The Names are listed on this page by the year our brothers were killed in action
KIA - 2003
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There were Six 4/101 Avn Regt men amongst the seventeen soldiers killed 11/15/03 when two 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters crashed in Mosul, Iraq while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom
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Chief Warrant Officer 2 Scott Saboe |
Saboe entered the Army in 1989 as a light wheel mechanic, later serving as an Army recruiter and then switched to aviation as a warrant officer. He flew one tour in Korea prior to coming to Fort Campbell in 2002. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in February, and had recently been selected to become an instructor pilot.
Saboe was remembered by his friends as a quiet professional and a pilot that could always be turned to for the most difficult missions.
Saboe grew up in the South Dakota town of Willow Lake, where a group of his high school friends recently sent him a card in Iraq.
"I wrote to him, said I'm very proud of him and everything that they've done," farmer Curwin Bratland said. "I said I hope he gets back, and we'll have a cold one together."
Saboe joined the Army in 1989. Survivors include his wife, Franceska, and their 6-year-old son, Dustin.
Saboe "was giving his all and believing what he was doing," said Darin Michalski, a childhood friend. "That's what makes me most proud of him.
"Most of us can go through our whole lives and don't really accomplish anything, and some of us only live to be 33, and we're heroes."
He is survived by his father, Arlo G. Saboe of Willow Lake, S.D., his wife Franceska and his son Dustin.
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Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army CW2 Scott A. Saboe Honor the fallen: Army Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Scott A. Saboe Defense Link News Release: DoD Identifies Army Casualties
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2nd Lt. Jeremy L. Wolfe |
Wolfe, a former enlisted infantryman with the 25th Infantry Division (Light Infantry), went green-to-gold and graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a degree in computer science. He earned the George C. Marshall award and was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of his Reserve Officer Training Course. He was a pilot, graduating from flight school in Sept. 2003, and had recently taken over as a platoon leader in Company A, 4-101st.
Wolfe wanted to go to Iraq to support his fellow troops, despite the escalating violence there.
"He wanted to get over there to be with his friends and comrades," said his father, David Wolfe.
"My son was an officer and a gentleman. He believed in what he was doing and believed in his country. He will be missed dearly," David Wolfe said.
Wolfe, who joined the Army in 1996, also enjoyed his work. "He really liked to fly helicopters," Kevin Wolfe said of his cousin.
He is survived by his wife Christine and his parents David L. Wolfe of Menomonie, Wis., and Jane S. Utpadel of Wheeler, Wis.
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Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army 1st Lt. Jeremy L. Wolfe Defense Link News Release: DOD IDENTIFIES ARMY CASUALTIES Wisconsin Office of the Governor - Media Room
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Spc. Ryan T. Baker |
Baker entered the Army in 1998 and was assigned to 4-101st at Fort Campbell after graduating from Advanced Individual Training. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in February.
His leaders remembered him as a soldier that always had a smile and took a deep personal interest in his aircraft.
Baker was so passionate about the helicopters he served on as crew chief and gunner that he would talk to his mother in great detail about the vehicles.
"I can tell you anything you want to know about them," Victoria Baker said.
When Baker's father died of a heart attack in October, he returned from Iraq to be with his family. His last words to his mother before he left were to not worry about him.
"He was my best friend in the whole world," his mother said.
Baker was itching to return to Iraq and to his crew members, his uncle Michael Ewing said. "He told us when he left, 'We will get Saddam,"' Ewing said.
Baker is survived by his mother Victoria A. Baker of Browns Mills, N.J., and son, Tristan.
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Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army Spc. Ryan Travis Baker Honor the fallen: Army Spc. Ryan T. Baker
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Spc. Jeremiah J. DiGiovanni |
DiGiovanni entered the Army in November of 2000, and was assigned to Company A, 4-101st, as his first permanent duty assignment. He deployed in February.
DiGiovanni loved his work with helicopters in Iraq -- both the thrill, and the meaning of his service there.
"What he was doing was very important to him," said his father, Joe DiGiovanni. "It was 250 miles an hour, pants on fire with both doors open -- he was a Black Hawk crew chief and he lived to get in that helicopter and fly."
"I will remember him as a great guy," his father said. "He was always humorous and jovial. He never liked to see anybody with their feelings hurt or upset."
DiGiovanni said that when he spoke to his son in Iraq, "I got the impression he was extremely busy, working very hard. And I think he tried to keep stories and rhetoric to a minimum so not to make us worry."
He is survived by his parents, Joseph A. DiGiovanni of Mccomb, Miss., and Laurie A. Brock of Lakeland, Fla.
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DefenseLink News Release: DoD Identifies Army Casualties Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army Spc. Jeremiah J. Digiovanni Gulf War 2003-2006 Casualty List for Mississippi
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Spc. William D. Dusenbery |
Dusenbery entered the Army in January, 2002. Upon graduation from AIT, he was assigned as a helicopter repairer to Company D, 4-101st, at Fort Campbell. He deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom in February.
Dusenbery (known as “Duse” to his friends), was remembered by his peers for not only his aviation maintenance skills, but also for improving the quality of life for those around him on the deployment by wiring all of the units’ tents for electricity.
Dusenbery was devoted to flying and hoped to eventually become a pilot.
"It was like he lived to be around the aircraft," said his fiancé, Jessica Wheat. "The Black Hawk and other aircraft, it was like they were a part of that man like his left arm."
Wheat said Dusenbery, who went by his middle name Dave, hoped to make the military his career so that he could continue to fly helicopters.
She said the only thing "he put above his helicopters was his girls," referring to his 11-year-old stepdaughter and 7-year-old daughter, who live with their mother in California.
Dusenbery, who was from Fairview Heights, Ill, was literally born into the military. His father said he was in the Navy stationed in Virginia when his son was born there.
He is survived by his parents, William D. Dusenbery of Fairview Heights, Ill., and Nancy L. Medcalf of Rancho Cordova, Calif. He has two daughters, Shalice and Aubrey.
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Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army Spc. William D. Dusenbery
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Sgt. John W. Russell |
Russell joined the Army in 1994 as an infantryman, and served his initial tour at Fort Bliss, Texas. He later transitioned to UH-60 helicopter repair and did tours in Germany, Fort Drum, N.Y., Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Campbell.
Russell deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in May. He was remembered by his friends as a noncommissioned officer that knew his soldiers and cared deeply about them, and as a leader who had a good sense of humor.
"Anyone who ever met John saw he was so full of life," said April Fielder-Clark, who had known Russell since she was 3. "I don't know too many people who have as many friends as John. No one was safe from his jokes, but it was all in good fun."
Gen. Jack Gardner presented Russell's parents and wife with a Bronze Star during his funeral.
"He distinguished himself as a selfless soldier," Gardner said. "His company commander said he was a very talented guy, who was highly respected, and highly liked by everyone."
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Honor the fallen: Army Sgt. John W. Russell Fallen Heroes Memorial: Army Sgt. John W. Russell
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Photographs of the A 4/101 Avn unit Memorial Service in Iraq and a video of the Ft Campbell services |
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Some of the 17 beautiful wreaths provided by our veterans for the services and the program from the Fort Campbell Family Prayer Vigil held 21/11/03 in honor of the 17 101st soldiers |
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<--Crash photos--> |
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KIA - 1984
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During 1983-1984 A/101 Aviation was involved in a Taskforce in Honduras Central America. The exercise was called AHUAS TARA II. The unit received a Presidential Citation during this time. We lost the following member of A/101 Avn when involved in this operation. |
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Alan Robert Larson |
MOS: 67T Crew Chief UH=60 Black Hawk
Lost Jan 1984
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Casualty was in Jan 1984
Body was recovered
Alan Larson was a/101 avn he was stationed with me and also went to central america with me and this is where he lost his life in a blackhawk crash. He was the crew cheif for the mission. Larson, Alan if i remember correctly he also went by Rob. Time frame of his death would have been late 1983 or early 1984. I believe one of the pilots also perished but do not know his name. Some say they were shot down others say it was pilot era during a night mission along the border of nicuragua. The first seargent at the time was Goins and the CO was Maj. Ambrose. Both from A company 101 avn.
Dan Gore
A/101 Avn SGT 67T20
11/82 -3/.85
I was assigned w/ A/101 during their deployment to Honduras. I remember Rob Larson well. He was in fact a crew chief in either the 1st or 2nd platoon. Can't remember which...During the later part of Jan 84, our company was tasked to provide four UH-60's in support of joint operations and the local Honduran military....Mission lasted approx 5 day's and was conducted around the vic of the Border. Larson was the crew chief on CW2 Swenson's aircraft. I was PIC of one of the other Blackhawk's. Once mission complete, our flight was split into flight's of two for the flight back to base due to maintenance issues on my acft. Chalk's 1 and 2 (CW2 Swenson and Larson) departed for base w/ me and chalk 4 "pulling pitch" approx 20 minutes later. Weather deteriorated and chalk 4 and I decided to transfer to instruments and climb on top of the clouds. We proceeded to Pamerola Base VFR on top. While enroot, I received a call from chalk 2 that they had lost first visual then radio contact with CW2 Swenson's acft. I attempted to make radio contact to no avail. Company OPNS w/ notified and a SAR team was mustered. Upon arriving at Pamerola, I was pair up w/ CPT Dave Seller's and a group of attached pathfinder's to conduct a search for Swenson's acft. We proceeded to the area where the aircraft was last seen. After about an hour and a half into the search we were flagged down by local Hondurans in a field. Upon landing, we were told that there was a big explosion/crash on top of the mountain. Weather and low clouds prevented us from probing the crash site by air, so we were forced to proceed to the crash site by foot. Locals escorted us. I and the group of pathfinder's found Swenson's crashed acft on the side of the mountain approx 150 meters from it's crest. It was determined, the aircraft had gone inadvertent IMC and struck some tall tree's. Although seriously injured, Both CW2 Swenson and the co-pilot survived the crash. Rob Larson and the other passenger's all perished. I stayed at the crash site that night until medevac could get in and extract dead and wounded the next morning.
Thank you Richard for your e-mail. I'm glad to have been given the opportunity to validate PFC Rob Larson's assignment with A/101 Avn and to tell our (his) story.
I remain,
Buck Ferrand
MAJ (Ret), USA
Commanchero 11
Alan was assigned to A/101. Went to Honduras with the 101st AVN Taskforce in 1983, 1984. The exercise was called AHUAS TARA II. The unit received a Presidential Citation during this time. As Dan said, Larson got grounded but did his time in KP hell and was reinstated. The mission they were on had a bunch of special forces on board and not in seats. Larson was in a monkey harness with the gunners window open. The aircraft went inadvertent IMC in the mountains and crashed into the side of a mountain in Honduras. He flew out the gunners window and was crushed underneath the landing gear when the aircraft came to rest. All aboard were killed and the 2 pilots were in critical condition. I know one of the pilots after a year did recover, but don't know if he ever went back to flying. Not sure about the other pilot.
Larson was a good kid, loved being a crew chief and a gung ho type. His picture is in the 02/1984 edition of SOF Magazine. They did a big article on the exercise and our mission there.
The taskforce also lost an oh-58, which was shot down by the Nicaraguans. The aircraft was part of the task force but not a 101st AVN ACFT. The warrant flying and his passenger were killed after the crash by forces shooting across the border as the pilot was able to land the aircraft on the Honduran side of the border.
Alan Raybon
12/81-5/85
Crew Chief
A/101 & D/101 Avn
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Alan Robert Larson on left with hat This photo was taken in Puerto Rico right before deploying to Honduras. photo by Dan Gore |
1976
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David Cowan |
SP4 - Lost March 20, 1976
David Cowan died on March 20 1976 while serving as a Comanchero with D/101, the legacy unit of A/101 and forerunner of A 4/101. David was flying as a crew chief on his Huey with two pilots not assigned to our unit during a Division FTX.
They departed from the reservation at Fort Campbell enroute to Campbell Army Air Field just prior to a thunderstorm impacting the area. The aircraft crashed and there were no survivors.
David was in my flight platoon. He was quiet, a hard worker, and well liked by everyone in the unit. David volunteered and served his country in an era when everyone else wanted to forget about the military and it's soldiers.
In light of this, I would ask that his A/101 - A 4/101 brothers and sisters remember his sacrifice for his country and that he is not forgotten. David truly Gave All.
Sincerely, Tom Cavanaugh, D/101 Comanchero, 4/74-7/76
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During the Vietnam War, 44,000 servicemen served as helicopter crewmembers. Among those crewmembers, 4,812 were KIA/MIA and are listed on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall In Washington DC. FORTY THREE of those men on the wall were serving with A/101 AVN when they gave their life for their unit and country.
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KIA/MIA
- 1971
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Jack Edward
Searing |
W01 - Lost 10/17/71 - Panel 02W -
Line 40
22 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 22, 1949
From STERLING, ILLINOIS
His tour of duty began on Jul 21, 1971
Casualty was on Oct 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD
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Robert
Mitchell Webb Jr. |
1Lt - Lost 10/17/71 - Panel
02W-Line 42
26 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jul 11, 1945
From COLUMBUS, GEORGIA
His tour of duty began on Jun 01, 1971
Casualty was on Oct 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER – Aircraft Commander
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
METHODIST
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Information on WEBB ROBERT MITCHELL JR Information on helicopter or incident 67-19497 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02W
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Alvis T.
Barrington Jr. |
SGT - Lost 10/17/71 - Panel 02W -
Line 41
21 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 10, 1950
From RICHMOND, VIRGINIA
His tour of duty began on May 03, 1971
Casualty was on Oct 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
CHURCH OF CHRIST
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02W Information on helicopter or incident 67-19497 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02W
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Barry Lee
Brown |
SP4 - lost 10/17/71 - Panel 02W -
Line 41
19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Oct 01, 1952
From HIALEAH, FLORIDA
His tour of duty began on Dec 16, 1970
Casualty was on Oct 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
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Barry Lee Brown Information on helicopter or incident 67-19497 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02W
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Wallace Joseph
Depreo |
SP5 - lost 10/17/71 - Panel 02W -
Line 41
19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jan 02, 1952
From BAY ST LOUIS, MISSISSIPPI
His tour of duty began on May 24, 1970
Casualty was on Oct 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
Comancheros - A
101st Avn, 101st airborne
How died: Crash resulting from inadvertent IFR at night while on a flare
mission in Thua Thien, South Vietnam, about 10 miles west of Camp Eagle, Hue.
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Information on helicopter or incident 67-19497 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02W
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Information on US Army Helicopter UH-1H Tail
#67-19497 August 2002 - HMC (FMF/DV/PJ)
Ken Willburn wanted to re enlist at the Vietnam wall in front of the
panel with the names of the Comancheros crew of UH-1H #67-19497, in order to
honor them. Ken is the son in law of Jim (Comanchero 16) and Diane
Pfutzner. Kens wife, Angela, attended
the ceremony. Angela said many people watched Ken re up during the ceremonies
at the Wall. They were moved by the words he said about why he chose the
wall to re enlist, and said many were weeping.
Gunnery Sgt. Glenn Holloway of HQMC, Washington DC took the photo. |
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Craig L.
Farlow |
CW2 - Lost 05/17/71 Panel 01W - -
Line 26
24 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Mar 15, 1948
From CLEVELAND, OHIO
Casualty was on May 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Note: Date of loss is wrong on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall in Washington DC concerning Craig Farlow. The date of loss is May 17, 1971, However carried for a year as MIA until changed to KIA May 18, 1972.
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Found your site very moving and interesting. I believe I was in Craig Farlow's Scout Troops (191 and 131, Bryan, Ohio). He was about four years older than I, and served as Senior Patrol Leader and Junior Assistant Scout Master. He also played football and ran track at our high school, and has a very good singing voice. He was a very likeable guy, with a great sense of humor. When I remember him, I always see him with a smile or a grin.
A poem in memory of Craig Farlow. The poem was written by Bill Croninger, a personal friend of Craig's. Bill is a faculty member at the University of New England. Information on FARLOW CRAIG LEE Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 01W Information on helicopter or incident 68-15491
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Joseph P.
Nolan Jr |
CPT - Lost 05/17/71 Panel 01W - -
Line 27
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on May 20, 1950
From OAK PARK, ILLINOIS
Casualty was on May 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Note: Date of loss is wrong on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall in Washington DC concerning Joseph P. Nolan. The date of loss is May 17, 1971, However carried for a year as MIA until changed to KIA May 18, 1972.
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Elliott Crook |
SP5 - Lost 05/17/71 Panel 01W - -
Line 26
23 year old Single, American Indian, Male
Born on Jun 12, 1948
From PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Casualty was on May 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
Note: Date of loss is wrong on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall in Washington DC concerning Elliott Crook. The date of loss is May 17, 1971, However carried for a year as MIA until changed to KIA May 18, 1972.
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Information on helicopter or incident 68-15491 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 01W Information on helicopter or incident 68-15491
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Timothy John
Jacobsen |
SP4 - Lost 05/17/71 Panel 01W - -
Line 26
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 19, 1950
From Ferndale, CALIFORNIA
Casualty was on May 17, 1971
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
Lutheran
Note: Date of loss is wrong on the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall in Washington DC concerning Timothy John Jacobsen. The date of loss is May 17, 1971, However carried for a year as MIA until changed to KIA May 18, 1972.
The remains of SGT Timothy J. Jacobsen, USA, listed as MIA May 17, 1971 in South Vietnam was recovered June 7, 1995 and identified March 24, 2008, announced by DPMO as identified on July 28, 2008. A Full Military burial and memorial service was held in honor of SGT Timothy John Jacobsen October 4, 2008 in the Historic Ferndale cemetery in Ferndale, CA.
Photographs and information from the OCT 4 2008 services for Timothy John Jacobsen
Defense Department Press Release Sept 28 2008 - Tim Jacobsen
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Tim, 11 grade Tim, 18 years old Tim, basic training Tim Jacobsen, Tim at the barber shop
A remembrance of Tim by his sister Cindy: I can't even begin to find the words to describe my brother, Timothy John Jacobsen, also known as "Jake". He was bigger than life. The 5th child of 8, the second of 2 boys, he was "full of it" from the day he was born! He said it was because he had to put up with 6 sisters. He had a knack for getting into trouble but it was never anything serious and it just made me love him even more. We were raised on ranches...dairy, then cattle & sheep. He loved being out in the mountains, gathering cattle, ranching, and I think he was most happy when he was on horseback. The girls loved him, he was rather charming, our family loved him more than we can say, his buddies were true blue to him as he was to them. He was quite the rodeo star. Started riding bulls at an early age and by the time he was 18 he was the best in Humboldt County, California. Family and friends meant everything to Tim. We were all very close, loved Tim dearly and miss him more than we can say. You could count on him to be there for you in a heartbeat. He had one of the sweetest hearts I've ever known and a smile that could light up any room. I was only 14 when he was shot down but memories don't fade, they just get stronger. He was one of the good guys. He was my hero.
If you knew Tim, Cindy would love to hear from you. Cindy's email [email protected]
Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 01W Information on helicopter or incident 68-15491
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Major Bob Clewell,
Comanchero Commanding Officer, on this 68-15491 incident.
The aircraft was lost
during a combat assault in the daytime. Steve Cipot was a crewmember in the
aircraft immediately behind the Farlow/Nolan one. According to Steve, the
Landing Zone was hot and on let down one of Farlow's crewmembers was wounded,
so they never actually landed, but diverted to transport the wounded crewmember
to get medical attention. It was said that the aircraft remained at relative
low level, lost power, then crashed in steep hostile wooded terrain, apparently
either with flames and/or badly scattered. No evident chance for survivors. The
site was visited by friendly Vietnamese about three weeks later---no evident
survivors, but the friendly Vietnamese recovered only the Vietnamese dead, not
the American's, and for this reason our crewmembers were carried as missing,
perhaps because a follow-up operation did not materialize. We suppose that a
special board was eventually convened to make the final determination, which
was as it should be, and that these men were finally declared dead a year and a
day, later.
Some other interesting
things about this crew are that CPT Joseph Paul Nolan Joseph Nolan's brother in
Nam was an army sergeant in the delta. He was on R&R when Joe Jr. (the lieutenant)
got transferred from one of the nearby Air Cav units (where the older brother
could watch out for him) to the 101st, which was a long way away. Only later
did he obtain a commission, e.g. got out, went to college, through ROTC, and
back in as an officer. The brother went on to retire as a Major. Craig Lee
Farlow was married and was an only son. His mother has audiotapes of his time
as a Comanchero. He was our Perimeter Defense Officer. SP5 Elliot Crook was
married and had a baby girl. In Oct of 1971 his wife died in a car accident and
left the baby girl to be raised be her Indian heritage family, mainly his
sister, her name was Mary Ann Crook. Bob Clewell has talked with Mary Ann about
her father. Timothy John Jacobson was from northern California, a little town
called Ferndale. Near Eureka, CA.
There is a private
memorial here in Ohio (the Comancheros have an unofficial private memorial)
which was dedicated on May 16, 1996, along with a soccer field and a small park
associated with them in special memory of Craig Farlow and Joseph P. Nolan Jr.
and the other Comanchero losses during the Vietnam war. Craig Farlow was an
only son and both men's mothers came to the dedication which was attended by
Charlie and Jeanie Steele, Marty DiOrio and Larry Cooper, Rick Nichol, Bob
Morris, Ray Ferrante, and Brad Burkholder (former fellow pilot, now a minister,
who gave the eulogy). The tri-state burial detachment, local high school band,
and a number of other persons (less than two hundred) were also present. Craig
was an Eagle Scout and was from Ohio, whereas Joe was from Chicago but his
parents moved to canton (about twenty miles west of here), so it was an
appropriate thing. Joe Kline allowed us to copy "Riders on the Storm"
into black granite for the memorial and donated three prints of it for the
families. Craig Farlow's nieces donated his audio tapes that told all about his
experiences in the company, everything from being mess officer to being shot at
by our perimeter guards who felt they were justified no doubt. Can you believe
it? The morning of the dedication, two of the old Comanchero pilots, Ray
Ferrante and Bob Morris helped erect the "Farlow Field" sign. The
weather was perfect, and the entire affair couldn't have been nicer. The man
who flew in a Huey for the event was none other than Sam Mckenna, the same guy
who worked in the group TOC at Khe Sanh during Lam Son 719. LTC (Ret) Robert Clewell, Comanchero Commanding Officer 70/71 |
Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H tail number 68-15491
Information on helicopter or incident 68-15491
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George Phillip
Berg |
710218 CW2 Panel 5W - - Line 114,
24 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jul 16, 1946
From BELFORD, NEW JERSEY
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - Pilot
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD
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George Phillip Berg Information on BERG GEORGE PHILLIP Information on helicopter or incident 68-15255 BERG, GEORGE PHILLIP Compiled by Task Force Omega Inc |
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Gerald Ernest
Woods |
710218 WO1 Panel 5W - - Line 119,
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jan 22, 1950
From SALEM, OREGON
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - Aircraft Commander
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
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Walter Edward
Demsey Jr. |
710218 SP4 Panel 05W - - Line 115
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 17, 1949
From GLENDORA, NEW JERSEY
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW CHIEF
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
METHODIST
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Photographs
Provided by Dave Demsey Link to The Walter E. Demsey Memorial Gallery This is a web site that is dedicated to Walter E. Demsey Jr., The page is done by Walter's brother Dave Demsey. Dave Demsey traveled to the A Shau Valley in 1992 to honor his brother's memory. This Gallery includes pictures and maps provided by Dave. DEMSEY, WALTER EDWARD JR. Compiled by Task Force Omega Inc Link to SR-71 Imagery taken over the crash site Feb 23, 1971, five days after the crash. Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 05W The Virtual Wall® - Walter Demsey, SP4, Army, Glendora NJ, 18Feb71 05W115 Information on helicopter or incident 68-15255
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Gary Lee
Johnson |
710218 SP4 Panel 05W - Row 115
22 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jun 07, 1948
From MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW-GUNNER
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
PROTESTANT
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The following information is from
the VHPA 1994 Membership directory, page 262-264.
Feb 18, 1971 A/lOl Avn lost UH-1H #68-15255 at YC481785 and crew (WO l George P Berg, Comanchero 19 AC, WO l Gerald E. Woods, pilot, SP4 Walter Demsey, CE, and SP4 Gary L. Johnson, gunner).
The MIA
synopsis reports:
This
aircraft was dispatched as part of a flight of four on an emergency patrol
extraction mission on the West Side of the A Shau Valley in Thua Tin Province,
Vietnam. The patrol to be rescued included CPT Ronald L. Watson, SFC Samuel,
Sammy, Hernandez, and SGT Allen R. Lloyd, part of SOG-CCN, 5th Special Forces
Group. During the attempt to recover the patrol, Woods' helicopter came under
heavy fire and had to leave the PZ with Lloyd, Watson, and Hernandez attached
to the three-staple rig. While in flight, the rope broke, and Hernandez fell
30-40 feet, landing in double canopy jungle. He was rescued the following day.
The helicopter continued a short distance, was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire,
crashed and burned. On 19 Feb, a Special Forces recovery team was inserted at
the crash site to search the area. Woods and Berg were found dead in their
seats. Johnson's body was found in a tree. One leg of Demsey, the burned CE,
was found in the cargo compartment. All remains were prepared for extraction,
and the team left to establish a night defensive position. En route, the team
found the remains of Lloyd and Watson, still on their rope slings, in the trees
on the edge of a cliff. Because of the rugged terrain and approaching darkness,
the rescue team leader decided to wait until morning to recover these two
remains. However, the following morning, the search team came under intense
fire, and the team leader requested an emergency extraction, and in doing so,
left all remains behind. Major Bob Clewell, on this incident and remembering our Brothers:
When Dave Demsey and R. Wayne Jones went to the A Shau in May 1992, they were there at the invitation of the Vietnamese government, and we can all take a lot of pride not only in the initiative they took, but in the effort they made, and in what their evident sincerity and desire demonstrated. They were never alone in keeping the faith. In 1996, one of the former Comanchero crewchiefs stood in front of the Moving Wall at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He had driven a large tractor-trailer in from Minnesota hoping to reunite with some Comancheros and he did, there, in front of that panel where Walter's name is located. There wasn't a dry eye among them. Altogether, there have been six or seven attempts to locate the site on the ground (the human remains were observed and secured in body bags at the crash site on February 19th, 1971, the day after the loss, but were subsequently abandoned there the following day because the enemy closed in), we are very hopeful that the next attempt will be successful. Not that there is any reasonable expectation that the organic material will be intact, rather because locating, excavating, and resolving the site will hopefully and more certainly bring the matter to a positive conclusion for all of us who knew and remember them. Particularly with respect to Walter Demsey, we must insure that he is well remembered. Partly because of his lengthy service in country but especially by his spirit, he motivated everyone to be more aggressive, more professional, and ultimately more successful in the accomplishment of the more hazardous, more difficult missions, ones which demanded the utmost teamwork between the crewmembers, the supported forces, and the flight. Consequently, if it were possible to credit anyone else as being more a part of the Comancheros and our story than he is, it would be a great surprise to all of us who knew him. This is as it should be, for Comanchero crewchiefs and doorgunners ought always to be remembered. On the other hand, there is always something very positive about remembering all of our losses, each of them. In the first place, we are humbled when we do this...knowing these men died and we did not, and for reasons we can't easily explain...Isaiah would say, "the Lord giveth; the Lord taketh; Blessed be the Name of the Lord." With this is the idea that we have a lot to be thankful for..."being alive ourselves", for example, and that the dead would not only want to be remembered by us, but they would want us to get the most out of our lives, so that they will not have died in vain. As if this were not enough, grieving them is a natural function of life that helps orient us, not that anyone is particularly lost, but in the aftermath of our Vietnam war experience, so many attempted to re-enter society and to forget their experiences so as to blend in, we imagined (and were often encouraged to believe), as to suffer themselves. We could not blend in; this is a democratic society, and society inevitably came to us, in spite of the fact that the war was so divisive. So our generation of veterans is going to be well remembered and remembered well, perhaps not so much because of what we did during the war or "in-country", but because of our unfortunate circumstance in attempting to re-enter a society so quickly, a society that was not prepared for us, and because NOW, in remembering our fellow veterans who died during the war, we are reaffirming life not only for ourselves and for them, but for our fellow veterans and Americans as well.
The original program for the services held at Camp Eagle for Berg, Woods, Demsey and Johnson Provided by Lawrence Payne
Information on U.S.
Army helicopter UH-1H tail number 68-15255 |
|
RONALD LEONARD WATSON SOG Member - not with A/101 AHB |
CAPT
- O3 - Army - Regular
Special Forces
26 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Nov 11, 1944
From EL PASO, TEXAS
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Panel 05W - - Line 119
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ALLEN RICHARD LLOYD SOG Member - not with A/101 AHB |
SGT
- E5 - Army - Regular
Special Forces
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 21, 1949
From ST CHARLES, MINNESOTA
Casualty was on Feb 18, 1971
in SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD
Panel 05W - - Line 117
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Some SOG web sites with more information on Watson & Lloyd and this incident: |
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PFC John
Jacobsen Chubb |
Panel 04W - Row 060
Date of Casualty: Saturday, March 20, 1971
Age at time of loss: 20
Casualty type: (A3) Hostile, died while missing
Reason: Air loss
Crashed on land (Crew member - Helicopter)
Country: Laos
John Chubb died while serving aboard an B/101 Avn."Kingsmen" aircraft with Major Barker, Captain Dugan, and Sergeant Dillender on March 20, 1971. John had only recently arrived in country and was assigned to A/101, then shifted to B/101 by battalion for reasons unknown and killed while he was still being carried on the A/101 Avn morning report.
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April 15, 2006 A note from Diane Husereau (National Capital Chapter) about the funeral held for a Kingsmen Helicopter Crew (B Co, 101st Aviation Bn.) that has recently been recovered from Laos...
On 20 March 1971 during
Operation Lam Son 719 these men were the crew of a UH1H helicopter
attempting to extract troops who were surrounded by enemy force in the
vicinity of Landing Zone Brown. On its approach to the pick up zone,
the helicopter was struck by intense fire, exploded and crashed in
Savannakhet Province, Laos.
In Nov. 2002 a joint
investigation located a site where they obtained wreckage, life support
equipment and possible dental remains. A subsequent evacuation of this
Site in Oct and Nov 2004 recovered personal effects and portions of
possible remains.
A funeral was held at
Arlington yesterday for:
Maj. Jack L. Barker
Cpt. John F. Dugan
Sgt William E.
Dillender
Pfc John J. Chubb
The service was very
emotional and there was a huge attendance. At gravesite four
helicopters flew over. This burial brought closure for four families.
I am not a great
photographer but wanted to share my pictures. You will see in one
picture that we even had an injured soldier recuperating at Walter
Reed. He was amazing, he intends to stay in the Army and do what is
necessary to jump! Sgt. Peay who brought the soldier to the service is
a liaison at Walter Reed. She is a medic. She has served in Iraq and
her husband is serving now.
As we were leaving the
gravesite, the mother of one of the soldiers appeared to get sick and
looked like she would faint. Her grandson who I was told was 17 picked
her up in his arms. I heard her tell him to put her down and he said
"don't worry Grandma I have you". She was carried to the limousine and
someone called the fire department. Well, as you can see in the picture
the local Va. fire department sent truck 101 to the rescue. I have a
few other pictures. I will be posting some to our web site and will
send some to the association.
Best to all,
Diane Husereau
Information on helicopter or incident 66-16185 John Chubb, PFC, Army, Gardena CA, 20Mar71 04W060 - The Virtual Wall® |
KIA/MIA - 1970
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John Michael Rizzo Jr. |
W1 - Lost 1/1470 Panel 14W--Line
34
21 year old Married,
Caucasian, Male
Born on Mar 13, 1948
From OCEANSIDE, NEW YORK
His tour of duty began on Apr 09, 1969
Casualty was on Jan 14, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
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John Michael Rizzo Jr. Information on Helicopter UH-1H 67-17349 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 14W The Virtual Wall® - John Rizzo, WO, Army, Oceanside NY, 14Jan70 14W034
|
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Gerald Lee
Schwuchow |
Spec 4 - Lost 1/1470 Panel
14W--Line 35
20 year old Single,
Caucasian, Male
Born on May 11, 1949
From HOBART, INDIANA
His tour of duty began on Oct 30, 1969
Casualty was on Jan 14, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Information on helicopter or incident 67-17349 Gerald Schwuchow, SP4, Army, Hobart IN, 14Jan70 14W035 - The Virtual Wall®
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Clarence S Turner III |
Spec 5 - Lost 1/1470 Panel
14W--Line 35
20 year old Single,
Caucasian, Male
Born on Apr 13, 1949
From SWEETWATER, TEXAS
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Aug 30, 1969
Casualty was on Jan 14, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Clarence S Turner III, Photo by Bob "The Mad Arab" Berry. Bob and Sid were friends, Bob escorted Sid home. Information on helicopter or incident 67-17349
|
|
WILLIAM ALFRED
MEISTER |
SP4
- Lost 04/30/70 Panel 11W Line 75
23 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Dec 16, 1946
From MORRIS, NEW JERSEY
His tour of duty began on Dec 17, 1969
Casualty was on Apr 30, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Panel 11W - - Line 75
|
William A. Meister. He was the son of George and Catherine Meister,
both now deceased. He has two brothers, George and Thomas. He
has a sister, Ann. Bill grew up in Madison, New Jersey . He
graduated from St. Benedict's Prep School in Newark, New Jersey and attended
Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. While there he was a
member of the R.O.T.C. Since Bill was a devout Roman Catholic and his
cousin, Rev. Alfred Meister, a Benedictine Priest from Saint Mary's Abbey in
Morristown, New Jersey, I thought it would be most appropriate for the
submission to be the following: Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W
|
|
Tommy L.
Kearsley |
CW2 - Lost 05/04/70 Pane 11W -
- Line 95
22 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jul 01, 1947
From BUHL, IDAHO
His tour of duty began on May 21, 1969
Casualty was on May 04, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LATTER DAY SAINTS, MORMON
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Tommy Kearsley Information on KEARSLEY TOMMY L Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W Information on helicopter or incident 68-16244
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Larry Franklin
Mattingly |
1LT - Lost 05/04/70 Panel 11W
- - Line 96
27 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on May 31, 1942
From INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
His tour of duty began on Jun 27, 1969
Casualty was on May 04, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
METHODIST
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Information on MATTINGLY LARRY FRANKLIN Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W Information on helicopter or incident 68-16244
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Thomas Oliver
Ahlberg |
Sgt. - Lost 05/04/70 Panel 11W
- - Line 94
19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 03, 1951
From IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO
His tour of duty began on Nov 09, 1969
Casualty was on May 04, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LATTER DAY SAINTS, MORMON
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Virtual Wall - Thomas Ahlberg, SGT, Army, Idaho Falls ID, 04May70 11W094 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W |
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Dean L. Aitken |
SGT - Lost 05/04/70 Panel - -
Line
20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Apr 28, 1950
From VERNAL, UTAH
His tour of duty began on Feb 20, 1970
Casualty was on May 04, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LATTER DAY SAINTS, MORMON
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W Information on helicopter or incident 68-16244
|
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Rodney Alan
Taylor |
SGT - Lost 05/04/70 Panel 11W
- - Line 97
18 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jun 05, 1951
From SEADRIFT, TEXAS
His tour of duty began on Feb 17, 1970
Casualty was on May 04, 1970
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 11W Information on helicopter or incident 68-16244
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Sgt Dan Guinn
Feezell |
Lost 08/12/70 - Panel 08W - Row 104
Home of Record (official): WILMINGTON IL
Date of Birth: Wednesday, March 10, 1948
Race: Caucasian Marital Status: Single
Age at time of loss: 22
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died Reason: Air loss
Crashed on land (Crew member - Helicopter)
|
Cpt David W. Ayers |
Lost 07/20/70 - Panel
8W -- Line 34
Home of Record (official): SIMI, CA
Date of Birth: Sunday, May 20, 1945
Start of Tour: Friday, June 26, 1970
Date of Casualty: Monday, July 20, 1970
Age at time of loss: 25
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died Reason: Air loss Shot down in Laos, died on impact, helicopter burned before body could be removed.
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Information on AYERS DAVID WILLIAM Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 08W Information on helicopter or incident 68-16550
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KIA/MIA - 1969
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Gregory Gerald
Fuchs |
CPT - Lost 06/04/69
Panel 23W - - Line 63
22 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Oct 16, 1946
From BRECKSVILLE, OHIO
Length of service 3 years.
His tour of duty began on Jan 02, 1969
Casualty was on Jun 04, 1969
in QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
FRIENDS, QUAKERS
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Information on FUCHS GREGORY GERALD Information on helicopter or incident 66-00819 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 23W
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Edwin Franklin
Sholar |
WO1 - Lost 06/04/69
Panel 23W - - Line 68
22 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Mar 04, 1947
From MURRAY, KENTUCKY
His tour of duty began on Feb 03, 1969
Casualty was on Jun 04, 1969
in QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Information on SHOLAR EDWIN FRANKLIN Information on helicopter or incident 66-00819 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 23W
|
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Richard Leigh
Barnes |
SP4 - Lost 06/04/69
Panel 23W - - Line 61
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Mar 06, 1948
From BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA
Length of service 2 years.
His tour of duty began on Jul 11, 1967
Casualty was on Jun 04, 1969
in QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 23W Information on helicopter or incident 66-00819
|
|
Stephen Lord
Roberts |
SP4 - Lost 06/04/69 Panel 23W
- - Line 67
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 06, 1948
From REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Oct 12, 1968
Casualty was on Jun 04, 1969
in QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
PROTESTANT
|
Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 23W Information on helicopter or incident 66-00819
|
|
Ed White, Comanchero 11, A/101 6901-6908
remembers:
At Chu Lai we flew two ships on Resupply missions because
the enemy situation was so bad. On the day of their mishap, Greg and Ed were
flying as wingmen to Steve DeMars and me. We had one last load to take out to
Firebase Professional and one pax (American) to go to the battalion rear. I
cannot remember what unit we were resupplying. DeMars and I had the load, and
they had the passenger. Since we were going home after this sortie Greg and Ed
did not fly all the way to Professional with us...why expose two aircraft to
all that 51 caliber stuff? They chose to orbit somewhere near Firebase Young
and wait for us to come back from making our drop. Steve and I made it in and
out of Professional and headed back towards Young to rendezvous with the other
ship. We made several calls on the company FM but there was no answer.
Following one of those calls we picked up a call from our Operations saying
they had heard what sounded like "help" a few minutes before. |
Information on
US Army Helicopter UH-1H #66-00819
KIA/MIA -
1968
|
Brian Hardman
Philibert |
WO1 - Lost 04/24/68
Panel 51E - - Line 49
24 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Oct 14, 1943
From FT WORTH, TEXAS
His tour of duty began on Dec 08, 1967
Casualty was on Apr 24, 1968
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Information on PHILIBERT BRIAN HARDMAN Information on helicopter or incident 66-16490 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 51E
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Stuart Arthur
Werner |
WO1 - Lost 04/24/68 Panel
52E - - Line 2
22 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 08, 1945
From SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
Length of service 2 years.
His tour of duty began on Apr 01, 1968
Casualty was on Apr 24, 1968
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTIAN
|
Information on WERNER STUART ARTHUR Information on helicopter or incident 66-16490 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 51E
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Ralph
Fredenberg |
SP4 - Lost 04/24/68
Panel 51E - - Line 45
20 year old Single, American Indian, Male
Born on Oct 13, 1947
From SHAWANO, WISCONSIN
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Oct 26, 1967
Casualty was on Apr 24, 1968
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
|
Information on helicopter or incident 66-16490 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 51E
|
|
Buford Gerald
Johnson |
SP5 - Lost 04/24/68
Panel 51E - - Line 47
19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Nov 05, 1948
From WINTER GARDEN, FLORIDA
Length of service 2 years.
His tour of duty began on Sep 18, 1967
Casualty was on Apr 24, 1968
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing
HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
BAPTIST
|
Information on helicopter or incident 66-16490 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 51E
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Information on US Army Helicopter UH-1D - Tail #66-16490
|
DENNIS KNUTE
BLAIN |
PFC - E3 - Lost Sep 25,
1968 - Panel 42W - Line 9
101st Airborne Division
21 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 01, 1947
From PORTLAND, MAINE
His tour of duty began on Sep 05, 1968
in THUA THIEN, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
|
Bill Thomas, A/101 AVN, 68/69, remembers:
I would like to tell you about Dennis
Blaine. He was only eighteen years old. He was new to the company and my
helicopter was down for the 100-hour inspection. Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 42W
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|
VERLYN GWEN
MEYER |
CAPT - O3 - lost
08/22/68 - Panel 47W - Line 29
25 year old Married,
Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 20, 1942
From LENNOX, SOUTH DAKOTA
Length of service 4 years.
His tour of duty began on Nov 02, 1967
Casualty was on Aug 22, 1968
in LAM DONG, SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
PRESBYTERIAN
UH-1C
66-15119
|
Information on MEYER VERLYN GWEN Information on helicopter or incident 66-15119 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 47W
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KIA/MIA - 1966
|
HUGH FRED
SPAIN |
Lost on 01/10/66 -- Panel 04E-062
Name: SP4 Hugh Fred Spain
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 01/10/66 while performing the duty
of Crew Chief.
Age at death: 24.5
Date of Birth: 06/30/41
Home City: Joelton, TN
Service: component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: A/101 AVN 101 ABN
Major organization: 101st Airborne Division
Service: U.S. Army.
Short Summary: Single 30 cal in chest on a scramble mission to an out post that
was being over run near Soc Trang. Not wearing a chest protector.
Aircraft: UH-1D - Service number: 53382814
Country: South Vietnam - MOS: 68N20
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: small arms fire
Vehicle involved: helicopter - Position in vehicle: crew chief
Started Tour: 04/12/65
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew - Reason:
aircraft lost or crashed - Location: Unknown Province
Length of service: 01 - Casualty type: Hostile - died of wounds
single male U.S. citizen - Race: Caucasian
Religion: Protestant - no denominational preference
|
Chuck
Slezak, Co A 101 Avn Bn, 101st Airborne, Soc Trang RVN 9/65 -9/66,
provides the following information about Hugh Spain:
Although I don't know what the tail number of ship
that he KIA'd in. It was a 'D' model and was close to the same tail number as
mine. MINE was Warrior # 25 and S/N 64-13575. As all of these birds came over
at the same time with Co A, 101st Aviation Bn in March of '65 on the
Aircraft Carrier Iwo Jima, I would guess it had to be close to the same number
as mine. I believe they were all new birds when they came over and were all
delivered to the Army at the same time. Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 04E
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GERALD WALTER
WARZECHA |
Lost on Jun 17 1966 -
Panel 08E - - Line 57
PFC - Army - Regular
18 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Oct 08 1947
From CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Nov 29 1965
South Vietnam
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion - ROMAN CATHOLIC
US Army Helicopter UH-1B #64-13993
|
Take this link to see a letter that Chuck Slezak wrote home about Gerry's death Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 08E
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KIA/MIA - 1965
|
Leonard John
Dadante |
1LT - O2 - Army - Reserve
23 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Nov 30, 1941
From CLEVELAND, OHIO
Length of service 2 years.
His tour of duty began on May 24, 1965
Casualty was on Sep 09, 1965
in SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Panel 02E - - Line 78
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Information on DADANTE LEONARD JOHN Information on helicopter or incident 63-08550 Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02E
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Robert Willian
Reagan |
CWO - W2 - Army - Reserve
34 year old Married, Caucasian, Male
Born on Feb 04, 1931
From MIAMI, FLORIDA
Length of service 4 years.
His tour of duty began on Feb 28, 1965
Casualty was on Sep 09, 1965
in SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
METHODIST
Panel 02E - - Line 79
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02E Information on helicopter or incident 63-08550
|
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Erich
Simkaitis |
SP5 - E5 - Army - Regular
101st Airborne Division
22 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Jan 22, 1943
From TAMPA, FLORIDA
Length of service 3 years.
His tour of duty began on Apr 12, 1965
Casualty was on Sep 09, 1965
in SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD
Panel 02E - - Line 80
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02E Information on helicopter or incident 63-08550
This is a picture of our entire crew a few days before T-Bird 3 was shot down and all hands lost. Simkaitis was the only one of our normal crew on board. Deppen our gunner had completed his tour (from the 20th in Hawaii) and John Daum and myself had been told that we had been "hogging" flight time so Leonard Dadante and Robert Reagan would fly our aircraft that day. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Eric Simkaitis is kneeling down with me so we could see the T-Bird on the nose. By Ron Crotty |
|
Harry Allan
Hipke |
PFC - E3 - Army - Regular
101st Airborne Division
18 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Dec 17, 1946
From GLEASON, WISCONSIN
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on Sep 05, 1965
Casualty was on Sep 09, 1965
in SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
LUTHERAN & MISSOURI SYNOD
Panel 02E - - Line 79
|
Photograph provided by Debbie Mach, Harry is her uncle, her mothers brother. Information on helicopter or incident 63-08550 |
|
JAMES ALBERT HALL |
Ed Schmelzer sends
On 9 July, the first casualty of the company was officially listed in the daily log. The man, PFC James A. Hall, was killed in action while participating on an operation Northeast of Soc Trang near the town of Go Cong. The soldier was a crew chief on one of the company's aircraft. Hall was a 25th Inf. guy assigned to us as a TDY door gunner. The archive mistakenly identifies him as a crew chief. He wasn't listed in our list of KIA's because he was TDY from the 25th, at least that is my assumption. He was one of us, crewing on a Warrior ship, and I hope we remember him as well as the rest that gave all there was to give.
JAMES ALBERT HALL
PFC - E3 - Army - Regular
25th Infantry Division
19 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on May 15, 1946
From LAKEWOOD, OHIO
Length of service 1 year.
His tour of duty began on May 08, 1965
Casualty was on Jul 09, 1965
SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Panel 02E - - Line 33
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Vietnam War Helicopter Crew Members on panel 02E
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TERRY WINTERMOYER |
TERRY WINTERMOYER
SP4 - E4 - Army - Regular
MACV Advisors
20 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 10, 1945
From SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
His tour of duty began on May 01, 1965
Casualty was on Nov 22, 1965
SOUTH VIETNAM
HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY
GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE
Body was recovered
Panel 03E - - Line 109
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Photographs provided by Thomas Nichols
Ed Schmelzer sends
Another man that was one of ours but was KIA
after he left the company was Terry Wintermoyer. I remember Terry because he was
my best friend. I got to know Terry on the trip over on the Iwo Jima, he bunked
right above me. He seemed so young to me, even though I was just a year older.
He was very different than me. He wanted to be a career soldier while I just
wanted to finish my enlistment and get on with things. He read books about
Vietnam while I gazed over the rail and looked at the Pacific. He would read
passages out of Street Without Joy to me and wonder how what he was reading
would relate to us. When we got to Vietnam Terry started learning to speak
Vietnamese as best he could, I was content with di-di, beacoup, and numa 10. Death Stalked the Night- An article about the battle that took Terry Wintermoyer's life |
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The Wall
There are 58,267 names now listed on that polished black wall, including
those added in 2010. |
Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots Association (VHPA)
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