Stories/ Memories /Comments 

Howard Burks

Al Kimball
128th 1st platoon c/e 65/66

Hi Bill,

I have really been enjoying the stories on the web site. Many bring back memories but I'm still fuzzy on a few areas,I can't even remember the tail number of the slick I crewed. Maybe someone will remember being the pilot on these two events and can tell me the tail number of the slick .

The first event was a pickup of a LRP team in a small clearing, we were firing suppression going in and the grunts came out of the jungle shooting. We got them on board a lifted out but hit a tree at the edge of the clearing. We flew back to the rear area with a 1 to 1 vertical getting worse all the time. It felt like it was jumping up & down about 6 feet. When we finally landed and shut down, there was about two feet missing off the end of each main blade and the honeycomb had started to peel back from the spar. We had to change the hub and blades there to fly back to Phu Loi.

The next event was a huge lift involving I don't know how many ships. There were 3 rows landing to pick up grunts. after we loaded and were lifting out, my ship was about half way back on the right outside row. About 6 or 7 ships forward in the middle row, the main rotor of 1 ship hit the tail rotor of the one in front of it, and things went to hell in a hand basket from there. I can still close my eyes and see the transmission & rotor head of the rear ship screwing its way into the air after it came out of the Huey. I don’t remember how many wound up crashing out of this but we went up and out to get away from it.

Anyway, if anybody remembers these events I would like to hear from them. Would also like to hear from the guys in Florida who would be interested in riding our motorcycles to the New Orleans reunion.

Al Kimball

1st platoon,65/66

hdriders@atlantic.net

From: Richard P Brouillette mogator1sg@juno.com

Sent: Monday, September 10, 2001
Subject: Re: Helicopter 660970

Thanks for the respond yes we would like to know any thing about our gal (helicopter #660970). We have seen a couple pic's from the web site of the HAC and have a copy of the Tomahawk company logo downloaded. So anything we would be very grateful.

Rich Brouillette

From: AlnSchr@aol.com
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2001

My name is Alan Scheer. My e-mail address is alnschr@aol.com. I served as a crew chief from 3/67 to 3/68 in the 173AHC. My mailing address is 12219 Floyd Brown Rd. Soddy Daisy, TN 37379. I am interested to know if the Robin Hoods ever have a reunion. I am employed as an International Representative for the Boilermakers Union.

From: Jim Cagnard ekb147t@telia.com 
Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2001 1:34 PM

Subject: Just wondering if you remember these guys? Just wondering if you remember any names like Jim Cagnard, or Bob
Zullo, or Joe Walijeski, or Eddie McConnon, or Sgt. Mitchell from 1966-1967 or even a dog named Sam or a Vietnamese girl called Co Look, or a nativity scene that was put up at Christmas time for the compound?

Ok Bill, did you have a switch board there operated by The 232nd Signal Company because that was the company that I was assigned to from 1966 to 1967. My name is Jim Cagnard, there was also a guy called Ingram, that was accidentally shot and killed by a good friend of mine called Mac. We were visited by Georgie Jessell, Martha Raye, and Francis Langford. The Bob Hope Show was done in Bien Hoa . I was assigned both at Phu Loi compound and The Big Red One further to the left of the compound past a banana groove, where divison artillery was, does this help? Also if it does, can you explain the night with Martha Raye and how it went because Imight be mistaken........Thanks for your trouble......Jim
 
NOTE: Jim was a member of the 232nd Signal Company at Phu Loi.

 From:  laheit@hotmail.com 
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2002
Subject: Looking for the Family of Charles Sutherland Hymers

I was the crew chief on Lt. Hymers aircraft the day we were shot down. I'm looking for information about his family, so I can visit with them. You can reach me at laheit@hotmail.com thanks.... Larry Heithoff 

From: Barry Grimm xscape@surferie.net
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2002
Subject: 128TH NAME ADDITION
Just came across the site. I will visit more when I have time later. I was a WO-1 from JAN.67-JUN 67 (Was selected in June to become a VIP PILOT for II FFV=GEN WESTMORELAND and others).

I remember the day that Jim Darcey and CAPT. Newton were killed --BAD DAY !

BARRY GRIMM , ERIE PA.

I am a Vietnam Veteran, year 1967, 128th Assault Helicopter Company in Phu Loi. I am desperately looking for my old unit patch that we wore on our fatigue shirts. Raised eagle wings, patch was shaped like an upside down bullet head, I'm sure you know which one I mean. I did see the unit crest of the crossed Tomahawks and would like to get my hands on that patch as well. If you could email me at DedmonInc@aol.com or phone at 630/986-8886 I would truly appreciate it. I'm making my first trip this May to "The Wall".

Sincerely, 
Larry Dedmon

I was with the 128th in Phu Loi as a medic in 1965-1966. I have been looking for the unit patch for the 128th and also the 11th Combat Aviation Battalion.

I have been unsuccessful in finding either of them; the only description I have of these patches is through your website. I would appreciate any help in finding these patches..


Thanks, 
Dave Gauthier e-mail address: DGAUTH6000@aol.com

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