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1st Sqn., 7th Cav
"Warriors"
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Silver Wings of the Cav
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About Your Writer
Hello, My name is Hank Llewellyn. I write the aviation column "Silver Wings of the Cav" for the 1st Cavalry Division Association's bimonthly newspaper, SABER.
I served with A/229th Assault Helicopter Bn. (Serpent 26, Python 26, Hacksaw 26) in Vietnam as an Operations Specialist and Door Gunner.
If you have something aviation related you wish to share with both the alumni and active troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division please contact me.
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"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Charles Dickens
The large photo above is a 229th AHB door gunner's view of the South China Sea, II Corp AO, circa 1967.
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Other Cav & Aviation Links
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More Crandall MOH Photos
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May / June 2008 Silver Wings SABER Article
Email: SilverWingsoftheCav@Comcast.net
Snail: 58 Mapleleaf Ln., Pottstown, PA 19464-1543
Phone: 610-970-9092
Hello once again fellow Skytroopers. Let's launch this Wings sortie with the mail run. Wow! You certainly have kept me busy these past two months. So let's pull pitch to get this flight off the ground and get right to sharing some of your inquiries and comments.
John L. KELLER, WO-1, UH1D, AC & IP A/227th, 1st Flt Plt April 1966-67 Colorado Springs, CO <:Pc12pilot@comcast.net> wrote, “Just wanted to let you and other readers of your column know that several of us with duty assignments during 1966 with A/227th are trying to compile a list of ALL Enlisted and NCO's who served as Crew Chiefs and Door Gunners. I have received assistance from: Thom JEFFERSON, Reg NELSON, Lynn BOURNE, Rich StRUBBE, Ralph MAJLIARO, Bob RABELLO, Dick LAMONICA, Bill PEARSON, Cliff RICHARD, Bob FORREST, Marshall FERRIS, Roland DELEON, Allen JORDE, Tom ROSE, Ed CARDER, and others. Howard BURBANK (webmaster) has posted the list of 26 UH-1D Hueys I flew during my tour as WO-1 AC and IP April 1966 to April 1967. We have tried to post as many crew names as possible with these 26 aircraft. In addition, there is a list of at least 86 crewmembers with the UH-1's they were on during their tours. Once the list is as complete as possible, it will be posted on the A/227th (Chickenman) web site. We are just trying to preserve history of the "early group" who were the original replacements for A/227th members who arrived "in-country" in 1965. Howard will amend the lists to include names, aircraft, etc. It is time that these PROFESSIONALS who assisted our Company missions get the recognition they deserve! I SALUTE all of them and the exemplary job they did under difficult conditions." So, Skytroopers, if your name belongs on that list, contact John at email address and send any updates to
Speaking of “Chickenman.” In July and August of 1999 I received a bunch of mail asking for the identity of a pilot that produced much mail and some leads but no conclusive results. Ron LAZENBY, Crew chief, A/227th, 68-69, said nine years ago that the 227th official call sign when he arrived in-county was "Drum Stick.” But they used, unofficially, "Chickenmen" which was changed late in the summer of 69 to "Chickenman." Ron even has a song written by a songwriter-pilot who was KIA in Sept of 69 along with his crew and one of Ron's best friends, Mike COLLINS and four others from 8th ENG. And Terry L. MC DONALD, 1423 W. Flournoy St., Chicago, Ill. 60607, Co. D-2/7th. 5/69 to 11/69, Tay Ninh, RTO for Pony Team 6 or 26 most of the time, added to the 1999 search that he heard Chickenman's call sign numerous times on the horn. "He'd transmit Chickenman-Chickenman, He's everywhere-he's everywhere and then crow like a rooster. Usually the line unit RTO's would ask him to repeat this so others could hear it and join in if the situation allowed." Terry suggested the pilot might have been from the Midwest as a very funny radio show aired on station WLS in Chicago in the late 60's to early 70's using the same Chickenman jingle.
Now fast forward to April 2008 and the search resumes. William KIEL,
DON PEGRAM and I worked the battalion commo section and were attempting to get information about the pilot and any specific facts that you may have available about the action. It was the largest amount of casualties the C 1/12th suffered to date and the young Warrant Officer continued to fly support after taking enemy fire and while 15th Medevac refused to enter a hot LZ. We'd like to honor this hero. Don can be reached at
Dom PEGRAM followed up with, “ Hank, I do appreciate Silver Wings taking time to help with the search for Chickenman. Having multiple pilots who used the call sign makes it more difficult. I do believe that the one who flew CC as well as log for 1/12 in Nov & Dec of 68 and later in Tay Ninh was one of the first. I know he was using it when A Co. 227th was still officially “Drumstick.” We must tell the story of Dec 11 1968 when he was instrumental in the rescue of C Co 1/12. This is a significant story that may not have been historically documented. The following day B Co. 1/12 replaced C Co. and walked onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail inside of South Vietnam. The NVA supply route from Cambodia was cut off which made a big difference in the TET offensive of 69. It was nothing like 68 in the Saigon and Bien Wah areas. Since I was radio chief for 1/12, I had a full report from the RTO who handled the Batt. Net for 8 hrs that day. I could tell most of the stories but I really need to know Chickenman's name. Like you said, somebody out there will know. Thanks! Don. Okay “Wings” readers, can anyone help Bill or Don with their recognition quest for “Chickenman?” If you have any information or suggestions please contact them directly or me at the address on the column header.
Mike SHAFFER,
I retired at the end of last year, and as a retirement gift, my wife and I got a trip back to Vietnam. We left the end of Feb and returned in March, 17 days in all. We went to Saigon, Pleiku, Kontum, Pleime, An Khe, Qui Nhon, Tuy Hoa, and Na Trang. Also, spent a day in Seim Reip, Cambodia, and Bankok. It was a great trip. Very little evidence we were ever there. I'm still trying to decide if that's good or bad. When I do, I'll send you some comments, ok?” Mike thanks for the great photos (I'll post some on the Silver Wings of the Cav website) and I look forward to your comments.
I recently received this response from Robert DAUMILLER
"After leaving the 4th. Inf. I served with D Co. 227th. as a door gunner from Chu Lai through the A Shau. Was awarded the DFC over Hue during Tet. Have many Air Medals. As to questions about UAS operators receiving Air Medals, etc. the following message may help.
An article in the Army Aviation, July 31 issue, concerning UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) soldiers eligible for aviation badges? "The MILPER Message also addressed the award of combat medals such as the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Air Medal (AM) to UAS Soldiers. The message further clarified that UAS warrant officers and operators are NOT eligible for the DFC and the AM, as they are not physically onboard the unmanned aircraft during the conduct of the mission." Regards, Michael O'Neil for the DFC Society
The comments from Cliff LETTS (May/June 2007 SABER) are silly and disrespectful to real aviators. So what about GT scores. You are in the aircraft, in combat, in peril, or you are not. UAS operators are not in the aircraft and hardly in peril during their "aerial flight". Thanks Cliff! The remarks by Micheal O'NEIL will make a lot of former aviators happy.
Thanks to the Internet and your Wings input, it allows me to receive letters like the following.” Jimmy” was one of our Huey pilots, KIA in Vietnam in 1968. “Hello, My brother wrote me an e-mail and said he'd found a friend's name on your Silver Wings web site so I thought I would look it up. Sure enough, on the first page down a way was the name James Authur JOHANSEN. Jimmy (as my brother and I had always called him) was a neighbor of ours. We first met Jimmy when we were in elementary school. All of our parents as it turned out had known each other from elementary school and became reacquainted as neighbors. Jimmy was always interested in flying (his Dad worked for Lockheed) and had photos of planes (and I think some models) in his bedroom. As a boy, Jimmy was a kind of happy-go-lucky kid as I remember him not a bit serious. I have a wonderful photo of Jimmy and my brother with a go-cart they were riding when Jimmy was maybe in his early teens. I remember the day my Dad called me and told me Jimmy had been killed. He must have been just 23 or so. Mary Ann (Wopschall) JEHLEN, Willow, Alaska”. Mary Ann and I have corresponded several times and exchanged old photos since the original email. Her interest allowed me to put her in contact with others from Nam that flew with “Jimmy”.
Another Alaskan contacted the Wings mailbox with a request. Leslie J KRAMER Jr., P.O. Box 22 Kaltag, Alaska 99748,
I heard from Donald WHITE,
Hard Charger Two-Five Papa, XO, A/1/30 Arty, 1969 (a.k.a. Bill) William B. GREGORY, PO Box 1842, Taos, NM
From Spec 5/c David G. CUMMINGS
A large envelope containing a fuzzy old photo and letter arrived from John TURNER Jr, former B/227th Avn., 600 Marvin St, N. Versailles, PA 15137. John was hoping one of the Wings readers could help identify the Chinook on the accompanying photo taken at LZ Hammond in late 1966 or early 67 by posting it on the Silver Wings website. John, no need, I recognized the bird as 64-13149, “Easy Money” a Guns-A-Go-Go war bird. There were only four "Go - Go" aircraft built by Boeing, Birth Control, Cost of Living, Stump Jumper and Easy Money. The Go - Go birds saw action in all four Corps areas in Vietnam and were attached to the 228th Avn. Bn., 1st Cavalry Division until 1968 after three of the four aircraft were lost to accidents or enemy action. The Army abandoned the Go - Go program as EASY MONEY was the sole survivor of the four and it was ordered not to operate alone thereafter. Easy Money can now be found on display at the Redstone Arsenal in the heart of the Tennessee Valley in northern Alabama. Thanks for the photo and letter John.
Julie KINK, sister of WO David Kink C Trp 1/9th CAV. KIA 8-3-1969, a member of VHFCN Family Contacts Committee emailed that The Family Contacts Committee will have a table the upcoming VHPA reunion July 2-6 in San Antonio in the vendors' area with their case lists. Anyone who would like help connecting with family of a buddy who was lost, or vice versa, can stop by and provide some contact information. “Please come see us!”
Will BEALE, rifleman B Company, 2d Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment who lives in Erdington, England wrote the Silver Wings mailbox several times seeking Air Cav information. I'd like to share some of what he stated in his last email. “Thank you so very much for all your personal photo's, it has given the war a whole new personal perspective to me. I have long had an interest in the Vietnam War as it was one I grew up with...news programs showing Huey's flying in and out of LZ's, 'body counts' etc were a part of my growing up in the 60s and 70s. During my working life I managed to read history and war studies with the Open University and Wolverhampton University. In Uni I read not only of the fight in Vietnam but of the cost to the men who served there and the cost that many are still paying. Prolonged combat, stress, fear and the awful boredom between operations takes its toll and the scars run deep. Yours in friendship.”
Okay, with that I shall bring this flight to an end. My thanks to all the other folks who took the time to write. The next issue should contain my AAR of the Jacksonville reunion. Looking forward to seeing so many of you there. Until then, “Clear right!”
March / April 2008
Hello once again fellow Skytroopers. In my last column I wrote of the Tet Offensive of 1968 and included remarks from pilots, Eugene BEYER and Tom JOHNSON. To my surprise the article generated more phone traffic then mail, a first. Talking is sure a lot easier then typing and the story obviously created a drive in many who would not normally write but decided to pick up the phone. It was great to hear your comments and I appreciate you sharing some of the memories of that event.
Let’s launch the mail sortie. I have a mixed bag of comments, information and requests to share this month. But before I pull pitch for the mail run, I’ve been writing your column for more than ten years now. A fact that my wife recently pointed out one evening after hunting me down and finding my butt at the computer. “No, can’t be that long?” was my response. But, she is right. I took this “temporary duty assignment” in late 1997. I started saving all your shared input, information on events and data to a hard drive in July of 1998. Since then I’ve gone through one laptop and three desktop computers. In doing so, I have amassed a large database of instant information that has allowed me to connect vets to vets and family members seeking someone who knew a lost loved one. Anyway, I do appreciate your mail and response to requests. It makes for a successful and quick search for answers If you wrote me ten years ago, I’ve got it filed somewhere on a hard drive. Scary but handy, huh?
Frank SPICKLER, wrote, “Dear Sir, In response to your article in the SABER, I just wanted to let you know that I probably would not be alive today if it had not been for the helicopter pilots in Vietnam. On February 22, 1968, I was with C Company, 2/501 101st Airborne about eight clicks from Hue when I received a sucking chest wound from an AK47. I never lost consciousness until I got to the second field hospital, and during the whole process when they were trying to evacuate me there was intense enemy fire in and around the LZ yet the pilot came in. That is the reason I am here today. I served in Vietnam in 65-66 with the 1st Cav Division Delta Co. Recon Platoon 1/8th and was medevaced during that tour of duty, but the admiration and respect that I have for the pilots of the 1st Cav, I do not have the words to express. Though we are getting old, I will always remember that chopper pilot who looked back to see if I was safely on the chopper so he could medevac me. If not for you all, I am sure I would not be here today. Again, you have my heartfelt thanks for a job well done and for the courage and bravery you displayed on every occasion. Thank you!”
Hank, I read with interest Eugene A. BEYER’s story of Tet 68 and GCA's involvement. I know that 40+ years have passed, and memories grow faint, especially with seeming unimportant details like a GCA's team name, but I would love to know the GCA's team name if he could remember. We did stuff like this when requested in field teams, in fact my team, Lucky GCA put the helicopters into the LZ Bird battle, Christmas time 66, from LZ Hammond. Though I left in July 67, a lot of my fellow Lucky team controllers, were still there for Tet 68. If any information is available, I would be interested in knowing. Thanks in advance, for any expended efforts, Mike ZIMMERMAN, Lucky GCA field team 1st Air Calvary Division, 14 July 66-14 July 67, Once Cav, Always Cav.
In reply, from Gene BEYER, “I feel most confident that we were talking with a "Lucky.” What a wonderful service they provided. If they only knew how much confidence they instilled in us rotor-heads when we established voice contact with them. I want to say the operator we dealt with on that day was an SP5 or even a SP4. Just another young man doing his job, never complaining, and never realizing how important his job was.”
James SARGENT, asks, “I am trying to locate William C. CUTCHINS. He was the supply Sgt. of the 17th Avn. Co. in 1965 and 1966 at Pleiku and An Khe. I was his clerk at that time. I would greatly appreciate any information about him. Have been trying to locate him for several years. Please contact me at the e-address above or call me at 785 258-2813.”
Pardo VELDEZ, 2022 E. Sheridan St., Phoenix, AZ 85006, a cook with Flying Tigers, 67-68 is asking if anyone remembers the crash of Cobra AH-1G 66-15347 near LZ Betty, 8 MAR 68, resulting in the death of 1LT Gary SHY and WO1 Russell WALLACE. The bird was on Recon mission for armed escort. It crashed and burned after taking hits. Anyone with information can contact Pardo at the above address or call, 602-275-4948.
William ALLRED, 251-593-8913 called and asked what became of his unit, B Battery - 19th ARTY, 1963-64. He was told it went to the 82nd ARTY. Contact William at the number above if you can help.
Also heard from Al EASON, says he may make the Florida reunion. Former Vietnam Huey pilot Robert (Bob) RUNYAN sent a note hoping all had a wonderful year past and an even better one in 2008. Also heard from Donald WHITE, C/229th, he sent in an inquiry asking what became of C/229th. Don, I show the battalion returned from Vietnam as the most decorated aviation unit in the Army, but inactivated following the war on 22 August 1972 at Fort Hood, Texas. The 229th, less Company B was reactivated 21 September 1978 and was incorporated into the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) as the 229th Attack Helicopter Battalion at Fort Campbell, KY. On 16 September 1981, Company B, 229th Attack Helicopter Battalion was activated and organized at Fort Rucker, AL, under the operational control of the 1st Aviation Brigade to complement the Battalion's rapid deployment capability.
The 229th was again de-activated 16 October 1987 at Fort Campbell, KY, and relieved from assignment to the 101st Airborne Division. As the Army changed unit structure in the mid-eighties, company-sized units now became battalion-sized units.
On 16 September 1989, the unit was reorganized and re-designated as the 229th Aviation Regiment, a parent regiment under the United States Army Regimental System.
On 16 October 1991, the Regimental Headquarters was assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps as the 229th Aviation Regiment (Attack) (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Companies A and C, 229th Aviation Battalions reorganized and activated as 1st and 3rd Battalions, 229th Aviation Regiment (Attack) (Airborne) in January 1992 at Fort Hood, TX, and moved to Fort Bragg in July that same year. In 1994, Fort Rucker, AL, and Illeshime, Germany said "Good Bye" to the 2nd and 4th battalions as they received the call to deactivate when the Army downsized after the Cold War.
As of late 2000, the unit had deployed to Bosnia-Herzegovina. As of mid-2001, 1-229th was in Bosnia as part of SFOR 8 while headquarters and 3-229th (C Co.) were preparing for a rotation to Bosnia in support of SFOR 9.
The 229th was believed to have been re-designated as the 229th Aviation Group (Attack) Airborne sometime following this deployment.
On June 15, 2004 the 229th Aviation Regiment was deactivated in a ceremony at Ft. Bragg, NC. Don, good hearing from you.
I was informed of the recent passing of a couple great Silver Wings folks. The first note arrived from Mike SULLIVAN. “Hank, I am sorry to report that Lt Col. Carle E. DUNN passed away on 1 Jan., 2008. He was diagnosed with cancer last year. Evidently he told all of his friends that the doctors had said he would fully recover. Knowing "Gene”, he would not want any pity or remorse and thus: told us this small lie of omission. He was 69 years old and had suffered from Agent Orange poisoning for over the last 20 years. He had served two tours in Korea, and two tours in Vietnam, both with the Cav. During his first tour he served as XO of B Co. 227th Avn. Co., and his second in 1971-1972 as CO of 362nd Avn. Co. of 229 Assault/Support Bn., the largest Chinook unit ever assembled. I thank you for your help in getting us back together in 2002, allowing "Gene" and me to reminisce and heal from the 71-72 tour. He brought me home in 72 and again in 2002, what a leader and mentor! He was a credit to all who served with or under him. I remain Cav always.” Mike
And this letter to the “Silver Wings” folks from Al RHOADES, C/229th AHB, SP5, CE, 6801-6902. Sad news; we lost another brother on 1/29/08; Neil KEOGH. He was a crew chief with C/229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, mid 1967- May 1969, when he was seriously wounded by a 51 cal. round and thought not to make it to Japan. He was even given his last rites at the aid station. Years of poor care within the VA system, his initial care provider, created troubles that haunted him throughout his entire life. Once his brother pulled him out of this hell, he did manage to regain some semblance of normal life. He eventually married and raised three sons. During our annual phone conversation at Thanksgiving, which always started off singing lines from Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant" which "Alice" is also his nickname, he indicated he'd received a new lower prosthetic leg (civilian made not thru the VA) that made his life so much easier. A lot less pain especially while riding his Harley trike, so I thought he was finally enjoying life.
The ringing of the telephone at midnight Monday night brought me out of a dead sleep, wondering what kind of problem one of my kids has encountered. The caller identified herself as Neil's wife Martha. She was very upset & just wanted me to know that Neil was dying of a very rapid degenerative lung disease (Pulmonary Fibrosis) and that he wanted to talk to me one more time. Well this rattled me pretty good and my conversation with him was at best chaotic and meaningless. The call ended with him trying to say goodbye and at the same time gasping for precious air.
The next day of course my mind ran thru dozens of things I wished I'd said, unfortunately these conversations were only going on in my head. That night I received another call from his son informing me that Neil had passed away at 9:30 A.M. that morning. We'd served together, separated by DEROS and then reconnected around 1991. He was a true friend and will be dearly missed.
WO2 Jim OTTMAN who was his AC the day he was shot and I attended the funeral on 2/7/08 in Portland, OR. The Portland Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders provided the color guard for Neil's service and did an awesome job on this cold and rainy day.
Slow hand salute, may his soul rest in peace and we will meet again when my time on this earth is finished.
By the time you receive this SABER our 61st Annual Reunion will be just three months away. My wife, Susan, and I will be flying into Atlanta where my old platoon Sgt., from Vietnam, Mean-Gene McCRARY, will be picking us up with his motor-home. We intend to camp our way to Fla. We’re looking forward to a GREAT week and seeing so many “Wings” folks.
With that, I’ll shut down this “Wings” flight. Until next time, “Clear Right!”
Jan / Feb 2008 Silver Wings Saber Article
Greetings once again fellow Skytroopers and welcome 2008. This is the 40th Anniversary of the 1968 Tet Offensive. For several hundred years, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) has been a traditional celebration. On the first day of the Tet-1968 truce, the NVA and VC launched their biggest offensive of the war. General Giap’s plan of desperation was to seize the northern provinces of South Vietnam while simultaneously attacking cities, towns and military bases throughout south. That year, 1968, turned out to be the bloodiest year of the Vietnam War.
In early January 68’ when intelligence reports indicated an imminent offensive in northern I Corps, Gen. WESTMORELAND ordered 1st Air Cav commander, MG John TOLSON, to begin moving the 1st and 3rd Brigades of the division from the II Corps AO into a series of firebases between Quang Tri City and Hue. My company ended up at Camp Evans, NW of Hue. But I recall names like, LZ Betty, Sharon, Suzie, El Paso and LZ Jack.
A most notable name during Tet is Chief Warrant Officer Frederick FERGUSON, Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Air Cav. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Hue, Republic of Vietnam, 31 January 1968.
In the last issue, I invited you, the Silver Wings group, to share any comments concerning this 40th Anniversary of Tet. My thanks to pilots, Tom JOHNSON and Eugene BEYER who mailed the following:
“For us all, TET68 will forever be ingrained in our memories for one reason or another. For the helicopter aircrews, it was especially treacherous due to the weather. Low clouds, fog, rain that was at times torrential made us fly so low that I once saw a flock of ducks walking down Highway One to reach their pond.
“The entire airmobile concept would be tested during late January and February 1968. It was well known to the North Vietnamese leadership that airmobility had its Achilles' heel. One was to get in close to the Americans so that artillery and tactical air support would be rendered useless and two, helicopters cannot fly in bad weather.
“Of the first, they did not count on helicopter gunship pilots who could knock the buttons off their shirts from 100 yards out and never touch the GI standing next to them. Of the second, they never counted on the bravery and compassion of the 1st Air Cavalry air crews. When a Cav unit got in trouble and needed emergency supplies, there was always an abundance of helicopter pilots who answered the call, putting their lives and the lives of their crews "on the line" to get the job done. Unknown to many outside the aviation world, these pilots had only "tactical ticket" training, which is to say they were given only enough instrument training to get themselves out of the clouds and on the ground in case of emergency. Such training was never intended to equal that of fixed wing pilots, who would regularly file a flight plan, enter the clouds, and flies totally "on the gauges" for great distances. Extensive training for Cav pilots seemed hardly necessary due to the low speed of helicopters and short fuel range -where you gonna go at 80 knots that was so important that you had to be back on the ground in 2 1/2 hours? In most fixed wings, you could travel 3 hours to your destination and, if the weather was bad, simply turn around and go back home - "no sweat".
“During TET68, many Emergency Re-supply Missions were run in monsoon rains by Cav pilots whose fear of being shot by their enemy was miniscule in comparison to the fear of killing themselves while getting there and back. The most horrible clouds in the Vietnam monsoon season were appropriately named "Cumologranite" - clouds with mountains in them.
I mentioned earlier the word compassion. Air Cavalry pilots and crews slept in GP medium tents with dirt floors. They did a job that was deemed by the Army as one of the most dangerous jobs that it had to offer. They stood alongside the First Cavalry's infantry. They put them into battle – re-supplied their needs - brought in replacements - and at times, brought home their dead, yet these "rotor-heads" never considered themselves more than "glorified truck drivers." By war's end, 2,197 helicopter pilots would die and this did not count the 2,274 crew chiefs and gunners that would die alongside them.
“I have a lot of memories of TET68, but the one I bear a cross on occurred just before TET on January 18, 1968. Alpha Company 229th AHB was destined to move north to I Corps on or about January 20. At 3AM we were in the process of running the last "Lightning Bug" mission for II Corps when tragedy struck. In the midst of Dam-Tra-O Lake, just south of LZ English, one of our slicks crashed into the lake. We were all flying at night - over water - at an altitude of 50 feet using a barometric altimeter graduated in 25-foot increments. Although others and I had accomplished this mission many times in the past without incident, the mission remained not only dangerous, but also damn near suicidal. WO1 James Authur JOHANSEN and SP4 Donald WIELKOPOLAN lost their lives that morning. By hovering a Huey over the crash site, the crew was able to pull aboard survivors WO1 Tom BOHANNON, Sergeant Lloyd E THOMPSON, and crewchief Lawrence J MENDES. I owe a debt of gratitude to Al DeMAILO and others from the D/229th gunship crews who suppressed the bad guys trying to put us in the water. I would like to hear from the survivors as well as any gunship pilots who participated in this event. Time has also erased the names of the crew that flew with me that night, and it is they who deserve to "standup and be recognized". You can reach me or call me at 770-605-0700.
“There remains much to be written about TET68, especially when it comes to those who flew in it. January 18 of every year, my thoughts of WO1 James Authur JOHANSEN and SP4 Donald WIELKOPOLAN spin out of the darkness, and I always toast their living memories with a big glass of Scotch, often accompanied with a little PTSD and a tear.
“Most, in their twenties, did things with helicopters on a regular basis that, by today’s standards, would make headlines in every paper in the nation, only to come home to the relative obscurity of their individual bravery and flying skills.
“It does not go without saying that it was the most exciting time of our lives and we asked for the job, but no amount of money or worldly fame could entice us to do it again.
Although 40 years has passed, I can still say with confidence that the best helicopter pilots and crewmembers were born of the Vietnam War, and for reasons not known to me, the rest of the world is only now finding this to be true. Tom A JOHNSON - Bandit88.”
“Hank, I have a specific memory of the Tet time frame of 1968 and the details may be a little fuzzy but I'll do my best to give you what my failing memory remembers.
“Tet of 68 came with a bang. The well-coordinated attacks of the NVA astounded the intelligence world. We in the lst Cav were closest to their lines of communications but the impact was felt throughout South Vietnam. We in Alpha 229th were flying every flyable bird each day as was every unit in Nam. I was thankful that I did not have to prioritize the missions each day. The RRF (ready reaction force) was a given and log birds were experiencing some hair raising events every day. I was between missions with the RRF on this particular day. Crews were either in or near their birds awaiting short notice missions. I was on the flight line when two of our log birds came in to land. Warrant Officer Homer D. JACKSON who was the mission commander for the two birds flying log support to a Bn. just west of Hue looked worried which was unusual for him. I must say he was a cool cucumber. He briefed me quickly on what he was experiencing. His wing man had taken multiple rounds on his last run and landed in a rice paddy on the way back to LZ Evans to check out the bird with holes and warning lights illuminating the cockpit. They flew both birds in and Jack told me he wasn't going back down their single ship. I told Jack to take my place in the RRF and that I would take his bird and go. The infantry Bn. was in a fight for their lives and taking heavy casualties. They were expending the ammo as fast as we could get it to them. Jack wasn't having any part of my idea and said let's walk down and talk with the GCA operator who was operating out of a tent in the middle of LZ Evans. The operator told Jack if he would fly down to the infantry Bn one more time VFR so he could plot him on the scope he could send him down and back in the clouds as long he needed. Jack and crew cranked up hopped over to the infantry Bn log pad, loaded ammo and took off. I was in the GCA tent listening in on the exchange between the two. Jack decided to stay away from Rt. one and fly further out west. Wrong choice, as he was then engaged by heavy stuff and he quickly flew east away from the hills. He told the GCA operator that he was on long final. Upon landing he was still being painted while he was sitting on the ground. Jack came out and immediately went IFR and was vectored back to Evans. He went back on numerous ammo hauls and provided the besieged infantry Bn the wherewithal to keep them from being wiped out.
“As fate would have it, I was stationed at FT. Bragg in the late 70's and AAAA was having a function. The guest speaker was to be MG MATTOX from Ft. Rucker. BG VAUGHT (chief of staff XVIII Airborne Corps] and I were at Simmons AAF awaiting his arrival and while chatting with Gen. VAUGHT I learned that he was the commander of that infantry Bn. outside Hue during the Tet offensive of l968. He related to me the terrific job the helicopter crews performed during Tet. I was always proud to be among some of the bravest people that I ever hoped to meet. Every helicopter pilot and crewman who supported the effort in Vietnam should be proud of their contributions. Eugene A. BEYER (Bandit 6), Colonel, USA (ret.).
As promised, my AAR of Vet’s Day 2007 in Washington, DC. This year was a little different as it marked the 25th Anniversary of the Wall. So many activities to chose from and so little time to accomplish as much as my 4-day extended weekend would allow. Thousands of veterans, many in old jungle fatigues, marched down Constitution Avenue Saturday morning, November 10, to mark the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined Connecticut Avenue to watch the procession and pay tribute to the Vietnam veterans. A post-parade reception and concert followed this on the Washington Monument grounds. But the weekend was more then Vietnam vets celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Wall. Veterans from WWII to Iraq punctuated it with many events and activities. You could find a hospitality room in just about any hotel in the AO, hosted by a proud unit from any branch of service.
The Cav’s HQ, the Hyatt Arlington, was a busy place as well. The lobby, halls and hospitality room was a sea of Stetsons and ball caps adorned with unit crest. This year I noticed even more graying hair protruding beneath many of those covers. The All The Way Chapter hosted the banquet at the hotel on the Saturday evening. GEN (Ret) Edward MEYER was the speaker and the event was honored to have LTG (Ret) Harry KINNARD attend as a special guest. A Silver Wings salute to Gerry BOWLES and the chapter for all their hard work to ensure a pleasurable event for all.
Sunday’s Veterans Day Observance at the Wall was a tide of colors blended with a sea of olive drab. Thousands attended as keynote speaker, Gen. Colin POWELL addressed the mass. It sure made me proud to see our Honor Guard positioned above the black granite panels throughout the observance with Colors waving in the brisk fall wind. Thanks to friend and fellow cigar smoker, Charlie SWENSEN, for the VIP passes/seating allowing me to view the event front and center. The Association placed wreaths at the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial to honor all that has served.
A highlight of the four-day weekend was to see so many old friends and fellow alumni, all with a common interest like: Marge and Fred ROBINS, Sarah PERRY, Bob ARBASETTI, Jenny and Bill BECK, Larry GWIN to name just a few. Marine vet, Charlie SWENSEN, introduced me to Iraqi vet, Chris MELENDEZ. Chris is still coping with the loss of a leg above the knee from an IED. Charlie thought the “kid” could benefit from interacting with our older vets. It sure helped and was actually beneficial for all; we enjoyed his company as well. A concerned MOH recipient, David DOLBY, committed to help Chris with compensation issues.
Dinner at the Orleans House with the “flight crew” and the ensuing “comedy hour” was another social highlight. Attendees included, Bob TREDWAY and Ann MARTIN, Linda CLANCE, Carol STRAND-MANGIOLA, Brian PIGGOTT, Eric WALSH, Julie KINK, Lisa VAD, Chris WHITE, Jim HENTHORN, Tom FRANKENFIELD, Dave WIESSINGER and of course comedy MC and World class Guinness consumer; Susan JIMISON. What a blast!
It's impossible for me to condense the activities of Veteran's Day 2007 into a few paragraphs and I apologize for not mentioning everyone I spoke with by name. My thanks to all for another memorable Veteran’s Day in DC.
Plan now for our 61st Annual Reunion this June in Jacksonville, FLA. Many of our aviation retirees live within driving distance of Jacksonville. Judging by the early feedback and interest, it looks like a lot of the “Silver Wings” folks plan to attend. Make sure you sign up for the Silver Wings luncheon, Sat., 21 June.
Time to shut down this “Wings” flight. I look forward to hearing from you. Until next time, “Clear right!”
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Click on picture below for more Vets Day photos thanks to Julie Kink.
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