Stories

TOM,I served with your brother and was flying co-pilot with him on 1/10/68. I was fortunate enough - due to the heroic actions of two other young men aboard that aircraft, my Wingman (Val Mazzucca) and other Tomahawk brethren - to have survived the events of that terrible day. My greatest regret was and remains that I could not have done more to have saved the lives lost on that unforgettable day.

I had only recently taken over as the Platoon Leader of the Gunslingers and was just getting to know the men of the platoon before being shot down with your brother. Therefore, I did not get the opportunity to know Bill that well. I do know that he was highly respected amongst his friends and the other officers within the company for both his flying skills and his professionalism as a soldier and aviator. He was fearless fighter and showed that fearlessness on a day-to-day basis. It was my pleasure to have known and flown with him.

I find I must apologize for not getting in touch with your family following the events of 1/10/68 but due to injuries sustained, I spent sometime in and out of hospitals both in Viet Nam, Japan, and on my return to the United States. In that time, I lost track with almost everyone in the Tomahawks for a number of years and was unable to obtain any information about Bill or his family. Please accept my apology for not establishing contact but I am extremely happy to know that I am able, at long last, to finally pass along my condolences to you and your family – not only for Bill but also in the loss of your mother.

I am now retired from active service and live in Flower Mound, Texas a North Dallas suburb. Please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address or at my home. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you or your family may have in regard to Bill or the events of 1/10/68.

From: Duke Robnett
Date: 11/25/02

To All Tomahawks:

Just wanted each of you know that I got a very nice phone call from Tom Harwell Friday at about 5:30. He had received my faxed letter to him and wanted to give me a call to say thanks for the response. He said that he had gotten some e-mail from others but did not elaborate on who those were from other than to say that it was from some of the folks I had mentioned in my note to him (i.e., Doc, Jay, Val, Steve). Therefore, I can only assume that he got some of your e-mails even though there were “kick backs.” He gave me an e-mail address of Thartwell@hcnonline.com. He indicated that it was a business e-mail but that it should get to him for those who wanted to drop a line. In our excitement of talking with one another I failed to confirm a home address and he failed to give me one. However, I am pretty sure that the one Jay sent out is valid. The phone numbers and address that Bill McDonald sent in his e-mail on 19 November are definitely good.

Tom iterated that he was totally knocked out by the response from all of us and found it most ironic that the one little contact made in passing at Pasadena with Craig Porter had resulted in his establishing contact with the very guy who had been flying co-pilot with his brother not to mention the other responses he has gotten. He said he immediately called his dad and let him know that he was in touch with me and others of Bill’s old unit. He went on to say that the ITSOTB helicopter landing in Pasadena was a very emotional moment for him. He said, when he saw the aircrew landing the aircraft he had the most intense sensation that he was seeing Bill landing that aircraft.

We talked some about Bill but not a lot. Most of the discussion was his constant thanks to me and you guys for our establishing contact. He indicated that right after Bill’s death someone (he couldn’t recall the individual’s name, only that he knew Bill) had dropped by their home to pay a visit. He said he recalled that the young man was very nice, but the visit came too soon after Bill’s death for his mother to handle. As a result, he said that the visit had to be terminated due to her inability to handle the situation. He said, he had felt sorry for the visitor but there was little that could be done under the circumstances. He went on to say that his mother never did come to grips with Bills death and it was an ever present companion to her throughout her life. He said his dad is doing great, in his 80’s and in good health. He indicated that he and his dad had been wanting to attend one of the VHPA reunions to meet some of Bill’s friends but had not done so. He said that his dad still attends his old WWII reunions with his B-29 buddies and laughed saying that there were only about 3 of them left but they still had it anyway. I told him that I expected to see them in Orlando. I know you guys will provide some gentle prodding as well. My bottom line impression of the conversation was that he was so excited about talking to someone from Bill’s old unit that he wasn’t thinking too clearly about what either of us was saying in response to questions asked or poised. His interest was just trying to pass on a simple “thanks” for our response and showing that we all still care about his family and the loss of their son and brother.

It was my turn to be blown away as we were terminating our conversation. Tom asked if I minded if he and his father paid me a visit here in Dallas. After catching my breath, I of course replied that he and his father would be most welcome at any time. He went on to say that he had no idea what he wanted to talk about, would talk about, or what questions he might have. He said, at present, it was just enough to know that there was someone out there who could fill in some information voids that others could not. I told him that we should just let the chips fall where they may but I would certainly look forward to an opportunity to meet both he and his father. He said he wanted to talk to his dad and once that was done then we’d arrange a meeting. Jay, I hope I didn’t overstep my bounds, but I told Tom that you lived pretty near to the Dallas area and that I was sure after all these years that you’d like to see he and his father. Tom replied that, that would be great if you could see your way clear and would be willing to meet with them.

I just wanted all of you to know that Tom was overjoyed at hearing from those who wrote and was most appreciative of the response.

Hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving.

Regards, Duke