea rs s in c e d epl oy men t of th e f i rs t A e r ia l R o c k e t Ar ti l l e ry Un i t t o th e R e p u b l ic o f V ie t n a m.

For details please go to www.araassociation.com and reference Newsletter Q4, 2014 or contact Bruce Wilder (wbwilder@yahoo.com) and/or Jesse Hobby (jesse_hobby@hotmail.com)

Page 13 The VHPA Aviator

Find a Grave in Arlington National Cemetery Last updated 13 November 2014 A r l i n gt o n N at i on a l Ce me t er y ( A N C) h a s on l i n e t oo l s t o h el p a n yo n e f i n d a s p ec i f i c gr a ve in th is h u ge an d h ol l ow e d p l ac e. Th e s ma r t p h on e ap p is : h t t p : / / w w w . ar li n g t o n c e me t e r y . m i l / P l an - Y o u r - V i s i t Using your favorite browser on a computer, enter htt p://pub lic .ma pper .a rmy.mi l/ANC/ANCWe b /Pub lic WM V/a ncW eb .ht ml ANC’s home page viewed from a browser looks something like this:

Clicking on the Search Burials box in the left column of the home page returns the following screen:

Now, please listen to the voice of some experience here. Two things are critical if you want to get quick and satisfactory results. First, have the correct spelling of especially the last name and hopefully the proper first name. Surprise, surprise a good source for obtaining this information is the VHPA Directory – especially via the Online Directory Application (ADO) accessible via www.vhpa.org. Second, less is better at the start. The KISS (keep it simple soldier) principle really does apply with the ANC Search Form.

Assume by way of example that I’d like to find the grave of Joe Laeh u. I went to flight sch ool with h im in 6 7-14 and later we deployed to Vietnam in 1968 in the same unit, C/7/17th Cav. I’d type Laehu in the Search Form as shown here:

Clicking the Submit box results in the following display:

Page 14 The VHPA Aviator

Wow! Direct hit on our first try! Please note two items in the display. First, the Search Results to the left. Second, a small tomb

Army Aviation

stone shaped icon silhouetted with a green background positioned in section 60 of a map. Clicking on the

icon results

HA LL OF FAM E I N DUC TEE

in the following display:

Clicking on the Directions box produces the following display:

Clicking on the View Quickest Route box produces the following display:

Note the Steps screen on the left plus the Print Directions box.

Also see the route in blue superimposed with a blue line on the map.

CW5 (Ret.) Stephen L. Davidson has made an outstanding contribution to Army Aviation over more than three decades of selfless service to the Nation. His heroic actions in Vietnam and later while rescuing climbers atop Mt. McKinley earned h im thre e D i s ti n g u i s h e d Fl y i n g Cro ss e s , t w o Bronze Stars, 56 Air Medals, the prestigious American Legion Aviator Valor Award, the Daedalian Alaska Rescue Award and many others for courageous and outstanding achievement.

His over 14,500 accident-fre e flig ht hours spanning the globe include 1,991 in combat. His technical competence as a standardization instructor pilot in many Army aircraft and ratings in a long list of commercial and foreign military aircraft is unparalleled. His superb leadership and innovation le d to the early adoption of n ig ht vision goggles by CH-47 crews in Europe during th e C o l d Wa r c ha n g i n g th e A rmy 's d o c tr i na l approach for land warfare.

As the subject matter expert in the exploitation of foreign aviation technolog y, his aggressive devotion to duty, unwavering competence, and his flawless execution contributed to the development of more effective tactics, techniques and procedures for American aviation forces.

His final active duty assignment was with the Joint Special Operations Command where he served with singular distinction for nearly a decade. His quiet competence was highly effective in the many covert operations that le d to a safer and more se cure nation.

Page 15 The VHPA Aviator

The A rl ington Nat’l C emetery Vietnam Helicopter Memorial: FEBRUARY UPDATE Establishing the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Memorial within Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) remains daunting. Monument space within the cemetery grounds competes with limited burial space, and with approximately thirty interments each day land is at a premium.

Approval is a challenge, but one the VHPA will accomplish.

Background: Those wishing to have a memorial established inside the grounds must produce a comprehensive “package” that includes written justification, a separate study explaining why ANC is the most suitable location compared to others, formal drafts of the proposed monument, and a financial statement demonstrating the proposers of the monument have the necessary funds to create the monument.

The VHPA, committed to recognizing the sacrifice of the thousands of pilots and crewmembers who died in Vietnam, delivered a complete memorial package to ANC on September 3, 2014. This date is significant. In May, 2014 VHPA leadership met with ANC staff who advised a complete application package submitted in late August or early September would likely be approved by February, 2015. This led the VHPA to plan for a monument dedication ceremony at 10:00 AM, August 28, 2015.

Following receipt of the proposal on September 3, 2014, ANC did not provide any formal confirmation of receipt (over two months) until VHPA President Bob Hesselbein made numerous queries, both via telephone and email. Throughout December and early January ANC staff did not respond to requests for written explanations of the detailed review process except for an emailed message received January 13 asking our organization to be patient. This was not satisfactory, as the email lacked detailed information of the approval process.

It was not until President Hesselbein made inquiries to members of the Arlington National Cemetery Advisory Committee (ANCAC) and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts that a clear understanding of the approval process, and importantly, the timeline, was detailed. To be fair, once this situation was brought to the attention of senior ANC leadership, Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Administration Renea Yates took personal charge and the communication issues were quickly resolved.

To continue moving the VHPA Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Monument (VPCM) proposal forward, the following schedule of activities must be accomplished: I March 25, 2015. ANC Advisory Committee meets and will review VPCM Proposal. VHPA will provide a presentation explaining the proposal with suggested locations within ANC. If approved, proposal moves to U.S. Commission of Fine Arts for review and decision.

I April 16, 2015. This is the earliest date the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) could review the VPCM Proposal, and only if ANC files the proposal by April 2. THIS IS A CRITICAL DATE. If this is deadline is not met, the next filing deadline is May 7, for a May 21 meeting. VHPA will also attend and present at the commission meeting.

I Required 60-day Congressional review period. Following approval by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the proposal is returned to the Secretary of the Army who is required to notify Congress for proposal review. Elected representatives may comment on the proposal if they so choose. Following the required 60-day period, the Secretary of the Army makes the final decision.

I Decision by the Secretary of the Army. Secretary John M. McHugh, former congressman of the New York 23rd District, makes the final decision on whether the VPCM is placed within ANC. Mr. McHugh is under pressure to preserve all possible space within ANC for burial, so his approval is vital.

We remain optimistic. If congressional comments encourage installation of the memorial, it will happen.

I It is difficult to speculate whether the monument will be approved, constructed and installed in time for an August 28, 2015 memorial event as part of the Vietnam War 50th Anniversary remembrance, and in conjunction with the 2015 VHPA Annual Reunion scheduled for August 25-29 in Washington, DC. Page 16 The VHPA Aviator

Re me mbe r t o remin d your re pres en tat iv es :

I Approximately 10% of the 58,000 killed in Vietnam served on helicopters.

I Approximately 20% of all warriors killed in Vietnam and immediately buried in ANC died in helicopters.

I All recovered MIA helicopter crews composed of comingled remains are buried in ANC. I Importantly, no national monument exists that honors all helicopter crewmembers that lost their lives flying in the iconic symbol of the “Helicopter War.�

CONCLUSION This is the last mission we can perform to truly honor our lost brothers-in-arms. This humble monument will certainly outlive ourselves and serve as a lasting reminder of the valor and sacrifice of our generation to those who follow. We have taken all necessary steps, to date, and need only motivate our representatives to bring this memorial to fulfillment.

Please continue to speak and write to your Washington representatives and urge them to tell Secretary of the Army John McHugh to quickly approve placement of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and Crewmember Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.

Page 17 The VHPA Aviator

Custom Helicopter Rotor Blade Plaques

~ 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.

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Tour Leader: John Powell, 1/9 Cav

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Page 18 The VHPA Aviator

An Update on the 32nd Reunion of the VHPA Fro m t he Cha i rman o f the VH PA Reu ni on C ommi t te e, Mi ke L a w Speaking for the VHPA Executive Council, the Headquarters Staff, and the entire Reunion Committee – I cordially invite you to attend the VHPA’s 32nd Annual Reunion in Washington, DC from Tuesday, August 25th through Sunday, August 30th 2015 at The Marriott Wardman Park hotel. We have a wonderful Reunion planned for you, your family, and your friends!

The Jan/Feb issue of The Aviator devoted seventeen pages to the Reunion. The Reunion has four in this issue – by design. The leadership team determined years ago that there is little value in reprinting the same information in issues after “the big one” in Jan/Feb. Therefore, the Reunion information in this issue is more along the lines of a sitrep with an updated event schedule and registration form. So, here are SIX points for your consideration.

First, THANK Y OU! – P lease don’t pro crastinate!

As you can see in the Mor ning Repor t on www.vhpa.org, the Reunion registrations are coming in on a steady basis since the Online Reunion Registration Application (ORRA) opened to the public just prior to Christmas. Our hotel reservations are especially strong when compared to our last two Reunions. As of 1 Feb, 42% of the VHPA’s room block at the Marriott Wardman Park is taken. So THANK YOU for all who registered early as we begged you to do. This year we have several “small event” tours- meaning they are capacity controlled for one or two buses. The National Archives tour is sold out. By the time most of the membership reads this, at least four more will be sold out.

Second, the VHPA Reunio n C om mittee wants you to VOLUN TEE R – please.

Ya gotta love Don Agren, President of the Virginia Old Dominion Chapter. He and the Chapter leadership have “taken up” where the Ohio River LZ Chapter left off last year. I’ve told everyone that will listen to me that I wish I could “put the Ohio River LZ volunteers in a bottle and take them with me year after year!” Please go to www.vhpa.org and see the Volunteer Schedule AKA “Duty Roster” – dates, tasks, number of people needed, etc. This worked so well last year, we’re “playing it again, Sam!” Surprise, surprise – the list of volunteer opportunities is LONG! Big party – big list go figure!?! Some are easy – Bus Captain on a tour bus. Some are critical such as redeeming T-Shirt tickets or passing out packets to those who preregistered. Now that the Virginia Old Dominion Chapter’s guys and gals had “first crack” at filling the slots on the “Duty Roster” you can see where we still need help. Please call Melissa Allen at HQ (Mondays and Fridays are her normal days) or send her a message at ReunionInfo@vhpa.org. THANKS!!

Third, Friday Movie Night is now a Double Feature!

You have two good options for Friday night. First up to 700 can attend the Evening Parade at the Marine Corps Barracks.

Second we will now show two movies, each introduced by a VHPA member. As previously announced, Gerry Berry will introduce the “Last Days in Vietnam.” Gerry served with HMM-165 during both Operations Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind. Recently we were fortunate to add “Soldier's Sanctuary” to be introduced by David Hansen and his son, Luke Hansen. David served with the 237th Med Det during the famous battle at Khe Sanh. This 45 minute documentary is about a group of US veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars who travel together to Khe Sanh in March 2012.

They meet with People's Army veterans and together place incense in honor of fallen friends and plant a grove of Avocado trees on the old combat base.

Fo ur th , The Arlingto n N atio nal Cemetery Memo rial Service.

As mentioned in President Bob Hesselbein’s column, flexibility is the key word! We still promise a completely wonderful ceremony honoring our lost comrades plus a most memorable visit to this historic landmark. Please see the “how to find a grave” article in this issue.

F i ft h , p l ea s e l o o k to w w w .v h p a .o r g fo r a ll y o u r R eu n i o n ne e ds !

This VHPA Reunion follows our pattern of having literally a “hundred moving parts.” As GREAT as The Aviator is [and it is GREAT!!] ; there is no way we can communicate details and status to you with printed media.

Please, please use www.vhpa.org, then the Reunion Information page. For example, see the Everything you need to know about the 2015 reunion line. The underlined and bolded “2015 reunion” is a link. Double clicking on it lets you see the entire document.

Sixth, boo k yo ur Mini- Reunio n N OW! VHPA Reunions are all about renewing old and making new friends based on our common bonds forged when we were soldiers once and young. The Morning Report helps you see who is currently coming. Here’s a common “mistake”: I run an article in The Aviator telling everyone about our flight class reunion. When I get to the Reunion nothing is scheduled!!! Dah! You have to communicate with Melissa if you want a Mini-Reunion room.

For form and procedure, see the Mini Reunion Request Form on the Reunion Information page just to the right of the Reunion Logo. Please, please invite your friends and plan on having a good time.

Questio ns o r Co mments…?

As always get in touch with HQ at 800-505-8472 or Mike Law at 830-730-0950 or mglaw@earthlink.net.

Page 19 The VHPA Aviator

Official Schedule Time

Event

Monday, August 24 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Welcome Desk & Pre-registration & T-shirt Pickup Registration & Tour Desk

Tuesday, August 25 7:30am - 8:00pm 7:30 am - 12:00 pm 8:00 am - 11:00 am 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:00 am - 11:00 pm 11:15 am - 2:15 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Welcome Desk & Pre-registration & T-shirt Pickup Registration & Tour Desk Memorial Collections Tour #1 Pentagon Tour #1 Mall & Monuments Shuttle VHPA’s 32nd O' Club open Annual Reunion Memorial Collections Tour #2 Pentagon Tour # 2 in Washington D.C. August 25-30 Registration & Tour Desk 2015 Memorial Collections Tour #3 Group Dinners @ Café Pardadiso Group Dinners @ Lebanese Taverna Group Dinners @ Open City Diner Group Dinners @ Petit Plats Registration & Tour Desk Early Bird Gathering w/Entertainment

Wednesday, August 26 7:30am - 8:00pm 7:30 am - 9:00 am 7:30 am - 9:00 am 7:30 am - 12:00 pm 8:00 am - 11:00 am 8:00 am - 6:00 pm 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:30 am - 11:30 am 9:30 am - 3:30 pm 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 11:15 am - 2:15 pm 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Welcome Desk & Pre-registration & T-shirt Pickup KIA/MIA Gold Star Breakfast Breakfast w/Speaker #1 SGT Barry McAlpine Registration Desk Memorial Collections Tour #4 Gettysburg Tour Pentagon Tour #3 Mt. Vernon #1 Writers Presentation Museum of the Marine Corps @ Quantico #1 Mt. Vernon #2 Memorial Collections Tour #5 Pentagon Tour # 4 Registration Memorial Collections Tour #6 Group Dinners @ Café Paradadiso Group Dinners @ Labanese Taverna Group Dinners @ Open City Diner Group Dinners @ Petit Plats 1st Time Attendee Reception Welcome Reception w/ Entertainment Page 20 The VHPA Aviator

note: highlighted section are activities omitted on our earlier schedule

Of Events Time

Event

Thursday, August 27 6:30 am - 3:00 pm 7:00 am - 12:00 pm 7:30 am - 9:00 am 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:30 am - 1:00 pm 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm

Golf Outing - Andrews South Golf Course Registration Desk VHPA Legacy Breakfast Welcome Desk & Pre-registration & T-shirt Pickup Monuments By Water Cruise # 1 via Alexandria Mt. Vernon #39:30 am - 1:00 pm National Archives College Park Tou National Archives College Park Tour Monuments By Water Cruise # 2 via Georgetown Mt. Vernon #4 Registration Desk Quilters Show & Tell Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Dinner

Friday, August 28 8:00 am - 12:00 pm 7:30 am - 9:00 am 8:30 am - 12:30 pm 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:30 am - 3:30 pm 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Consolidated Reg, Pre-Reg & T-Shirts Breakfast w/Speaker #3 Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Dedication Monuments By Water Cruise #3 via Alexandria National Museum of the Marine Corps @ Quantico #2 Monuments By Water Cruise # 4 via Georgetown Consolidated Reg, Pre-Reg & T-Shirts US Marine Corp Evening Parade Movie Night - "The Last Days in Vietnam"

Saturday, August 29 7:30 am - 8:45 am 9:00 am - 9:30 am 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 10:00 am - 12:30 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm 12:30 pm - 11:00 pm 5:45 pm - 10:30 pm

Pre-Memorial Breakfast Memorial Service Consolidated Reg, Pre-Reg & T-Shirts Annual Business Meeting Spouse/Guest Event at Kennedy Center for the Arts Presidents Recognition Chapter President Meeting O Club open Closing Banquet & Dance

REUNION CONTINUING EVENTS: Unit Mini-Reunions and Unit TOC's are scheduled daily at various times - See schedule posted in the Registration Area The Vendor Room - Opens August 25 at 1:00pm and remains open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm through the last day of the Reunion, August 29th 11:00pm on August 29 Mall & Monuments Shuttle will run August 26 through August 28 10:am-5:00pm Mall & Monuments Shuttle will run August 29 12:00pm-5:00pm The O'Club - Open from 11:00am - 11:00pm on August 25 through August 28, open 12:30pm 11:00pm on August 29 Mall & Monuments Shuttle will run August 26 through August 28 10:am-5:00pm Mall & Monuments Shuttle will run August 29 12:00pm-5:00pm Page 21 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA'S 32nd Annual Reunion ~ Washington, DC ~ August 25Ͳ30, 2015 NATIONAL REUNION REGISTRATION FORM For information and to register online: www.vhpa.org or mail completed form to: VHPA Headquarters, H d t 2100 North N th Highway Hi h 360, 360 Suite S it 907, 907 Grand G d Prairie, P i i TX 75050

Toll Free: (800) 505ͲVHPA (8472) E il HQ@ Email: HQ@vhpa.org h F (817) 200Ͳ7309 Fax: 200 7309

DOB: Telephone: State: Phone:

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Page 22 The VHPA Aviator

Page 23 The VHPA Aviator

THE RESCUE OF

LADY ACE 7-2

by VHPA Member REX GOOCH As written for, and published in, Flight Journal Magazine, December 2014.

WHEN I GLANCED TO THE RIGHT, I saw a smoke trail coming up the river, ninety degrees to my flight path and holding steady at my altitude of about 100 feet. As it approached, I could clearly see the missile and thought, ʻThis is going to pass right between us.ʼ Then, to my surprise and horror, it did a 90-degree turn right in front of me and into one of the CH-53 helicopters.

- Chuck OʼConnell, F Troop, 4th Air Cavalry

That CH-53 was Lady Ace 7-2 1972 Easter Offensive In March 1972, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) staged the largest invasion of South Vietnam since the Tet Offensive of 1968. Invading across the DMZ from the north, the NVA easily overran the South Vietnamese Army (ARVN) and captured the city of Quang Tri. The sheer size of this massive assault caught the U.S. High Command by surprise.

In response, the U.S. and South Vietnamese forces developed a counteroffensive named “Lam Son 72 - Phase II,” to recapture the city of Quang Tri. The strategy was to insert a reinforced battalion of ARVN Marines north of Quang Tri with the objective of retaking the city. The aviation support was a joint tactical operation of U.S. Air Force, Marines, and Army aviation units.

Marine Insertion Mission On the morning of July 11, 1972, thirty-four U.S. Marine helicopters picked up 840 ARVN Marines and headed for landing zones (LZs) Blue Jay and Crow, 2,000 meters North of Quang Tri City (see map on pg 37).

At 1150 hours, Army helicopters from F Troop, 4th Cavalry, call sign Centaur, led the initial assault into LZ Blue Jay. Captain Fred Ledfors and First Lieutenant Pete Holmberg each flying an OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter (LOH, nicknamed “Loach”) led the assault. Following the two Loaches were six AH-1G Cobra gunships from F/79 Aerial Rocket Artillery, call sign Blue Max. The six Cobras, flying abreast, blasted the LZ approach path. Holmberg commented, “Canary (Ledfors) and I led the Blue Max Cobras in an all-aircraft-on-line, single-pass, 100% dump of rockets, grenades, and mini-guns. It was awesome!”

The two Centaur Loaches circled back to meet the first sortie (group) of Marine helicopters. Flying fast and low, Ledfors and Holmberg marked the far end of the LZ with smoke grenades and exited east. Eighteen Marine helicopters in three sorties flew toward the colored smoke that marked

the LZ. When the vulnerable transport helicopters began their final approach, the NVA opened up with intense crossfire from AK-47s, anti-aircraft guns, .51 caliber machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).

The Marine helicopters settled into the landing zone, offloaded the ARVN Marines, and quickly exited northeast. An observer from afar commented, “There were so many helicopters in the air, it looked like a school of sharks swarming.”

LZ Crow, “Hot as Hell” After the last helicopter departed LZ Blue Jay, Ledfors and Holmberg rendezvoused with the first of three sorties of Marine helicopters (16 total) flying to LZ Crow. By this time, the enemy fire was described as “hot as Hell,” and the element of surprise had vanished. Again, Lady Ace 7-2 Copilot, Captain flying fast and low, the two Loaches Henry Bollman in a bomb crater led the Marine helicopters toward the after the crash. Photo by Lance Corporal Stephen Lively, Combat LZ. Holmberg reported, “The Photographer. enemy fire was unbelievable, at one Source: Jon Morales, point two RPG rounds zipped across Hen r y B ollman ’s nephew my flight path right between me and Canary.”

Arriving at LZ Crow, Ledfors and Holmberg marked the LZ with smoke grenades and flew toward the south end of the landing zone. “As I banked about 120 degrees to turn outbound, I saw an NVA soldier, without a helmet, on one knee, underneath the bamboo overhang along the edge of the

Marine CH-53D Sea Stallion Photo by Ted Carlson/Fotodynamics.com

plosions.

The burning helicopter slammed into the ground. The surviving crew and passengers rushed to escape the intense inferno. The crew chief was on fire as he exited the helicopter wreckage. The pilot and copilot extinguished the fire on the crew chief while pulling him to safety. The two pilots, the injured crew chief, another crewmember, and the combat photographer sought shelter in a nearby bomb crater. The two U.S. Marine door gunners and all but seven of the 50 ARVN Marine passengers perished in the burning aircraft. The seven surviving ARVN soldiers evaded enemy forces and made their way to friendly Vietnamese units already engaged in combat.

LZ, about 200 meters from me,” said Holmberg. “He had a tube on his shoulder and he was looking straight at me. After violently completing a 90degree outbound turn (being evasive), I immediately did an opposite 120degree left bank while maintaining a straight course. The heat-seeker (Strela SA-7 missile) missed me by about 15-20 feet.” Holmberg and Ledfors, now low on fuel and ammo, returned to their base at Tan My. Crash of Lady Ace 7-2 Flying a CH-53D (Sikorsky Sea Stallion) helicopter in the last sortie of five helicopters was Marine First Lieutenant Bruce Keyes, with the call sign Lady Ace 7-2. Onboard were the copilot Marine Captain Henry Bollman, the crew chief, another crewman, two U.S. Marine door gunners, and a U.S. Marine combat photographer. They were transporting 50 ARVN Marines to be dropped at LZ Crow.

Enemy fire was intense as the Marine helicopters flared to slow for final approach to the LZ. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chuck O’Connell, flying a Centaur Cobra gunship, was initiating his covering gun run in a northerly direction from the south side of the Song Vinh Dinh River when he saw a Strela SA-7 heat-seeking missile erupt from the river’s edge to his right. O’Connell stated, “When I glanced to the right, I saw a smoke trail coming up the river, ninety degrees to my flight path and holding steady at my altitude of about 100 feet. As it approached, I could clearly see the missile and thought, ‘This is going to pass right between us.’ Then, to my surprise and horror, it did a 90-degree turn right in front of me and into one of the CH-53s.” That CH-53 was Lady Ace 7-2.

The SA-7 missile made a direct hit on the starboard engine. The aircraft immediately burst into flames, filling the cockpit with a rush of fire and smoke. Miraculously, Keyes and Bollman, were able to continue flying the aircraft to a controlled crash landing. While the aircraft descended, the heat and fire continued to ignite the ammunition and fuel, causing a series of ex-

Rescue Attempt Minutes felt like hours as the Lady Ace crew hunkered down in the bomb crater while intense fighting erupted all around them. Roughly two hours passed as they desperately attempted to Army RU-21D Reconnaissance Aircraft transmit a distress signal Sou rce: Inter net, on their PRC-90 survival W iki pedi a – B eechcraft K ing Ai r radio. Around 1400 hours, U.S. Army Captain Gary Knapp, call sign Vanguard 216, flying an RU-21 reconnaissance aircraft, answered the emergency call and began talking to the Marines in the bomb crater. Knapp spotted the crew after they deployed an orange marker panel. He marked their location with his inertial navigation system, at grid coordinates YD350550.

Knapp contacted “King 26,” Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR). Two Sandy A1-E Skyraiders and a Super Jolly Green HH-53 helicopter were dispatched for the rescue. Knapp met the SAR team on the coast and led them inland to the crash site. On each approach, the rescue team was turned away by heavy anti-aircraft fire from multiple locations. Eventually, the Air Force SAR aircraft returned to their home base.

At 1530 hours, a reconnaissance (recon) platoon of ARVN Marines reached the crash site and moved the survivors to a more defensible location near the Song Vinh Dinh River. The sun was setting by the time they relocated. As the darkness began to settle over them, the Americans were losing hope and fearful of being captured. The odds against a successful night rescue were overwhelming. This was unwelcome news, made more so because three of the survivors were badly burned and desperately needed medical attention.

Centaurs to the Rescue At 1845 hours, King 26 contacted F Troop, 4th Air Cavalry requesting their assistance. Ledfors and First Lieutenant Frank Walker volunteered to attempt the rescue with their two OH- Army LOH-6A, nicknamed, “Loach” 6A (Loach) helicopters.

After a quick briefing, Ledfors and Walker launched their aircraft and headed for the downed Marines.

Walker was accompanied by Specialist 4 Randy Baisden, crew chief/gunner, and Sergeant Joseph Beck, observer/gunner. Ledfors’ Loach was equipped with a side-mounted 7.62 mm mini-gun, so he flew with a single crew chief/gunner, Sergeant Leon Ring. Following the Loaches and flying cover were O’Connell and First Lieutenant Russ Miller, each flying a Cobra gunship.

Nightfall had significantly reduced visibility when F-4 Cavalry received a second update on the enemy situation. An ARVN ground unit in the vicinity was engaged in hand-to-hand combat with NVA forces supported by armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery. Multiple anti-aircraft guns, 51 caliber machine guns, and SA-7 missiles were fired on any aircraft approaching the area. The ARVN Marine recon platoon, protecting the downed crew, was exchanging fire with NVA forces.

Dismissing the extreme dangers, Walker and Ledfors chose to continue the rescue mission. Shortly thereafter, Sandy 08, an Air Force A1-E Skyraider, intercepted the F-4 Cav Team at a location several miles from the recovery area and offered to lead them to the pickup zone (PZ). The four helicopters descended to near ground level with Ledfors in the lead. Walker trailed behind Ledfors and the Cobra gunships followed behind on each side, covering the flanks.

Sandy 08 descended to an altitude of about 600 feet and lowered its flaps to slow its airspeed. Following Sandy 08, the four helicopters slowly flew nap of the earth, using terrain and foliage to conceal their aircraft.

It was completely dark as the Cav Team cautiously proceeded to the recovery area. Walker was asked how he was able to navigate when it was so dark with no moonlight. He replied, “It was God, adrenaline and my 24-year-old eyesight that enabled me to see with no light, in that order.”

Approximately one mile from the recovery area, all four aircraft and Sandy 08 began receiving heavy AK-47 and 23/37 mm anti-aircraft fire. Since they did not know the exact position of friendly forces, the helicopter crews could only return fire for fire. Walker’s crew chief, Baisden, stood on the Loach skids outside the aircraft returning fire with his M-60 machine gun and guiding Walker around terrain features. “The NVA were all around us, entrenched in fighting positions,” said Baisden. “As we continued our approach, they fired AK-47s, RPGs, and anti-aircraft guns. At one point, we passed three NVA tanks, and the tank crew started shooting at us with AKs and 51 cals. We were so low and so close to the enemy

that several times I had to ask Lieutenant Walker to go ‘blades up’ on the right side so I could return fire.”

The Rescue Traveling northwest, the Cav Team approached the Song Vinh Dinh River. Miller and O’Connell, in Cobra gunships, broke left and remained on the south side of the river, entering a low-level racetrack (oval) pattern. At this point, the two Loaches ventured unprotected into a known enemy stronghold. They crossed the river and turned 90 degrees left, continuing their slow and deliberate approach parallel to and near the river’s edge. As they got closer to the pick-up zone, it became evident that the Marine survivors and their ARVN protectors were surrounded by the NVA. Baisden commented, “We had to fight our way in and fight our way out.

The NVA were on all sides of the PZ.” As the Loaches closed on the recovery area, Sandy 08 dropped a flare to mark the location of the stranded Marines. A short time later, the two Loaches lifted up and over a hedgerow and settled into the PZ. Walker announced, “Cease fire” as he maneuvered his aircraft to land within a few feet of the Lady Ace aircrew. He positioned his Loach to shield the survivors as they were loaded onto his aircraft. Baisden and Beck quickly loaded two U.S. Marines and a badly burned ARVN Marine.

Now carrying six people, Walker’s Loach was extremely overloaded. Gary Knapp holding PRC-90 Survival (Note: Ledfors’ Loach Radio and Orange Marker Panel like picked up three Marines those used by the Lady Ace Crew.

So ur c e: G ar y Kn ap p and was now carrying a total of five people.)

Walker instructed his crew to “lighten the load” by offloading boxes of grenades and all but 200 rounds of ammunition for the return flight. Then he deftly lifted the Loach light on its skids, but it was too heavy to hover. Walker slowly inched the over- Frank Walker and Russ Miller, 2008 So urc e: Re x Go o c h loaded aircraft forward, bumping along the ground as he tried to get “clean air” through the rotor blades for lift. It was so overweight that Walker ran out of left pedal and the overburdened Loach crabbed to the right. Walker “nursed” every bit of available power from the straining engine until he slowly gained altitude and airspeed, all the time receiving a hail of enemy fire from all directions.

Page 26 The VHPA Aviator

Taking the lead, Walker chose a southeast departure, hoping to rockets and anti-aircraft fire coming from all directions. I was holdevade enemy fire. This departure path would cross the Song Vinh ing onto the door frame to keep from falling out while firing my MDinh River at a location about 1,000 meters south of the first cross- 60 at the same time.” ing. Directly ahead, on the riverbank, was a 15 to 20-foot tall embankment covered with mangroves and other vegetation. Just prior to reaching the embankment, Walker’s Loach entered translational lift (extra lift from the horizontal flow of air across the rotor blades), giving the aircraft additional power. The timing could not have been better. Walker flew up and over the embankment, barely missing the tops of the mangrove trees, and swooped down over the river, gaining airspeed.

Upon reaching the other side of the river, Walker and Ledfors resumed flying nap of the earth (10–15 feet of altitude), evading the enemy on their exit. Suddenly, on their right flank, two Strela SA-7 heat-seeking missiles came streaking through the night sky in their direction, passing above Walker’s Loach. Fortunately, the missiles Army Major General Howard Cooksey presenting impact awards to F Troop, 4th Cavalry. Marine Brigadier General Edward Miller on far right. were fired from such close range that they were well past the Loach S o ur c e: F ra nk W a l ke r before they could lock onto the heat signature of the turbine engine.

“I was standing on the skids and saw the NVA missile crew at about Marines Returned to Their Ship 30 yards,” said Baisden. “I swung to the right and let loose with a Once the Cav Team was clear of the hostile area, it was decided that blast from my M-60, taking them out.” because the Loaches were so overburdened, the rescued survivors should be transferred to larger Huey helicopters. They spotted a Cobra Shoot-out with Anti-Aircraft Gun dirt road running through a rice paddy and Walker started his Seconds later, the two Cobras flown by Miller and O’Connell approach. Knowing his helicopter was too heavy to hover, he reunited with the Loaches. Miller joined up with Walker’s Loach, decided to make an approach directly to the ground. When the passing by high on Walker’s right side. Suddenly, NVA 37 mm anti- Loach descended through the last 15 feet of altitude, the rotor wash aircraft fire erupted from their left flank, passing in front of Walker stirred up a dense cloud of dust, obscuring all visibility. Unable to and Miller’s aircraft. Walker recalls seeing Miller’s Cobra shudder as see, Walker held steady on the controls and soon felt the skids hit he quickly flared, standing the Cobra almost vertically on its tail. the ground, and the struts bottomed out from the load. “I was Simultaneously, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Terrance Hawkinson, completely blinded by the dust and flying at twice the certificate payMiller’s copilot-gunner, engaged the anti-aircraft gun with a hail of load,” said Walker. “It was like someone else landed the Loach for fire from his 7.62 mm mini-gun. Walker recalls it looking like a bat- me - and I believe someone else did land it for me.” tle scene from a Star Wars movie. The night sky was filled with The six rescued survivors were transferred to two Hueys, and the 37mm tracers from his left and 7.62 mm tracers from his right. As four helicopters took off to join the other Centaurs for the return Walker’s Loach continued ahead, Miller brought his Cobra to a trip to their home base at Tan My. Arriving at 2000 hours, the surstandstill, swinging its nose 90 degrees left to engage the anti-aircraft vivors were given emergency medical treatment for their burns and gun. From a hover, Miller and Hawkinson unloaded 2.75-inch other injuries. Later that night, the U.S. Marine aircrew was loaded rockets and 7.62 mm mini-gun fire into the gun emplacement in the aboard a Marine CH-46 helicopter and returned to their home ship, tree line. Trailing Miller’s Cobra, O’Connell witnessed the maneuver the USS Tripoli. and said, “It was great. Russ totally obliterated the anti-aircraft gun.”

Afterward, Walker stated, “We never hesitated. We flew the night Later, it was reported that the Cobras silenced two anti-aircraft guns rescue because we realized our fellow soldiers were stranded inside and destroyed at least one armored vehicle on their departure. enemy territory and their chances for survival were slim if we didn’t Walker continued flying evasively in a southeasterly direction, get them out. Bringing back those Marines was definitely worth choosing his path based on terrain and vegetation. Along the way, the risk!” enemy fire erupted from all directions. Baisden stated, “At times, we The daring rescue was an outstanding success, especially considerflew directly over NVA gun emplacements, and I found myself fir- ing the volume and intensity of enemy anti-aircraft fire and the task ing my M-60 straight down between the skids.” of locating the survivors in near-total darkness. Several days later, On Ledfors’ Loach, a different dilemma was playing out. In the Bruce Keyes, the rescued Marine pilot, wrote in his report, “Heavily rush to load the three survivors, crew chief Leon Ring wasn’t able to overloaded, we took off into the night for friendly lines, maneuverconnect his safety harness. When they crossed the river and started ing and evading a withering hail of enemy fire with an aeronautical receiving enemy fire, Ring was holding on for dear life as Ledfors skill unequalled by anything I have ever witnessed. The coordinaput the Loach into extreme evasive maneuvers. “The enemy fire tion between the two Loaches and their Cobra gunship escort was was much more intense on our departure,” said Ring. “We had uncanny.”

Continued on pg 37

Page 27 The VHPA Aviator

SCRAM BLE THE SEAWOLVES! Part XI, by Tom Phillips Seawolf Det.(Detachment) Nine was out visiting the neighbors again. This time we were down at Solid Anchor, hob-nobbing with our brother Seawolves of Det. One. Solid Anchor was a thorn in the side of the VC. They really hated it; much more so than the run-ofthe-mill U.S. base. The reason was that it was on what they long had considered, until recently, to be THEIR turf. Waterlogged as it was, it was THEIRS! When Admiral Elmo Zumwalt became COMNAVFORV (Commander, Naval Forces, Vietnam), he decided to integrate the neighborhood. His plan was to deny the VC any uncontested sanctuary, no matter how little the government cared about the land itself. Who, besides the VC even wanted this part of the country?

Normally, nobody lived there (except a few woodcutters and charcoal makers). To take the fight to the VC sanctuary at the extreme southern tip of the Delta, he set up a floating base, called Seafloat. It was basically a bunch of barges lashed together, anchored in the Song Cua Lon (Cua Lon River). The Song Cua Lon penetrated the “heart of darkness” that consisted of triple canopy swamps. Located at the tip of the Delta, it was as far south of Saigon as possible.

The U.S. Navy literally sailed in one day, and anchored. It established outposts on the adjacent banks, and tore down the forest they contained to create fields of fire…then waited for the neighborhood welcoming committee to organize a housewarming in their honor.

Once the VC recovered from the shock of the sudden arrival of the new neighbors, the fireworks began. There was a lengthy and noisy welcome, but Seafloat was there to stay. Once anchored properly, with fields of fire established, the floating base was relatively safe. At that, however, not immune to regular short flurries of harassing mortar, rocket, and sniper fire, as well as sappers attempting to swim up and sink the whole shebang.

Once Seafloat was installed as a more or less permanent fixture, the next step could be taken in Zumwalt’s ambitious plan to establish a REALLY unsinkable base.

The Navy barged in enough sand and dirt to actually build a base on the banks of the Song Cua Lon, which Elmo named Solid Anchor. Solid Anchor was a Navy combat base. It had: its own Army artillery, Navy air (helicopter gunships from HA (L)-3, Seawolf Det. One), SEALS, and Seabees. In addition, it had its own miniature navy, consisting of: PBRs, Tango Boats, Zippos, Douches, CCBs, Monitors, and the other mutants of the riverine force. All of this designed to haul and support the Army infantry, who were also tenants. It had all the necessary “rear echelon” types (YNs, PNs, DKs, etc.) to provide the amenities and administrative harassment the Navy combat forces required to make them truly happy warriors.

THESE rear echelon guys, however, frequently manned the bunkers. They knew as much about claymores, grenades, pop flares, machine guns, and other assorted stuff as they did about Xerox fluid, typewriters, staplers, and Navy forms in triplicate.

Solid Anchor was long but not deep. It ran along the north side of

the east-west river bank, and had a single road running the length of the place. Sandbag-armored, plywood and screen hooches lined both sides. Fighting positions were located on both the river and “landward” sides. The latter faced the triple canopy jungle across a killing ground of felled trees; a modern day abatis on a grand scale.

The trees had been simply blasted down, crisscrossing each other, liberally doused with Agent Orange to make sure they stayed dead, and left to rot. The whole blasted mess was half submerged and would have been virtually impossible to cross by any large numbers of assaulting sappers against the fire of the defenders.

The Det. One niche was at the extreme western end, allowing a clear path for takeoff. They could take off heading west, and swing over the river. This insured a clear flat run to build up life-protecting speed before they got to the trees. The only problem was that the trees marked the VC turf. Despite all of the defenses, Solid Anchor only controlled the area within small arms reach of the defending bunkers. Every takeoff, no matter the direction, took you to the enemy. Patrols, mines, seismic sensors, random artillery fire, and “mad minutes” coinciding with takeoff were all necessities to keep the Seawolves, or any other departing helicopter for that matter, from being an easy target as they climbed out heavy and slow.

Det. One was down as a fire team, one of its birds having taken some battle damage beyond their ability to repair it. Our detachment had been repositioned to Solid Anchor to fill in for a couple of days until a replacement could be generated for the Det. One casualty. We were selected to pinch hit because our AO was experiencing a relatively peaceful spell, compared to the infamous “wild and wooly” Solid Anchor.

Det. One’s layout was simple. There was a square helo pad of Marston matting PSP big enough for four birds (so the detachment wouldn’t have to take off every time somebody came to call). On the north side there was a plywood hooch set up on blocks (to keep the floor above water). Around the hooch, there were conex boxes for storage, revetted fuel bowsers, munitions storage, water buffaloes, and workbenches. In addition there were sandbags, should all the rest fail to protect the hooch. To the south of the pad was the Song Cua Lon. To the west, north, and east, lay the half-drowned abatis swamp. This went from the river, around clockwise, down the length of Solid Anchor to meet the river again beyond the little base to the east. To the east of the pad, running parallel to the river stretched the main drag and the rest of the base. The pad was bordered by waist-high revetments on the south and west, with bunkers beyond, both serving to break up the silhouette of aircraft and people on the pad, and protecting them from direct fire. In effect, the whole pad was revetted, by either legitimate revetment walls or sandbagged plywood buildings.

The hooch was also simple consisting of plywood walls and floor and a tin roof. It was divided into two rooms. The “front room” was the ready room/bar, and the “back room” was the crib (sleeping quarters). The ready room had a bar the length of the west wall and there were tables and chairs scattered around the room. The place served as a briefing room, dining room, card parlor, lounge, and Page 28 The VHPA Aviator

and movie hall, all rolled into one (sometimes all at the same time). The crib had double pipe bunks, aligned ship-fashion (parallel to the passageway) as opposed to barracks-fashion (perpendicular to the main passageway). The passageway went down the middle leading to the “back door.” There were no windows. Once out the back door, down the steps and after an immediate right you could dive into the hiding bunker (as opposed to a “fighting” bunker). A few yards beyond the back door were the fighting bunkers embedded Solid Anchor base early on into a mud wall, which were occasionally crowned with rather low watch towers.

Many of the amenities of civilization had been procured for the hooch. The bunks had mosquito netting and fans.

The place was air-conditioned (sort of ). There was a radio in the bar; a military radio for communications, that is. There was also an entertainment radio (which could receive no station that far from civilization, but seemed like a good idea when purchased), a reel-to-reel tape deck, an amp and speakers. All of these were Westpac “specials” procured in the local exchanges, or bought through the Far-East military exchange catalog. There was a ton of booze - all kinds of booze! Across the outside front of the hooch (the south side, facing the pad) and above the door, was hung a surveyed (non-airworthy) rotor blade, painted to proclaim “Seawolves Det One.” On Solid Anchor base completed balance, however, it was still a makeshift lash-up. One shortcoming, for instance, was the back door without a doorknob.

It featured, instead, a big ten-penny nail in place of said knob. fire would not be nearly as effective in forcing the VC to abandon It was a serviceable door handle; it would do in a pinch - but NOT the shelling. in an emergency. It opened inward.

So a shelling was always a high stakes race, in more ways than one.

Det. Nine had brought two crews to man our bird which The VC setting up mobile indirect fire weapons in the swamp, would fly trail on the Det. One bird during any operation. On our could not accurately register their weapons without a certain numfirst night at Solid Anchor, my crew was the off-duty crew and we ber of ranging rounds, adjusted by a distant observer without any elehad all settled in for a good night’s sleep. We had spent the day get- vation to make his job quicker. Before the VC gunners could walk ting briefed on the AO and the type of operations we could expect. the fire into the helo pad, we bet our asses that the birds could scramWe had also been briefed on the GQ (General Quarters) SOP. In ble. A cocked and ready fire team could be in the air in less than two the event of an attack on the base, the fire team would scramble. minutes, easily. A Seawolf detachment was “cocked and ready” The Det. One off-duty crews would man their stations in the while in their bunks. The longest part of the two minutes was the perimeter bunkers adding their several machine guns to the fray. As run to the revetment. Then it was battery - ON, starter new guys, we had no defensive responsibilities and for a number of ENGAGE, rotor system - 100%, generators - ON, lift. Elapsed good reasons. We didn’t know the layout of the base well enough to time from first butt hitting seat to all butts airborne, less than one be running around during a night attack and we didn’t know the minute . . . . organization, callsigns, and capabilities of the defenders well enough We Seawolves were settled in for the night, the duty crew tried to to be of significant help. Not on the first night. If anything hap- grab some sleep while the grabbing was good. The off-duty crew pened, we were to get in the hiding bunker until somebody with a finally winding down after old home week with our buds from Det. clue told us to do something - fine with us. Good plan.

1, relatively drunk, pretty tired, and ready for a good night’s sleep.

The scramble during a shelling was not just an unnecessary All was quiet. Then -WHUMP! . . . . - WHUMP! OOHAOWbravado or over-aggressive pseudo-heroics. There were a number of WOWAWOHHOWOWOWW. Eyes pop open. Not breathing. good reasons for taking this risk. First of all, the faster the aircraft What was that? Some stirring from some of the other guys …could could be moved, the more likely they would escape damage. The that be incoming, or is it outgoing? I cut my eyes over towards the helos were a prime target in any attack. Secondly, once removed other bunks in the bottomless void of a room protected with blackfrom danger of being caught on the deck, they became the hunters. out curtains. What are the home boys doing? They should know The attackers were quickly obligated to cease fire or be subject to dis- the difference between outgoing and incoming. I’ll take my cue covery by the airborne gunships, with the attendant swift and devas- from them rather than embarrassing myself by acting like a jumpy tating retribution. Thirdly, if the birds lost the race to get airborne, Newbie. You know the old saying? “I’d rather die than look bad.”

Solid Anchor would be subjected to a prolonged shelling with no WHUMP! WHUMP-WHUMP aircraft to give the enemy reason to cease and desist. Counterbattery Incoming, thinks I, confirmed by dirt falling down on my face Page 29 The VHPA Aviator

from above. “INCOMING!” somebody yells. Springs jounce. Bodies hit the floor. Oh shit. I tear the sheet back, rip back the mosquito net and vault out of the rack to the deck. I bend over to grab my boots and get sideswiped by somebody trying to run by. Down to my knees I go and the runner staggers, and squats a little regaining his balance. I look up and see LCDR Jim Long, the Det. One OIC, vault out of his rack and land right on the shoulders of the guy who had just bowled me over. His legs went on either side of the guy’s head and he instinctively grabbed the guy’s head (the only possible handhold) to keep from falling ass over tea kettle to the deck, and the guy grabbed his legs, staggered, regained his balance, and kept running!

WHUMP - WHUMP! OOHAOWWOWAWOHHOWOWOWW “Faster! Faster!” yells Jim locking his legs around the guy’s back and they careen down the aisle towards the back door. Everyone is running, some trying to get to the back door to man the bunkers (the hiding bunker and the fighting bunkers), and some trying to get to the front door to man the helos, all attempting to occupy the same space at roughly the same time. The extra crews are clogging up the normal frenzy to get out of the hooch. WHUMP OOHAOWWOWAWOHHOWOWOWW The first guy to the back door has a critical job; open the door.

The door did not get opened.

The first guy fumbled with the handle, the next two stopped very close behind the first, bumping each other slightly, and the chickenfight team of Jim Long and his mount piled into the group, unable to stop in time. The back guy was clipped down, the “horse” fell over him, and Jim fell backwards off his mount right into the arms of another guy behind him. They sagged to the ground. Then I, having forsaken my boots and having built up a head of steam in anticipation of a world-class floor exercise out the door and into the bunker, fell over them. Now the door was effectively wedged shut, as the doorman, knee-deep in bodies, tried to pull the nail out of the wood.

The Keystone Cops had nothing on us.

WHUMP - WHANG Ooh, CLOSE one. Close enough to rattle the hooch and cause the walls to reverberate - close enough to rattle US too. The intensity of molecular motion went up exponentially as everyone tried to get up at the same time. For a few seconds the effect was not unlike a mess of puppies in a box. There was lots of profanity while someone laughed hysterically. Someone was helpfully screaming, “OPEN THE G-DAMNED FREAKing DOOR!” We sorted ourselves out as time stood still. It was as if we were all underwater, and the faster we tried to go, the slower our motion.

I was jerked to my feet by some unknown Samaritan who literally snatched me off the pile and set me on my feet. After an eternity, we finally ripped open the door and performed an inspired Fleurde-Lis, peeling off for the hiding bunker and the several fighting bunkers nearby. We poured into the bunker, whose exact dimensions were unknown to us visiting firemen, and were unknowable in the stygian blackness. Once again, we ended up in a pile as the first man in “measured” the distance to the rear wall with his nose, propelled by his shipmates sequentially piling into the mass ahead. By the time we sorted ourselves out again, we could hear the now-spooled-up helicopters taking off. Our eternity had only lasted less than two minutes… two very long minutes.

All clear was soon sounded. We returned to the Seawolf hooch, too keyed up to sleep, so we opened the bar and…convened a mishap board.

These were the finding, paraphrased, and not in the approved format. With apologies for the damage to proper Navy format protocol for mishap reports, the findings are published here for the first time in hopes that someone out there may benefit from the “wisdom of the elders of the clan.”

I Inadequate brief I Lack of supervision I Failure of leadership I Faulty procedures I Insufficient training I Appalling training documentation I Questionable qualifications I Material design flaws I Alcohol abuse I Breakdown of crew coordination Here is the detailed reconstruction of the events based on postmishap analysis, lubricated with liberal libations to loosen the lips and get to the very heart of the matter (a technique which has been proposed in frustration on numerous other, more formal, mishap boards, once peace broke out. Its effectiveness has, sadly, never been tested in the kinder gentler post-Vietnam Navy, although many believe that it may have merit).

The evolution was not properly briefed. Specific duties were not assigned. There is no record that any of the participants had been trained in the procedures. None of the participants were properly rested. There had been consumption of alcoholic beverages well within the established time limits before operations. No one would admit to having had sex within recent memory-therefore fatigue from having had sex was not a contributing factor to THIS mishap.

However, stress from abstinence could not be discounted.

The participants could not recall whether they had had a balanced, nourishing, meal before the mishap. In fact, by the time the mishap board secured, in the early hours of the morning, several members could not recall what country they were in. It’s no surprise that the mishap crewmen were unable to recall what they ate on the mishap day. It is possible that, given sufficient aspirin, liquids, and rest on the following morning, these facts might have been ascertained. The board had, by then, lost interest.

Although the procedure was recognized by leadership as likely to occur, a requirement for training for this event was not recognized

Base hooches L Enlisted R Officer

Page 30 The VHPA Aviator

(supervisory). The brief was altogether too casual, specific duties relating to the evacuation of the hooch (excuse me), barracks, and the manning of the bunkers, were not clearly assigned, the training was not logged, training reports were not made. The first guy to the door, (hereafter referred to as the Door-man), whose actual identity shall die with me, was the key player, and he failed in his responsibility. We are not here to assign blame, but to learn and profit from the experience. This was, after all, a safety mishap board, not a CYA-hunt-down-the-innocent-like-dogs-in-the-street JAGMAN investigation). Post-mishap reconstruction established that Door-man swiped at the big nail (design flaw), which served as the door handle (unauthorized substitution of parts for designed and approved parts) and missed it the first time (inadequate training), or lost his grip on it in his haste (technique).

Either way, the result was that the door was not immediately opened in the critical split-second required to facilitate the headlong stampede of a half dozen energized and adrenalin-pumped cowards. This was, of course, the critical first event in the chain of events, which, as we all know, create mishaps, and which, if broken by proper awareness and supervision, prevent mishaps. The mishap board faulted this design flaw, and the contributing design flaw that (as you may recall if you were paying close attention), the door opened inward.

From the Editor...

If you look carefully at this edition of The Aviator, you will see the same format, new articles about our shared experience of war, more information about local VHPA chapters, annual reunion information, the Taps section, and advertisements that allow us to produce the magazine at a lower cost to our membership. The only real difference is a new name listed as Editor, my name.

Former editor David Adams asked to step down from the position last year when he suffered a serious medical setback from which he is not yet fully recovered. He built the Aviator from a newsletter to a professional quality publication we now enjoy reading six times a year—no small feat considering our organization’s limited budget.

He added the color and gloss, the production design, and ensured the publication arrived on schedule, year after year. Because of his leadership and example, this publication enjoys a variety of subject matter that appeals to a broad audience. He secured the services of

When Door-man failed in the performance of his duty, the Det. One OIC, LCDR Long, did not properly supervise and correct his subordinate. This, despite his spontaneous and creative attempt to place himself in a position to overlook the evolution. After Door-man’s failure, his fellow crewmen provided no help in rectifying the problem, neither did they assert themselves, nor articulate their concerns in any constructive way (breakdown in crew coordination).

Had this episode been in the nineties, we could also have convened a TQL sing-along and reported the findings to the Executive Steering Committee who would have removed us from the flight status and sent us home forthwith from the war. Too bad we didn’t have TQL in those days.

S E V E N P H A S E S O F E V E R Y E X E RC IS E / O P ER A T I O N

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Confidence and Enthusiasm Despair and Disillusionment Panic Search for the Guilty Punishment of the Innocent Awards and Ceremonies for Non-participants Post-Ex, Lessons Learned and Critique by the Uninformed

By T o m P hi l li p s , E- M a i l: t h o ma s . p hi l li p s . c t r @s c o re . c om

Kay Taylor, an excellent graphic artist who assembles the elements into a fine magazine. He literally put it all together.

I am honored the VHPA Executive Council formally entrusted me with the duties of editor. Working with David Adams for some time in the creation of the magazine and learning all I could, I am confident the quality of the publication will not suffer, and the template created over time will continue to produce excellent results for you, the reader.

Creating the Aviator is clearly a two part process: writing and publishing. I will edit the writing quality, and David will oversee publishing. He will also remain as my valued mentor and advisor. I am confident his suggestions will be visible in every future edition the VHPA magazine.

The best compliment I can provide to my predecessor is to uphold the standards and appeal of the Aviator…that I will endeavor to do. I know that I speak for the membership in thanking David for his past and continued service to The VHPA. Tom Kirk

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor of VHPA magazine Sir, My wife Marianne, is a Pro Shop employee of Carolina National Golf Club located in Bolivia NC. On or about October/ November of 2014, a life member of your organization inadvertently misplaced his cover (hat) during his round of golf.

To the average person this loss would seem insignificant Not to my wife Marianne. She has tasked me to fine the owner of this cap. I would hope that your organization could see itself clear to send out an e-mail to its members so that the hat could find its way back home.

For additional information and the cover’s return I can be reached at jjb1337@atmc.net Or ( 910) 575-4345.

Thank you, John J Bane

To The Editor of the VHPA Aviator…

I just received the Jan/Feb issue with the reunion info. The tours and events you have arranged are incredible. Thank you so much for all your efforts which make this reunion so spectacular.

You continue to raise the bar each year.

We want to do our part. This year my wife and I plan to help by volunteering. It makes me feel proud to belong to this great organization that has grown from such a humble beginning.

Thanks again and keep up the excellent work.

Walter Gutsche

Page 31 The VHPA Aviator

TAPS Conger, James Larry Graduated f lig ht tr ain ing w ith Fl ight Cl ass 69-8, fl ew in Vietnam under the T-Bird 5 callsign.

Conger, James Larry, 66, of Seneca, SC, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Mission Health Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born in Moultrie, GA, he was the son of the late S. J. Conger and the late Margaret Weeks Conger. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. After graduation from Officer Candidate School, he became Captain of the Air Defense Artillery in the 336th Aviation Company flying assault helicopters, where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged when he medically retired in 1970. He was an engineer with Fluor Corporation and currently worked for Southern Design Company.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie Conger; a son, a daughter, four brothers and three grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Douglas McClure and a granddaughter, Amber Brown.

Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Dallas, Tim graduated flight training with Flight Class 68-13/68-21 and flew in Vietn a m w ith D 22 7th A HB 1 st C av D iv (1968-69), Call sign: Lobo 37.

Tim died peacefully in his room, among friends in Boulder, CO on November 30, 2014. He was diagnosed with Leukemia in September of 2012 and wasn’t expected to live beyond August of 2013. Like all things in Tim’s life, he defied the odds by living a full year beyond what was expected. After being diagnosed as terminal, he traveled the U.S. extensively visiting friends and many national parks while remaining reasonably healthy for 18 months. He maintained good spirits and kept his quirky sense of humor to the very end. He frequently reminded those around him to live life to the fullest. He often told others, “…we are all terminal; I just have the advantage of knowing it”.

Tim was born January 18, 1946 in Wichita, KS. After graduation from Southeast

High School in ’64 he attended Wichita State University until entering the Army where he attended and graduated from Warrant Officer Candidate School. He was immediately assigned to AH-1G transition training, and then, as a newly rated Cobra pilot, he was deployed to Vietnam and assigned to D 227th AHB. Based in Lai Khe, RVN, he served as a gunship aircraft commander until October of 1969. Returning to the States, he was re-assigned to Hunter AAF as a Cobra instructor. Shortly after discharge from the Army he moved to Eugene OR where he worked for the Lane County Transportation District. He began as a bus driver and quickly rose to Operations Manager for the District. Tim retired in 2000, sold his house, and bought an Island Packet 35 sail boat. Tim lived on and sailed the SV Merlin in the Caribbean for 12 years visiting many islands, making numerous friends, and riding out Hurricane Season moored at Isla Margarita, Venezuela. Tim sold Merlin and returned to CONUS to be a “dirt dweller” in 2012, 6 months before being diagnosed as terminal. He maintained his free spirited existence stateside, purchasing a van and driving across the U.S. several times seeing the land he loved.

There were two things in Tim’s life at the core of his existence; sailing Merlin and having served in Vietnam with the 227th. He loved nature, the sea, and the independence of a mariner’s life. He also took great pride in being a Lobo and having served with “the finest group of men I’ve known”. Just days before he passed, Tim gathered enough strength to attend the combined reunion of A and D Company 227th AHB held in Savannah during the first week in November 2014. The occasion turned out to be his opportunity to say goodbye to his army buddies one last time. Lobos will miss him dearly.

Tim is survived by his son, David Faux, who lives in Sun City AZ and is about to complete certification as a Flight Nurse (it must be in his blood), a daughter-in-law, a wonderful grand-daughter, anda by two older brothers.

Farmer, William Graduate d f l i g ht t ra i ni ng w i t h Flight Class 68-508, flew in V i et n a m u n d e r t h e B l a c k horse and Silver Spu r callsigns

William W. (Bill) Farmer was born on January 13, 1942 in Clinton, Mo. and graduated from Osceola, Mo. high school in 1960. He married Marilyn Kay Stephens on August 20, 1962 Bill and Marilyn moved to Springfield and attended Southwest Missouri State where Bill graduated with a history degree.

After graduation, Bill taught school for two years at Rogersville, Mo. In 1966 Bill joined the United States Army. He received his commission through Armor Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, KY in June 1967. After commissioning, Bill attended Rotary Wing Flight School phase one at Fort Wolters, TX in September 1967 Class 68-6 and received his “wings” after completing phase two at Fort Rucker, AL. After flight school Bill was transferred to Fort Benning, GA awaiting orders to Vietnam. Just prior to leaving for Vietnam Bill completed AH-1G “Cobra” qualification course at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia. Bill deployed to Vietnam in June 1969. He was assigned to 3/17th Air Cavalry Squadron operating out of Dian (Zeon), in III Corps.

On a combat mission in September 1969 Bill’s Cobra crashed just outside of Di An. Bill received grievous wounds and burns.

He was flying in the front seat, and the aircraft hit the ground so hard the foot pedals broke off their mounting stalks. The stalks penetrated Bill’s boots and punctured both his legs. He was MEDEVACed first to the MASH at Long Binh then to Japan and onto Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver CO. He spent the next three years at Fitzsimmons AH while doctors, nurses, and technicians tried to save his legs. Bill was medically retired from the military as a Captain in 1972. He, Marilyn, and their two sons moved back to Springfield, MO where Bill received a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He worked as nursing school counselor and later a representative for the Social Security Administration in Springfield.

Bill’s true passion was to run a newspaper. The printer’s ink became a part of him while working at the local paper shop during his high school years. In 1978, Bill and Marilyn had the opportunity to purchase both the St. Clair County Courier and the Appleton City Journal. This purchase brought Bill back to his high school stomping grounds and the family back to Page 32 The VHPA Aviator

TAPS Osceola to live. Bill and Marilyn purchased the Atchison County Mail in 1984. It is still run by the Farmer family today. Marilyn passed away on May 31, 2001.

In 2003, Bill was blessed with a 2nd love.

He married Sue Ellen Badberg on June 6, 2003. Sue spent countless hours making sure that Bill had the love and care that he needed daily. She gave him the will to continue even when he thought he couldn’t go on. Bill loved his family and enjoyed taking in as many school events and activities of his boys and grandchildren as he could.

Bill was a member of the American Legion Ralph Greer Post #49, Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association (Life Member), Northwest Missouri Press Association and the Missouri Press Association.

He suffered forty-five years of medical procedures, medicines, dialysis, and countless hospital visits that all stemmed from the helicopter crash in 1969. Bill passed away peacefully on January 1, 2015 at Community Hospital-Fairfax in Fairfax, Mo. at the age of 72. His family was at his side Bill was a Son, Husband, Father, Aviator, Teacher, Publisher, Grandfather, and Friend to all who knew him. He served his community and his country with honor and distinction. He was a wounded war hero who never told his own story. He always had a smile and word of encouragement for others even when he was suffering greatly himself. You could not find a better man or a better friend. His pain is gone. He, “has slipped the surely bonds of earth and is dancing on laughter-silvered wings…”* He dwells in the House of the Lord forever.

Rest in peace my friend, my brother.

Very respectfully, George Van Riper *excepted from High Flight

by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. Harper, William H. Graduat e d fl i gh t tra i n in g w it h Fl ig h t Cl a ss 50 - L , fl e w i n Vietnam under the Delta 6 and Phantom 6 callsigns Colonel (USA Ret.)William H. “Harry” Harper passed away on December 23 at 88. For more than 60 of those years, he was airborne, logging 14,000 hours. His career included six years with the Presidential Flight Detachment, flying helicopters for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson.

Harry attended the Citadel before enlisting in the US Army at eighteen, the start of

a distinguished 30-year military career. In addition to his White House service, he commanded the 13th Combat Aviation Battalion in the Mekong delta in Vietnam in 1967, where he was known as Delta 6.

In that role, he led numerous missions to rescue U.S. infantry. His heroism earned Harry the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, and twenty-two air medals as well as several RVN decorations.

After Harry retired from the military in 1975, he and his wife Jean moved to Tallahassee, FL. He continued his love of flying by serving as a Lieutenant Colonel and chief pilot for the Florida Marine Patrol.

Well after he stopped flying professionally, he enjoyed flying around the country in his V-tail Bonanza.

The Tallahassee Airport inducted Harry into its Aviation Hall of Fame, and the FAA awarded him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

Harry was a skilled aviator, golfer, and marksman and an all-around great guy. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jean, and his three children. The Fort Stewart Honor Guard provided full military honors at the funeral on December 26 in Tallahassee. A Guest Book available online at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tallaha ssee/obituar y.aspx ?n=william-harper&pid=173587408&fhid=4647 H i ck s , Wa lt er G . LT C U S A ( Re t . ) G ra du at e d Flight Scholl with Class 657, flew in Vietnam with the 1 1 7 t h AH C ( 6 5 - 6 6 ) a nd the 307th CAB (68-69) under the Beach Bum and Phantom callsigns.

Walter G. Hicks 74, of Goose Creek, SC, passed away on February 14, 2015, peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family at the Medical University Hospital in Charleston. Walt was born in Charlotte, NC, March 23, 1940, graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree from North Carolina State University in 1962. He also earned graduate degrees with a Master of Business Administration at Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Systems Management at the University of Southern California. Walt was married to his high school sweetheart Martha Keistler on September 9, 1961 at the Ascension Lutheran Church.

Walt was a commissioned US Army Officer and served 21 years active duty until retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1983. He was a Senior Army Aviator and an Airborne Paratrooper. During his first Vietnam tour at Dong Ba Thin, while assigned to the 117th Assault Helicopter Company, he flew UH-1 (Huey) helicopters moving troops in and out of combat. In the second tour with the 307th Combat Aviation Battalion in Soc Tang and Can Tho, he served as the Battalion Assistant S-3 (Operations) and as Commander of the Battalion Headquarters Company. After Vietnam, Walt attended the Field Artillery Officers' Advance Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he was an Honor Graduate. He was then assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC as an artillery battalion S-3 and then as the Executive Officer. Later at Ft. Bragg, he became Commanding Officer of the 182nd Assault Helicopter Company. Then, Walt served in Germany as Readiness Branch Chief of the Headquarters of the US Army, Europe (USAEUR). He later moved to VII Corps as the Corps Aviation Officer and Deputy Commander of the 164th Aviation Group.

Walt was an Honor Graduate of the Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. His medals include The Bronze Star, The Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, nine Air Medals, and The Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. After retiring from the Army, Walt lived in California for 20 years; working in the defense industry, and finished his career managing chemical/ biological detection projects. Walt is survived by: two children, five grandchildren, and his brother.

Walt's legacy is marked with enduring love for his wife Martha, self-effacing leadership, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to the core value of doing what is right in every aspect of life. Walt's passions were bicycling, playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family. After retiring, he continued to contribute to his community by serving on the Silver Lakes Homeowners Association, ser ving as Handicap Chairman, and organizing and leading weekly golf tournaments. He was an avid cyclist and fitness enthusiast. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1600 Old Trolley Road, Summerville, SC 29485.

A memorial website for comments, prayers, and condolences can be found at http://mcalister-smith.com.

Page 33 The VHPA Aviator

TAPS Popa, Nestor G. Graduated flight training with Flight Class 69-13, flew in Vietnam under the callsign Joker81 Nestor "Neo" Popa, age 76, of Loda, IL (formerly of Griffith, IN) passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2014. He suffered from a long term illness and was recently hospitalized with a major stroke. He came home under the care of Hospice to spend his last days surrounded by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Rozalia Popa; two sisters and a brother. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sonda (Egener); three children, nine grandchildren, three great-grand- children and three siblings.

Neo spent 21 years in the US Army, 14 of those years as a helicopter pilot, having served in Vietnam and retiring in 1982 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3.

He was an avid bowler and was on the AllArmy Bowling team in 1972 in an all services tournament. He loved his clocks, even learning how to repair them, keeping his own and many friends’ clocks in tip-top running condition. He was an avid fisherman and spent almost every day of his retirement doing so, until he became ill.

He was also an avid Cubs fan.

Sellers, Robert P. Graduated f li ght tr ain in g wi th F l ig ht Cl a s s 60 - 5 , f l ew in Vietnam under the callsigns Alpha8 and Dean 6 Sellers, Robert P LTC USA (Ret.) 77, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2015, surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Birmingham, AL, Phil's family moved to Tampa, Florida and he graduated from Sarasota High School in 1955. He was a 1959 civil engineering graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and was awarded a master's degree in education from Troy State University. Phil entered the US Army after graduating from VMI and served 26 years as an Infantry Officer and an Army Aviator. During his military career, he served at many posts in the United States and overseas, including Vietnam and Korea.

He was a dual-rated Master Army Aviator and an Army Instrument Flight Examiner.

He served with the 1/9 Calvary Squadron 1st Calvary Division and during his second tour as the Commander of the 120th

Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam, as well as numerous other flying and joint staff positions during his career.

His military schooling included the Command & General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College and Airborne School. After retirement from the Army, he served as an ROTC instructor and with the Aviation Bureau of the Florida Department of Transportation. Phil received the Distinguished Flying Cross while serving in Vietnam for extraordinary heroism while participating in aerial flight, three Bronze Stars, a number of Army Air Medals and numerous other awards and decorations while serving two Vietnam tours. His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Spivey Sellers, a son, a daughter and five grandchildren He was a member of Christ's Presbyterian Church, the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club, the Golden Eagle Country Club and the Tallahassee Town Club. Phil was active in the Golden Eagle community and was recognized as Citizen of the Year in 2011 for his work with the homeowners' association. He was an avid sailor and golfer Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee FL 32308 or www.bigbendhospice.org.

Serratt, Jerry Wesley Gradua t e d f l i g h t t r a i n i n g w i t h F l i g h t C l a s s 62 - 10 , f l e w i n Vi e t n am u n d e r t h e C o w bo y c al l s i gn ( 67 - 6 8 ) a n d EMU in ‘71.

Serratt , Jerry Wesley LTC USA (Ret.) of North Richland Hills died peacefully in Fort Worth on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, at the age of 77. Burial: will be in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Jerry was born Oct. 23, 1937, in Wichita Falls to Kelley and Thelma Serratt.

After graduating from Midwestern University in 1961, Jerry was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, served in Korea and Vietnam, and finished his Army career at the Pentagon. Included among his awards for military service were the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Legion of Merit. Jerry and Patsy Ann Clancy married in Baltimore,

Md., in 1962, and settled in Falls Church, Va., after welcoming sons Kevin and Kent. Following Jerry's retirement from the U.S. Army as a lieutenant colonel in 1981, the couple returned to Jerry's native Texas. He continued his career next at General Dynamics, then as a nursing home administrator and finally as a volunteer credentialed mediator in Tarrant County. Jerry's family would like to thank Josie Morton for her care and devotion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother. He is survived by: his wife of 53 years, Patsy Clancy Serratt of North Richland Hills; two sons, a brother and three grandchildren – More details and memorial wishes at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dfw/o b i t u a r y. a s p x ? n = j e r r y - w e s l e y - s e r ratt&pid=174122277&fhid=17467#sthas h.J2PVmS9i.dpuf S u e ss , R o n a l d G r a du a t e d f l i g h t t r a i n i n g w i t h Fl i g h t Cl a ss 69- 4 7, fl ew i n V iet n am u n de r the cal l sign Thunderbird 15.

Suess, Ronald died January 25, 2015 after a long battle with cancerous brain tumors in Cave Creek, Arizona . He attended Midland College and Wayne State College before joining the Army in 1969. He was a Warrant Officer and served his time in Viet Nam as a helicopter pilot. Returning to civilian life, he studied at Emory Aviation in Greeley, Colorado and earned fixed-wing and helicopter commercial licenses. Februar y 1972 he and Sharon Hayne were married and moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Ron worked in management at Thrifty Drug Stores, then sold commercial real estate, then spent 11 _ years at Smitty’s in retail management. In 1987 he moved his family to Flagstaff, Arizona where he co-owned a truck stop and several restaurants over the years. A chance meeting with another Viet Nam helicopter pilot from Nebraska led to flying helicopter tours over the Grand Canyon for 14 years for Air Star/Maverick Helicopters. He enjoyed flying again so much and also flew several charter trips. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Suess. He is survived by Sharon, his wife, his mother, two sons and three granddaughters.

Page 34 The VHPA Aviator

TAPS Sink, Ste phen L. Graduated fli ght tr ai n in g w it h F l ig h t C l as s 6 5-3 , f l ew i n V i e t n a m u n de r t he c al l s i g ns Re b e l 12 an d Her cu l es 14 Sink, Stephen L.CWO USA (Ret.) He joined the Army in October 1958 and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in January 1986. He served two tours as a helicopter pilot in the Viet Nam War (1965-66 and 1968-69). He also ser ved t wo peace-time tours in South Korea in the 1980’s. During Steve’s military career he was awarded 36 air medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star Steve passed away on January 17th due to complications following a fall at his home.

Steve was born in Richmond, Indiana on June 6th, 1936.

It was during one of the tours in South Korea that Steve met his wife, Susan Bailey Sink, who sadly predeceased him in 2010.Following Steve’s retirement from the Army on January 31st, 1986; they decided to settle in Coronado, CA. Steve and Sue had a very active social life post-retirement and were part of the “Hole in the Wall Gang” that met for dinner in the same end booth every Friday night at the Brigantine restaurant.

Steve also bowled at the North Island Lanes every week with his buddies. Not one to sit on his laurels, Steve worked for H. and R. Block tax preparers and as a doorman at the Coronado Shores after his retirement, as well as volunteering as a Meals-on-Wheels driver.

He left this world peacefully, surrounded by family members. He is survived by 2 sons, a daughter and many nieces and nephews. His ashes will join Sue’s, at rest in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a future date.

Sutter, Fred Robert William G r a d u a t e d fl i g h t tr a i n i n g with F ligh t Cl as s 67-22, f le w i n V i e t na m un de r t h e Black Cat callsign.

Sutter, Fred Robert William 72, died August 20, 2014 in Olympia, WA. Fred was a Captain in the US Army and flew helicopters in Vietnam in 1968. He was awarded 2 bronze stars, an air medal, and a Vietnamese medal.

He was a member of the VFW. Fred was

a longtime resident of the Olympia area, former business owner and automobile salesman. After his retirement, he drove school bus for the North Thurston School District, which he truly enjoyed. He loved "his kids" most of the time. Fred loved his garden of flowers, camping, and his many friends. He was known and loved by many whose lives he touched and will be sorely missed by all.

He is survived by his spouse, Charlotte Sutter, 3 children, three grandchildren, three brothers and a sister.

Additional details are available at the website: Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/theolym pian/obituary.aspx?n=fred-robert-williamsutter&pid=172227874&fhid=2237&eid= sp_ommatch#storylink=cpy Wa rd , T ho m as J. Graduated flight trainin g w it h F l i g ht C l a s s 65 - 6 W , f l e w i n V i e tnam, under the callsign Blackhorse 1.

The local ABC store lost a loyal customer on Saturday, December 27, 2014 when Thomas James “TJ” Ward took his final flight with a new set of wings. He wanted it known that he died as a result of being a stubborn SOB, refusing to follow doctor’s orders (none of that “f*&!Åfing low-sodium s*%^”), raising hell for more than six decades, and living life to the fullest; using up his nine lives by the end. His final grocery list said it all: OJ, grapefruit juice, weeds (cigarettes), and vitamin S (scotch).

TJ was born and raised in Wisconsin.

After flight school, he served in Vietnam as a Huey gunship pilot with the 11th Armored Air Calvary “Blackhorse” Regiment earning a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses among others. After leaving the Army, he moved to Northern Virginia where he worked for many years with the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector and flight instructor. He moved to Georgia and Kentucky for several years – eventually returning to Virginia to be close to his daughter. During his make believe retirement (he would not sit still), he worked for World Airways and Colgan Air in the flight safety departments. TJ’s real retirement job was with the team at Goodwyn and Sons in Powhatan. He adored the

team he worked with and considered them family. He talked often about sharing his knowledge of tools and construction with customers and mentoring his younger co-workers. One of his famous quotes was “I want to work in a hardware store so when I retire I can screw myself to death.”

TJ had many loves too. His only daughter Michelle was his pride and joy.

Michelle and Tom (as she always called him) shared a love of laughing, Snoopy, the EAA Oshkosh Air Show, Animal from the Muppets and the Green Bay Packers. They are both shareholders in the team. He was a Packers fan for life – proudly wearing his jacket and replica Super Bowl ring almost every day. The morning of his passing, his final internet search was the weather forecast for the Packers game on Sunday. After acclimating to a life in “the country,” he became a huge fan of Duck Dynasty. His “happy, happy, happy” cup was the only acceptable replacement for his Packers cup. All of his life, he was his own version of Tim the Tool Man Taylor. He could fix or build just about anything and owned almost every tool known to man.

All of us who knew and loved TJ will remember him for his contagious smile, wicked sense of humor, love of women, scotch, and his talent for telling hilarious stories complete with sound effects. His “throwing the stupid drunk camp chicken out of the Huey in Vietnam” is a wellknown classic.

His final request was to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors (“make sure everyone cries like hell”), to be interred above his dear friends Eddie and Richard “so I can pee on their heads,” and finally for everyone to g et “s*&-faced drunk in my honor.”

TJ is survived by his daughter Michelle, two brothers two cousins and a TJ’s family and friends will be invited to gather in 2015 to honor his wishes, indulge in mandatory alcohol consumption and celebrate the most colorful and amazing dad, brother and friend any of us could have had. Please contact Michelle for details at snoeowl@yahoo.com. In lieu of flowers, TJ requested that you make a sizable purchase at your local ABC store and get lucky in style.

Page 35 The VHPA Aviator

TAPS Records of the recent deaths of the following seven potential members of the VHPA were gleaned from internet 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.org or call 1-800-505- VHPA (8472).

James, H.B. Jones Jr. graduated flight school with Flight Class 67-21 entered into eternal rest on Thursday, August 21, 2014 in Hampton, Virginia at the age of 68.

Drinkwater, Gary Wade graduated flight school with Flight Class 70-20, flew in Vietnams with the 170th AHC under the callsign Bikini Red; passed away on December 12th, 2014 at home in Baton Rouge LA.

Staton, Olin Gene graduated flight school with class 56-10 USA passed away Friday, November 28, 2014, at his home. Olin piloted a twin-engine helicopter in Vietnam for a Special Forces assault company.

Brewer, Frank Lewis COL USMC (Ret.) died on November 23 2014.

Tirre, Joseph LTC USA (Ret.) Passed away on Dec. 29, 2014. A West Point Graduate class of 1958, he flew with the 13th AVN BN 1965-1966.

Gann, John S Graduated flight training with Class 70-31 died on February 15, 2015.

He flew in Vietnam with 162 AHC (71-72) Hannah, Sherril A. graduated flight school with class 67-13 flew in Vietnam under the callsign Firebird 00 Howard Hugh Emert, LTC USA (Ret.) graduated flight training with Flight Class 72-16, flew in Vietnam under the callsign Ghostrider 16, passed away peacefully at Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN on Sunday, November 30th, 2014 from complications following heart surgery.

Moore, Robert Coleman, died of natural causes on February 12 2015

Trotti, John Donald LTC USA (Ret.) graduated flight school with flight class 64-2, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2014.

He served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam.

West Kenneth L, LTC USA (Ret.) died on October 8 2014.

Woods, Robert Allen, LCDR USN (Ret.) died on Feb 19, 2014 Woolam, John Edson CPT USN (Ret.) graduated flight school with flight class 57, flew under the callsign Seadevil, died on December 9, 2014. He commanded a Helicopter Search and Rescue Squadron in Vietnam.

The CHPA is a non-profit military association of Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and former U.S. Military Combat Rotary-Wing pilots and crew members, from all wars.

Page 36 The VHPA Aviator

Continued from pg 27

Combat Awards The following day, Army Major General Howard H. Cooksey, U.S. Senior Advisor, I Corps, and Marine Brigadier General Edward J. Miller, Commander of the 9th Marine Amphibious Brigade, visited F Troop, 4th Cavalry to recognize the heroic actions of the pilots and flight crew. General Cooksey awarded Impact Awards (field awards to recognize valor in combat) to the Centaur pilots and crewmembers, and General Miller congratulated and thanked the Centaur Troopers for rescuing the Marines.

It was here that a remarkable turn of events happened. My best friend, Russ Miller, learned the general was awarding five Silver Star Medals; the remaining awards were Distinguished Flying Crosses and Air Medals. The general started down the line awarding Silver Stars, the higher award, first. Russ did the mental math and determined that he was going to be the last to receive a Silver Star. Standing to Russ’ left and positioned to receive a Distinguished Flying Cross was Walker’s crew chief, Randy Baisden, the brave trooper who stood on the skids while providing cover fire for Walker’s Loach. As the generals proceeded down the line presenting awards, Russ quickly traded places with Baisden, who received the Silver Star, and Russ received the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a result of this realignment, the Loach pilots and crew received Silver Stars and the Cobra pilots/copilots flying their cover received Distinguished Flying Crosses.

In August 1972, Walker and Ledfors were recommended to receive the Medal of Honor. In October 1974, the Department of the Army awarded Wesley F. (Frank) Walker the Distinguished Service Cross, the next highest award. In February 1975, Frederick D. Ledfors was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

In July 2008, the Army National Guard of South Carolina named a weapons range at Columbia’s Fort Jackson the “1st Lt. Wesley F. Walker Range” in recognition of Frank Walker’s status as one of the highest decorated soldiers to retire from the South Carolina National Guard since World War II. ©2014, Rex Gooch Longknife 23 C/3-17 Air Cavalry, Vietnam 1971-72

Story Byline for “The Rescue of Lady Ace”

by Rex Gooch Russ Miller and I were stick-buddies in U.S. Army Flight School Class 71-28. The stress of learning to fly the tiny TH-55 training helicopter, offset by the humor and good times we shared, resulted in a bond of friendship that would remain unmatched in other life endeavors.

After graduating from flight school in September 1971, Russ and I received our orders for Vietnam. Upon arrival in “Nam,” I was assigned to C Troop, 3-17 Cavalry, call sign Lighthorse, flying out of Vinh Long in the Delta. Russ was assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry, call sign Centaurs, flying out of Lai Khe, west of Saigon. Although we were flying in different units, we kept in touch whenever possible.

Years later, at VHPA reunions, Russ and I shared our stories of flying helicopters in Vietnam. On one occasion, Russ modestly told of his role in the courageous nighttime rescue of a downed U.S. Marine helicopter crew. I suggested that Russ or someone in his unit document this story. Unfortunately, Russ died in 2011. Because it personifies Russ’s courage and honorable character, I wrote this story as a tribute to him.

Page 37 The VHPA Aviator

UPCOMING REUNIONS A S n o wb i r d R e u n i o n o f t h e A v i a t i o n P l a t o o n , H H C , 1 s t B r i g a d e 1 0 1 s t a i r b o r n e ( a m b l ) d i v i s i o n ~ Feb. 1314,2015 in Cape Coral, FL. POC Terry Hunt- 3terryc@gmail.com- or phone: 574-220-2872.

A n n u a l r e u n i o n f o r a n y p i l o t / t r o o p e r w ho s e r ve d w i t h D - T r o o p , 3 r d S q u a d r o n , 5 t h Ca va l r y i n V i e t n a m .

April 23rd-26th of 2015, Holiday Inn and Suites at Daytona Beach, FL -Reservations #386-255-5494 ~ POC is Rick Roll. Email rroll@comcast.net. So far, the response has been phenomenal with 52 rooms already booked.

A r e u n i o n o f al l V e t e r an s w h o s e r v e d wi t h t h e 1 2 1 s t Assault Helicopter Co., 93rd 121st, (renowned Soc Trang Tigers and Vikings), 80th attached and supporting units will be held in Nashville. Tennessee on June 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7, 2015..

Everyone who served with these units in Da Nang and Soc Trang RVN 1961 through 1970 is invited and encouraged to attend. Families are also invited. Hosted by the members of the 121 Avn Association, Inc., details of the reunion and hotel information may be found on their web site : 121avn.org or by contacting secretary John Schmied @ email: johndschmied@yahoo.com or call 352-633-0541.

T h e 1 3 4 t h A s s a u l t H e li c o p t e r C o m p a n y 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) 297-7730 or Dick Sheehan at (208) 891-4315. Special offer for first time reunion attendees!

57t h As sault He li co pt er Company ( AHC) 12th B i e n n i a l R e u n i o n , Possum Kingdom Lake, Texas ~ August 28-30, 2015. Full details at: www.57thahc.com, POC is Jim McKenzie, (817) 821-4070 D Troop, 1/1 Cav will be holding their tri-annual Reunion on September 25-27, 2015 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

POC for the gathering is either Gary Smith ( gsmith1158@yahoo.com), Chuck Abbott (redbaron28@aol.com) or Don Wargi (dlwargi@usa.net). Complete details to follow.

Want to see your Reunion listed here?

Send details to: Aviator@VHPA.org

57TH ASSAULT HELICOPTER COMPANY 12th

B i e n n i a l

57

H TH T

R e u n i o n

AH A HC

th 57th 57 A AH AHC HC August 28-30, 2015 Cliffs Resort, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX Detailed Reunion information go to

w w w. 5 7 t h a h c . c o m and click on Reunion Tab in upper right hand corner.

Jim McKenzie ~ Reunion Chairman 817-821-4070 Page 38 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 29 new Members to the VHPA! All have joined our Association during the period from 22 December - 12 February, 2014 Becker Richard W ** Richmond Virginia Army 69-11 123 AVN AMERICAL in 69-70 Brown Isham H 'Ike' ** West Palm Beach Florida Army 56-12 120 AHC in 66-67; 173 AHC Burke James A ** Alexandria Virginia Army 60-9 93 TC CO in 63; 121 AHC in 63; HHC 268 CAB in 67-68 Burke Lawrence E. 'Larry' ** San Antonio Texas Air Force 55-O 217 SQDN VNAF in 65-66 Burt Joe M ** Bryan Texas Army 68-1 Caffall Peter B. Peachtree City Georgia Army 69-45 69-41 196 ASHC in 70-71 Defreitas Edward A Bradenton Florida Army 70-10 62 CAC in 71-72; 326 AVN DET in 70-71 Denny Frank E 'Dock' ** Evansville Indiana Army 66-9W 66-9 192 AHC in 67-68 Farrell Charles J 'Chuck' Tarpon Springs Florida Army 67-501 67-23 243 ASHC in 68-69; 62 CAC in 72-73 Fisher Vance E. ** East Hampton Connecticut Army 68-14 335 AHC in 68-69

Fowler Ruford W 'Wayne' Madison Alabama Army 67-11 D/1/10 CAV in 67-68; 213 ASHC in 70-71 Furst William A. Murray Kentucky Air Force 62-G Gerke Jack E 'Capt Jack' Rochester New York Army 70-8 189 AHC in 70; 52 SIG BN in 70-71 Graybill Raymond N 'Ray' Anacortes Washington Army 66-19 9 AVN 9 INF in 67-68; 242 ASHC in 69 Hamilton Lawrence W ** Bakersfield California Army 69-13 69-11 173 AHC in 69-70 Hawthorne Linley Carl 'Len' Navarre Ohio Army 68-22 189 AHC in 1969 Herndon Michael E ** Accokeek Maryland Army 67-10 254 MED DET in 67-68; 3 BDE 1 INF in 71-72

Lyons James C. Elmore Alabama Army 69-45 187 AHC in 70-71

Tew James D. 'Jim' ** Delaware Ohio Army 69-3 69-7 282 AHC in 69-70;62 CAC in 72-73

Macidull John Charles ** Achilles Virginia Navy HC-1 in 69-70; HC-2 in 71-72

Wingo Kenneth J. Ulysses Pennsylvania Army 70-10 B/1/9 CAV 1 CAV in 70-71

Oldham David W. Morgantown Indiana Army 71-15

Wolfe David S. Granite City Illinois Army 69-43 173 AHC in 70-71; 120 AHC in 70-71

Shoemaker Jerry J. Weatherford Texas Army 70-24 B/7/1 CAV 101 ABN in 70-71 Spriggs George R. 'Screamer' Saint Louis Missouri Army 70-13 70-11 C/7/17 CAV in 70-71; 281 AHC in 71-72

Yuan William W. ** Tulsa Oklahoma Army 70-3 48 AHC in 70-71

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Jans Bennis J. 'Ben' ** Sioux Center Iowa Army 71-25 71-21 334 AHC in 71-72; 4 AVN 4 INF in 72-72 Jones Edward M. Stratford Connecticut Army 69-19 A/158 AHB 101 ABN in 69-70 Kirkpatrick Tommy F 'Tom' ** Pueblo Colorado Army 70-10 A/229 AHB 1 CAV in 70-71

1.509.523.4213 email: KHABT114@FRONTIER.COM VHPA Satisfied Clients Ned Crimmin TSgt, USAF, Ret

- Dan Fox

- Bruce Brattain

- John Shafer

- James Tinney

USAFSS Intelligence Analyst 1964-74

- John Penny

USAF Admin Supervisor 1974-83 Tours of Duty:

- Lanny Julian

- Bill Medsker - Pete Rzeminski - James Oden

1963-64 Basic Lackland AFB, Tx

- Terry Opdahl

1964-68 RAF Chicksands, England

- Korean War Vet Satisfied Client

1968-71 NSA Ft. Meade, Md.

Kenny Hames Photos of War Tour

1971-74 Osan AB, ROK 1974-83 Vandenberg AFB, Ca

- William C. Brooks

1952-53 Heartbreak Ridge & Sugarloaf

Page 39 The VHPA Aviator

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 Jowers) 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, President 954 Crown Street Sebastian, FL 32958 Email: frankrhoover@bellsouth.net WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER J.C. Combs, President 3530 Inverness Dr NE Tacoma, WA 98422-2252 253-952-0330

HAWAII CHAPTER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 40 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES C E NTR A L NE W Y OR K C HA PTE R The Chapter will have a Quarterly lunch at the Steak and Sundae Restaurant at 1800 Teall Ave., Syracuse NY on March 21 at 18:00.

Please contact Tom McMillen (607) 263-2551 for directions and reservations.

By Tom McMillen FO R T W OL TE R S C HA PTE R The March chapter meeting will be held at Logan’s Road House restaurant, on Saturday, 7 March, 2015. 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. As usual, all are welcomed to attend.

By Adam Steckzo G E OR G IA C HA PTE R The Georgia Chapter continues to hold a Saturday morning breakfast meeting every other month. We furnish speakers to high schools and colleges, Boy Scout Troops, other youth organizations, and civic groups who want to learn more about the Vietnam War, from those who participated in it. Newnan High School teaches a course on the Vietnam War, and the Georgia Chapter provides our assistance to them whenever possible, like their Student-Vet Connect activities each semester, with the next scheduled for 15 May. Our January guest speaker was Woody McFarlin. Woody is a Past President of the VHPA. He is also a founding member of the VHPA-GA Chapter. Woody flew two tours in Vietnam. On his second tour, they were preparing to depart and turn off the lights on Army Aviation in Vietnam. Woody showed some amazing pictures of key NVA and VC personnel he carried to secret meetings at Loc Ninh, with the equally key ARVN commanders. It was really unusual to see pictures of a meeting with representatives of the NVA, the VC, the ARVN, and the U.S. sitting on opposite sides of a square table. He also showed pictures of the POW’s (American and ARVN) held in the South and released at the air field at Loc Ninh. There were also photos of a column of NVA tanks destroyed in An Loc, when they rolled up directly in front and broadside to a battery of 155 mm howitzers. The battery lowered their tubes and fired point-blank into the tanks. Woody said when he went through the locals had filled all the destroyed tanks with their garbage. Maybe the garbage was an insult, to show what they thought of the NVA - who knows?

Our guest speaker for our meeting on 21 March will be BG (Ret.) Joseph Stringham. “Smokin’ Joe” served over thirty- two years in the Army with about four and one half years in Vietnam; mostly in Special Forces. He trained and led the first MIKE Force in combat. He is a member of both the Special Forces Hall of Fame and the Ranger Hall of Fame. So, attend the meeting and meet a real hero.

Our breakfast meetings every other month continue to be our principal activity. The membership who participate really enjoy the opportunity to get together with other combat helicopter pilots, swap war stories, discuss VA-related information, and maintain those bonds that were forged so long ago.

To those former Vietnam Helicopter Pilots in the Atlanta area, who would like to check us out and/or join our group, please see our web site at www.ga-vhpa.org, for the next meeting date or contact me at wmcrae@mindspring.com or via telephone at (770) 843-3973.

By Bill McRae

N O R T H CA R O L I N A C H A P T ER January 2015 has been a quiet period for The North Carolina Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association (NC VHPA) after a rather busy fall schedule of events. See the last issue of the "Aviator".

In February 2015, things started cranking up. On February 7th, The NC VHPA gathered in flight suits and flight jackets at the Vietnam Memorial on the Capitol grounds in Raleigh. We do so every first Saturday in February to honor all Vietnam veterans and particularly those from North Carolina, who have not yet come home. We read the names of Vietnam MIAs from North Carolina including Fred Christman a pilot from the 48th AHC still MIA in Laos.

Following the ceremony, we had lunch and our annual business meeting at a local Irish pub. Approximately thirty-five members, wives and guests attended. Good food, drink and fellowship was had by all. Larry Pigg, from Hendersonville, NC, moved up from Vice President to President for the upcoming year.

The NC VHPA has a full schedule of events starting in February. We will have two aircraft in Kinston, NC February 27 and 28 at the annual US Air Force and US Naval Academies spring baseball series. In early May, we are scheduled to be in Conyers, GA, with the Vietnam Memorial Wall. May 14 to 17 is the Myrtle Beach, SC, recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. May 16 and 17 we’ll have two or three aircraft at the Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base air show. May 23 to 29, we are back to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day. We will cover other events in the second half of the year in subsequent editions of the "Aviator".

If you are in the area during any of these events, please stop by!

By Brock Nicholson: President S OU TH M I S S OU R I CH A P T E R The first quarterly meeting of 2015 for the South Missouri Chapter of VHPA was held at the Holiday Inn Airport West in Earth City, Missouri, on March 21. It was well attended. Fun, fellowship and camaraderie were enjoyed by all.

Chapter President Bill Thompson reminded all members that this is an election year and the chapter will be electing a Vice President and Secretary at the third quarterly meeting. Those having interest in either of these elected offices should notify a member of the Chapter Council. The date, time, and location of this meeting will be announced later.

The second quarterly meeting will be held at Arris Bistro in Jefferson City, Missouri, on June 13 and will begin at 11:00AM. A presentation on the UH-72 Lakota helicopter is planned, then, after our luncheon, members and guests can go view a static display of the aircraft at the Memorial Airport in Jefferson City.

Our main medium of communication is through our website, vhpasmo.org and through emails. If you have had any changes in your home address, telephone numbers, or email address please send those changes to Chapter Treasurer John Sorensen at jsorensen7106@gmail.com. You are also encouraged to visit our website to learn more details of chapter meetings and other activities and to view the pictures from Vietnam taken by many of our members, along with their biography. This is how our members can preserve their legacy, by telling their story in their own words!

If you are a member of our chapter and have not already submitted your pictures, please feel free to contact me so that can be arranged.

By Bill Thompson: President

Page 41 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES ALASKA CHAPTER The Alaska Chapter had its December gathering at the Mountain View VFW. We had a great dinner of steaks and other surprises. Our membership is now up to forty-three. The word is getting out, and the power of word of mouth is finding more and more of our guys!

The early talk was about the upcoming National Reunion in DC as many are interested in attending. The Reno reunion was also discussed. Most are not crazy about the July time frame, preferring late August. Many, who have yet to attend a reunion, are enthused Lf ryonnnt K. .i. l. e. ,DToinmBKr aadv faonradu g h , T e r r y V r a n i a k about attending the DC Reunion. Those of us who have already attended have been ‘chatting up’ the wonderful times we’ve seeing all the old buddies after so many years have passed.

The highlight of our “Evening to Remember” was the presentation of quilts by the Quilts of Valor Foundation of Alaska. Linda Kau, the Director for the State, presented twenty quilts to the members present.

It was all captured by one of our local TV channels. It had been kept a secret, and everyone was truly surprised and appreciative. The Quilts of Valor women do extraordinary work. Their time and effort in recognizing Veterans is very special. Linda opened with a short story of how her brother-in-law was saved in Vietnam by a helicopter pilot, adding special meaning to the presentation.

We also had the honor of recognizing John Ulsher, (a former cobra pilot who can still shoot) winner of the Alaska State 28 gauge skeet shooting championship. We also honored Garland Dobson for his induction to Alaska Air Carriers Aviation Hall of Fame.

We greeted six new members, as is usual with our chapter however; many others were out of state ‘snow birding’. I can’t figure out why, given the mild temperatures and excellent weather here, anyone would want to go to the frozen south! They were missed, and we hope they are enjoying their journey. There are many other upcoming events where we can all get together. Talk of events for the summer heated up with the Memorial Day gathering, fishing trips, National Reunion, helicopter hovering contest, and other ideas to include Hawaii! We have also been talking about inviting chapters to Alaska on a small scale, because a National reunion here looks like a long shot for now.

We will keep everyone posted on how these ideas evolve.

I also have to say that we recently found the VHPA face book page.

Thanks everyone for the posts. It’s a great page, thanks for leading the way. It has motivated us to launch our own page as we have ballooned to forty-three members!

It is exciting that new members continue to join us and participate in events. We are thankful for all who call the Alaska Chapter of VHPA their home Chapter and we really appreciate our out of state members who flew in this great state after their tours. To all we send a special blessing and look forward to a full year of activities.

By Lynn Kile, Nomad 23: President

B ack row L t o R : Ge n e Ori, Ro n Fle usc hh a ck er, J im Ha rv ey , Te rry V ra ni ak , T h om as Bl ak e, Ph i l W at s on , R oy D aw , L yn n Ki l e, R ed Kin n ey Fr o nt r o w L t o R: Jo e R i l ey , Ga r l a n d D ob so n , J oh n B r o w n , W i l l ai m Me r k le y, Jo hn Ul sh e r , Ro n Pr i e b e, V i c M i co l , J D B a x te r

FLORIDA CHAPTER After the cold of winter, it is great to see the temperatures on the rise again. Florida was a little wetter and cooler than normal this year but except for occasional day or so of cool snaps, S u p p o r t i n g t h e A r c a d i a e v e n t it was certainly one of the best places to be for winter. This is especially so for the part of Florida that is in the tropics; the area that is roughly south of a line from Dayton, through Orlando to Tampa.

There were several Li ttle ma ll h elic o pte r events that we participated in but that had not included in the last Aviator. Members supported the Desoto County Veterans Appreciation Days in Arcadia Florida from 4 December through 8 December. The event was held at the Turner Agri-Civic Center. We brought the OH-6 LOACH and were given the best location in the center of the display area. We also brought the sales tent and the little bird. The little bird is a kiddy ride that had been used in a mall. It has Vietnam type paint and the unit patches from F Troop, Eighth CAV. It is always a hit with the little kids and sometimes the not so little kids who also try to get in for a ride. The hard part for the older kids is getting out. The event featured the Moving Wall. There was lots of military equipment and some other organizations equipment like a Forest Service Rome Plow. Live music was provided along with many vendors set up a respectful distance from the Moving Wall.

We were amazed at the number of school kids who attended the event. One of the event directors said there were at least Page 42 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES minute intervals. They first attend a briefing in three thousand, but she did not have the final the school and then come out to the display numbers. They were brought from a school area in the parking lot. It is a very positive event across the road but many more were bussed and one that we participate in every year. in. They came through the area in groups of On February 28, we supported the Washingabout thirty each. Tom Tomlinson was on ton Day Parade in Eustis, Florida with the OHone side of the LOACH and Frank Hoover 6 LOACH and kiddy mall helicopter. This was on the other side explaining the capabiliannual event is a great hit with the local populaties and mission of the aircraft. Dr. Joe Ponds tion and we got lots of calls from the crowd saywas at a table with the Mini Gun, Chicken L t o R T o m T o m l i n s o n , B a b L a z z e l l , J o e ing “Thanks for your service” and “Way to go Plate and other paraphernalia and explained P o n d s , F r a n k H o o v e r , a n d T o m R o u n t r e e Brothers”. their uses. We talked to the groups from 8:30 Future events include, but are not limited to: in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon April 8 to 13 will support for the Moving Wall with no breaks. Toward the end we even had in Jupiter Florida, and April 21 to support for to shorten the talks because the kids had to the Sun-N-Fun in Lakeland Florida. This get back to the schools. It was a fun but event is second only to the Oshkosh event. stressful day for us old timers.

You can see just about every aircraft that ever On January 29-30 we supported the Ninth flew there, from old bi-planes to ultra-lights to Annual Volusia County EMS/Military heavy lift. The Thunderbirds will be the feaEXPO in Orange City, Florida. Again we tured event. We are featured in the center of brought the OH-6 LOACH. The event the military static display area near the front took place at the University High School. gate. We will have sales, our traveling museum oe P on ds , M ike Mc Gla n ery , To m Ro un We join military, police, firemen and EMS Lt r et eo, RT oJ m set up in a GP medium tent, or LOACH and T om l in so n, Jo hn Ha w n and organizations active in disasters in this our Little Bird mall helicopter at the event. big event. That was another event where they bus in around three Lastly, we will support the Citrus County Operation Welcome Home thousand high school JROTC students from all over the county to the at Inverness, FL from 1 to 5 May. event. There are military vehicles on display such as: armored vehicles, In closing, we wish to extend a hearty “Thank You” to the members helicopters from the National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, fire who help with the events that we support.

By Frank Hoover trucks, ambulances, police cars, etc. The kids come at about 15 FLORIDA CHAPTER CONT’D

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER Our SoCal Chapter participated at the Lake Arrowhead Chili Cook Off. We used Carl Cortez's famous Chapter chili recipe. However, once again we did not win. Carl says we didn't put enough beer in the chili (see photo for some of the cooks). We had a great time and look forward to next year’s cook off.

The 12th Annual Wings Wheels and Rotors Expo at Los Alamitos Army Airfield was a real success. We shared our information booth with Quad A and Fisher House SoCal. We were fortunate to have the UH-1B and OH-58 from Wings and Rotors Museum next to us. Many of our members came by to assist and hang out but it was hard to get everyone together at the same time for the photo shoot.

The SoCal Chapter had our annual business and election meeting at the Newport Beach Elks Lodge. I am again your Chapter President.

Ron Warner will still be Vice President and also Secretary/Treasurer.

The SoCal Chapter will have another Fundraiser for Fisher House SoCal. Last year we were able to put together $1630. Think of this as a Ronald McDonalds house for veterans. This

C h a p t e r m e m b e r s a t t h e W i n gs W h e e l s a n d R o t o r s E x p o , L o s A l a m i t o s A r m y A i r f i e l d . L t o R P a t R o g e rs , G l e n Wa r r e n, S t e v e L u n d , J a c k R a e , J o e P e g a n , T o m C r o s b y , S v e n A k e s s o n , R o n W a rn e r a n d J o h n H e n d ri c k s o n .

S o m e o f o u r C h a p t e r c o o ks a t t h e L a ke A r r o w h e a d C h i li Co o k o f f . Fr an k U h ri n g , S v e n Ak e s s o n , C a rl C o r t e z a nd w i v e s .

facility will have twenty-one units of living quarters for family members to stay for free while visiting injured and sick veterans. It will be built on the Long Beach VA Hospital property. Ground breaking should start late June to early July. All donations will be matched by our chapter fund up to $1000 and then again matched by Fisher House National. There are sixty - two Fisher Houses in the US and around the world. Administrative costs for fundraising are less than 5 percent.

On Saturday March 14, at 11am the SoCal Chapter will have our annual St Patty's Day Meeting and BBQ at Wings and Rotors Museum at French Valley airport. This is the home of the UH1-B Gunship and still flies to many events throughout CA. It was the lead ship of Flying Thunder accompanying Rolling Thunder to the Wall in DC. The museum has just expanded with two more hangers and has a CH-34, OH-58, TH-55 on display as well as an F4 which they plan on flying soon.

By Sven Akkeson: President Page 43 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES NORTH ALABAMA CHAPTER After a fall display season that stretched our chapter and our folks, Christmas 2014 allowed us to relax and spend time with our loved ones… but we also had a rousing Christmas Party. More than Sixty NAVHPA members and spouses gathered at the Space Center Marriott in Huntsville By euacr 3 ' s tr a i le r re a d y f o r n e x t to celebrate the season.

This great party was organized by Don Bisson. Our featured speaker was one of our own.

We were treated to some observations and “space stories” from NAVHPA member BG (Ret.) Bob Stewart. A space story is like a war story in that it B o b S t e w a r t d i s c u s s e s S h u t t l e l a u n c h usually starts out “there I was”, but the place is literally out of this world.

Bob is an ex-cobra pilot, experimental test pilot and space shuttle astronaut. Bob was able to relate space flight from the insider’s point of view.

His remembrances of things like having the inner cap containing his mike and earphones slip out of position from under his helmet during a spacewalk were really interesting to all.

We began the New Year with service to our community by gathering up the more than 3500 wreaths that we had placed on veterans’ graves in December. Wreaths Across America is involved in placing wreaths on graves of veterans of any US war. This is Huntsville’s eighth year.

Huntsville 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. They have to be put in boxes and stored for use next Christmas.

Our only workday so far in 2015 had our members preparing the trailer that supports our UH-1C, Buc 3, for repainting and corrosion control.

After Buc 3 was craned off the trailer, most of the ancillary equipment had to be removed. More than a dozen members helped to get it ready for painting. We expect to have it back and Buc 3 remounted by February 7. This is just in time for the beginning of a year that promises to be even busier than 2014!

This is partial list of our activities for the first half of 2015: Red text denotes the need for docents, cooks, gofers, ‘horse holders’ etc. at the event.

I February 7 UH-1C workday I February 19 Membership meeting I February 21 Grissom High School display for Wounded Warriors I March 7 UH-1C workday I March 16,17 JROTC Day at The Redstone Arsenal I March 19 Membership meeting I March 20-22 Veterans’ Gun Show BJCC, BHM display I March 29-31 AAAA Nashville, TN I April 4 Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home display I April 11 UH-1C workday (tentative) I April 14 Scottsboro High Scholl display I April 16 Membership meeting

No r th A l a ba m a VHP A w e bs ite sp l a sh p a ge

I April 27 (week of ) Owens Crossroad Elementary display I May 2 UH-1C workday I May 21 Membership meeting

The NAVHPA is starting to bring our chapter to the web. Our new web site is up! You can see some of our activities, celebrations and documents at http://www.navhpa.com. We believe this will be one of the best chapter sites in all of VHPA when it is completed.

Our active schedule can only be sustained by a committed and active membership. We have, as of this writing, sixty one paid members in our chapter. If you know of any potential or active 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, email us at navhpa@gmail.com or contact us through our new web site at http://www.navhpa.com.

By Brock Nicholson

Old Dominion Virginia C h ap t er Fifteen members were present at our January meeting. In that total were two new members, Jim Burger from Blacksburg, and Dick Hubbard from Williamsburg. Ken Paulson and the chapter agreed to donate funds to the Norfolk Medal of Honor Memorial Walk.

Jim Squyres has organized our February meeting to be at the County Grill Restaurant in Yorktown. Following that meeting we will take a Tour of the Transportation Museum on Ft Eustis.

We are having a Phone-a-Thon Special meeting on 31 Jan to elicit more volunteers for our National Reunion in DC this August.

We are hoping to have a meeting in Northern Virginia in May or this fall. We are looking at the possibility of using facilities at the Marine Museum in Quantico.

If you live in Virginia please join us in March and April at Legend Brewing 321 West 7th Street Richmond, VA 23224 The first Saturday of the month for our luncheon meetings at 13:00 hours.

Wives and significant others are always welcomed.

By Don Agren: President 804-691-3002 Page 44 The VHPA Aviator

VHPA C HAPTER A CTIVITIES THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER The Helicopter War Museum

returning WWII, Korea, and Vietnam Purple The City of Longmont, Colorado, in conHeart recipient junction with American Legion Post #32, veterans from cerinvited us to attend their Veterans Day fesemonies held in tivities and parade. It was well attended by Washington D.C. our chapter members, despite the relatively on May 29. We cold temperatures. The parade route templan to have our perature dipped to 18 degrees with snow museum at the flurries. Greg McMahon helped organize Rocky Mountain the activities and our participation in LongAir Show in mont’s activities. The following members Aurora, CO. marched in the parade and were welcomed The main event back at the American Legion Post with hot will be a demontoddies: Rick Beaver, Don Rice, Walt Wise, stration by the Doug Neil, Phil Lanphier and Dale House. V i e t n a m V e t e r a n s w h o a s s e m b l e d t h e H u e y f o r t h e H i s t o r y C o l o r a d o C e n t e r USAF ThunderWe all had a good time. Meanwhile, mem- " 1 9 6 8 E x h i b i t " . birds on June 1. ber docents Jim McNamee, Bill Robie, Steve Our Vietnam Helicopter War Museum Swaim, John Grauff, Terry Olson, and Presiwill be set up in conjunction with the dent John Hargleroad set up the Museum Traveling Wall Salute to Veterans at Ft. across the street from the American Legion Carson, CO. On June 13 we will move the Post. museum to the Denver Aquarium to parOn January 22, members Jim McNamee, ticipate in a Salute to the Military event, Phil Lanphier, Dale House, Terry Sullivan sponsored by Landry’s Restaurants. The and Donny O’Connor, along with fifteen following week we will move the museum other Vietnam Veterans, assisted in the assemto Centennial Airport to participate in the bly of a Huey for the “1968 Exhibit.” The Wings over the Rockies Gala beside a Bexhibit will be held at the History Colorado M e m b e r s : R i c k B e a v e r , D o n R i c e , W a l t W i s e , D o u g 17 and other military aircraft. We will be Center in downtown Denver from February N e i l , P h i l L a n p h i e r a n d D a l e H o u s e m a r c h i n g i n joining chapter members Bill McPherson 7 through May 17. Local news organizations L o n g m o n t V e t e r a n s D a y P a r a d e . and Ken Overturf, who will be displaying conducted interviews. We are returning on their Mike model Huey gunship, at some March 19 for Veterans Appreciation Day and of these events. We have a full year displaying our mobile Vietnam Helicopter planned ahead and we are excited.

War Museum to complement their “1968 We normally hold meetings once a Exhibit”. month, on the third Saturday of the Christmas is behind us now. Our annual month, at 10:00 at American Legion Post Christmas party that Greg Mann hosted was #1, located at I-25 and Yale Avenue. We a success, with about twenty-five members occasionally change venues, so contact us present. at the address below to verify dates, times Other Chapter and Upcoming Activities: and location. We do not meet in DecemWe held our January and February meetings ber or July, but normally have a holiday get m as Pa r t y ho st ed by Me mb e r Gr eg Ma n n . L R B il l at American Legion Post #1 in Denver and X together in December. The museum comRob ie , C ar l C av a l uz z i, 3 W ive s, B r ia n F o ote a n d discussed future chapter activities. Our R o n M a g n u s . mittee will meet periodically to continue March meeting will be held at the Longmont categorizing inventory and developing American Legion in conjunction with the additional displays.

Longmont chapter of the Military Order of We continue to look for artifacts for the museum. the Purple Heart (MOPH). The meeting Among the items which we would like to acquire is a will include a presentation by Sandra Ripe, chicken plate with the cloth holder that our visitors Service Officer for the MOPH. She will be can put on and see what it was like to wear a chicken there to talk to us about our VA benefits and plate. Please contact our Chapter President John how she can help us. The meeting is on Hargleroad or Dale House, Museum Curator, with March 21 at 10:15 at the Legion post in anything you’d like to donate or loan to the museum.

L a y n i e O e t k e n t r y i n g o u t h e r h a n d f l y i n g We can be contacted through our mailbox at: Longmont. e y in th e C h ap t er ' s Hu e y Mo ck u p We have numerous other events planned. ti nh et hHe uW RMC.mailbox@yahoo.com. ar M useum .

By Dale House On May 4 anHonor Flight reception for Page 45 The VHPA Aviator

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By VHPA Life Member: JOHN PENNY DUSTOFF & MEDEVAC VIETNAM by VHPA Past President Phil Marshall and author of DMZ Dustoff Vietnam is his second in a series about the medevac missions in Vietnam. This book brings together 22 medevac mission stories, as told by the individual pilots and crewmen. Each story shares incredible feats of courage under challenging conditions. As Marshall, who flew with the 237th Medical Detachment aka DMZ Dustoff in 1969, points out, our Medevac crews picked up anyone who needed help whether they were “ARVN, RFPF, civilians, the enemy, GIs, pilots, and even babies.”

To create this book, Marshall gathered many of our members and continues an important VHPA mission: to both preserve and insure the history of the helicopter war is written by the people who were there. He and the participating authors have done us all proud. He is already planning a third edition and invites all crewmembers that flew in Vietnam who have a Medevac story to tell to contact him.

JOKERS is the fictional account of the Vietnam War based on the true accounts of the authors Vern Hammill and Edward Kral. The two first met as 20-year-old smokejumpers and both are Vietnam veterans. Hammill is a VHPA member and served with the 48th AHC Blue Stars and Jokers in 69-70.

Kral, served with the 9th Infantry’s Mobile Riverine Assault Force.

The authors note they have changed the names of the characters in the book to protect their privacy and “prevent any embarrassment or glory.” Works of fiction about the Vietnam War often come up short but not this one.

There is also a riveting twist involving their adrenaline junky post-Vietnam plans. Enjoy!

This novel is a very engaging story drawn from Hammill’s experiences with the 48th. Hammill and Kral take their main characters, Eric and Paul, through a very realistic depiction of an18 month tour of duty in Vietnam.

Members will recognize many of the men we all served with in RVN as well as the rivalries that went on between “slick” and gunship crews. Often played out with bragging and bravado in the O Club, these rivalries could get pretty intense but disappeared in combat when the chips were down - which happens fairly often in this novel.

Dustoff & Medivac Vietnam (338 pages with photos, paperback $17.86, Kindle $4.95) by Phil Marshall, ISBN: 978-1502754554 is available from your local book store, Amazon, or other book suppliers. Autographed copies may be obtained at dmz.dustoff@yahoo.com

Jokers: War, Love and Helicopter Pilots – What Could Go Wrong? (310 pages, paperback $10.28) by Vern Hammill and Edward Kral, ISBN 978-1502594464 is available by order from your local book store, smashwords.com, Amazon, or other book providers.

SCOUT is a delightful story for young children

by VHPA Life Member Dave Watters, who served with the 199th LIB in 68-69 and D/1/1 CAV in 71-72. The book came about after Watters was asked to give a Veterans Day talk to a kindergarten class. Well, kindergarteners can be a tough audience and a thorough search for appropriate materials, even with his library assistant wife’s help turned up very little. So, Watters set about writing his own story characterizing the service and cooperation of the helicopter pilots in Vietnam in terms young children can understand: working together.

The back of the book contains pages depicting the Army helicopters flown in Vietnam which may be copied and colored by children, young and old. These pages also provide members a way to personalize the book for family with pictures of their helicopters or themselves. I trust you will all enjoy this story.

SURPRISED AT BEING ALIVE by VHPA Member, Robert Curtis, who served with C/159th ASHB, 101 ABN, call sign Playtex in 70-71 is the memoir of his extraordinary military career in Vietnam, the Kentucky National Guard, the USMC, and the Royal Navy.

returning from Vietnam and enrolled at the University of Kentucky and joined the Kentucky National Guard, serving three years. After being accepted by law school, while walking the halls of the U of K one day, he met a USMC Officer Selection Officer. Understanding he would become too old to fly someday but not too old to go to law school, he joined the USMC and continued flying.

Ultimately, he would fly a helicopter in many regions of the world.

Curtis’s career began when he decided to “beat the draft” by enlisting. He read a leaflet about becoming an Army helicopter pilot, met with an Army recruiter and was on his way to boot camp at Fort Polk, “chasing buzzards” at Ft. Wolters, and on to Ft. Rucker with Class 69-25. Oddly, after Rucker, he and his class were scattered around stateside posts and Curtis found himself at Ft. Campbell building hours in an OH-13E with the prospect of earning an IP rating. It was a tremendous learning experience.

Other lessons followed and by March 1971 Curtis was flying Chinooks out of Phu Bai and Camp Eagle into the rain swept mountains of northern I Corps. The pucker factor soared with Lam Son 719. Curtis and C/159th were soon flying into Laos along QL- 9 to supply ARVN firebases in skies crowded with hundreds aircraft. The radios were alive and “mayday” calls filled the guard channel. Curtis notes the firepower directed at the long line of aircraft headed east seemed reminiscent of WWII history.

Curtis, who had aspired to be a “lifer,” left the Army within a year of

Scout: a little helicopter story by Dave Watters (23 pages with drawings and pages for coloring, $16.00, hardcover) ISBN 978-1570878398 - Limited copies of Scout are available directly from the author – email Dave at: rotorblueh2o.com

Curtis uses a particular wit and sharp descriptive skills to narrate his extraordinary career.

He brings the reader right into the moment, whether in the cockpit of a Chinook in Vietnam, a CH-46E on a pitching deck at night, or a Sea King navigating the fiords of Norway. Curtis was surprised at being alive when he passed his retirement physical. You will be surprised as well, with this great reading experience.

Surprised at Being Alive: An Accidental Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam, (312 pages, Amazon hardcover $24.84, Kindle $10.40) by Robert F. Curtis, ISBN 978-1612002750 is available by order from your local bookstore, at www.casematepublishers.com, or other book providers.

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