Joined the 128th Combat Assault Helicopter Company in July 1965 at Ft. Campbell,
Ky. Departed from Ft. Campbell with Company on two Lockheed Constellations. (We
were supposed to travel to Oakland, CA by train, but students were blocking the
tracks in Oakland, so "they" decided to go by air.
The Army Chief of Staff (General CRS, complete with Cigar, visited us before
we departed. Boarded USNS (cannot remember name of ship) in Oakland, with a one
day stop in Guam, we took 19 days to arrive off Vung Tau, RVN. We off loaded on
Landing Craft. When we reached shore, they dropped the ramp and there was an
Army Band playing us ashore.
Took us to the USAF Airfield in VT; and, I arrived just in time to see the
last C-130 depart for Tan Son Nhut in Saigon. The AF Guy said, "Get back on
the trucks, that's the last flight of the day (16:30 Hrs.)."
They then took us to Vung Tau. We went to the local supply room where the
Sergeant handed each of us a rubber mummy air mattress. He said, "Pick a
spot over there", pointing to Squad tents w/rolled up sides and standing
over concrete pads. No mosquito netting, No orange pills. No nothing, but the
mattress.
The next day, they flew us to Tan Son Nhut and trucked us to the First
Infantry Division Assembly Area (we called it the "University Place".
Late it became Long Binh. While waiting for the 173rd Airborne Brigade to clear
our AO, the EM were busy filling sand bags for future bunkers. Later, everyone,
plus the sand bags, were ferried to PHU LOI. We were the third unit on the
field. There were no bunkers, scissors wire or mine field. Just a tank about
every 400 feet. At night the tanks would take turns sweeping the area in front
of them with their Xenon Lights. They only stayed on for seconds. Then the next
tank would sweep. Every other tank alternating back and forth.
I'm doing this out of my head. I have notes somewhere. Your list of AC is
impressive. I'm sorry 011 was destroyed. SP Johnson was the CE during my time.
He was the best shot of all the rest. I recall more than 20 kills to his credit.
He retired from the Army and lives somewhere near me.
More later. Jim Brennan, CW4, US Army Aviation, Ret.
From: Larry Clark lsclark@ix.netcom.com
Gunslinger 37
August. 1965 (128th at Ft. Campbell) to Sept. 1966
First flight in RVN was October 25, 1965 in one of the first UH-1D's that
came off the boat, tail number 3520. At that time we were living in tents in a
cemetery near Bien Hoa. I have photos!
My logbook shows my first flight into Phu Loi as October 26th, and as
I recall, I carried a Capt. (West Point, Engineer type) that was laying out the
company area, streets, tent locations, flight line, etc.
I have photos (unit photo of the tomahawk presentation ceremony), and other
stuff, including several drawings of other unit names and ideas that competed
with "Tomahawk" for our unit name. I also have the text of the first
year unit history. I will scan these things in and send them electronic.
Take care, Larry
From: Bob Jones txbob@bigfoot.com
I really like what you've done so far with the 128th AHC site. I was
there from 5/69 to 5/70, and took over CW2 Curt Lacey's call sign
(Tomahawk 15) and aircraft (66-16066, which I later crashed one night after
refueling @ Di An - short shaft failure).
You may post the info on the Veterans page along with my email address below
(it's a web addy, so if spammers find it my regular email won't get clogged up -
if you need to contact me use -
txbob@bigfoot.com - this is the
one Bobby McBride has). I've been in contact with Bobby for quite some
time - he's doing a great job as "Unofficial Keeper of All Things
Tomahawk"
Keep up the good work and if I can help, in any way, just let me know.
BJ C U L8R, Bob Jones - txbob@dfw.com
From: Paul J Wenzel GUNSLINGER_36@prodigy.net
Great site and I sincerely appreciate all your efforts as well as those of
your son. I was a proud member of 128th from 67 to 68 as Tomahawk 16,
Gunslinger 36 and finally as Tomahawk 3. When promoted out of the job I went to
the 162d. My countless fond memories of the 128th helped soothe the sad times
when Charlie got lucky and scored against us.
Thanks again and I will spread the word.
Paul J. Wenzel
8016 Sleepy View Lane
Springfield, VA 22153-2920
From: Larry Hemstreet Lurtch@aol.com
Hello Bill, I applaud what you are doing for those of us who were in the 128th
ASHC. Especially since our sister company at Lai Khe , the Robin Hoods,
have had a web presence for a long time. My name is Larry Hemstreet and I
was a Crewchief from Oct 69 till Nov 70. I joined the 128th on a tour extension
along with a pal of mine, Aaron Wisdom. We had spent our first tour with the
First Air Cav Div as Huey DS maintenance mechanics. Not wishing to be stateside
servicemen, we stayed on until we could go back and become civilians.
The following events happened during my time with the 128th: 1) a small scale
race riot erupted outside the EM club one night complete with brawling and
weapons 2) a wayward rocket destroyed a Huey on the wash rack 3) a high priority
TDY mission moved 2nd flight up to Bu Dop to insert and extract special forces
teams 4) a horrific gunship revetment accident took the life of two Gunslingers
5) one of our black cooks was arrested after attempting to send a huge
quantity of marijuana home inside a stereo speaker 6) the blow-bath up the
street changed their policy to " -you no pay gul, git massah, you no use
stim bah-" 7) an ex-company EM kills his First Sgt by fragging him, while
in his bunker (went to Levenworth) 8) on a troop extraction one of our ships
strikes the tree line, goes inverted and all aboard are killed. 9) after a rotor
head/blade change by our "skilled" maintenance team we flew the entire
next day with the "Jesus" nut not secured properly!
Since we are on the subject of Jesus, let me say that it was not long after I
got back that I realized I needed to become a Christian in order for my
existence to make any sense at all, so through the help of my little sister and
Billy Graham I did so. Hope to hear back from you, Larry
Some names/personalities I remember are CCs , Graff,
Janich, Monahan, Ward, Bossi, Grillo, Rodgers -- CWs Wheling, Fowler,
Tilgner, Tweedie, - - Capts Davis, Wynn, Rosenberg, Barger, Dadic - - SFCs
Fountain, Waters
From: Bill Means BillMeans1@aol.com
Good to hear back from you. I don't remember what I heard about WO Codney.
I always refer folks to Steve Dillman and Jay Risden. They
remember lots of stuff. Do you remember Pilots Dick Mautino, Larry
Peoples, Jim Easton or Jay Easton. These guys ended up with me
in Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Ga. when we left Vietnam. We Warrants had
about two years left of duty. I haven't seen Dick since 1976 or so. He worked
for Aleyska Pipe line in Alaska. I believe he is now retired. Jim Easton
is in Chillocothe, Ohio and retired a couple of years ago. He had sold heavy
equipment to mining operations. Jay Easton is in Houston, TX. He has owned his
own business since the early '70's. He makes exhaust systems for motorcycles.
Jim Easton says Larry Peoples is in Northern California, and has been an
Insurance Adjuster.
Ron Harder was in 2nd and then 1st platoon. He is a wheat farmer in
eastern Washington, in the Colfax area. I talked to him a few years ago on the
phone. I had traveled through his area in the early 70's and saw the farming he
was doing. It is a beautiful rolling hill area that gets enough natural rainfall
for farming.
I haven't flown since getting out of the service in Savannah. I had been
teaching instrument flying for two years and was ready for something different.
I want back to college for a while, then hired on at a local ARCO Refinery that
was being built in our area to process North Slope Alaska Crude Oil. I still
work shift work there after 29 years.
I had met my first wife while home on leave between Phu Loi and
Savannah. She decided she did not want to be married after about 7 years. I
remarried a few of years later and we are about to celebrate out 20th
anniversary.
I've gone to several VHPA reunions and found some of my old buddies
from the Army. I've also met some of the original Tomahawks . One who
came over on a ship with the company (1965?), and another who was there when to
company colors were folded (1973?). I guess the Tomahawks are in Korea now.
We hopefully I gave you a few names to attach pictures and stories to later.
I don't remember a lot of names, but do recognize faces from pictures. I can't
believe I flew with lots of those guys many times and cannot recall the names.
Good talking to you
From: Bill Means BillMeans1@aol.com
I recognize one of your photos from the 128th. It's the one with Codney
squatted with some kid. Genz is standing beside him. I went thorough
flight school with Genz. I would probably recognize you If I saw a photo
back in 67. I was there from 13 Feb 67 through 13 Feb 68. I was a Pilot in 1st
Platoon. I know Codney eventually was a 3rd platoon Gunslinger,
but don't remember if Genz became a gunship pilot. Did you fly as gunner
on both slicks and gunships?
I've been in contact with John Murray. He was a skinny red headed
lieutenant in second platoon around the same time as we were there. He and Jim
Mann, another red headed Lt in 1st platoon. They were calling themselves "Cheerios
Kid" and "Wheaties 6." Must have been a RLO ( Real
Live Officer) Joke threat I didn't follow.
I would like to encourage you to continue to develop the Tomahawk
site. You seem to have the motivation and expertise to do it. Thanks for your
efforts. Jay Risden has a lot of the History in his head. He might be a
good guy to probe. He moved to Texas from California a year ago. He was talking
about retiring soon.
Bill Means
Tomahawk 13
Phu Loi, 2/76-2/68
Bellingham, WA.
From: Al Kimball pacer@iag.net
I don't have any pictures any more but I was with the unit when it moved into
Phu Loi. .I got swapped from the 197th in Saigon, so the 128 would have
experienced crew chiefs, if you can call 2 months in country experienced.
Will try to write some of my recollections of the early days for the web
page.
Al Kimball
From: Byron P. Sprunger Tomahawk 3A Bpsprunger@aol.com
The VCR has footage of the company area and the flight line, it shows CA's and
A&T, Vung Tau and Bien Hua, a few gun runs, coastal shots while re-supplying
an orphanage and island (can' t remember where) and unbelievable footage of fast
movers and cobras working just outside Phu Loi's perimeter just before a major
storm during the monsoon.
I have only one copy of the tape left. I just sent my spare to "Doc"
Dougherty, GS 35. Between the two of us, we can get you a copy. I'm sure the
guys during that time would love to have a copy also. It's great what your
doing. the 128 AHC molded my life and will always be a special place to me. That
is where I really grew up and fast!
I'll dig in some other places for more stuff. Byron
Bpsprunger@AOL.com
Byron P Sprunger
902 Pinehaven Drive
Hueytown, AL 35023
(205) 491-2479
(205) 491-7526 FAX
Rev, my tour of duty was Jan 68 thru Jan 69. I got my feet wet during Tet 68.
I was in the 1st Platoon and can't remember my call sign, but I became 3A not
long after making AC. My hootch mate was Ronald J Redenius, KIA. I was in
Class 67-19 and finished in 67-21. I am listed in the VHPA directory. I have a
19 minute VCR tape that has all my Super 8's consolidated on it. That is about
all I have to offer, except thanks for putting this web together. Byron.
From: Wayne Knox WSKNOX@webtv.net
Bill, I am probably barking up the preverbal wrong tree, but have to ask. I
was newly assigned to the 128th in October of 69. There was a guy by the last
name of I think McDonald who roomed in the hootch behind
the operations room of the same building. He along with Zuliger and another
guy bunked there. He had come back from Australia and had given me a boomerang
before catching a freedom bird back to the states. I still have the boomerang.
Zuliger was cut up pretty good all over his face from drug deals he couldn't pay
for while he was supposed to be on an R&R. Instead we had located him at the
3d Field Hospital in Saigon. Give me a shout either way. Wayne S. Knox, SFC,
USA(Ret) Jan 69 - Sep
69 Red Dog 11th Avn Bn (Cbt Aslt) Oct 69 - Jan 70 128th.
From: Al Kimball pacer@iag.net
Boy, sure is good to see all these names on the mail list. So far, I haven't
seen any I recognize. I got in country in Sep 65, assigned to the 197 in Saigon.
Then when the 128 came in country in Nov 65, some other experienced crew chiefs
and I were assigned there. So, I was with the 128 from Nov 65 to Sep 66.I was
crew chief/gunner with 1st platoon slicks ("demons" nickname on sign
in front of tent was 'killer', oh, I forgot, you guys had hooch's to live in.)
We were in gp medium tents until about 30 days before I left.
I am anxious to see more pictures as all of mine were lost or destroyed, long
story. Rotated back to Mother Rucker and instructed Huey power plant
maintenance, until I got out in Feb 68.so I probably taught you guys who were
there in class from Sept.65 until then.
Would really love to contact some others from my time frame, can only
remember a couple of names, Rudy Huben from NY and Jerry Wicker
from Chicago were both cc/dg's in 1st platoon.
I live in Florida, just north of Orlando, will be at the Sun and Fun fly-in
in April if any of you guys are still into aviation. I check into the VHPA tent
pretty regularly, so if any of you are going to be there, e-mail me at
pacer@iag.net and let me know. It's my wifes
computer so the name shows up as Ruth.
Al Kimball
