NAME: Steve Decot
EMAIL: stsve.decot@umusic.com
UNIT: 361st Aerial Weapons Company
CALLSIGN: D
Date: 08 Dec 2005
Time: 10:44:54

COMMENTS

May 1970-March 1971


NAME: Robert Terry
EMAIL:
UNIT: 57th AHC
CALLSIGN:
Date: 07 Dec 2005
Time: 17:46:10

COMMENTS

Just want to let you guys know that I have published the 1970-71 52nd CAB yearbook online at

http://www.57thahc.com

Included Units are:

52nd CAB Headquarters 52nd CAB Security Detachment 57th AHC 170th AHC 179th Aviation Co.(ASH) 189th AHC 219th Aviation Co. 361st Aviation Co. 119th AHC


NAME: Edgar Perry, U.S.Army Ret.
EMAIL: eddelores@cox.net
UNIT: 361st.
CALLSIGN:
Date: 22 Nov 2005
Time: 20:27:29

COMMENTS

Hi. Gang....It's been a long time, the e-mail for Mike Sheuerman is not any good, does anyone have his current e-mail??


NAME: Dr. Donald Houston
EMAIL: kozzak1@gmail.com
UNIT: 5th SF-B-20 MIKE Force
CALLSIGN: Black-Arrow 41
Date: 31 Oct 2005
Time: 19:18:10

COMMENTS

You guys hauled alot of us around, picked a lot of us up & we loved y'all..!


NAME: The Phantom
EMAIL: DWArabians@earthlink.net
UNIT: Pink Panthers
CALLSIGN: "The Pahntom"
Date: 12 Oct 2005
Time: 23:48:18

COMMENTS

Nice site, great going guy's. Hope to make it to D/C this comming Year. . .

The Phantom


NAME: Paul A. Johndro
EMAIL: paul.a.johndro@us.army.mil
UNIT: HHC, 2-70 AR
CALLSIGN: S.O.G.
Date: 02 Oct 2005
Time: 01:57:25

COMMENTS

Seen some interesting faces in there. It is nice to connect names and faces of those that I heard stories of as a child. Thank you all for what you have done. Your actions are not forgotten.


NAME: Frank H.Allen  III
EMAIL: fallen@san.rr.com
UNIT: Dyna/NHA,Inc  69-72
CALLSIGN:
Date: 27 Sep 2005
Time: 01:18:20

COMMENTS

none


NAME: Robert Dean
EMAIL: yobert@alltel.net
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 06 Sep 2005
Time: 17:59:09

COMMENTS

served on premiter crew along with other duties july70 aug 71


NAME: Robert Dean
EMAIL: yobert@alltel.net
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 06 Sep 2005
Time: 16:43:03

COMMENTS

would love to here from unit


NAME: fitzgerald, curtis
EMAIL: monafitz@earthlink.net
UNIT: 189th ahc
CALLSIGN: ghostrider 3
Date: 03 Aug 2005
Time: 02:57:03

COMMENTS

Checking in thanks again for all of you at Pleiku feb 69-sept 70, great job. Sincerelt Capt Fitz


NAME: PAUL PRESTAGE
EMAIL: jprestage@hotmail.com
UNIT: 361 AVATION CO.
CALLSIGN: PINK PANTHER
Date: 29 Jul 2005
Time: 14:36:23

COMMENTS

WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF MY CREW MATES.


NAME: Rick England
EMAIL: bd431@mindspring.com
UNIT: 129th AHC
CALLSIGN: The Iron Butterfly
Date: 13 Jul 2005
Time: 08:09:03

COMMENTS

Oscar thanks for the Info. I talked to your brother in Tucson after I got back from the reunion. Be careful out there


NAME: Frank
EMAIL: fterrell@csc.com
UNIT: Terrell
CALLSIGN: Dragon12
Date: 05 Jul 2005
Time: 10:38:35

COMMENTS

52nd CAB, HHC - personnel warrant officer for the battalion - Nov 69 - Dec 70.

Regards - it's been a long time.


NAME: Terry Frohlich
EMAIL: tnpf4u@bis.midco.net
UNIT: 361st Avn Co (Escort)
CALLSIGN:
Date: 03 Jul 2005
Time: 00:31:05

COMMENTS

I served with the 361st from 70-71 as a crew chief


NAME: Joe McGovern
EMAIL: chrismcgovern@mchsi.com
UNIT: 361st AVN Escort Company
CALLSIGN:
Date: 19 Jun 2005
Time: 20:00:44

COMMENTS

April 1968 - April 1969. Crew Chief.


NAME: Jim Lohman
EMAIL: viking6500@sbcglobal.net
UNIT: 351st
CALLSIGN: TI office
Date: 10 Jun 2005
Time: 19:39:37

COMMENTS

Hey Wilkinson and Lahmon, I remember both of you. Wilk, didn't you have a little accident with a small arms round in one of the guard towers? I remember somebody saying "Wilk got shot," over the radio. That was you, wasn't it?


NAME: Jim Lohman
EMAIL: viking6500@sbcglobal.net
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 09 Jun 2005
Time: 16:19:06

COMMENTS

Just checking in again. Was there from 11/68 to 11/69, worked in maintenance, then the TI Office. Sorry to hear about the death of CPT Savage, he was my boss in the later months of the tour. Doe anybody remember the bombing of the Brinks Hotel on Christmas eve of 1964--I was across the street at the San Francisco Bar and at precisely 6 P.M.the bomb exploded in front of the Brinks. It was my second or third day in country (first tour).

Were you there?


NAME: keithblack1@cox.net
EMAIL: keithblack1@cox.net
UNIT: 330th Radia Research
CALLSIGN: LEGHORN
Date: 05 Jun 2005
Time: 16:05:50

COMMENTS

Hey you guys did a great job. You got me in and out of Leghorn many times. 71-72.


NAME: SP5 Richard Steldt
EMAIL: RRSteldt49@aol.com
UNIT: 361st  A.C.E.
CALLSIGN: n/a
Date: 14 May 2005
Time: 11:14:06

COMMENTS

I served my tour with the Pink Panthers, March 70 to Feb. 71. Worked Air Frame Repair. I would like to say "Thanks for the memories" to all the great guys I served with. Please feel free to contact me if you are one of them. (262) 677-0273. And to all Veterans, Thank You for SERVING!


NAME: David LeKites
EMAIL: dlekites@worldnet.att.net
UNIT:
CALLSIGN: Son of "Panther 33"
Date: 06 May 2005
Time: 16:48:32

COMMENTS

My father Walter "Dubby" LeKites III - Panther 33, just had his first grandson - my son on 5-5-05. Given that my father returned from his tour with the Pink Panther's on my 7th birthday, 35 years ago, he has had a long time to wait. My brother Walt IV, who was born while dad was in Vietnam, was 7 months old before dad saw him. He is a Captain - pilot -optometrist at Ft. Rucker-and expecting a baby in August.

I have met many of you at several VHPA reunions and hope to see you again soon.

Dad retired in July 2003. Please call my dad and get him out of the house!!! Take him flying, PLEASE!!!

David LeKites


NAME: Howard A. Murray III
EMAIL: howard.murray@benning.army.mil
UNIT: HHC, 641 MTC
CALLSIGN: TRAILBOSS
Date: 02 May 2005
Time: 18:38:48

COMMENTS

I am "CPT HOWARD A. MURRAY JR"'s eldest son. I served proudly in IRAQ during the invasion and for some time thereafter. Your website has shed some light into something my father (a retired Colonel) rarely shares (or shared) with anyone. He has shared some of his combat experiences with me now that I too, am a combat veteran. Just know, I am proud of what all of you did, and your service to our country.

From one warrior to all of you warriors,

THANK YOU!

HOWARD A. MURRAY III CPT (P), CAV COMMANDING


NAME: Robert Fitzgerald
EMAIL: rmfitzy1983@comcast.net
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 30 Apr 2005
Time: 20:19:26

COMMENTS

i am the nephew of charles savage,panther 56,i am sad to inform everyone that my uncle chuck past away of cancer in jan.2005


NAME: Jeffrey Lanfear
EMAIL: porcella4u@yahoo.com
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 09 Mar 2005
Time: 19:53:43

COMMENTS

My Dad served with the 361st. His name is Capt. Francis Lanfear


NAME: Stan Lahmon
EMAIL: vetrcr@peoplepc.com
UNIT: 361st AC Escort
CALLSIGN: n/a
Date: 10 Feb 2005
Time: 22:37:55

COMMENTS

Crew Chief on C model 66-15244. I was an origial Pink Panther. I served with the company at Fort Hood,TX, Dian,RVN and Pleiku,RVN. My in country Door Gunner was Paul Wilkinson.


NAME: Roger Lange
EMAIL: rgrlng@yahoo.com
UNIT: 129th AHC
CALLSIGN: Rocky
Date: 27 Jan 2005
Time: 01:08:36

COMMENTS

It was Great to see you guys in Las Vegas.Thanks for the gun cover 2-19-1971. Rocky


NAME: Jim Lohman
EMAIL: viking6500@sbcglobal.net
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 17 Jan 2005
Time: 20:15:45

COMMENTS

Checking in again, since my email has changed and I've moved from Puyallup, WA back to San Antonio, TX. I was there from Nov 68-Nov 69. Worked in maintenance and moved into TI office with CPT Savage, CWO Melvin, SSG Jones and SP6 Lee. Hope to make this next reunion, send me some info if you plan to attend.


NAME: Goldman Ward
EMAIL: goldmanw@tiscali.it
UNIT: C Company
CALLSIGN:
Date: 27 Dec 2004
Time: 14:01:02

COMMENTS

Was there in 1970.


NAME: Paul Wilkinson
EMAIL: paulw@ksu.edu
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 11 Dec 2004
Time: 12:47:05

COMMENTS

I was with the 361st from May 68 thru July 69 infused from 187th AHC. Gunner on 66-15244 (UH-1C)with Stan Lahmon (CE)then to maint and later to armament. I would like to hear from any of the old C-model crews, maint or armament in that time frame. I spent a lot of time at Dak-to and Kontum. I noticed a photo of Mike Sheldon shoot me an e-mail....PW


NAME: Charles Taliaferro
EMAIL: ctaliaferro@kitchentablegang.org
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 07 Nov 2004
Time: 12:12:40

COMMENTS

Attention military veterans . . . having problems getting your veteran's benefits? Check out the Kitchen Table Gang's website at http://www.kitchentablegang.org It's a great resource, with loads of new helpful information and might be able to give you direction towards the right answers you have been searching for.


NAME: Dave Owens
EMAIL: dave.owens@us.army.mil
UNIT: 170th AHC
CALLSIGN:
Date: 27 Oct 2004
Time: 16:18:27

COMMENTS

Good Site. I flew with Cpt. Bruce Lawonn before he transfered to the 361st, in 1970.


NAME: Mike BeCraft
EMAIL: cakebkr52@aol.com
UNIT: 361st/ 665th tc det
CALLSIGN:
Date: 11 Oct 2004
Time: 22:31:41

COMMENTS

I was crew chief on Mark Clotfelter & Michael Mahowold's ship when it went down. Just ran across this site By accident wile trying to find Co. & Cobra patches. I was there 68/69 Monroe & I was best friends. I left country one week before he & Brown got it. I'll never forget all of you. I need some patches if anyone knows were I can order some please let me know Thanks and God bless you all.


NAME: emily lou
EMAIL:
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 10 Oct 2004
Time: 20:00:21

COMMENTS

we need pictures


NAME: Dan Mansour
EMAIL: danny55@comcast.net
UNIT: 189th AHC
CALLSIGN:
Date: 26 Sep 2004
Time: 22:13:58

COMMENTS

189th Sept 1969 Aug 1970


NAME: mc
EMAIL: rmcfall1@elp.rr.com
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN: panther34
Date: 17 Aug 2004
Time: 20:07:41

COMMENTS

test


NAME: mc
EMAIL: rmcfall1@elp.rr.com
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN: panther34
Date: 17 Aug 2004
Time: 20:07:22

COMMENTS

test


NAME: mc
EMAIL: rmcfall1@elp.rr.com
UNIT: 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 17 Aug 2004
Time: 20:07:09

COMMENTS

test


NAME: JIM LOHMAN
EMAIL: viking6500@comcast.net
UNIT: 361ST
CALLSIGN:
Date: 14 Aug 2004
Time: 22:30:10

COMMENTS

Just checking in again. The guest book seems to have shrunk?? I was there from Nov 68 to Nov 69. I was in the TI office with SSG Jones, SP6 Lee and SP6 Rolf. Really liked the night shift with CWO Melvin, "perhaps the greatest combat pilot that ever lived," (his words)and CWO Wahl--can't recall the rest. Great unit! Currently living in Puyallup, WA, but plan to relocate back to San Antonio. retired from the Army in '81 and retired again from civil service in 2001. Give me a holler if you remember me. Nice talking to you guys.


NAME: Calvin Blankenship
EMAIL: ctb1@pge.com.
UNIT: 57th ahc   Guns
CALLSIGN: Cougar 10
Date: 12 Aug 2004
Time: 14:52:31

COMMENTS

Doorgunner on C and M models will always remember "Montana Mercenary" with that awesome 20 mike mike under the left aerion. I never went F.O.B. with you guys but I was there when "Chicken Man 6 went down.'Alpha and Bravo Companies of the 227th. First Cav.'


NAME:
EMAIL:
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 24 Jul 2004
Time: 21:02:12

COMMENTS


NAME: GARY ( ANDY ) ANDERSON
EMAIL: GARYBA2002@YAHOO.COM
UNIT: 361ST AWC
CALLSIGN:
Date: 24 Jul 2004
Time: 12:08:26

COMMENTS

SERVED WITH 361ST AWC JUNE 1971-JUNE 1972 BEST PEOPLE I EVER SERVED WITH!!! PANTHER FOREVER!!


NAME: David Cooper
EMAIL: LzBBoy718@aol.com
UNIT: 361st Av. Co. (Escort)
CALLSIGN:
Date: 25 May 2004
Time: 18:02:11

COMMENTS

I am writing this for my "Brother", David Cooper. Was in Pink Panthers, '70 & '71. Crew Chief. He is now 100% P.T.S.D. I need a phone # so he can contact anyone that can get him a Pink Panther Escort Patch. He is in the Viet Nam Vets M/C. His phone # is 610-947-7078. Cell # 228-990-5060. Would also like any info of upcoming reunions. On behalf of one of my brothers, Tommy Oliver. U.S.M.C. '64 to '65.


NAME:   curtis   fitzgerald         
EMAIL: monafitzearthlink.net
UNIT: 189th ahc
CALLSIGN: ghostrider 3
Date: 10 May 2004
Time: 19:52:27

COMMENTS

Great Wedsite, lots of memories, and may I say thanks to many of you I am here to remember. You guys were the best thing since sliced bread to happen to the FOB missions , etc. I spent 18 wonderfull months Feb 69 to Sept 70 with 189th, recal Ben Het 69, Duc lap Bu Prang 70, Dak Seang 70, and Cambodia 70 plus the Fob missions, so yes I owe you guys a lot, thanks. Captain Fitz, 2nd AL


NAME: John Sloan
EMAIL: jsloan@wheels.com
UNIT: 361st/665tc
CALLSIGN:
Date: 30 Apr 2004
Time: 09:05:33

COMMENTS

with unit from 1/69 thru 1/70.Crew Chief/Hanger Sgt.Enjoyed seeing familiar names.Long ago locked up memories.Thanks --Great site!!!


NAME: Teddy Douglas Hampton II
EMAIL: scdsrtrat@yahoo.com
UNIT: Son of a Pink Panther
CALLSIGN:
Date: 24 Mar 2004
Time: 05:35:37

COMMENTS

My father fought with all of you in Vietnam. I have been trying to make one of your get togethers. I think my Dad Teddy Douglas Hampton was a Capt at the time he was with the Pink Panthers. Thank you very much for keeping him safe while with your unit.


NAME: Carl S. Brown
EMAIL: ten7sgt@aol.com
UNIT: 621st signal detachment
CALLSIGN:
Date: 11 Mar 2004
Time: 11:44:06

COMMENTS

Stationed in Camp Holloway as acting CO (SSG) of the 621st Signal Detachment from about August of 68 until April of 69. We were attached to the Pink Panthers


NAME: John Korsbeck
EMAIL: kcountry@ttc-cmc.net
UNIT: 281st AHC
CALLSIGN: Intruder 17
Date: 26 Feb 2004
Time: 14:43:14

COMMENTS

Slick driver ( CW-2 ) 5-69 5-70 with the 281st Project DELTA

Flew several missions with the Pink Panthers

Nice site

Keep the big fan on top and the little fan in the back .......

JK17


NAME: Willard G. Rusk
EMAIL: neshonoc1@aol.com
UNIT: 498th Med Co (AA)
CALLSIGN: Dustoff 32
Date: 26 Feb 2004
Time: 03:27:51

COMMENTS

First I'd like to say you guys have a really great site. Secondly, Thanks for the great support when we needed it in the AO. I do have a question for anyone that might be able to provide some information. Sometime in 70-71 I was flying a routine Dustoff mail run from Lane AHP to the Dustoff crews at the 71st Evac in Pleiku and had just landed at the hospital pad when I heard a Pink Panther cobra call in for emergency landing at Pleiku. They had taken some heavy fire and "Pink Panther 6", front seat, had been hit. Since I had a full crew and was still run up I called Pleiku tower for immediate clearance and told the Pink Panther aircraft I would meet him on the runway. We touched down just before the cobra skidded in. My medic and CE got the Major out of the front seat onto a stretcher, back on my bird and over to the 71st Evac where the ER personnel were already standing by. They rushed the Major right in to the ER. We dropped off our mail and headed back to Lane AHP. I just wondered if anyone remembers that incident and if so did the Major survive? Just curious. Thanks. Dustoff 32


NAME: Mike Sheuerman
EMAIL: mike@hunterandassociates.com
UNIT: 361stAC,E/AWC
CALLSIGN: Panther 15
Date: 07 Feb 2004
Time: 10:32:23

COMMENTS

361st AC,E/AWC " Pink Panther " Reunion in Dallas June 30-July 4, Dallas, TX. AdamsMark Hotel. Stickitt Inn opens 1800 June 30. Suite 1455. All Panthers welcome. Bring photos, orders, slides, memorbilia of any kind. Contact me with any questions.

MikeS P15 SIO


NAME: Roger O'Neal
EMAIL: rogo@rivercto.net
UNIT: 361st/ 665th tc det
CALLSIGN:
Date: 17 Jan 2004
Time: 07:24:42

COMMENTS

Iwas at Camp Holloway Dec 5th 68 until Dec 5th 69. Did airframe repair on the Cobra's. Does anyone remember?


NAME: Bob Stineman
EMAIL: rstineman@comcast.net
UNIT: 189th and 361st
CALLSIGN:
Date: 14 Jan 2004
Time: 21:33:08

COMMENTS

I was crew chief for the 361st Huey after the 189th was disbanded early 1971


NAME: David Strom
EMAIL: strom@ris.net
UNIT: 170th
CALLSIGN: Bikini 16
Date: 02 Jan 2004
Time: 19:33:28

COMMENTS

Good site guys. Flew FOB with you on my tail for 1970 to 71. Thanks for the cover and hope all is well. Dave Strom Bikini 16


NAME: franny
EMAIL: francworl@aol.com
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 29 Dec 2003
Time: 02:39:47

COMMENTS

very nice site


NAME: matthew  joseph hosfeld
EMAIL:
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 03 Dec 2003
Time: 09:06:36

COMMENTS

thanks for representing and fighting i am the pink panthers son in real life 56 much love i am in washington d.c. i am only 21 years old but thank you all for fighting this is red white and blue but i am international also thanks


NAME: John W Hood
EMAIL: WERMAJ911@AOL.COM
UNIT: 2d Pltn, Opns, HQ 52dCAB
CALLSIGN: PP26, PP 3, DRAGON 3H
Date: 21 Nov 2003
Time: 21:13:30

COMMENTS

History & Mission of early PP need to be added; AO extended to Phan Rang & Phan Thiet, Dalat, etc. Rich Doeher's PH was awarded for action down south when 6 of 4 assigned 2d plt C models were shot down in three sorties one afternoon, N of Rt 1 & the RR, eg.


NAME: Jack Irvin CW2
EMAIL: jaksand@bellsouth.net
UNIT: 361st Avn Co Esc
CALLSIGN:
Date: 02 Nov 2003
Time: 00:41:44

COMMENTS

Was CWO Cobra pilot with the unit from May 68 to Oct 68. Anyone out there who was with the team then please give me a line.


NAME: TZANGLS
EMAIL: TZANGLS@AOL
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 27 Oct 2003
Time: 23:31:19

COMMENTS

I thank every one of the veterans of the United States for the risk they all took so I could grow up safe and unworried. I especially RESPECT the veterans of the Vietnam WAR. I was partially raised by a vet (Marine) and what i learned made me ashamed of the people in the states at the time of the war. I was born in 1968 but I give great respect, admiration, thanks to all of you that fought and came back and to those who fell protecting my future.


NAME: thomas f. adams
EMAIL: tfa115@wmconnect.com
UNIT: 170th aviation company
CALLSIGN: 67n20
Date: 26 Oct 2003
Time: 15:47:04

COMMENTS

it,s a memory that i will allways remember,learned a lot,met a lot,lost a lot.


NAME: Anne Credeur
EMAIL: arec2@hotmail.com
UNIT:
CALLSIGN:
Date: 10 Oct 2003
Time: 23:41:27

COMMENTS

Your site is very touching. I am a relative of one of Mark Clotfelters relatives. Thank you for remembering all the men who gave their lives for our freedom.


NAME: SP5 Wayne Evans
EMAIL: drcardiac@cox.net
UNIT: 1st Combat Air TOW Team
CALLSIGN: Hawksclaw 554
Date: 03 Sep 2003
Time: 19:40:35

COMMENTS

Just wanted to check in and let you guys know how much we appreciated the escorts during the Eastertide Offensive . Got to meet some of you during the VHPA Reunion in Vegas. Hope to make Dallas. Thanks again.


NAME: Mike Sheuerman
EMAIL: mike@hunterandassociates.com
UNIT: 361st ACE/AWC " Pink Panthers "
CALLSIGN: Panther 15
Date: 28 Aug 2003
Time: 11:06:41

COMMENTS

If you were a member of the 361st ACE/AWC " Pink Panthers " in Vietnam please contact me at mike@hunterandassociates.com. We are attempting to locate everyone who served in the Unit. Our next Reunion is in Dallas, Texas June30-July5,2004. Contact me for information. Also looking for SOG team members from CCC.


NAME: charles leissle
EMAIL: cleissle1@wmconnect.com
UNIT: 665th det.
CALLSIGN:
Date: 02 Aug 2003
Time: 13:33:50

COMMENTS

i was at camp holloway with my twin brother john from 2-69_270


COMMENTS

On April 15th 1970 there were two of the 361st working SOG (as normal) out of Dak To with the 170th. At the same time my aircraft went down on a hilltop over Dak Seang. I was an E5 Crew Chief at that time flying SOG normally with the 170th. We were down all day on the hill fighting and numerous attempts to get us off failed. Around noon teh Saigon was saying to quit attepts to rescue us, so the Bikini Pilots requested SOG release them to make one last attempt to extract us. Since the Pilot and myself were normally SOG, they agreed to release two Bikini Birds and two Panthers to make a final effort to extract us from that hill. I am the only one who left the hill that day. I am looking for the names and if possible a contact with the two Panthers that were released from SOG and supplied the support for that insertion to get us off that hill.

Any assistance you cam give would be greatly appreciated. A short version of thday is posted at the specialoperations.com web site and the 170th AHC web site.

COL. Donald C. Summers US Army, Special Forces, Retired


COMMENTS

If you served with the 361st ACE/AWC " Pink Panthers " contact me at mike@huntherandassociates.com. We are trying to locate all who served in the Unit


COMMENTS

a nice sight you have tks for a showing it to me rh1stcav@aol.com


COMMENTS

I am writing in regards to Satchel Cooper. He is my "Brother" in the VNV/MC. He was a member of the 316th escort "Pink Panthers" at Camp Holloway. He is trying to get a Pink Panther patch for his vest. Would appreciate any help you could provide!!!


COMMENTS

Gents, I was assigned to CCC from Oct70 to Apr72, and was the XO of Recon Co under Dae-Uy Bob Howard (HOH), then Dai-Uy Jim Storter. I ran missions with RT Montana and RT S. Caroline as a "strap hanger," or extra gun... RT Montana's US were SSG Mike Sheppard, MSG Behler, and SGT Mike Bentley... In Mar71 RT Montana inserted west of Dakto, just inside of the RVN/Lao border, looking for elements of a sapper battalion... Their LZ or trail watchers found us first on our 8th night, and we were extracted next morning under fire off of a grassy ridge which dropped down into a valley full of campfire smoke columnns... That valley was their basecamp... The Slicks snuck up the ravine behind us, landing in the middle of our perimeter, while you guys ran gun runs up the parallel adjacent ridge... The slicks then dropped forward and right, heading down the ravine in front, with your minigun bullets snapping past our left door covering our exit... You guys were awesome...! I tell anyone who will listen that the US Army helicopter pilots in RVN were simply the best... If you thought there was any chance we RT types on the ground and in trouble were still alive, you kept on trying to get us out... I thank you, my family thanks you... Dai-Uy Matt PS: I have some photos of your birds in action and on the ground at the FOB, if you are interested..


COMMENTS

A thank you note to those of you who took the time to answer my questions regarding my brother who went to Viet Nam with the 361st from Ft. Hood in April of 68. You made me feel welcome, you answered questions regarding his status with your unit and gave me a copy of your unit's history. I am so honored that I was allowed to attend the reunion and share in the brotherhood. You men are the greatest. And once again, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.