From: Alan Shields abr4126@hotmail.com
Sent:01/18/2003
Subject: Huey 64-13742

Bill below is a copy of an e-mail on the webpage trying to decide between 742 and 744. I was crew chief on 742 (yellow flight) when it crashed. We got under the ship in front of us in a landing formation and was beat down by rotor wash. (Fully loaded making a troop insertion and a weak engine and a not-so-good co-pilot). We hit the tree tops and crashed at the edge of a clearing. It hit the ground on the left side and went upside down. The pilots were still in their seats strapped in. My gunner and I had to release their belts to get them out. all the while ammo was going off as the M60 rounds had gotten in the engine exhaust. Would you believe that it was still running and had to be shut down! I got a bloody nose from hitting my face on the roof and one of the grunts hurt as I remember. They had to make 3 sling loads to get it back. I have pictures of it but they are yellow looking now. If you wish I can scan and send them to you. Alan Shields

"Toward the end of Operation Junction City, On the night that the 2nd Platoon lost a/c #744 with all crew aboard, Steve Dillman and I were flying the a/c that went out that night and found the crash. My daughter, Darcy, is named in honor of my best friend who was lost that night."

Go to the web site and click on SPIRITUAL STORIES then click on VISIONS of FIRE & DEATH. This is the story of that experience. My web pages show that that the craft was #744 and then on another data page I have it listed as #742 - I need to confirm the correct tail number, but the former crew chief and I agree that it was in fact #742. Any way, that is not the point. Captain Richard Newton and Jim Darcy were flying it along with the lone gunner - Al Durell ( who was brand new to the unit).

SUBJECT: MIA IDENTIFICATION
Date: 11/19/02
E-Mail sent to Bill McDonald - forwarded for response to Jay Riseden
original E-mail from US Army Identification Laboratory - Hawaii

 

Dear Mr. McDonald:
My name is Brad Sturm. I am an anthropologist with the U.S. Army Central
Identification Laboratory, Hawaii. I searched the net and found your web
site for the 128th AVN.  I am currently working up some artifacts/material
evidence associated with a recent MIA recovery mission we completed in
Cambodia. One of my colleagues excavated a burial containing human remains
and many issued items including an American Nomex shirt and trousers. All
of the patches on the shirt were removed when we excavated it, but the clear
outline for all the patches are still very visible. I believe that the large  patch
outline on the right pocket may represent the 128th AVN "Tomahawk"
unit patch. I understand that the outlines above the pockets are for the
soldiers name and U.S. Army, but I am unclear as to what may have been on
the upper sleeves. Would you examine the attached photographs and give me
any thoughts you may have that could help me discuss the circumstantial
evidence for the material evidence report.

 Because we have not identified this individual yet we would greatly
appreciate your discretion in not discussing this request with possible
 family members or publishing any of the attached photographs.  Thank you
 very much for your help!
 Sincerely, Bradley L. Sturm
Anthropologist
U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii sturmb@cilhi.army.mil  www.cilhi.army.mil
 

 Jay Riseden's Answer for the Tomahawks

Mr. Sturm,

My name is Jay Riseden. I was a pilot with the 128th in 1967 through 1968. I am the unofficial historian for the 128th and am very familiar with all 128th patches used in Vietnam. I am familiar with many other helicopter unit patches used in Vietnam and maintain an archive of many of them.

I wish to offer the following observations in regard to your inquiry.

I find no 128th connection with what I can see of the "flack vest", helmet or zippo lighter.

The Nomex shirt appears to be consistent with one that would have been worn by a 128th pilot. I would consider it less likely to be a crew chief or gunner garment. The discoloration on the collar tabs could be from sewn on US Army Officer branch insignia or Warrant Officer insignia on the left collar and the right collar the sewn on rank. The pattern left by the rank of Lieutenant or Warrant Officer would be rectangular in shape as opposed to rank of Captain and above which would leave a more square like pattern.

The remaining stitch pattern and discoloration on the right pocket would be consistent with the Tomahawk 128th patch which had a rounded bottom delineating the scroll graphic at the bottom of the patch. This pattern could also be that of a few other unit patches of similar shape. The dark area above the right pocket would typically be the sew on name tape.

Over the left pocket the "U. S. Army" tape would be expected. Immediately above that would be the sewn on qualification badge. This badge would likely be the Aviator Wings or could be crew member wings. One thing to consider here is if the aviator were a more senior pilot, the qualification wings may have had the Star or Star and Wreath of the senior or Master Aviator respectively. If true, then the sew on qualification wings would be somewhat greater dimension from top to bottom.

The discoloration on the right sleeve appears consistent with the First Cavalry Division patch. This would have been the person's prior combat unit and one could speculate that this individual had been assigned to that unit earlier or on a previous tour.

The discoloration on the left sleeve is consistent with the shape of the First Aviation Brigade patch. This was the parent organization of many helicopter units and would typically be worn by members of the 128th.

I examined a jungle fatigue blouse that I wore while assigned to the 128th in 67-68. It had all the typical patches sewn on at one time. The patches were subsequently all
removed. The discoloration/stitch patterns are similar to the ones exhibited on the Nomex shirt with the exception of what appears to be the First Cavalry Division Patch.

I hope this dialogue helps some. If I can be of any further assistance, please contact me.

James L. (Jay) Riseden