Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Stories: Volume Iii

VIETNAM HELICOPTER

CREW MEMBER STORIES

VOLUME III

A collection of fascinating short stories from the heroic and courageous men who served as Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members on a variety of helicopters that were located throughout Vietnam during the many years they served and fought there from June 1959-30 April 1975.

H. D. Graham

Author of

Mother, Please Let Me Go

(An Air Force Career to Remember)

A Salute to the Nurses That Served in Vietnam

Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Stories, Volumes 1 And 2

Copyright © 2014 by H. D. Graham.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2013923737

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4931-5993-2

      Softcover      978-1-4931-5992-5

      eBook      978-1-4931-5994-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

DISCLAIMER

This book is a collection of factual and fascinating short stories provided by our Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members that served in Vietnam from mid 1959 to 30 April 1975. I am not personally responsible for the content in each of the stories in this book, other than my own. The personal experiences I had and the various incidents I witnessed while serving in Vietnam have convinced me that every story was certainly possible and no doubt took place as stated. I have included all the stories that were available to me at the time this volume of the book was sent to the publisher. Future stories will be printed in subsequent volumes when enough have been received to justify another one. If I have slighted any of the men that sent me stories, please forgive me because it was not intentional. I gave every person that has stories in this volume an opportunity to read and approve his before they were published. I also did my best to correct all the errors I found or were pointed out to me before sending the book to the publisher.

Rev. date: 08/06/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

538776

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Why I Wrote This Book

A Salute To Our Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members

Jere Andy D. Anderson

James JJ J. Aretz, Jr

Thomas Tom M. Aretz

Dennis Beckler

Norman Norm L. Cotterman

Phillip Phil B. Cypret

Dale T. Dailey

William Joey J. Douan

John O. Evans

Allen Al L. Forbes

Harold Hd D. Graham

Mike W. Gunnels

Bruce L. Hoffman

Jerry W. Hogan

David R. Holden

Alan Big Al J. Holmes

William Bill W. Little

Melvyn Mel J. Lutgring

Loren H. Monsess

Michael Mike A. Moodhe

George A. Nutter

Harold Dan W. O’daniel

James Jim A. Oliver

Regino Reg Ramirez

Stephen Steve W. Ratcliffe

Jerome JL L. Riggs

Gonzalo Pancho Salazar, Jr

James Jim V. Shaw

Paul Silva

Larry L. Taylor

Bob Wagner

Thomas Tom L. Wright

Robert Bob C. Zahn

Glossary Of Terms And Military Jargon

About The Author

DEDICATION

It is my honor and pleasure to dedicate this book to our Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members that served in Vietnam. I have always placed the chopper crews alongside the outstanding group of Special Forces advisors I worked with at Qui Nhon from Oct 1962 to Jan 1964. The Chopper Crew Members and the men of the Special Forces are the bravest men I know. They are also the greatest, craziest, and most patriotic bunch of men and heroes I have ever had the honor and pleasure to work with. I don’t think it would be possible to find a greater group of men anywhere.

To all the Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members that served in Vietnam, I salute you. Our debt to you can never be fully paid. Thank you, brothers, for a job well done, and thank you for your service to our great nation.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I want to acknowledge and thank each individual that contributed to the writing of volume 3 in this series of books about the chopper crew members’ experiences in Vietnam. First, I want to thank the Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members that submitted many exciting and fantastic stories so that their amazing, heroic, and courageous contributions to our efforts in Vietnam will never be lost. The experiences these men had while serving in Vietnam are almost beyond belief, and their stories are now recognized as a national treasure. To the men that served and fought there, they look upon their accomplishments with a great deal of pride and rightly so. They were American heroes then and always will be American heroes.

Jere Andy D. Anderson sent in two great stories and some wonderful photos. Initially he was a scout pilot on an OH-13 while assigned to B Troop, 1/9th Cavalry, 1st Cav Division. In his story A Lucky Day Andy was scouting the north end of a village, about five to ten minutes north of Doc Pho when things really started getting hairy. His second exciting story was about trying to rescue the crew of a downed OV-1 Mohawk that took place in 1969 when he was a CH-47 pilot with the 179th ASH Company. James JJ Aretz, Jr., sent in a couple of exciting stories. He was assigned to the 334th AHC as a door gunner and crew chief. The first story was about his two other brothers that served in Vietnam. His second story was about an in-flight wound that was nearly fatal and ended his military career. Thomas Tom M. Aretz also had a of couple great stories. In his first story, Tom gave a little background about himself and his two other brothers that served in Vietnam, but it was a little different from his brother’s. In fact, JJ and his other brother, John, were in the same unit. His next story was about being awarded the DFC. By the time this story took place, JJ had been retired on a disability and was a tech rep working in Vietnam at the time. Tom had invited him up to his unit to accompany him on the flight, and they went down together. Dennis Beckler, from the 227th AHB, 1st Cav Division, had some great stories in volume 1, and they were so popular that the readers asked for additional stories from him. He graciously agreed by sending in three more exciting stories for this volume that you are sure to enjoy. The first one was about the unit clerk that never received any mail or care packages. Dennis had a bunch of wonderful aunts and asked them to send a Christmas card and a care package to this young man. The clerk was nearly overwhelmed when he received several of them. The next story was about a new command pilot that flew back over a nest of .30 and .51 caliber weapons by mistake at less than a hundred feet above them. That was nearly their last flight. The last story was about extracting a wounded grunt in a small LZ that was created by blowing down some trees in the double canopy jungle. I got a couple of real nice stories from Norman Norm L. Cotterman. He was assigned to the 228th ASHB, 1st Cav Division, at Camp Evans, northwest of Hue. His first story was about being drafted then extending his commitment for another year so he could be trained as a helicopter mechanic. Then he went to Germany for almost a year and a half. In early 1968, he was sent to Vietnam and assigned as a crew chief of a CH-47 Chinook. He also had a great story about Lenard Demaray, whom he described as a giant of a man. The next individual to send in a couple of great stories was Phillip Phil B. Cypret. Phil was a door gunner and crew chief on a UH-1D slick in the 128th AHC. His first story was about working with two much older USAF pilots that had served in WWII and Korea. His other exciting story was about crewing the smoke ship. Dale T. Dailey sent in five great stories that will be enjoyed by everyone. He was a door gunner and crew chief while assigned to the 334th AHC at Bien Hoa. His stories start with a little info, and then he talked about his first crash. His next story was about a near crash later on. Then he talked about a LRRP rescue he was involved in. His last exciting story was about a practical joke his pilots pulled on the gunner and himself while they were trying to take a snooze. Dale also provided several nice photos. William Joey J. Douan was a crew chief on a UH-1M gunship with FLIR Team 2/17, 7/1, 282nd AHC. He had some very nice stories starting with a little background. Then he talked about his best friend. That was followed by a story about a new aircraft commander, eating in the officer’s open mess and then an exciting story about an F-4 pilot. Now we have a wonderful story from John O. Evans, 173rd AHC, about Operation Lam Son 719 that took place in southeastern Laos in March 1971. The operation was primarily planned and scoped out by the Vietnamese, and we all know how most of those types of operations went. Allen Al L. Forbes had some great stories in volume 1, and the readers asked for more. He agreed with several more for this volume. He was assigned with the 1st Platoon, 117th AHC at Long Binh and then at Tay Ninh. His first story was about arriving in Vietnam and how strange and different it was. That was followed by a story about the TET offensive that started on 30 Jan 1968. Then he had a fine story about picking up laundry followed by a story about being assigned as a door gunner. He also included several nice photos. Harold HD D. Graham also had several nice stories and some interesting photos. He was attached to the 1st Special Forces Group Det (MTT) at Qui Nhon as a weapons and tactics advisor to the Montagnards from Oct 1962 to Sep 1963 but was also a crew member on a C-21H Banana and the UH-1A Huey while escorting Montagnard recruits to and from Qui Nhon. Starting in Sep 1963 he was assigned to the new USAF Advisory Det but was loaned to the SF Intel/Recon team numerous times. One story was about his in-flight duties while another story was about hunting monkeys with the Montagnards. He also had a nice story about a Montagnard celebration. That was followed by an exciting story about the attacks on the USAF billeting facility on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve in 1963 at Qui Nhon. Then Mike W. Gunnels had a very nice story about a hydraulics failure on his Huey just after taking off at Chu Lai. He was a crew chief on a UH-1H assigned to the 174th AHC at the time. Bruce L. Hoffman was assigned to HMM-164 at Marble Mountain, just south of DaNang. Besides some nice stories, Bruce also sent in a very nice poem that I have included at the end of his chapter. His first story was about his unit arriving in Vietnam. The next story was about some grunts with a dog that was being picked up. The dog made it on board the chopper before the grunts did. His last story was about the extraction of a Recon team. I finally received a release form from Jerry W. Hogan, so I am including his stories in this volume. Jerry was assigned as a crew chief on a Huey UH-1H with B Troop, 1/9th Cavalry, 1st Cav Division. His first story gave some background info while his next story was about basic training and attending helicopter school. Then he told about traveling to Vietnam and what the 1/9th mission and duties were. Then he had an exciting story about a big battle that took place in a very limited area. That was followed by his story about the loss of a CH-47 and a Cobra gunship.

I got some exciting stories from David R. Holden, 117th AHC. He also has several great stories in volume 1, and many readers had asked for more stories from him. David’s first story in this volume was about a bunch of ARVNS being wiped out and his crew having to ferry the bodies back to Qui Nhon. In his second story, he told about a bunch of ARVNS being hit hard again, this time by VC in bunkers on a hill. His last story was about the unbelievable damage the use of white phosphorous can do to a person. Alan Big Al J. Holmes was assigned to the 175th Mavericks as a crew chief on a UH-1B gunship. Al’s first story was about what took place on Thanksgiving Day in 1969 followed by a very exciting story about the crash of his gunship. His last story was about what happened to the crew of his gunship. William Bill W. Little, from the 57th AHC at Camp Pfeister at Kontum has some grand stories. In his first story, he told about the 57th AHC and its mission. His next story was about a LRRP insertion at an abandoned fire base near Dak To. It was initially a cold insertion but heated up quickly when the LRRP team found the NVA in one of the two bunkers still standing. His last story was about meeting a Ranger that had served at LZ Oasis near the Cambodian border. Bill was telling him the story about inserting and extracting the LRRP team only to have the guy finish the story for him. He had been one of the LRRPs involved. The next story was furnished by Melvyn Mel J. Lutgring. Mel was a crew chief on a UH-1H, 174th AHC. Although Mel didn’t send in any stories about his experiences in Vietnam, he did tell a wonderful story about creating The Flag of Honor for his unit. He also gave me the unit patches and a couple of nice photos that have been included in his chapter. Loren H. Monsess was a door gunner on a UH-1H for Company B, 123rd Aviation Battalion. He had some very nice stories about basic training and AIT at Fort Polk, and how and why be became a door gunner. He also had a great story about an unusual mission his crew was given. Loren also included three nice photos he thought you might enjoy. Michael Mike A. Moodhe, 1st of the 4th Cavalry. He was a crew chief on a UH-1H slick while assigned at Pho Loi. He provided several nice stories starting with a story about some bamboo in the LZ. Then he talked about firefly and starlight missions. Then he had a very nice story about what happened on 21 November 1968. He also furnished a very nice poem titled I Was There. Mike furnished several nice photos which I have included at the end of his chapter. My good friend and brother, George A. Nutter, D Troop, 1st Squad, 10th Cav, has some top-notch stories in volume 1 and the many readers of that book asked if I would try to get a few more from him. George responded to my request with the story about The Flower followed by a very exciting story he called Infantry 101. Then he provided a look back over his life and then one about once a cavalryman always a cavalryman. He also provided some very nice photos that I am sure you will enjoy. Harold Dan W. O’Daniel was a door gunner on a Huey UH-1H slick while assigned to the 176th AHC, part of the 14th Aviation Battalion. His first exciting story was about moving Popular Forces troops and then he had a great story about a rescue at a Special Forces camp. He also furnished a very nice poem about Life after War that I am sure you will enjoy, along with several great photos. James Jim A. Oliver was a crew chief on a UH-1H slick with the 129th AHC at Lang Field. He had some great stories starting with a little background and then serving as a crew chief. His next story was about reporting for sick call and then about being in the hospital at Qui Nhon. That was followed by a story about being assigned to the 35th Evac Hospital at Saigon and then the trip home. His last exciting story was about retirement and beyond. Regino Reg Ramirez was a door gunner on several models of the Huey gunships and a slick while assigned to the 121st Aviation Company at Soc Trang. His first story was about the training he underwent prior to going to Vietnam. That was followed by his story about the 121st Aviation Company. Then he talked about exchanging money in Saigon and that didn’t go too well. Then he had a nice story about an unexpected extension to his tour in Vietnam. His final story was about a romance that took place at the enlisted men’s club. He also furnished some very nice photos that will be enjoyed by everyone. I received more than a dozen exciting short stories from Stephen Steve W. Ratcliffe. He was a door gunner for several months in B Company, 123rd Aviation Battalion at Chu Lai, and then went to the 174th Assault Helicopter Company (Sharks) at Duc Pho for the remainder of his tour. Jerome JL L. Riggs also sent in some great stories and photos. He was a flight engineer with the 611th Transportation Co at Vung Tau and assigned to aircraft recovery. His first story was about being promoted to PFC (E3). Then he had an exciting story about a day with the recovery flight. Then I had some great stories from Gonzalo Pancho Salazar, Jr. He was assigned to the 25th Aviation Battalion and was a crew chief on a UH-1H slick. Pancho continues to act as the crew chief on his rebuilt chopper when the crew gives rides to Vietnam Veterans and family members during various unit reunions and at other times as well. While in Reno for the 26th Annual Reunion of the VHCMA in June 2012, I had the distinct pleasure of flying on his refurbished ship that looked as if it has just came off the production line at Bell. I hadn’t been on a chopper since February 1968 and the memories came flooding back. James "Jim" V. Shaw was an Aussie door gunner on several models of the Huey. He was assigned to the 135th AHC (EMU) at Dong Tam. He furnished a little background and then a great story about the crash of his ship in the Seven Mountains area of the U-Minh Forest on 16 January 1971. Paul Silva was a flight engineer on a CH-47 while assigned to C Company, 228th ASHB, part of the 1st Cavalry Division. Paul talked about his arrival in Vietnam and how different it was from the states. Then he had a very nice story about the commander’s building project followed by a wonderful story about his buddy, Lenard Demaray. Larry L. Taylor, 1st Squadron, 4th Cav, had some great stories in volume 1, and numerous people asked if I could talk him into providing more for this volume. He agreed and furnished three very exciting stories. The first one was about The Attack At Bu Dop followed by the TET Offensive of 1968. His last story was about The Colonel. My good friend Larry also provided several nice photos for you to enjoy. Bob Wagner was a door gunner with the 117th AHC on a Huey UH-1D. Bob provided an introduction and then a story about his last sixteen days in Vietnam. He also has a book titled The Blue Parakeet Is Asleep Under The Pancakes. He gave me a copy of the book at the Twenty-seventh Annual Reunion of the VHCMA in DC in June 2013. I really enjoyed the book, and I am sure you would enjoy reading it too. Thomas Tom L. Wright had several exciting stories in volume 1, and a bunch of people asked that I include some more of his stories in this volume. Tom has graciously provided several more for your enjoyment. His first story is about how he became a crew member with the 116th AHC at Chu Chi and Chu Lai. Then he had an exciting story about being awarded the Air Medal with V device. His next story was about Fire Base Mary Ann followed by Landing Zones and Bullet Holes. The final story in his chapter is about The Fun Missions.

To complete the last chapter in this volume, I got several great stories from Robert Bob C. Zahn, B Troop, 1/9th Cavalry, 1st Cav Div. His first story was about getting to An Khe after arriving in Vietnam. Then he had a very nice story about training for his job as a pilot on a UH-1B gunship. That was followed by an exciting story about moving to Doc Pho and what he did there. Then Bob had a great story about flying Pink Teams. Bob explained his tour in Vietnam in his next story. His last story is about trying to get back to An Khe to out process and go back to the states. The fear and excitement of that experience will be appreciated by everyone but especially by every Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member that reads it.

Many thanks also goes to the chopper crew members for trying to keep me straight on the technical jargon used in this book. Being a USAF trooper is somewhat like being on a different planet when trying to understand and use some of the lingo primarily used by the chopper crews. I feel fortunate to have spent many months with the U.S. Special Forces in Vietnam at Qui Nhon from October 1962 to early 1964 as an advisor to the Montagnards in weapons and tactics. I also spent a lot of time with various chopper crew members and was an in-flight advisor on C-21s and Hueys off and on, starting in January 1963, when ferrying the Montagnard recruits to and from the central highlands for training. Again in 1967 and 1968, on my second tour to ‘Nam as an advisor, I was on choppers many times but only as a passenger hitching a ride from location to location. Many of those helicopters were crewed by U.S. Army personnel. Ground travel was extremely hazardous and air travel was the choice of travel by most military personnel, if they actually had a choice. During both tours, the Special Forces Troops and the Crew Chief and Door Gunners taught this old country boy a lot of things. And for that, I will always be grateful. I fondly look upon all of them as my brothers. I am sort of getting along in years now and have forgotten many of the things they taught me, but gratefully, I remember most of the men because they have had such a positive impact on my life.

Again, thanks to all the Helicopter Air and Ground Crew Members for the many exciting and wonderful stories and the great photos and other documents that are