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In Memory of We
few, we happy few, we band of brothers Updated November 01, 2019
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Michael Hiram Andress was born on June 23, 1946 in Andalusia, Covington County, Alabama, to Erma Allene White and Willie Ray Andress. He is buried in Mount Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery, Straughn, Covington County, Alabama. Mike was a Joker Gunship Pilot with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in 1968. He was in Flight Classes 67-1 and 66-23. He died after his tour in Vietnam. He was an instructor pilot with students I.M. Baker & H.M. Kelley on board a UH-1B helicopter crash at 10pm on April 14, 1969. It happened 2 miles from Matteson Range, Fort Rucker, Dale County, Alabama during a heavy thunderstorm. His huey hit a large oak tree head on while flying nap of the earth to stay below the storm. As luck would have it, it was the only tree in the pasture, which was the size of Lowe Army Airfield.
WO1 Pat Toal flew guns and was with the first group of Cobras that arrived at Dong Ha, He used the call sign Joker 50, however it was probably Joker 150 and we just shortened it. Pat flew lead quite a bit during his tour with the 48th in 71 - 72. He drowned on a rafting trip back in the States sometime after his tour, possibly later in 1972. Pat definately belongs in a place of honor with the 48th as he was a hell of a pilot and truly held up the Joker tradition of excellence, a good friend, and was never far from the action. ~Manuel "Manny" Fernandez-Silva
As far as some personal thoughts about Pat, he was a really fun loving guy who enjoyed life to the fullest. We became pretty good friends after we moved from Dong Ha to Marble Mountain. Whenever I wasn't flying with 1st Platoon or working the night shift in operations I used to fly Pat's front seat whenever I got the chance. We had a lot of fun!! ~Curt Oldroyd
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Michael Brian "Mike" Van Biene |
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 He graduated from U.S. Army Rotary Wing Flight School Class 66-19/66-17 and served with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company BlueStars in Vietnam during 1966 and 1967. On August 20, 1985 he was First Officer on an ERA Helicopters Learjet that crashed near Gulkana, Alaska . Mike is buried in the Burney Cemetery in Burney, Shasta County, California.
CW2 Warren H.
Bahlke was from Lincoln, California. He
trained in the U.S. Army Rotary Wing Flight
School Classes 68-17 and 68-29. He served
as a pilot with the 48th Assault Helicopter
Company from November 1968 thru November 1969.
Warren disappeared in the Gulf of Mexico
on October 29, 1993 while flying for Petroleum
Helicopters, Inc.
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Peter Brown |
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Peter Brown served with
the 48th Assault Helicopter Company from November 1965
thru November 1966.
SP/5 Joseph B. Pearsey was the
first enlisted man to join the 48th Assault
Helicopter Company when it was formed at Ft.
Benning, Georgia in September 1965. He was a
Blue Star from September 1965 thru November 1966.
Joe passed away in November 1997 at the age of
67.
. . .
Michael Alfred "Mike" Fothergill was born on 6 Oct 1946 and passed away on 29 Dec 1998. He is buried in the Enid Cemetery in Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma. Mike served in Vietnam with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company "BlueStar Slicks and Joker Guns".
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Gary L. Davis |
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Gary L. Davis was affectionly known by his fellow pilots as "OMD" (short for "Old Man Davis") He was born on March
4, 1938 and died in Yelm, Washington on May 20, 1998
at the age of 60. Gary received orders for Vietnam upon graduation from Class 68-515 of the U.S. Army Rotary Wing Flight School where he was assigned to our 48th Assault Helicopter Company ... BlueStar Slicks & Joker Gunships. ================ Carl Cortez told me
he died of lung cancer. I'm not sure but it seems he
was around Ft. Rucker at the time. OMD is fondly
remembered by a few of us young Warrants as a
guiding beacon. We were 19-20-21 years old and OMD
was prior service who swore he was under 29 to make
it through flight school. He was a good man with a
lot of balls. ~Bobby Schulze
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J. V. Dobbs |
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LTC Charles "Ace" Drummond Jr. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Charles "Ace" Drummond Jr., died in Monterey, California of a stroke shortly after surgery. He was 78. Lt. Col. Drummond was a member of the Tuskegee Airman black pilot corps that served during World War II and commanded the 48th AHC in Vietnam during parts of 1965 - 1966. Ace, who was trained as a B-25 bomber pilot, was preparing for action in Southeast Asia when WWII ended. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 for the Korean War. He retired from the Army in 1970 after a 30 year career. Ace founded the Summer Flight Academy, a program in the San Francisco Bay area that trains underprivileged young people to fly airplanes.
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Thomas A. Fichter |
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P. Frain |
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K. S. Hill |
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K. W. Hill |
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Carl R. Jones |
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(Joker 1) Carl Jones, Joker 1, was the
beginning of long a line of Joker gunship
pilots. He served three combat tours, one in
Korea and two in Vietnam. He left the Army in 1954 as a 1st
Lieutenant. He rose to Captain in the
National Guard and Reserves, while working as a
policeman in the Columbus, Ohio, Police
Department, and playing football for Woody Hayes
at Ohio State University. Carl left the service
in 1973 to attend law school earning his Juris
Doctor degree at age 52. Carl died November
27, 1998.
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Donald Kelsey |
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Don
Kelsey was in Flight School Class 62-10. His
combat service in Vietnam included the 48th Assault
Helicopter Company in 1966, the 173rd Assault
Helicopter Company in 1968 and the 128th Assault
Helicopter Company in 1969. He died September
10, 2000.
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Marion Lee "Skip" Mark |
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Tom Pember |
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Al Ratta |
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Al passed away on November 29, 1999 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was from New Hyde Park, NY and was probably the most unmilitary guy most of us ever met. Maybe you remember him...most who met him did...he ran the maintenance operations...(in real life that is) he just had that knack combined with his NY instincts to be able to get the important things done (conventionally or otherwise- - -more often otherwise). As a totally naive 18 year old kid from the sticks...he made quite an impression on me. He was older... I think 22 at the time. We became lifelong friends. Anyway....His name is still listed on the member list but he can't answer his e-mails....although if anyone could...it would be him! If you would be so kind...and feel it's appropriate...leave his name on the list in it's own box and put c/o Bill Hamnett. Insert my e-mail address. I'd be happy to correspond with anyone who's looking for him. I just know there are a lot of guys out there who remember him and don't have a clue who I am. .I'm sure there are lot of guys who wonder "Whatever happened to Al Ratta?" He was such a memorable character.
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J. W. Rodgers |
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David Spies |
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I have thought and
thought about my brother and I have finally decided
that the thing that was best about David was
this. No matter where you wanted to go, no
matter what you wanted to do, David always made
people feel like there was nowhere else he would
rather be - nothing else he would rather do.
His disposition was sunny and every day spent with
him was a treasure.
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John Wallace |
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John Walker Wallace served in Viet Nam from July, 1970 to July, 1971. From there he was stationed in Germany and finished his Army career at Ft. Lewis, WA. in June of 1979. His awards include Distinguished Flying Cross, National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal and 2 Overseas service Bars. Continuing as a pilot for 25 years with a total of 14,000 plus hours, one of his last jobs was Search and Rescue in Yosemite National Park, however, during a job in Sicily, Italy, an incident occurred which psychiatrists indicate triggered suppressed Viet Nam memories ultimately leading to Post Traumatic Syndrome and other related conditions resulting in his death March 3, 2001. John was born June 1, 1950 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. A graduate of the University of Arizona, he is survived by daughters Mattea, Margo, and Sasha. He is predeceased by his father, John William Wallace and his mother Ouida Wallace resides in Tucson, Arizona.
It is my sad duty to report that former pilot John Kemp has passed on. John and I worked together at the PO these last 16 years. He was a true friend. I know that John was very happy to finally go to your last reunion in Colorado. He was planning to go this year to say goodbye. The Docs gave him 9 months, but he didn't even get 9 weeks from the time he learned he had cancer. That @#$%& Agent Orange finally took its toll. John died in Vietnam and didn't even know it. I know that he had a buddy that he was to meet or had met in Las Vegas last year (I'm not sure). From a former Marine
I served with John in 1970 with the 48th in Ninh Hoa. I worked with him when we had an IG inspection. In addition to being a pilot, he was the OIC for the units chemical/ gas masks. He and I cleaned and repaired all the masks for the inspection. He was an inspiration in my life. Wish I had kept in contact. My condolence to all of his family. ~Donnie Whitfield
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.Glenn Allen "Beau" Newton was in Flight Class 69-47 and was a Gunship Pilot in 48th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam in 1970. His call sign was Joker 101. Beau was born December 13, 1948 in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. He died September 3, 2004 in Franklin, Macon County, North Carolina.
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Randy Crews |
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Randy Crews died February 8, 2008 in Bradenton, Florida. He had been fighting prostate cancer for many years. Randy came to the Jokers from the 238th guns after we moved from Dong Ha in '71. Randy was Joker 133.
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Wayne McCreary |
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Terrell "Terry" Kenton Peterman |
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Terrell "Terry"
Kenton Peterman, 57, of Mountain Home, died Sunday,
March 23, 2008, while at home with family, after a
two-year battle with brain tumors.
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Paul John Brown |
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Paul John "Brownie" Brown was Blue Star Joker Gunship Pilot who died after his tour in Vietnam on Wednesday April 16, 2008 at 1520 EST at the age of 66. He trained in Flight Classes 67-5 and served as a pilot with three different companies in Vietnam. He served with the 134 Assault Helicopter Company in 1967-68, the 48 Assault Helicopter Company in 1968, the C/227 AHB 1 CAV in 1970, and the D/227 AHB 1 CAV in 1971. His call signs in Vietnam GRIM REAPER, JOKER, and LOBO 13.Paul John "PaPa" Brown flew his last mission and joined his many brothers that have died as a result of Agent Orange on Tuesday, April 16, 2008. Paul suffered for the last nineteen years of his life. The soldier in him wouldn't give in. Born September 11, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Ocala in the early 1950's and has always considered it to be his hometown. He attended Ocala High before joining the Florida Army National Guard in Ocala in 1956. Paul loved fast cars, especially his 68' Shelby 500, NASCAR racing flying helicopters, RC airplanes, even though he hadn't been able to get to the Ocala Model Flying Club field in years. Jack's Hobby in Ocala was his favorite shopping place. He was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Summerfield, Belleview American Legion, DAV, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Assoc. and the AMA. He flew two tours in Vietnam as a gunship pilot on missions into Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam. He continued his flying career after leaving the service flying off tuna boats, oil rigs and tourist around Branson, Missouri. He was a maintenance supervisor for Sikorsky Helicopter Co., Ken Air in Gainesville, Charter Air and Brownie Helicopter in San Diego, California. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Gwenevere K. Brown of Summerfield; his Aunt Paulette M. Tansey of San Diego, California; his Sister-in-law Dolores Y. Asp of Dixon Illinois; Brother-in-law Gweldon L. Johnson of Zephyrhills, Florida; Dolores A. Channell of Daytona Beach, Florida and Jason Owen of Ft. Stewart, Georgia. He is proceeded in death by his Father, Robert E. Brown of Ocala, Florida; his mother Helen; Maternal Grandmother Henrietta Tansey of San Diego, California; Paternal Grandparents Homer & Mary Brown of Chicago, Illinois. Special thanks to the Marion County Hospice staff, Dr. David Elliott, Robin, Beverly, Linda and all the unseen faces that make it work. His VA Doctors and Debby Harper, his VA Nurse for 10 years. There will be a memorial service the end of May, 2008. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Marion County Hospice in his name. Paul John is buried in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Sumter County, Florida, Sec 604, Site 788e. . . .Rodney
Gene "Spike" Hillard
Captain Rodney
Gene Hillard, 67, of Richmond, the husband of Marion
Yvonne Hillard, passed away after a battle with
cancer on Wednesday evening,
September 23, 2009, at the Compassionate
Care Center in Richmond, Kentucky. Rodney was retired from the University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, an Army Officer who served two tours in Vietnam as a Helicopter Pilot, and a member of White Oak Pond Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rodney is buried in the Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, Jessamine County, Kentucky. . . .
  ========================= Comments by Jess's daughter Erin Moore Barker Cheney ========================= After leaving the service he and my Mom moved to Hot Springs Arkansas where he began his life in the banking business. He eventually made it up to Vice President of Arkansas Bank & Trust (ABT for short). I was born in 1972 and in 1980 we moved to Bonham Texas where he began his career as Human Resource Manager for General Cable. We later moved back to his hometown and birthplace Telephone Texas out on family land. He retired from General Cable in the early 90s but didn't like retirement much so he then began work at Clayton Mobile homes and there he was the service manager and traveled all over Texas and Oklahoma. He worked there for 5 years and then decided it was time to retire for real. His eyesight had begun to fail him due to Macular Degeneration which was deemed to be from Agent Orange from what all I could read from the VA. He had other health issues as well and a year after his death I received a letter from the VA stating that due to contributing factors that had been studies, my Daddys death was due in part to Agent Orange and the lasting side effects it had. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing and going to the Choctaw Casino. He was very open about all his time in Vietnam and was very proud to be a part of the 48th AHC and especially to be Joker 10. He told me a lot of stories and I have quite a few pictures in storage as well as a lot of other memorabilia. My oldest son wears a cap my Dad had worn for years , it has the Joker insignia on the front with 48th AHC written above it and Joker 10 on the back. I miss my Daddy something terrible. He was my very best friend in the world. =============== Obituary =============== Funeral services for Jesse Lynn Moore, 70, of Telephone were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 in Wise Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors followed in Forest Grove Cemetery in Telephone. Rev. Gene Owen officiated. Jesse passed away Monday, March 22, 2010 at his residence. Jesse was born Nov. 13, 1939 in Paris, the son of Jesse Pearl Moore and Vera Lavonia Denton Moore. He was a graduate of Telephone High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. Jesse was a highly decorated U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. In his younger years, he worked for his "Uncle Joe" Denton at Wise Funeral Home. Jesse worked for Arkansas Bank and Trust in the 1970s, and later for General Cable and Clayton Homes in Bonham. Jesse loved going to Choctaw, riding motorcycles, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jesse is survived by a daughter, Erin Moore Barker Cheney and grandsons, Jessie Kirk Barker and Daltry Wyatt Barker, all of Paris; numerous cousins, including Sarah Nowlin of Bonham, and extended family and a host of friends, including David, Todd, Hunter, and Lindsay Maxey, Michelle Reed and Jim Shaw. Pallbearers were James Skidmore, Larry Felts, David Maxey, T. Moore, Pat Porter and Bobby McCraw. Honorary pallbearers will be David Little, J. D. Atchley, Todd Maxey and Jim Frehner. The family received friends at Wise Funeral Home from 7 -9 p.m. Tuesday. Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com. Published in The Herald Democrat on Mar. 23, 2010 - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/heralddemocrat/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=141036010#sthash.e4ZFfwCe.dpuf0 . . . . .
Bill Brophy passed away April 5, 2010 Below is Bill's Eulogy as delivered by his son
Kevin: Thank you all for coming. This has
been a very sad week, and it is honestly beyond
words for me to explain the love and support we have
received from all of our family and friends. My dad, William M. Brophy, was born
on October 5, 1949. He sadly passed away on April 5,
2010, exactly 6 months after his 60th
birthday. He was a caring father, husband, son,
brother, grandfather and close friend to many.
Everybody loved my dad, mainly because of his
strength, persistence and will power with whatever
he put his mind to, and also because of his easy
going nature and great sense of humor. Laughter was
a given when spending time with my dad. He feared
nothing, literally, and was the same genuine person
to everyone. The Vietnam War was going on, where
my dad flew Huey helicopters, which were basically
bad-ass large metal boxes with a propeller on top
and guns and rockets mounted on the sides. These
were not the high tech Blackhawks you see today;
navigating Huey’s required extreme precision, the
coordination of all senses, and sheer guts. He
was part of the 48th Assault Helicopter Company
nicknamed the Blue Stars and their motto was "SKILL
NOT LUCK.” He served in the gunship
platoon which was named the Jokers. One needs to
know that you just didn’t decide one day in Vietnam
that you would fly a gunship. You had to be
selected to fly a gunship and join the Jokers.
You were selected based on your flying skills and
courage demonstrated under fire. Only a select
few became Jokers and were, so to speak, the cream
of the crop. My dad advanced from a pilot to
Aircraft Commander and a Fire team Leader with the
Joker gunships and earned the rank of Chief Warrant
Officer in the Army. He was extremely well respected
by his fellow soldiers. My dad was known equally as
much for his unwillingness to leave anyone behind
even when against orders and greatly outnumbered,
but also for his excellent skills as a pilot and for
being the life of the party when not in active duty.
It is astonishing to note that my dad’s helicopter
was shot down 6 times. He received nearly 30 awards
of the Air Medal, plus the Distinguished Flying
Cross and the Bronze Star with a V Device for Valor
under fire. This experience without question
had a life altering effect on my dad, and
understandably so. These were young men, kids in
many respects, risking their lives to protect our
country and along the way forming bonds that still
to this day cannot be broken. Many of his helicopter
and military friends have been in touch and some are
here today; we are grateful for their support and
presence. The trauma that they all experienced
during the war, including the loss of so many close
friends, is something most of us will never
understand, and I know my dad was very glad that
Billy and I didn’t go through what he did. One of the great memories my mom,
brother and I had in recent history was attending
the Annual Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
event in downtown Philadelphia last year. Each year
the event honors a specific Company and this event
happened to honor my dad’s Company, the 48th.
He was going to make it to this event under any
circumstances, and he did. I am so glad I was able
to participate in this event and meet many of my
dad’s fellow pilots. The respect these guys had for
my dad’s bravery, commitment to his friends and
fellow soldiers and his excellence as a pilot, was
truly an honor. There is a painting of my dad’s
helicopter that was given to him by all of the Blue
Stars and Joker gunship pilots who served with him
in the back of the church; I hope you all have a
chance to look at it. As you may note, the art
on the helicopter is the Joker face and the name
“Easy Rider” was the actual name of my dad’s gunship
that he named. My brother Bill was born on July
28, 1974 and I came not long after on July 23, 1975,
just 360 days apart – the proverbial “Irish twins.” On a search for fun, a new life and
exciting experiences, my parents moved us to Somers
Point, New Jersey just outside of Atlantic City
where we lived for a short time before it was off to
Ventura, California where my dad could pursue a
career in real estate and the family could live the
good life in sunny Southern California. Our years in California were great,
including lots of time with my dad’s best friend
Mike Beebe, who had moved out around the same time,
and his family, and other friends. We spent lots of
time outside and had great summer trips to Philly to
spend time with my parent’s families. My dad was
working in real estate at the time and my mom was
always right there raising us with lots of love and
fun. Unfortunately, as time progressed
in California my dad began to develop a recurring
sickness related to his time in Vietnam, prompting
us to move back to Philadelphia to be closer to
family and friends. When back in Philadelphia, my dad
worked hard and long hours in a new career with my
grandfather, his father, for many years in Trenton,
New Jersey. His bouts of sickness became more
frequent and extreme. There were years in my early
twenties when my mom keep track of the number of
annual hospital visits, and sometimes the number was
in the 20’s and 30’s, with visits often extending
for weeks at a time. My mom was always right there
for him, no matter what. Everybody always asked, “how’s your
dad doing?” Then they’d say, “he such a great guy.
He’s been through so much and is so strong.” After
the exchange of “he’s doing ok, some hospital visits
but he’s getting better.” The conversation would
turn to, “your dad is such a great guy. He’s
hilarious, sweet and everyone loves spending time
with him.” I believe that my dad had a
difficult time reconciling life, given how trivial
day to day matters must have seemed after having
experienced the extreme trauma of being involved in
the Vietnam war and after having lost his one and
only brother Tommy. My dad was always ready to laugh,
in spite of his illness. He suffered a lot,
too much, for a long time in his later years.
But, protecting and making sure his family was ok
were top priorities. The rest of my mom’s family,
including her brother David and her sisters Eileen,
Lisa, Mary and Jan and their families have also been
a huge help and loving and caring family members
beyond belief. The hardest thing for me to talk
about is my mom, as I know that even though life has
not always been easy during the many years my dad
was sick, she loved and cared for him like I have
never seen anything before. Mom, thank you so much for all of
your hard work and dedication to dad. I know you had
many wonderful years together and always remember
that we are all always here for you. Without question the most valuable
thing I have learning from my dad is that in the
face of any anxiety or fear, all I have to do is
think of his life experiences and quickly come to
the realization that all matters, whether they be
personal, business, family or social, are trivial in
the light of what he and all of the other people
that stand up with courage to serve and protect our
country have gone through. In the face of death, all
fear is meaningless, and I am forever grateful for
my dad and I know that I will always have the
strength to face any challenge that arises because
of how he raised us and what he has been through. I can say with certainty that my
dad would want us all to enjoy our lives, live it to
the fullest with no fear and no regrets, spend
plenty of quality time with friends and family, and
above all, be happy. Thank you.
 BlueStar 51 Captain Joe Langenfeld (call sign: BlueStar 51) was 1st Platoon Commander of our 48th Assault Helicopter Company in Ninh Hoa, Republic of Vietnam in 1969. It is fitting that he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
Joseph John Langenfeld II (Joe), the oldest of fourteen children, was born in Denver, Colorado on August 21, 1943 and passed away at home from cancer on April 18, 2011. He grew up in Mitchell, South Dakota, graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1961. Joe received a degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1966.
Serving in the US Army from May of
1967 to May of 1970, he was a captain and platoon
leader/pilot for helicopter missions in Viet Nam and
served three years as a pilot for the South Dakota
National Guard. He also worked as a deck hand on a
cargo ship, 5th grade teacher, boat builder, owner
and operator of a fiberglass repair business, pilot
for off shore drilling in Louisiana, mechanical
engineer, and audio book producer and publisher.
Other pursuits included writing, sailing,
photography, architectural design, and science. He
married Holly Maxon from Lemmon, South Dakota in
1979. They have three sons, Jeremy of Alexandria,
Virginia, Samuel and Benjamin of Falls Church,
Virginia.
Michael E. Swink passed December 5, 2011. Visitation
was
from 1 to 5pm
 MAJ James E. "Camel" Burke was Joker 120, a Blue Star Gunship Pilot who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/17/2012 at the age of 66. He trained in Flight Classes 67-3 and 67-1 and served as a pilot with three different companies in Vietnam. He was Cowboy 623 with 335th Assault Helicopter Company in 1967-68, and served with the 114th Assault Helicopter Company in 1971, and was Joker 120 with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in 1971-72. James
Edward Burke was born on September 29, 1945, in Uniontown, Fayette
County, Pennsylvania, to Charles Edward Burke Jr and Phyllis Workman
Burke. He married in Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio and had one son. He died on February 17, 2012, in DeFuniak
Springs, Walton County, Florida 32433, at the age of 66.  by Mark Nurczyk: I was sitting in one of the avionics shelters watching Roy Klocko fix an FM transceiver when the door opened and Captain Jim Burke, call sign Joker 20, stuck his head in. “Nurczyk, there’s something wrong with my Cobra, I need you to fix it.” “Sure thing Sir, what’s wrong?” I say as I walked out of the shelter leaving Roy mumbling at the radio. Cap'n Jim, as the enlisted called him, but never in his presence, was probably the best liked officer in the 48th Assault Helicopter Company. The enlisted would race out to his helicopter whenever he returned from a mission just for the privilege of greeting him first. Cap'n Jim never let military discipline slip, but he became a personal friend to all the enlisted. All the enlisted idolized Cap'n Jim, it shows the character of the man that I'm sure he never noticed, or if he did he never took advantage of it. He was the older brother we all wish we'd had. "It feels like the pylon shuffle," Captain Burke said. I'm very confused and I said, "Pylon shuffle sir? I'm not sure what you mean." "Yep," he continued, "In the B-model gun ship the rotor mast moves in little circles when you're at a high bank angle, you can feel the whole ship revolving around you. When I'm in a 90 degree or greater left bank the whole back end of my Cobra shakes back and forth, just like the old B-model!" "What happens in a right bank Sir?" "Nothing" Capt Burke replied, "no shaking at all." "Well Sir, it's a simple fix, don't do any left banks." "Oh, you're amazing Nurczyk, why didn't I think that?" "I don't know Sir, give me a minute, I'll think of something." Actually, I was thinking of what could be wrong with the helicopter. The AH-1G Cobra helicopter was the most technologically advanced helicopter in the Army in 1971. The Cobra is a weapons platform, it fires air to ground missiles, machine guns, grenades and for another of our Cobras, a 40mm Vulcan cannon. To fire the missiles or the Vulcan, the pilot aims the entire helicopter at the target on the ground. Since the weapons are attached to the helicopter they fire wherever the helicopter is pointed. One of my instructors at signal school said that a helicopter is 250,000 moving parts all trying to fly off in separate directions covered by a thin skin. Nothing on a helicopter is in equilibrium, it is not like a fixed wing aircraft. If you let go of the controls in a fixed wing, it pretty much stays flying in the same direction and at the same altitude that it was in when you let go. If you let go of the controls in a helicopter, you're never quite sure where it will end up. Since the accuracy of the missiles depends on the attitude of the helicopter, the Cobra is fitted with a Stability and Control Augmentation System, or SCAS for short. The SCAS senses how the helicopter moved, what the pilot wants the helicopter to do and moves the flight control surfaces to keep the helicopter steady and where the pilot wants it to go. The SCAS box is about 9 inches square and 4 tall. It sits on a shelf just behind the pilot’s head - the idea is to get it as close as possible to the pilots ears. We all use our inner ears to keep our balance, putting the SCAS box there stabilizes the aircraft to the attitude system of the pilot. Inside the box are three small rate gyroscopes and four circuit cards. A rate gyro only puts out an error signal when the gyro moves, it does not provide a reference horizon like the gyro in the attitude indicator does. Since the rate gyro is rigidly attached to the airframe through the SCAS box, the rate gyro sends out a signal whenever the aircraft moves. There are sensors attached to the flight controls so the SCAS box knows what the pilot wants the ship to do. The SCAS measures any airframe movement, compares the movement to the pilot’s commands and moves the flight control surfaces of the helicopter if they do not match. The whole idea of the SCAS box was to damp out any movement of the aircraft that the pilot did not intend. Rate gyros are small devices about 3/4 of an inch square and 1 1/2 inches long. There are three; roll, pitch and yaw. They have to spin at ungodly speed to perform their work, somewhere around 15,000 to 20,000 RPM if memory serves. Because they are so small they have small shafts and bearings, they wore out quickly. We had quite a few SCAS boxes that had bad gyros. The operative word is had, I made sure that we always had good ones. SCAS boxes were in shorter supply than a whore’s virtue. Our TOE required us to have one spare at all times. For the 9 months that I was in the 48th we always had one on order through supply but it never got to us. We were always short a SCAS box. Red Beach, just northwest of Da Nang, was our depot maintenance facility for avionics. The first time I took a bad SCAS box there for replacement they wanted to give me a tag saying I gave them one and that they owed us one. I'm no fool, I knew that we'd never get the damn thing back in time to keep all the Jokers flying (luckily at least one Cobra was almost always in the hanger for 100-hour maintenance). I knew the rate gyro was bad so I brought it back hoping to find a replacement part. The unit in the hanger just south of our supply building was an Air Cavalry outfit. They had about 6-slicks (standard transport Hueys without rocket pods), 8 or 10-Cobras and six OH-58 Kiowa scout helicopters. Their maintenance was dismal and their pilots over aggressiveness in battle continuously got their Cobras shot up so bad that they were sending one stateside for repairs about once a month. Whenever they had to send a Cobra back to the states it always went with bad 48th AHC gyros in the SCAS box. When I went to signal school at Ft Gordon, I received depot level training on the SCAS box. They didn't inform us of the different levels of Army maintenance at signal school, they just said this is what you do to fix the box. I didn't think that I had to ask permission to keep the Jokers flying, I just got the needed parts replaced. I always made sure that I swapped parts in a non-flyable aircraft just before it left for the United States for rebuild. The shot-up helicopters were set on a side road over by the Sky Crane company. Since they were shot up and going stateside there never was a night guard set on them. I'd pull the SCAS box, run back to the avionics shop, swap the gyros and replace the box in the shot-up bird. Within a day or two a lowboy tractor trailer would come in, load up the helicopters and take them to the port of Da Nang; they got shipped out as deck cargo to the States. In August 2003 I found out that Captain Larry Wilson, the last 48th AHC combat commander, got in trouble for my antics, the Jokers were too reliable. Shortly after my DEROS, the Army sent a Cornell to find out why. Larry said the Cornell was very threatening, the Cornell "knew" that Larry was up to something and was going to find out what it was. Poor Larry, until I wrote this I never confided in anyone, no one in the 48th knew what I was doing to keep the Jokers in the air. Sometimes its best that officers don't know what the enlisted men are doing. If I were in Iraq right now I'd do it again and screw the "rules." Keeping the Jokers flying was worth more to the war effort than some stinking rules. Cap'n Jim and I walked out to his Cobra, Jim placed his hand on the side of the helicopter and said, "I can't fly this bird the way it is. It must be fixed and you are the only one that knows how to do it. Just keep at it until it's fixed." "Yes Sir." Cap'n Jim's Cobra obviously had a yaw circuit SCAS problem, but what could it be? It didn't sound like a gyro problem, a gyro problem shows up in all modes of flight, not just a left bank. I removed the SCAS box anyway to test it, but didn't find anything wrong One thing I did know is that when any input is removed from the SCAS box the output starts hunting back and forth trying to reacquire the signal. Jim's Cobra was obviously doing this, but since the gyro tested correctly some other component had to be in error. It had to be either the position feedback potentiometer or the hydraulic actuator that moved the flight surfaces. The position feedback potentiometer tells the SCAS box what the pilot wants the helicopter to do. I removed it from the helicopter to test it, I was looking for a dead spot somewhere along its travel. It tested fine. I took it apart anyway to see if there was any kind of a foreign object in it. Everything was fine and I put it back together. Next was the hydraulic actuator. I don't remember who removed it and tested it, it's been 45 years after all, but it checked fine too. Back into the helicopter it went. The last two paragraphs represented one and one-half days of work. These weren’t your ordinary 8-hour days, there was a war on, these were 20 plus hour days, the only breaks I remember were for meals. Mostly I worked through two access hatches in the side of the tail boom; one barely big enough for me to squeeze my chest into and the other just big enough to get one arm into. Most of the time I was working blind at the end of my reach inside the Cobra's tail boom. Since I was working on the flight line and not in the hangar the sun was heating the inside of the tail boom to over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Join the Army, see the world, and get a free sauna! This kind of maintenance was not unusual in the 48 AHC. Everyone in the maintenance platoon has many similar stories to tell. Maintaining complicated, very sophisticated machinery in a war zone is difficult, back breaking and mind numbing work. Truth to tell, it was some of the happiest, most fulfilling days of my life. Not the killing, not the destruction, but being part of a greater whole. Having important work to do, the freedom to do it, and others, whose life depended on your work, believing that you'd do the job correctly, the first time, all the time. There I was, standing on the flight line next to a broken helicopter, with over 30-hours of work down the drain and no clue to what's wrong. I checked the three obvious culprits; the SCAS box, the feedback potentiometer and the actuator. Now it was get back to basics, check signal integrity from end to end. The SCAS box has a couple of circular connectors that allow several dozen wires to enter and leave the box. The connectors allow the wiring harness to be removed from the box so that the box can be easily replaced. I started my electrical check at the SCAS box and worked my way back to the feedback potentiometer. Helicopters are meant to be taken apart at the tail boom to body junction. At this point is another set of circular connectors to allow removal of the tail boom without having to cut wires. The first section of wires to check extended from the SCAS box to the tail boom-body junction. As I disconnected the circular connectors at the body-tail boom junction I noticed that one of the wires was about half cut through just as it entered the connector. Closer examination showed that it was not cut, it was manufactured improperly at the Bell Aircraft factory. The wire was about 3/16 of an inch too short for its intended application. Aircraft bend and twist during flight. If they were rigid they would break in response to the stresses of flight. Acrobatic aircraft like the Cobra are under greater stress and tend to bend a lot. When Cap’n Jim was in level flight or in a right bank, the end of the wire touched the connector pin. In a left bank, the tail boom flexed enough that the wire pulled loose from the connector pin. If the wire had been the proper length it would have had a little slack in it so no strain would be placed on the connector pin. As it was the SCAS lost control in a left bank and shook the helicopter left and right. The fix was quick and simple, splice in a short piece of wire. It was fixed in 10 minutes. It took another hour to button up the access ports, collect and put away my tools, then I went looking for Cap’n Jim. I found Captain Burke in the operations room. “Sir, your ship is ready to go.” “Are you sure of it?” “Yes Sir!” “Would you stake your life on it?” “Yes Sir!” “OK, put on your Nomex and meet me on the flight line in 10 minutes.” “Yes Sir!” Hot damn, my first ride in a Cobra! I ran to my hooch, threw off my fatigues, threw on my Nomex flight suit (a fire resistant coverall), grabbed my flight helmet and ran to the flight line. Cap’n Jim had me get into the front seat, gave me a quick orientation and climbed in the back. I buckled up the harness, plugged my helmet into the aircraft’s intercom system and closed and locked the canopy. Starting a helicopter is not like starting a car. A car is ready to go in 15 seconds. A helicopter doesn’t start as much as comes alive, and it comes alive slowly. First the master electrical switch is turned on. Immediately with the power coming on is the shrieking of the main rotor low RPM warning over the intercom system. The first time you hear it scares the crap out of you, it is very loud, grating and annoying. It was on because the blades were not turning yet. Jim canceled the warning with a button push, studied the panel a moment to see if a couple of gauges started to quiver properly and shouted “CLEAR!” Shouting clear lets everyone know that the helicopter is about to start and to get away from the soon to be whirling blades. I’ve never witnessed a blade strike on a human being but it’s got to be ugly, a blade can cut through small trees without damage. The starter motor begins with a low howl that builds up to a banshee shriek in about 10 seconds. Next is the click, click, click of the igniters. A large whoosh explodes out the exhaust as the fuel catches fire. The starter motor turns into a generator and its shriek dies as the main engine starts and the blades finally start moving. Slowly at first, like a steam locomotive pulling a big train, the main rotor moved, whop,….., whop,…., whop,..., whop,.., whop,., whop, whop, whop, until it’s a blur that you can see through but seems to be everywhere at once. A persistent background hum from the gears in the transmission fills the helicopter. The Cobra is alive! It breathes, it exhales fire, hydraulic fluid coerces through its veins and primitive thoughts run through its electrical wiring. Jim shattered the illusion by saying over the intercom “Nurczyk, you still with me?” I grabbed the gunners stick, squeezed the intercom button and said “Yes Sir!” “OK” said Jim, “Let’s go flying.” Gracefully, as if the helicopter were a magic feather, we rose about two feet off the ground. The SCAS was obviously working, the helicopter just hung there, not moving. Even with an experienced pilot, a Huey bounces around at such a low hover. I heard Jim over the intercom say “Joker 20 backing out.” This was a broadcast over the companies FM radio frequency to let any other helicopter that may be maneuvering in the revetments know that our helicopter will be backing out into the taxi way, so be on the lookout. We taxied to the edge of the company area and Jim asked for clearance from the tower to get to the runway and takeoff. After receiving clearance Jim moved onto the runway, started moving down the center, climbed out and started flying level at about 2000 feet. The view from the front seat of a Cobra is breathtaking! The canopy comes down almost to your waist and the aircraft flies with a slight nose down attitude, you have an unobstructed left to right of over 180 degrees and from about 60 degrees down to overhead. In seconds your mind forgets about the airplane and you feel as if you are tied to the front a spear thrust through the sky. About ten minutes into the flight Jim said over the intercom, “Nurczyk you fixed it!” Jim had been doing a series of left and right banks increasing the angle of each one to see how the helicopter behaved. I was so mesmerized with the view that I hadn’t noticed. Then he asked, “Have you ever flown in a Cobra before?” “No Sir this is the first time.” “Have you ever been air sick?” “Not yet sir.” “Good. Do you see that firebase at four o’clock?” I turned to the right and looked over my right shoulder to see a circle on the ground with four cannons in it. “Yes Sir.” “OK, turn straight ahead and look at the horizon.” As I looked forward the world suddenly turned upside down. Well not quite upside down, we were only doing a 140-degree bank. Then the nose dropped and I see the ground flash by. I got very heavy, we pulled three times the force of gravity. Somewhere along the way we rolled back upright but my senses were so overloaded that I can’t tell you when it happened. Suddenly I was looking at the firebase growing. There is no sensation that Jim, the aircraft and I were moving forward, the point on the ground that is directly in front of us was growing bigger and bigger at a rapid rate! I heard Jim in the intercom making noises, “ Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.” I asked “What are you doing Sir?” “I’m shooting rockets into the firebase.” The whole time that I’m staring at the firebase we were in a shallow dive. When we got to about 100 feet we over fly the firebase. I saw about 50 guys giving us the one finger salute, something about a Cobra doing a make-believe gun run on your position brings out the worst in some folks. Jim laughed at the guys on the ground, flipped the Cobra into a 90 degree left bank and spiraled up to about 2000 feet over the firebase. “Guess that got their adrenalin pumping!” he said. Then Jim asked “How was that?” “It was great Sir!” “Want to try some more?” “You bet!” For the next half hour Jim demonstrated the entire flight envelope of the Cobra. Sometimes we were upright, sometimes we were upside-down, sometimes we pulled up to three gees, but the whole while the both of us were having the time of our lives! We were playing with the world’s greatest amusement park ride that was camouflaged as an instrument of death. Every time I think of that flight I can feel the gees on my body, taste the kerosene of the exhaust and hear the whop, whop, whop of the rotor blades, in cadence with the beating of a human heart.
Bob McKelvey passed away December 25, 2011
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Robert D. Regester |
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Robert Regester was Blue Star 194, an Aircraft Commander with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in Ninh Hoa, Republic of Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. Robert D. Regester, CW4 U.S. Army, Retired died on February 23, 2012 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He is pre-deceased by his parents Richard and Donna Regester. Mr. Regester is survived by Ryan Regester, son and his wife Amy and by grandchildren Jackson and Eleanor; and by Michael, his brother, his wife Kay and nephew Benjamin. Mr. Regester retired in 1993 after serving 26 years of service. Mr. Regester was stationed at Redstone Arsenal Airfield from 1980 through 1985.
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Ed Monhollen |
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Edward (Edman) Monhollen,
65, died peacefully at his home in San Antonio, TX
with his family by his side. Ed was born Sept 19,
1946 in Keith, WV and graduated from Woodward High
School Toledo, Ohio with the Class of 1964. He
received his bachelor's degree from USC and Masters
from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Ed
enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served his
country proudly as a gunship pilot in the Republic
of Vietnam where he survived a helicopter crash and
went on to accept his appointment as a commissioned
officer in 1970. He retired as a Major in 1987 and
went on to continue his aviation mishap
investigation career with Sikorsky Aircraft and then
hung his own shingle as a consultant until
2005. =================================================== I remember the day Ed crashed off the end of the Ban Me Thuot runway. I remember Ed in the club and on the volleyball court … but best of all, I remember Ed having an uncanny knack for reading and acurately interpreting a topo map while flying quicker than anyone I know. I also knew Ed after the war as an amazingly skilled and talented Accident Investigator. It was as if Ed included thinking out of the box as a normal part of his thought process. He could reconstruct accident scenarios and come up with causes when the rest of the best were stumped. "Hawg"
  Glenn Michael Daniel August 15, 1942 to September 17, 2012 Glenn Michael Daniel was in the U.S. Army Rotary Wing Flight Classes 66-15 and 66-13. He was a 48th AHC “Blue Star” in 1966 and 1967. In 1969, he again served in Vietnam ... this time with the 92nd Assault Helicopter Company. Glenn lived in Muscle
Shoals , Alabama. The apple doesn't far
from the tree, as his elder son became
a helicopter pilot and both of his two sons
served as U.S. Marines.
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Marvin Don Doss |
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Marvin
Don Doss died Sunday October 21, 2012 at his home in Killeen. He was
born in Lampasas, Texas on May 1, 1943 to Worth and Annabelle
(Cantwell) Doss. He graduated from Lampasas High School before entering
the U.S. Army from which he retired in 1986. He was a member and very
active volunteer at Belton Church of Christ. He was a devoted Christian
and his hobbies included auto racing and mechanics. He is survived by a
brother, Worth Lee Doss of Bastrop. Services for Marvin Don Doss, age
69, of Killeen, Texas were held Friday, October 26, 2012 at 10:00 AM at
Belton Church of Christ, 3003 North Main, Belton, Texas 76513 with
Minister Jordan Hubbard officiating. Burial with military honors was
performed immediately following the funeral service at Central Texas
State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 State Highway 195, Killeen, TX 76542. In
lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Eastern European Missions P.O.
Box 670928, Dallas, Texas 76367-0928 or Cherokee Home for Children P.
O. Box 295 Cherokee, Texas 76832. Dossman Funeral Home of Belton is in
charge of arrangements. Marvin loved coming to the mini reunions, but his wife called Ben and Janet Gay saying that he would not be able to attend the November 2012 Reunion in Savannah, Georgia due to illness. She informed them after the Reunion that Marvin had passed. We will always remember you, Marvin. The picture (above on right) was taken at the 2010 Reunion in Savannah, Georgia. "Hawg" There's a new star in the heavens. If you look closely it twinkles blue.
     Roger
Dale Franklin Roger Franklin, son
of Charley Mortel Franklin and Fredrick Arlene
Francis, was born August 31, 1943 in
Arvin, California. He lived in Mount
Pleasant, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania and
passed away unexpectedly
on
January 12, 2015 at the VA Hospital in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Richard F. Dodson
Funeral Home, 213 East Main St in West Newton,
Pennsylvania handled his final arrangements. He was laid to
rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in
Cecil, Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Roger served with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in 1971 based out of Dong Ha, I Corps, Republic of Vietnam and in 1972 based out of Marble Mountain, I Corps, Republic of Vietnam. He will be missed by all who knew him and served with him. . Ronald Keith Damron
Ron
was in the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in 1966 and 1967. He
served 3 tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot and other training
roles. He was a Texas Tech athlete, coached at Texas Tech and
retired as an associate athletic director. Ron was born on April 24, 1941 in Muleshoe, TX to the late Mr. J.L. and Wanda (Williams) Damron. On July 24, 1965 he married Betty Sue McCreary. He graduated from Lubbock High School in 1959 and Texas Tech in 1964 where he was in Army ROTC. He served honorably in the US Army for 10 years and retired as a Colonel from the Army Reserves. Ron was an Associate Athletic Director at Texas Tech. Survivors are his wife of 47
years Sue Damron; daughter Kelly and her husband Steve Beasley, and
their children Erin, Cole and Kevin; son Mark and his wife Pilar and
their children Olivia and Angela; sister Sandra Damron Farris; and
numerous other family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family
suggested donations to Wounded Warrior Project.
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Clarence William “Clancy” Smith II |
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Mr. Clarence William “Clancy”
Smith, II, age 65, of Covington, Virginia died
Friday, January 18, 2013, at his residence. He is
survived by his wife and the love of his life,
Patricia Bradley.
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Gary E. "Spiderman" Davis |
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Gary E. "Spiderman" Davis In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. Condolences may be left on YourTribute.com online guest book at http://www.yourtribute.com/Gary-E-Davis/guestbook.aspx
 Tony Martinez 48th Crewmember April 1970 to February 1972 2nd Platoon Slicks & Joker Gunships Antonio (Tony)
Martinez, 62 of Salida died Thursday after a long
illness. Mr. Martinez grew up in Delhi, attended
Delhi elementary Schools, and Livingston
High.
Tony joined the
Army in February of 1969 and after basic and AIT
was sent to Germany for 6 months. EULOGY by Curtis Haws For those of you
who don’t me my name is Curtis Haws, I have known
Tony most of my life. We were friends thru school
and in 1969 we joined the Army together, all thru
basic we were constantly being told that if the
Army doesn’t know you then you must be doing a
good job.
We looked at each other and said that’s not how it worked in high school because the principal knew us very well. In fact we heard that after we left, Livingston High had a celebration in Honor of us leaving. After basic we went our separate ways, me to Alabama & Texas, Tony to Virginia & Germany. Then I received orders For Viet Nam. When I got to Viet Nam I didn’t know anybody, I felt so alone in a company of men I never knew. A month later I was writing a letter home and the door on my hooch opened and there stood Tony. We both had been assigned to the 48th Assault Helicopter Company. As time went by I joined the 1st flight platoon, Tony the 2nd flight. Eventually we were assigned to the Joker gun platoon and at one time even flew on the same helicopter together. As we got more involved with guys of the 48th and fighting the war in Viet Nam. It was then we knew what it meant to be a Band of Brothers. I do not stand here alone to honor Tony, The men of the 48th stand with me. We worked as a team, we fought as a team and we die as a team. Today I must say good bye to my brother! But as I walk this path called life, I will never be alone because I know Tony will always be at my side. See you later Brother, ~Curt Haws
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Steven R. Hurst |
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Steve Hurst was a BlueStar from July 1970 thru February 1971, serving in the Joker Gun Platoon as a crewmember on a UH-1B Huey Gunship named "Brother Love's Travelin' Salvation Show" Above is a picture of the Nose of the Gunship, along with patches for the Joker Gun Platoon on either side Below is his obituary .....
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James "Jim" Condo |
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We just received an email from James (Jim) Condo's wife Debra that Jim passed away April 18, 2014. Along with several others, Jim and I were transferred to the 48th when the 155th stood down. Jim Condo was a 2nd Flight Platoon crewchief at Dong Ha and then at DaNang. Larry "Matt"
Matthews
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Harold "Itty" Smith |
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Harold "Itty" Smith - Ghost Rider 19 died from a ruptured aorta in Zepherhills, Florida on June 30, 2014. Itty was VERY special to us because although he was not in our unit, he risked his life by flying his helicopter into a hot LZ under heavy fire to rescue Crewmembers of a downed Joker Gunship from our 48th Assault Helicopter Company. Itty was badly injured and has been bound to a wheelchair for the rest of his life because of injuries he sustained that day. That is why Itty holds the distinction of being the only person on our list of "Brothers Who Have Departed" without being a member of our unit. Itty will be honored with a burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery on November 28, 2014. Many BlueStars and Jokers will be in attendance. We will never forget Harold "Itty" Smith - Ghost Rider 19. ========================== (1) I knew Itty
well enough to know what kind of man he was. I was
proud to be his friend. (2) Itty was a
brother from another mother (Company) that
frequented our celebrations. His wounds, recorded
live on one of the Lam Son tapes, were received
trying to get some of our Jokers out. I'm proud to
have met him and know what he tried to do. Slow Hand
salute Itty.
(4) There is
nothing in my life that I am more proud of than
being a Bluestar.
Though he may be our adopted brother, there is no
one more deserving of our respect and gratitude than
Itty. His bravery, and resulting sacrifice, entitlted him to be a "Bluestar", and we all
grieve. God bless you my friend, your wonderful wife
and family.
================================= Ghost Rider Family, ============================= Published in: Waynesboro Record Herald Sept. 4, 2014 ============================= Harold E. "Itty-Bitty" Smith, 66, went home to be with the Lord, June 30, 2014, with his loving wife by his side. Born May 22, 1948, to Max and Virginia (Rupp) Smith, he lived his early life at South Mountain, Pennsylvania, and moved to Florida in 1992. Married in 1976 to Adonica J. (Daywalt) Smith, he is survived by one brother, Jeffrey P. Smith and his wife, Angie; one sister, Evelyn Smith, and his namesake, Jeffrey Harold Smith and his wife, Kathy. He was proceeded in death by four brothers: Max Smith Jr., David Smith, Kenny Smith, and Brian Smith, and one sister, Dawn Rosenberry and is survived by their spouses and children. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery. Harold served three years in the US Marine Corps, joining in 1965. He served in Vietnam (MASS-3, MACG-18, IstMAW). His orders took him to many areas of operation in the I Corps area, including Khe Sanh. He completed his tour of duty in December 1968. Joining the Army in June 1969, Harold graduated Army Rotary Wing Flight School (Class 70-11/70-7). Serving again in Vietnam, as a pilot, with the 101st Abn Div CoA (Ghost Riders), 158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, in 1970-71. He earned numerous decorations, medals, and citations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross w/OLC. He was severely wounded in Laos on March 19, 1971, participating in Operation Lam Son 719. Harold earned a private pilot's license in 1984, flying from the Washington County Maryland Regional Airport. In 2005, at the request of Rick Lester, Harold was awarded "Honorary Membership" by the 48th AHC (Blue Stars) for his effort to rescue the pilots and crew of 48th Guns ("Joker 99") on March 19, 1971. Harold acquired many lasting friendships during his lifetime and military service. Two of those, loyal and committed friends and fellow pilots/Gerald Rockwell and Burt Amos, were with him during his final days.
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Nestor "Neo" Popa |
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On august 3, 2014 at 11:15 a.m., another American Hero, our friend and comrade, CW3 Nestor Popa, passed away. As a part of the 48th AHC “Band of Brothers,” Nestor served as a pilot in the gun platoon from 1969-1970. He and his wife, Sonda, had been regulars at the 48th reunions the last 6 years and most recently had attended the VHPA reunion in Louisville. He was a great friend and skillful pilot who loved his brothers in the 48th very much. He will be remembered for his humor, wit, calmness under fire and loyalty to his unit and his service to his country. We will miss you friend. ~BEN
GAY,
JOKER 73
Mr. Delma G. Smith, Jr., 73,
formerly of Huntsville, AL entered into rest March
12, 2015. Survivors include his beloved wife, Peggy
Jackson Smith; and beloved daughter, Lisa Smith.
Funeral services were held at 3 o'clock p.m.,
Sunday, March 15, 2015 at New Hope Baptist Church,
Thomson. Interment followed with Full Military
Honors in Westview Cemetery. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Please sign the
guestbook www.beggsfuneralhome.net Beggs Funeral Home 799 Cobbham Road NE Thomson, GA
30824 (706)
595-4100
SFC Alvin C. Fletcher passed away on January 12, 2015. He with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in 1965 and 1966. He will be missed by all who knew him and served with him. . .. . David Dean Fry
1948 - 2015
David's sister, Susan Renee Fry, said David would be buried with military honors and laid to rest beside his mom and dad in Kansas. Memorial graveside
services for Mr. David Fry, 66 of DeBerry, Texas
were at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2015 at the
Marquette Cemetery in McPherson County, Kansas with
Rev. Tim Bever officiating. Mr. David Dean Fry was born November 19, 1948 in McPherson, Kansas to Wilbur Dean and Norma Ione Myers Fry. David was raised and schooled in Marquette, graduated from Marquette High School in 1966, and later attended Kansas State University. After attending Kansas State University, Mr. Fry enlisted in the United States Army and flew helicopters with the 48th Air Assault Company in Vietnam. He was a life member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. David continued his career in aviation by teaching helicopter training in the military and in civilian life. He became the Director of Aviation for Hanger One in Atlanta, GA and later the Director of Aviation for Metro Aviation in Shreveport, LA where he provided EMS helicopters and pilots for hospitals nationwide. After retirement, David became a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders. David Dean Fry is
preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Robyn
Jacobs. David is survived by his daughter, Teri Minnis (Mike) of Plano, Texas; a son, Jim Fry of Mt. Vernon, Texas; grandsons, Tristyn and Kelcye Fry.; sisters, Deanna Winslow of Marquette, Kansas and Susan Fry of Lindsborg, Kansas; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Kansas Obituary
and Guestbook: http://www.hawthornfuneralhome.com/obituaries/David-Fry-4/#!/Obituary . .. . Gary L Havens
1950 - 2016  Gary Havens passed away on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016 in Wellsville, New York. He served with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company form January 1971 thru January 1972. We were sad to learn of his passing, but enjoyed seeing Gary at our reunion just a few months ago in Ft Rucker, Alabama.
============================ Gary L. Havens, age
65, passed away on Sunday March 27, 2016 in his home
on the upper Reddy Road. He was born in Wellsville
on November 14, 1950 to Arthur L. and Betty L.
Halsey Havens who both survive. On April 8, 1972 at
the Christian Temple Church he married Darla J.
Coats who survives him. ==========================
Gary's wife Darla is waiting for a confirmed date for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. We will post more information as it becomes available. . .. . Craig S "Oggy" Ogborn
2016  Alexander, Oggy, Stephanie Craig
S "Oggy" Ogborn passed away Monday, April 11,
2016 in Long Beach, California.
Oggy served as a Pilot and Aircraft Commander in Vietnam with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company from July 1970 thru March 1971 and was a retired Firefighter in Long Beach. ====================================== From Stephanie Ogborn Baxter's Facebook: ====================================== Our Dad passed away this last week at Cedars Sinai from cardiac arrest. He was the son of a broken marriage, a Vietnam Veteran, A Long Beach Fire Department Captain, A recovering alcoholic, The recipient of a successful heart transplant giving him another 20 years of life, and he struggled with addiction and depression only when no one was watching. He was a hero. He put every other living being before himself - to a fault. He cheated death on several occasions. He kept his personal life completely separate from the relationship he had with his two children, Stephanie and Alexander. He had a particularly special relationship with his mother, who passed away just short of a year ago. Additionally, his life partner Kayla was recently diagnosed with cancer, although she is doing very well with that fight. We both saw our dad on separate occasions within the past month. It was always his choice to keep his health status confidential from us, despite our wishes. Services will be limited to immediate family. As you all know, Craig Ogborn was an extremely unique and special person. He always proceeded on his own terms. This was no exception. Although I never met him, Oggie and I were brothers beneath the skin. We served at different times with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. We spoke occasionally on the telephone and I read (although sometimes I had to read them twice) all his posts on the Blue Star email reflector. He was well loved and respected by his peers. We will miss him, but we will never forget. ~John-Al Skimbo, Landisville, NJ. As my BlueStar Brother, we ONE and alway's will be. He has left a void in Our Hearts and Minds that will never heal....He won't be forgotten..... We can understand his wishes...Oggy was that kind of Guy with No fanfare and keeping His Private life just that...Private.....He has left us with his 2 Beautiful Children and we hope you will be part of Our BlueStar Family....Just use his BlueStar E-mail. Love and Prayers for All of You.... ~James Starr Stephanie, Alexander and Kayla - how lucky you are to have the Ogmeister as your family. I've never met him in person, but have gotten to know him as a Blue Star brother. My husband was a pilot in the Blue Stars in 1970/71. I enjoyed every one of Oggy's emails and I can say for sure that I am going to miss him dearly. He is a man that is not easily forgotten, so will always be in my thoughts. My condolences to you three; and I hope you all keep in touch, at least through the Blue Stars. Let Kayla know the candle is still lit for her in her fight against the Big C. ~Cheryl Bowman Oggy's prolific writings on our Internet Discussion Group for the 48th Assault Helicopter Company will be greatly missed ~Logan Weiler, Lexington, KY ============================================== From the 48th Assault Helicopter Company eGroup ============================================== The passing of Craig "Oggie" Ogborne this week a bummer of disquieting things. Don't know if you had much to do with Oggie in the 48TH AHC a very able pilot and All around over the top GI? His focus was the mission of course but let me tell ya he offered the Most Accomidating Attitude & Spirit through out missions too everyday logic and bottom line rhetoric, avantagious to the betterment of all concerned. Craig will have the " PROCEED " department sown up for another mellinium in my book. He lightened the load for many. We all knew these years are numbered in this visable universe but it won't suprise me one bit if our 48TH Escort/ into the great beyond will be none other than our masterful, patriotic Lil' Brother "Craig". He touched many throughout and at no time be forgotten. Mike OUT ~Mike Sathre, ============================================== Ron Turner saved a previous email from Craig and thought it poignant given the news of Craig's last flight ============================================== From: Oggy Subject: Re: Just a moment in time I can't say much or claim to be a expert at cheating death. I am not. At least no more or less than most of you reading this. I've always been spiritual sufficiently to truly believe we're all here as part of a huge plan, if that’s what life's called. Never gotten too much into considering such things as predetermination, and we really make no solo decisions if we make any decisions at all. Nor do I spend any time splitting atoms, or other sub atomic matter I have stashed away in one of my fine old hand made cigar boxes. The truth of it is I have lived and continue to do so, almost a gifted existence. Luck or good fortune this might be named to a great many. A charmed life perhaps. I suppose one might accomplish such an existence by remaining prudent to such a degree, there is not much texture to a life held back. But missing the risks of every kind, also means I would have missed the absolute glory God affords us all almost constantly. What a show I have been so fortunate to participate in, with all of you. I have accomplished so much, that if I had taken even a moment to consider it a bit longer, I would ever have even tried. I also have probably passed on a few, just walked by, that might have been a cinch, but not mine in any case. Because of what I learned with all of you, I gained strengths and knowledge that served me well. And probably saved a few lives, when I was mostly getting through any given day. My own included, a few times as well. It's Autumn now. Always my favorite. I see things are quite differently than the previous Autumns I've been given to enjoy. This won't be my last, and I kinda doubt the next will be that either. But that last one is scheduled along the line someplace. Everyone gets their turn. As I think I mentioned, it doesn't bother me really. I have my stuff together alright. As much as it will ever be together anyway. Snug up your seat belts everyone, we're headed into the last of our mission here. Fuel and load up for one last big one. Roll down your sleeves, check the time and wait for the "Go" signal. Then push the button. The exact same things you've been doing since God gave you the ability and the Army gave you wings. At least once a day. and for most of us a lot more. Know that what you've managed to get from the life you've lived you did it as a single human without anyone telling you what to do and how to go about it. You've made decisions, that would probably kill most men, just considering them. God loves a clear head, and focused direction of purpose, He loves those who follow His simple Plan. We have mates that departed before us, and they're continuing their wait even now, until forever, until we all arrive. We've all been through the Gates of Hell, more than a few times. It will be nice to go the other way at last. ~Ron Turner Thumper / Smokey82 48th: Dec 70 - Jul 71 281st: Jul 70 - Dec 70 Thank you Carlos and Ron for sharing this information concerning Craig Ogborne. I remember Oggie posting that email, and many other insightful narratives about life, and all that we, as a unit, were able to survive. I don't recall if I ever flew any missions with him while I was in the 48th, but for some reason, he took a liking to me. We exchanged phone numbers shortly before he was banned from the 48th, and sent south to fly scouts. After I got out of the Army, I was living in So Cal, and called him. This was one of many phone calls we had with each other for a short time there. I moved north to the SF Bay area, and lost contact with him, until I was able to get on the reflector. As we all know, after 2014, his correspondence seemed to drop off significantly until recent posts by him concerning Kayla. I know that I, for one, was praying for him and Kayla, as I'm sure all of you were also. I still bless and want to continue my blessings to Kayla for the strength to endure this journey now until our Father calls her to join Craig. The legend of Thee Ogster will continue to live on in our hearts. May his final flight be safe and awesome! ~Al Meadows <bigaldunnit71@yahoo.com>
.
Jerry "Hawkeye"
Winchester
in the Vietnamese village of Ninh Hoa Gerald F. Winchester passed away on March 27, 2016 (Easter Sunday). Jerry served in Vietnam from September 1969 thru September 1970 as a Crew Chief on Joker Gunships with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company "BlueStar Slicks and Joker Guns". He lived in Silver Springs, Maryland. Jerry's interment is scheduled for 2 PM on July 12, 2016 in Arlington National Cemetery.
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Hostile John Don served as a
Helicopter Pilot in combat with the 48th Assault
Helicopter Company, "Blue Star Slicks and Joker
Guns" in Vietnam in 1969
and 1970. He was a Joker Gunship Pilot,
Joker 95. Hostile John trained in Flight
Class 69-27/69-25.
August 6, 2016 From Carlos Cortez Hostile John pulled
pitch for his final flight about an hour ago. He
passed away at the VA hospital in Spokane. As
reported earlier, Hostile suffered a heart attack
shortly after the Reunion in Reno. He was
resuscitated and suffered some broken ribs during
the administration of CPR. He seemed to be holding
his own be took a turn for the worse a couple of
days ago. I had reservations to go see him on
Tuesday. I'll now plan on attending his services.
He has family in Lewiston, ID and Modesto, CA.
Please keep Hostile in your prayers.
Services for Hostile John were 12:00, Friday, August 26, 2016 Acacia Memorial Park 801 Scenic Avenue Modesto, CA 95350 Phone: (209) 522-0452 Fax: (209) 522-7925
Above are the Blue
Stars and Jokers who attended Hostile John's service
in Modesto:
(L-R) Todd Peterson, Jerry Sterker, Robert Pierce, Carlos Cortez, Ben Gay, Pat Ewing
  
 Mr. Warrick had worked in the Masonry business and was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the 12th Artillery Unit and he later joined the 48th Aviation Company "Blue Stars". Mr. Warrick was a member of Military Order of the Cootie, and was also a member of VFW Smyrna Post 8422. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Debbie Warrick; children, Jeffrey Warrick of Nashville, Yolanda Warrick of Gordonsville, Andrea Moore of Murfreesboro, Alicia Moore of Canada; granddaughters, Amilee, and Summer; sister, Theresa Gulley of Nashville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for Children www.vfwnationalhome.org Visitation was after 10:00AM Friday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna Funeral service were 1:00PM Friday at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna. Burial followed with Military Honors at Mapleview Cemetery. Online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com
     Donald Curtiss Bowman was born October 15, 1947 in Adak, Alaska to Victor Clyde Bowman and Madelyn Blanche Bowman (Behler). Donald joined the service in 1965 and served his country honorably. He earned the Air Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Campaign Stars and several other medals and badges. He flew helicopters during his time in Vietnam and left the service at the close down of the conflict with a rank of CW2. After returning stateside, Donald flew helicopters and fixed-wing for local companies for several years before opening his own auto repair business, where he not only worked on his customers' vehicles, but also built race engines. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, riding his Harley and being outdoors in general. Donald passed away at home on July 21, 2017 after a long battle with cancer and other illnesses caused by Agent Orange, which he was exposed to in Vietnam. Donald is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Cheryl Bowman; a son, Victor M. Bowman and his wife, Carolyn; a daughter, Stephanie Bowman; two sisters, Valerie Hawthorne and her husband Robert “Dimps” Hawthorne and Judy Prutzman; two nieces, Brooklyn Ashleigh Castillo (Costillo) and her husband Edgar Castillo and Sierra Timbre Bilous (Costillo) and her husband Steve Bilous. He is also survived by his nieces' children Bodhi Julian Castillo, Isabella Marina Lynn Bilous and Camilla Aurora Ann Bilous; two grandchildren, Jessica Bowman and Jacob Bowman, daughter-in-law, Tracy Bell Bowman, several relatives and many friends, including the large Blue Star/Joker family.
Joker 128
 Lee served as a Cobra Helicopter Gunship Pilot in combat with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, "Blue Star Slicks and Joker Guns" in Vietnam. His call sign was "Joker 128" Mr. Walter Ledon "Lee" Lawrence, 71, of Tallassee, Alabama passed away September 7, 2017. He was born January 22, 1946. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16 at 1 pm, from Linville Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. He is survived by wife, Julie Lawrence; children, Shawn Ledon Lawrence, Shannon Dee Lawrence Lowey, Jordan Williams and Jessica Ferrell; brother, Kenneth Lawrence; sister, Annette Otloe Sarver and four grandchildren. Online condolences at www.linvillememorial.com Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama  http://signaturefinancialsolutionsllc.com/ Lee Lawrence graduated from Olivet University where he earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature and Journalism. Upon graduation he immediately entered the United States Army and served as an Officer and Attack Helicopter pilot in Vietnam. During his twenty plus year career he saw service in Vietnam,, Germany, Korea, Panama, and Saudi Arabia. He retired highly decorated and having reached the rank of Lt. Colonel.. Lee began his Financial Services career in 1980 and obtained his FINRA. series 63, 65, 7 and 24 securities licenses. In 1986 he supervised one of the largest group qualified plans in the nation, a plan consisting of over one hundred public sector entities with assets reaching over $500,000,000. During the 15 years he supervised this program he had responsibility for plan design, administration, marketing, recruiting and training in several states. In 2000 he was recruited by another nationally known firm to assist in building a field force that would partner group representatives with a traditional retail representative to better coordinate client needs inside and outside an employer’s qualified plan. With thirty plus years invested in the financial services industry, embracing both group and private clients, the economics, needs, and demographics of today’s investor challenged Lee to leave the cooperate arena and become an independent advisor to better meet the financial objectives of his clients. In 2003 to facilitate his client’s growing concerns he started Signature Financial Solutions LLC and began to assist clients in planning for the ever increasing difficulty in retirement. He recruited several Financial Services Representatives that he had worked with previously to establish a successful family oriented financial planning firm. Current market conditions, regulation changes, and new product designs have resulted in an even greater challenge to stay on the cutting edge of the financial services industry. As a result, in 2005 Lee implemented a new and innovative concept in his financial services model. He felt that the current financial environment with its complicated tax codes, new securities regulations, intricate product design, and unique economic challenges, all affecting his clients wealth management, retirement and estate planning , required the partnering of more than one professional to assure that his clients financial future was secure. To meet that challenge, Lee strengthened his business model that put the client and their financial well being as the company primary objective. He then coordinates the client’s financial objectives with other Tax and Legal professionals to insure the client receives the professional advice and guidance necessary to work toward financial success. This new concept of partnering with other financial professionals to meet complex client needs has resulted in a growing network of professionals and financial consultants associated with Signature Financial Solutions LLC. Lee has served in such positions as Marketing Director, OSJ, Registered Principal, Administrator, and Trainer. His dry humor, diverse experience and contrarian philosophy has made him a favorite motivational and keynote speaker and classroom instructor.
  JACKSONVILLE, FL - William Edgar (Bill) Kelbaugh died on February 18, 2018. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 18, 1946 to Grace and Edgar Kelbaugh. In 1959, the family moved to Columbia, SC where Bill attended University High School, and worked as a school bus driver his senior year. In 1966, Bill joined the US Army and became a helicopter pilot. He served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 with the 48th AHC BlueStars, where he received 19 Air Medals one with a V device for valor. After Vietnam, Bill joined the SC National Guard where he was a flight instructor and retired after 22 years total with 4,500 flight hours. Bill graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1973 with a degree in Business Management. He worked for the SC Highway Department as a Real Estate Appraiser for 15 years. In 1988, he moved to Jacksonville and worked for 22 years for the Florida Department of Transportation. Bill's wonderful wife, Susan Kelbaugh, survives him. Other survivors include daughter Tracy Cosper-Jacksonville, sons Will (Katherine, granddaughters Mattie and Lily)-Decatur, GA, John-Lexington, SC, brother John (Ebba)-Lexington, sisters Anne Wilson (Doug)-Charlotte, NC, and Mary McIlwain-Lexington. Bill was a lifelong Presbyterian, serving as a Deacon and Elder. Bill was diagnosed with Agent Orange related Prostate cancer in 1999. The cancer turned into Advanced Prostate Cancer. The family would like to thank Dr. James Baldock and the doctors and staff at the Cancer Specialists of North Florida, especially Dr. Kevin Hunger. As a memorial, all gentlemen can get regular prostate cancer checks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of North Florida. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 24 at 10:30 am at South Jacksonville Presbyterian, 2137 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville and Bill will be interred with military honors at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:30 PM on Friday, March 16th. ==================== Rest in Peace Bill. It was always nice to see and talk to you at the 48th reunions. Joe (Ski) Kochanski 48th AHC 1965-66 ~ Joe Kochanski, Bayonne, New Jersey ==================== I light this candle in your honor Bill Kelbaugh Rest in peace brother.God Bless ~ Donnie Whitfield, Winchester, Tennessee ==================== Susan,I had the honor of meeting and talking with Bill.enjoyed the time I spent with him.God Bless you and family. ~ Donnie Whitfield, Winchester, Tennessee ==================== Bill was a wonderful man and we will miss him so much! He knew and flew with my brother and adopted me as his little sister after I found the 48th AHC BlueStars. He and Susan helped me fill up all the empty places in my heart and I will never forget his stories, his compassion and his great sense of humor! I was so lucky to have him in my life! My love and condolences to Susan, Will, John, Tracey and the extended family. He will forever be in my heart! ~ Sherry Leeper, Wellington, Colorado ==================== Bill and I served together with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam. I always enjoyed his company, especially his quick wit and "country boy" charm. I will miss him, but not forget him. He was, and always will be, my hero. ~ John-Al Skimbo, Landisville, New Jersey ==================== I met Bill through my husband Don, who was a pilot with the 48th AHC. Don served his 2nd tour with the Blue Stars in 1971-1972. We connected through the Reflector when I found some of the guys from his unit. Always enjoyed Bill's emails and posts. He will be missed. ~ Cheryl Bowman, Crawford, Tennessee ==================== Bill was my adopted big brother through the 48th AHC. He knew and flew with my brother in Vietnam. He was a brave Veteran, a kind, funny and loving man, and I was so fortunate to have him in my life! My heart goes out to you, Susan, John, Will, Tracey and all the family. I will always remember him and keep him here in my heart. Rest in peace, big brother Bill. ~ Sherry Leeper, Wellington, Colorado |
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Gerald
Allen Simmelink
1948-2018 |
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 His favorite pastimes included model building, model railroading and traveling. Gerald was a member of Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in West Bend and also the 48th Blue Stars, where he always looked forward to their annual reunions. Gerald is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Lisa (Brian) Brandt, Jodi Simmelink; Jeff (Lisa) and Paul Simmelink; grandchildren, Cody and Brandon Gokey, Peyton, Lexi, and Lillion, Jr. Weatherby, Charles and Danielle Neuiszer, and Emily Simmelink; siblings-in-law, Susan (Ken) Nelson, Randall (Becky) Soerens, Joel (Joy) Soerens, Terry Cunningham Soerens; aunt Eleanor LeMahieu; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Robert and Doris Soerens; brothers-in-law Charles and Larry Soerens. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 15th at 6:00 PM at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church (323 S Fifth Ave, West Bend, WI 53095) with Pastor Clarissa Martinelli presiding. The Visitation will be at church on Friday, June 15th from 4:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society (PO Box 902, Pewaukee, WI 53072). The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Luke’s Hospital ICU team for their compassionate care. ======================= COMMENT BY JIM STARR: ======================= Pilots and Crew Chiefs and Gunners, ....If you Flew in and out of Ninh Hoa at the 48th...Chance are the JP-4 Pumps were being run by Jerry Simmelink.... Jerry and his fellow POL Specialist, John Dickson, David Wilber, Nick Flores, John Golden, John Cook, and later Ken Ferris. Cpt. Ron Stewart (Now Gen. Stewart,retired) as Our Section Leader...They also had 4 Fuel trucks to keep your tanks full all the time, 1 Mo-gas, 1 Diesel, and 2 JP-4. Just to let you know a little bit more about the "Guys On the Ground"... We all watched for your Safe return every day as you flew in, Dean Dakers "Dump" as he was known, by took care of the Ammo Dump, for all your Explosive needs. With the Mechanics in Aircraft Maintainance, Drivers, Cooks, Dispensory Medics, it was a joint effort that we all enjoyed doing, to keep the "Birds Fly'n"!!!! Jerry was one of us, and will always be part of the 48th Bluestars .
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          Larry
Eugene Hoenig Larry Hoenig was a
Helicopter Door Gunner and Crew Chief with the 1st Aviation Brigade,
17th Combat Aviation Group, 10th Combat Aviation
Battalion, 48th Assault Helicopter Company. He was based
out of the 9th ROK (Republic of Korea) headquarters
at Ninh Hoa, II Corps, Republic of Vietnam.
Larry flew combat missions on
both Blue Star Slicks and Joker Gunships from April 1969 thru November 1970.
================== Comment by Logan Weiler ==================
CW4(Ret) Logan Weiler
================== Comment by Gary Moorman ==================I first met Larry in
April, 1969 when we were assigned as crew chief and
gunner on 638 along with Bobby Schulze as A/C. Crew Chief 638
================== Comment by Bobby Schulze ==================When I first met Larry in Apr of 69, I didn't know how to size him up. He had come to the 48th from the 4th Infantry Division where he was a grunt. I was happy to have him on board because of his ground pounding experience, it could come in quite handy in case we went down. He was assigned to ship #638 as was I and Gary Moorman as Crew Chief and Larry as Door Gunner. We had a lot of adventures flying the hostile skies of South Vietnam and a few incursions in to Cambodia. I came to rely on Larry as my eyes on the right side of the ship. I couldn't see back there and Larry and Gary kept my tail rotor away from trees, stumps, soldiers and various other foreign objects. "Clear right Sir." was always comforting to hear. I still have Larry's voice imprinted on my brain. We worked many hundreds of flight hours together. It made for a closeness that only those who have done it will know. God bless you Larry. You were an excellent crew member and soldier. Good bye old soldier. Bobby Schulze Aircraft Commander 638
================== Comment by Robert Pierce ==================This is a sad day losing one of our fellow brothers. Larry was my roommate in Viet Nam in the 1st Platoon. He was a true friend to me and he served his country very well. He was the life of the party when we came in from flying. When we got days off from flying, we made sure that we hid out from Sgt. Lester cause Sgt. wanted us to work on our down days. It was always a challenge to try to avoid encountering him and Larry was skilled with getting us out of things. We had good times as roommates. May he rest in peace. We've lost an honorable gentleman and brother. Robert Pierce Crew Chief Joker 597 "Cheap Thrills" Archie Adrian Harrell
Archie Adrian Harrell Archie Harrell was a in Flight Class 62-1W. He served as a Warrant Officer Helicopter Pilot with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company "Blue Star" from November 1965 thru November 1966. He served a second tour in Vietnam with the 213 ASHC "Black Cat" in 68-69. Archie was born on November 9, 1931 at Ft. Benning, Georgia and died on August 1, 2018 in University Place, Washington. The following information was provided by Sammie Williams - obit Archie Harrell Our beloved Archie was born on November 9, 1931 at Ft. Benning, GA. He chose to follow those before him by enlisting in the Army in 1951. There he found travel, adventure, love, danger, skills, and honor. The opportunity to learn to fly led down a path that brought 42 air medals, including one for valor. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart for his skill and bravery as a helicopter pilot during two tours in Vietnam. He was honored to fly President Eisenhower and escort Robert Kennedy's memorial train. After nearly 30 years in service he entered the real estate profession, selling houses to officers moving in and out of Ft. Lewis. He also bought and managed properties until the last week of his life. Tenacity brought his family a secure legacy. Beyond being an astute businessman, good friend, and loving husband and father, soft-hearted, generous, and thoughtful, he was known to put a little extra in employee pay envelopes, give a tenant in need a break, and create jobs for others to earn some money. During his tours in Germany he fell in love with a beautiful German woman, who became the light of his life. He married Auguste on September 29, 1964, and remained devoted to her and his family. Sadly, she preceded him too soon in 2013. Fortunately, he began to develop a loving relationship with longtime friend and associate Claudia Maves. They married on June 7, 2016. We are sorry their time was too short and deeply appreciate Claudia's love and devotion to him. We know he felt blessed to have her in his life. Everyone who knew Archie knows he was a charming man who loved to play practical jokes, tell engrossing stories, amuse with quick wit, and entertain with his antics. As children, his boys saw his humor as quirky at best. True appreciation would come to them as adults, and through them Archie-stories are bound to entertain a new generation of friends and family. Archie was preceded in death by his wife Auguste and his parents Jetta Burks and Archie Harrell, Sr., as well as brother Kenneth Harlen. He is survived by his wife Claudia, brother Michael Burks, and sons Stephen (and his wife Marcia), Dirk, and Mark, as well as grandchildren David, Jordon, Meghan, Seth, and Devon. In remembrance, please consider a distinctive contribution to your favorite charity. A celebration of his life was held at 1:00 on Sunday, August 26, 2018, in the Chapel at the New Tacoma Cemetery, 9221 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Place, WA. SOURCES: Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association https://www.vhpa.org/DAT/datH/D09484.htm New Tacoma Cemeteries, Funeral Home, and Crematory 9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W. University Place, WA 98467 (253) 564-1311 (253) 566-0784 http://www.newtacoma.com/obituary/archie-harrell
Don was born on Dec 5, 1945 and died on Saturday, Sep 22, 2018. From Don's wife, Cindy Cecil: Don lost his final battle with cancer on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018. Don fought with courage and strength to the end. He was so proud to be associated with all of you. He had family and friends rallying for him. We loved and will miss him forever. Thank you Cindy Cecil and family Funeral Home Services provided by: Ball & Dodd Funeral Home Spokane, WA 509-328-5620 Committal Service: Monday October 1, 2018 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm WASHINGTON VETERANS CEMETERY 21702 W Espanola Rd Medical Lake, WA 99022 ====================== Tributes & Comments ====================== Rest in Peace Don. Thank you for serving the United States of America. You will never be forgotten! ~ Bobby Schulze .
Allen Lee Russell of Cumming, Ga died Sunday, January 9, 2019; he was 81 years old. Lee was born in Ravenden, Arkansas on February 8, 1937 to Carlton Yeager Russell and Lola Brown, the youngest of seven children. Lee and Becky Lacey Russell were married on December 12, 1965, in St. Louis, Mo. CSM(Ret) Allen Lee Russell served his country proudly from 1960 to 1991. During this time he spent two tours in Vietnam, Dec. 1965 – Dec 1966, where he was a door gunner with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company and the 2nd tour was 1969, where he served as a Heavy Weapons Advisor on Military Advisory Team with MAC-V. His awards included the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Stars, Air Medals and Meritorious Service Medals. He earned both the Combat Infantryman Badge and Air Crewman Wings. They remained at Ft. Polk for 30 years prior to coming to Georgia to live near their children and grandchildren. Throughout his life, Lee was always active at home and within the community. He loved to golf, fish, hunt, build, cook and work in his garden. Lee was very involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030 where in 2015 he was awarded VVA member of the year. Additionally, he was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cumming and was also very involved in the Masons, and was a Past Master at Pickering Lodge 477, and was also a member of the Shriners and Scottish Rite. Lee is survived by his son, Benjamin Allen Russell; daughter-in-law, Michelle Russell; daughter, Bethany Lacey Russell Chamberlain; son-in-law, James C. Chamberlain; and grandchildren, Kathryn Lacey Russell, James R. Chamberlain, Lacey R. Chamberlain and Benjamin Daniel Russell. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years Becky Russell and his parents. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 In Lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has requested that donations be made to: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1030 PO Box 3088 Cumming, GA 30028 or First Baptist Church 1597 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040. Funeral services are scheduled for 6:00 P.M. Thursday, January 10, 2019 in the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bob Jolly officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 3:00 to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. https://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/ VISITATION Thursday January 10, 2019 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 210 Ingram Avenue Cumming, GA 30040 MEMORIAL SERVICE Thursday January 10, 2019 6:00 PM Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 210 Ingram Avenue Cumming, GA 30040 Alex F. Nagy
Alex F. Nagy 1938 - Feb. 22, 2019 Alex Nagy of 194 Locust Ct. Muskegon, MI 49445 was Joker 14, a Blue Star Gunship Pilot with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company during 1966 and 1967. Alex also served in HHC 1 BDE 101 ABN in 1967. He was in Fixed Wing Flight Class 64-1 and Rotary Wing Class 66-2QC. NORTH MUSKEGON, MI - Alex F. Nagy is survived by his daughter, Karyn Meissner (Brian) of Perris, CA, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and special friend, Linda Bonebrake of North Muskegon, MI. Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, he graduated from Mishawaka High School, Class of 1956. He later moved to Southern California, graduating from Mt. San Antonio College. Alex was a Veteran Army Aviator, qualified helicopter, and fixed wing pilot with tours of service in Germany and Vietnam. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and 18 Air Medals as Joker 14, a Gunship Pilot with the 48th Assault Helicopter Company during 1966 and 1967. A photograph of Alex, his helicopter gunship, and flight helmet is enshrined in The Distinguished Flying Cross section, Veterans Museum, Balboa Park, San Diego, California. Alex is also listed on the Distinguished Flying Cross Wall of Honor, at the entry to the Udar-Hazy Air and Space Smithsonian Institute, Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. He was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 360; Viet Nam Helicopter Pilots Assoc; The Distinguished Flying Cross Society, and American Legion Post 28. He was laid to rest in the Riverside National Cemetery at March Air Reserve Base, California. Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is the present, which is why they call it a gift. Published in South Bend Tribune on Mar. 3, 2019 |
