As You Were!

This page was last updated on 02/03/09
This page is organized by year and subject of picture activity. Pictures of taken while on duty are in the Flight Time sections. Pictures taken while off duty are in the Down Time sections. Pictures of our friends who have passed on are in the Fallen Friends section.

The Faces of the 176th Assault Helicopter Company

Our Fallen Friends

**1967-68**
Flight Time	Down Time

**1968-69**
Flight Time	Down Time

**1969-70**
Flight Time	Down Time

**1970-71**
Flight Time	Down Time

Please help me identify any unnamed faces or aircraft on this page. If you have any information or stories about any of the individuals in these pictures, or if you have pictures that you would like to see on this page, please send the information to

Our Fallen Friends
(names in bold text only)

**Our Friends Who Died In Vietnam**
Reginald D. Cleve WO Reg Cleve-Minuteman 21 and Don West-Minuteman 22) - slick pilots and good friends. Reg was lost on 22 Mar, 1971 during Lam Son 719. His aircraft, UH-1H 68-15759 is believed to have been hit by anti-aircraft fire at 5,000 altitude. Don West lives in Iowa. Picture contributed by Don West. Reg Cleve and Mary Ann (Don Culler's monkey) in the company area at the old MAG 13 area 1970. Picture contributed by Carl Zipperer. Reg Cleve and Marty Ott - Tied down in the AO. Picture contributed by Don West.
Walter R. Hall Walter R.'Odie' Hall (on left) in 1970 when he served as Door Gunner on UH-1H 67-17239 with friend Rick Reavill(on right). Walter later served as Door Gunner on UH-1H 68-15759 and was lost in Laos on 22 Mar, 1971, the last day that aircraft ever flew. Picture contributed by Rick Reavill.
Gordon B. Sears WO Gordon B. "Butch" Sears- Minuteman 27 on left standing with SGT Bob Littlefield, center and WO Wallace Young on right at Kham Duc. Butch was very friendly guy known to his fellow aviators and troops on the ground for his quiet bravery and his Chickenman call on the radio. Butch often flew resupply and was tremendously popular and well known to the ground units because of his dedication to getting them their resupply in all conditions and LZs. He was also remembered for temporarily losing his AC orders for going hot on some sharks in the water just off the Manor beach. Butch's best friend and room mate was Don Culler. Butch was wounded 11/04/1970 by a sniper while off loading resupply to a 1/52nd unit north of FSB Stinson. He was flying right seat in order to give WO Wally Burkhart a left seat check out. Butch survived the bullet wound to his jaw but died later in the night. It is believed that a blood clot which traveled into his brain was the cause of death. 1970 Picture contributed by Wallace Young.
William E. Adams William 'Bill' E. Adams, original 1st Flight Minuteman and Commanding Officer, 411th TC Detachment- Blacksmiths, 1967-68. Bill was killed in action on May 25, 1971 while attempting to rescue SP5 Littleton. At the time Bill was Commanding Officer, A/227th AHB 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Bill received a posthumous award of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Picture is from the 1967 14th CAB year book. Year books provided by Quenton Burge and Mack Bargainnier.
Mike R. Pickles Michael 'Mike' Richard Pickles, Minuteman 18- as he appears in the 1967 14th Combat Aviation Battalion year book. Year books contributed by Quenton Burge and Mack Bargainnier. Mike Pickles and Mark Dekreon. Picture contributed by John Longstreet. Two pictures of Mike Pickles at the controls in November 1969. Pictures contributed by Charles Chatham.
David L. Blatell David 'Dave' Lee Blatell in the cockpit of UH-1D 66-16230 "Oregon Taxi", CE Dale Wiese. Dave and three other crew members died after UH-1H 66-17075 aircraft was struck with .51 caliber fire and exploded in mid air while flying at 2000-2500 feet altitude near FSB Center. It is believed that there were six troops on board that also died. 1967-68 picture and information contributed by Dale Wiese.
Philip E. Richard OH-6 LOH with Philip E. Richard "Gooch" in the cockpit after he transferred to HHB/Div. Arty. NB. While with the 176th AHC, Gooch had a tail rotor failure in 17458 before Dan Frazee's accident. Gooch died on 11/26/70 of burns following a LOH crash. 1970 Picture contributed by Rick Phillips.
Robert R. Sizemore Muskets at the Manor 1970- L-R back row- Ken Osborne, Dave Adams, Will Horvay, Chuck Fatheree, Robert Sizemore (KIA) . Middle row-WO Herrington, Lt. Bueche. Front row- Steve Kerchenfaut, Dave Young, Wayne Chasson, Dan Barrett, Ed Klemanski. 1970. Picture contributed by Chuck Fatheree. Muskets at Kham Duc - Eating C-rats in the shade. Tom Matice, unidentified, Mark "Rocky" Wells, Robert Sizemore(KIA) sitting under the tail boom of 66-15169. 1970. Picture contributed by Chuck Fatheree.
Ernest DeForest Petty Ernest D. Petty at the south beach Manor. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh. WOCs Wallace Young and Ernest Petty entertaining at the Fort Rucker EM club. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh. Ernest and Janet Petty with Mike Waugh during graduation at Fort Rucker. This was the day they became officers. The next day they were awarded their wings. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Joseph Martin Leroy Brown Joe Brown in 1970. Joe was a very highly regarded and popular crew chief. Picture contributed by his friend Don West.
Dee A. Hyden Dee Hyden and Ed Barthell at the Chu Lai Manor. Dee died on 12-15-69, when his flare ship crashed during bad weather at night. Picture contributed by Steve Kerchenfaut. Dee Hyden and WO Cameron. Picture provided by Dave Grieger. Dee Hyden gets bombarded while swimming in Charlie Brown Creek. Is there a reason that he had on his boots? Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Donald Ray Rose Donald Ray Rose, died on 12-15-69 when the flare ship on which he was crew chief crashed during bad weather at night. SP5 Don Rose was scheduled to go home on 12-16-69. Pictures provided by Don's brother Lester Rose.
Angus W. McAllister Angus 'Mac' McAllister with WO Wood, CPT Ellis, and CPT Grieger. Picture contributed by Dave Grieger. Minutemen at outdoor lounge. Angus McAllister, CPT Jim Horton, Unknown. 1969 picture contributed by Jerry Herman. WO Jerry Herman, a hootch maid, and Angus McAllister with the scenic and pristine Charlie Brown Creek in the background. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman.
John 'Willy' Williamson. MIA 1968 Laos. John is in the white tee-shirt. This was John's 2nd tour. His first was with the 25th Inf. "WolfPack". He was wounded in both legs and came back. One tough dude, great friend, and Gunner. Another missed soul. John and Dale Wiese are preparing to depart for Khe Sanh. 1968. Picture and information contributed by Dale Wiese.
Donald G. Pacheco SP/4 Donald Gonzales Pacheco on the left and Leo Salas on the right. Pachecho had been an officer in the Mexican Army prior to his service in the U.S. Army. According to information from several men who knew Pachecho, his death was a sad one that is believed to have occurred while he was playing a solitary game of Russian roulette. He may have been distraught after receiving a "Dear John" letter. Both of these men were originals and arrived in Vietnam in February 1967. Leo Salas was crew chief on aircraft 65-10063 after Jim Williams. 1968 picture contributed by Dale Wiese. Information contributed by Dale Wiese, Jim Williams, and Leo McKenna.
Michael G. Harvey Memorial Service for WO1 Michael Gail Harvey, the first member of the 176th AHC to fall in combat. "U.S.Army photographs" provided by Hank Anthony. Flyby during memorial service. "U.S. Army photograph" provided by Hank Anthony.
Ralph W. Bigelow Ralph Bigelow, a Canadian citizen who served as a slick pilot with the 176th and a LOH pilot with Div Arty. Civilian picture of Ralph as a civilian provided by his brother Ken. Military picture from the 1969 176th Year Book.
Back to Top

**Our Friends Who Died After Returning From Vietnam**
Jerry Penny-Minuteman 23) - slick pilot. Jerry was killed near Ft. Rucker on 04/27/1981 in an automobile accident. According to an accounting from his brother Allen and Robert Fureigh, Jerry was driving his burgundy Corvette( '80 or '81 model) at speeds over 100mph when he had a blowout, left the road, and hit a power pole. Jerry was racing one of his Nighthawk students who was on a motorcycle. Jerry is buried north of Springdale, Arkansas at Silent Grove Cemetery. Jerry's name is on a commerative plaque in the Army Aviation museum at Ft. Rucker. 1970 Picture contributed by Don West. Jerry Penny- Photo most typical of Jerry in late 1970. He always pulled his hat down low and then had to hold his head back to look you in the face. This allowed him to see fewer of the officers who required salutes. Picture contributed by Joe Gross. Jerry Penny wearing a bush hat July, 1970. When he let his hair get longer, he switched to a baseball cap. 1970 picture contributed by Allen Penny, Jr . Jerry Penny and Lt. Dunn. 1970 picture contributed by Allen Penny, Jr . Jerry Penny in the cockpit . 1970 Picture contributed by Allen Penny, Jr. Jerry Penny with Chickenman Cave in the background. 1970 picture contributed by Allen Penny, Jr.
This picture wasn't taken at a California pistol range , but no one remembers exactly where out west it was. Those Special Forces guys always liked to keep the maps when you were near the border. L-R Capt. Lonnie Ellis, WO Jerry Herman, WO Mike Arline, WO Dan Cook, and ??Garlow, DG. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman. CW2 Michael "Mike" Arline taking a break outside his hootch at the "Manor". This hootch was second from the end by the bridge to battalion over Charlie Brown Creek. Mike was from Anchorage, AK and died in an aircraft accident on 08/20/1997. 1969 picture contributed by Jerry Herman.
Michael Redding is buried at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. The date of his death was January 26,2003. Military citations awarded during his service in Vietnam included The Bronze Star and 25 awards of The Air Medal. Recent pictures of Mike. Pictures of Mike taken during flight school and in Vietnam. Pictures and information were contributed by Mike's wife Michelle.
Tom Herrington I will never get over the untimely loss of Tom "Bone" Herrington. It has taken me seven years to post a memorial note for my friend. I still get tears in my eyes over the loss, he was such a friend to me. Bone, you are always in our thoughts. Zipp, OldHippie, FastEddie. Tom and Julie Kink at the 2000 VHPA reunion in Washinton, D.C. Tom Herrington with fellow AirScan, Inc. pilots in Skopje, Macedonia, April 2001. Tom worked for AirScan flying surveillence along the Macedonian border during 2001. Picture provided by "Bone". Subj:somber news Date:01/20/2002 12:03:41 PM Eastern Standard Time Hello: I am Tom's son, TJ. As some of you may know, my father passed away in a household accident this past Friday. His obituary will appear in the Monday morning Sarasota Herald-Tribune. There will be a visitation at Toale Brothers in Sarasota on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For information on the funeral services please contact Pam Herrington and family at 000-000-0000. tj herrington
Obitiuary from the Walla Walla, Washingtom UNION-BULLETIN Tuesday, March 29, 2005 Dale Wiese FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - Walla Walla Valley native Dale Clinton Wiese, 56, died March 23, 2005, of cardiac arrest while on vacation in Escondido, Calif. The memorial service will be 4 p.m. April 16 at the home of Cecil and Marilyn Zerba, 83805 Winesap Road, Milton-Freewater. Private burial will be at a later date in Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Wash. Dale Wiese and Bob Bodo - 1967.

1970-71

70-71 Flight Time
WO Mike Johnson in the left seat of 533, Cpt. Taylor in the right seat, and WO Scotty Reed saluting the photographer. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Pete Verbeek - CE 534. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Robert Fureigh-Musket 39 and Tim Mitchell, CE on 072 on the Musket standby truck. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Ted Gaieski, Musket crew chief. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
RS-Mike Johnson, LS- John West, and gunner Steve Simmons. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Jeff Thommen- Minuteman 10 (seated), Paul Workman, and Jim Somers. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson. Jim Somers identified by himself.
Jolly Wilson hot refueling FTL UH-1C 66-00520 with trail UH-1C 66-15069 in the background. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
Jolly Wilson holding 50 cal. ammo and 40mm grenades that were use to rearm cobras while on standby at Quang Ngai. The crew member with boy-son is Jim Somers, gunner flying on 069. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
Weldon Steve, crew chief on UH-1H 69-15569, the 198th Brigade Commander's aircraft, leans on his aircraft. The yellow step on the side of this bird was added after Col. Richardson was wounded in the knee by a mine fragment. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
Wallace Young in the right seat of a slick. Picture contributed by Wallace Young.
Mark Mercer in the left seat of a slick on the flight line at Chu Lai West. Mark later flew gunships and was wounded when struck by a bullet in the back of the head. The bullet lodged in the inner lining of his flight helmet. That same bullet had traveled through both legs of John Sharp before hitting Mark. Picture contributed by Wallace Young. Information contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius as an FNG in the right seat, but very happy to be in the seat and flying. Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Terry P. Wasson, a 71st AHC Rattler who would rather have been a Minuteman. Terry spent most of his free time in the 176th area with flight school classmates and good friends Jeff Thommen, Larry Warrick, and Carl Zipperer. Carl and Terry were even in the same platoon together in basic training. Terry's most famous line spoken in Vietnam, "I'll show you who no can do." Terry, why did you still have your boots on at the time? Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius. Information contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Lunch at Quang Tri during Lam SON 719. L-R Unidentified, Mike Waugh, Don Culler, Wayne Resemius, Wallace Young, Howard Jackson, Jim Somers, Unidentified-posssibly Hugh Grant. Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Ron Handel-MM17 "I don`t know where he found his new door, but he sure was proud." Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Lightnin gets to sit in the left seat today. Picture and info contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Lt. Larry Arnett, a great guy. Picture and info contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Howard "Blue" Jackson and Wallace "Sugar 4" Young. Picture and info contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Lightnin in hot POL,"Is that frost on their windscreen?" Picture and info contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
L-R John McCloud, Unidentified , SP5 Jr Richmond, Lt. Mike Arrendondo, and Cpt. Lorac Craig in front of Smokey 500. Picture contributed by Murlen Richmond.
SP5 Jr Richmond and Carl Rossomme-1970. Picture contributed by Murlen Richmond.
Henry Lipscomb in the gunner's well. Picture contributed by Murlen Richmond.
Henry Lipscomb out of the gunner's well. "Walk On The Wild Side".Picture contributed by Murlen Richmond.
Henry Lipscomb and John McCloud on the edge of an instant LZ at Kham Duc created by 10,000 lb bomb dropped from a C-130. Richmond and Lipscomb were on first lift after bombing. Picture contributed by Murlen "Junior" Richmond.
Mark Dekreon CE 027, in flight. Picture taken and contributed by Jim Simmons.
Paul "Groucho" Matix with Musket 027 on the pad at Hawk Hill. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Jim Simmons "at work" as gunner on aircraft 027. Photo taken by Mark Dekreon-CE 027. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Steve Dunn during pre-flight. Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
The LRRPs and the Pilots. Two pictures here. Be sure to scroll down. A picture of a Special Forces LRRP team and a picture of four pilots at Kham Duc rigged with the harnesses referred to as "monkey straps". The "monkey straps" indicate that these four pilots, 1LT Steve Arredondo, 1LT Joe Gross, 1LT Steve Dunn, and WO Jerry Penny were on a mission with Special Forces that was being conducted near or across the Laotian Border. The straps were worn in the event that the aviators were shot down and needed extraction by rope or ladder. Picture contributed by Joe Gross.Information provided by Carl Zipperer.
Keith Sutherland and Stan Gray (Spot). Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
1st Lt. Joe Gross himself. A fearless and highly respected aviator with an affinity for LRRP missions and combat assaults. Picture contributed by Joe Gross. Joe also had an accurate throwing arm and could pitch a glass through a fan with the best of them. Information contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Jay and Ed (Gunner and crew chief for J Gross) and "541". Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Chuck Fatheree in a slick (heaven forbid). Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Chuck Fatheree and his baby (more like it). Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Ed, CE on UH-1H 68-15541- IN A GADDA DA VIDA. Picture contributed by Joe Gross. Need help with last name.
Musket "Peter Pilot" Roy Allman. Was this the only stick he was ever allowed to handle?
Mike Waugh, PP and Don Culler, MM28.Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Richard Grant in left seat. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Bullet Proof! Mike Waugh on the pad, possibly at FSB Stinson, decked out in his chickenplate. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Carl Rossomme in the left seat of his aircraft. "me [Rossomme] in the left seat but not my aircraft, there was a white chess knight on the avionics cover. This was a .51 third round hit (along with a smattering of .30) at about 1500 AGL- climbing out of one of COL Silver's Mech. Inf. positions. We performed an emergency landing at Center. Then flew her home - and then maintenance found the hole in the transmission." Picture and info provided by Carl Rossomme.
Stan 'Spot' Gray in the right seat and Rick Reavill in the left seat of the cockpit of UH-1H 67-17239. Rod Stewart of Bakersfield, CA. looks in the window. Picture contributed by Rick Reavill.
Rick Reavill in April or May of 1971, near Freedom Hill in DaNang on his second tour with the Screaming Eagle patch on his left shoulder and the Southern Cross patch on his right shoulder. In November 1971, this aircraft #369 which belonged to A Co. 158th Bn, 101st Abn. Div., suffered a fatal injury during a combat assault just south of the DMZ when it was set down on a burned off tree stump in tall grass in an LZ. Rick was with A Co. during Lam Son 719 when the 176th was OPCON to the 101st. Picture contributed by Rick Reavill.
Gaylon Basil, from Wichita, Ks. going out for an engine installation. June 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
Capt. Mark "Showboat" Schnoebelen. 1971 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Mark is requested to send e-mail to Robert Fureigh, Musket 39.
WO Bill Irland . Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Musket crews during Lam Son 719 mission . L-R top Mark Dekreon CE, Mike Arredondo FTL, Butch Brant CE, Mike Mohar DG. L-R bottom Frank Donehoo DG, Tony Commander CE, Charles Piker pilot. 1971 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Tony Commander, CE and Frank Donehoo, DG with Rosemary's Baby at Khe San during Lam Son 719. 1971 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Frank Donehoo, DG with UH-1M 65-09533 at Chu Lai West. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Owen "Butch" Brant, "Bear Cub" . The tooth on the chain around his neck is from the skull "Mother Musket". Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Capt. Robert "Bob" Fureigh, Musket 39. Almost a full tour working on that mustache." 1971 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Craig Thoricht (middle) and friends standing in front of an AH-1 Cobra gunship assigned to the 176th for a short period of time before it was turned over to the ARVN. 1971 picture contributed by Craig Thoricht.
Sgt. Thomas - Maintenance 1971. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter .
Maintenance guys , E-7, Sgt Clifford Walls on left. 1971 picture contributed by Craig Thoricht.
Craig Thoricht in the back seat . Leroy Hansen from Minneapolis on left. A guy from New Jersey on the right. 1971 picture contributed by Craig Thoricht.
Clayton Jeter from Houston, Texas. Maintenance - Rotor Shop . 1971 Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter .
Gary Moody - Crew Chief from Pasadena, Texas Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter. 1971.
Bob Fureigh, Musket 39 and Butch Brant, CE, and unidentified PP with UH-1M 533 at Chu Lai West. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant..
WO Robert "Bob" Eason's flight helmet with the popular "Fly United" decorative painting. Bob was a pilot in the Blacksmith maintenance platoon. Bob's Vietnam tour was shortened when he was shot in the heel while flying a gunship mission. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Richard G. Michael, Musket 30 with 'nails' (flechettes) in his baseball cap. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
L-R Ted Gaieski, Tony Commander, Rodney Bacon, Unknown, and Paul Matix . with UH-1M 533 as she gets her pods mounted after P.E. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Tim Mitchell, CE, Paul "Groucho" Matix, Mark Dekreon, Jim Pruitt. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Muskets back from the first trip in support of Lam Son 719 . Top L-R Fred Coitio, DG, Steve Rodriguez, DG, Frank Donehoo, DG, Scott Reed Musket 33, Richard Grant Musket 35. Bottom L-R Robert Fureigh, Musket 39, Tim Mitchell, CE , Butch Brant, CE, Tony Commander, CE. 1971 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Relieved to be alive and on the pad at Chu Lai . Muskets back from first trip in support of Lam Son 719. L-R Donehoo, Dekreon, Brant, Steve Triontos, Fred Bearkiller, and Unknown. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Sgt Clifford Walls on top of aircraft 533 installing an L-13 engine with assistance from Unknown. A UH-1C becomes a UH-1M. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Tony Heines' "John Wayne" pose on Musket row at the Manor. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
WO Carpenter "Gramps" who was about 26 years old and Scotty Reed (in the cockpit). Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Jim Gilroy was DG on UH-1C 66-15089 Rosemary's Baby. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Capt. Tom Matice Musket 36 in the cockpit. Matice was well known for his aviation skills, but was also famous for going hot on rats in his personal AO with his .38 cal. pistol and was eventually required to turn in his personal weapons after each mission. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Cpt. Sando , a pretty nice guy for a "hard bar". Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Lt. Cardin aka "Rocket Man". 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
Don Bueche at the controls. 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
Cpt. James Frazier ?, aircraft maintenance officer. 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
Minuteman 29, Steve Clark in the left seat. 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
Non-rated avionics officer, name unknown . 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
WO Feasel at the controls. 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd and pilot identified by John Longstreet.
Maintenance officer WO Mike Redding and Sgt Dede who was with maintenance and 2nd flight on a trip to Cam Ranh Bay to pick up a new bird. 1970-71 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
CE Rick Phillips and CE Dennis Moine (flying as gunner) standing beside 15569 on the 198th Bde. pad on the beach. 1970. Picture contributed by Rick Phillips.
AC Dan Frazee and CE Rick Phillips with UH-1H 458 after tail rotor failure. Accident report- 101510H September 1970, UH1-1H 67-17458, 176th AHC. Aircraft, while hovering 5 feet above LZ, suddenly yawed violently to the right 360 degrees. The aircraft commander applied full left pedal and rolled off the throttle. however, the aircraft crashed and rolled terminating inverted. The aircraft sustained major structural damage to all major components. The tail rotor assembly and 90 degree gear box are missing and it is impossible to determine if the aircraft experienced a tail rotor failure or a tail rotor strike causing the 90 degree gear box to separate. 1970. Picture contributed by Rick Phillips.
AC Dan Frazee and CE Rick Phillips with UH-1H 458 after tail rotor failure, standing beside elevator. 1970. Picture contributed by Rick Phillips.
UH-1H 458 after tail rotor failure. Standing nearby are left to right Unknown (facing away), John Carillo, Magnarella, Ed Mendivil (without shirt). 1970. Picture contributed by Rick Phillips.
Don Culler (MM 28) - slick pilot. Wonder if Don still has that stick that he nearly wore out on the helmets of FNG peter- pilots? 70-71. Picture contributed by Don West .
WO Tilton and unknown crew chief by chopper. . Picture contributed by Steve Kerchenfaut.
Sp-4 Brian Elliot Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Sp-4 Ladner Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter .
Slick and crew chief - Crew chief name and A/C tail number are unknown. 1970. Picture contributed by Don West.
Frank Donehoo with UH-1M 65-09533 standing between some "battle rash"....nothing serious. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Steve Simmons- Butch Brant described him as a "damn fine gunner". He was the last gunner who crewed 533 before Butch left in Sept. 1971. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Scotty Reed in the cockpit - helmet must have been too tight from the night before. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Stephan A. "Steve" Kerchenfaut, Musket 32 , SAC, IP, FTL with UH-1M 65-09533 at the "Manor". Steve served with the 176th AHC in RVN from June 1969 to January 1971. John Skeen, from Live Oak, FL. (not shown) was gunner on 533 at the time of this picture. Picture taken during the Fall of 1970 was contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Scott Reed, Musket 33 with 533. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Mark "Rocky" Wells and Tim Mitchell with UH-1C 66-15169 in an old jet hangar at the former MAG 13 area. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Chuck Fatheree, Musket 39 in the cockpit of UH-1M 533. 1970 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Rocky Wells, Jim Pruitt, and Butch Brant , Dec. 1970 picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Mike Mohar , DG, loading rockets in a 24 shot pod on UH-1M 533. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Musket crew members on a 3/4 ton truck at Chu Lai West. Top L-R Chuck Fatheree, Scott Reed, Cpt. Merser?. Bottom L-R Steve Rodriguez , and Jim Pruitt. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Mark "Rocky" Wells getting some stick time. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Name Unknown DG, Tim Mitchell CE, Roy Allmon, Pilot (top to bottom). Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Steve ? was DG on 533 during the summer of 1971. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Scott Reed and Steve Rodriguez on Musket row at the Manor. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Muskets stretch legs while refueling at Lang Veigh , the former Special Forces camp near Khe San,during Lam Son 719. L-R John Sharp, Robert Fureigh, Frank Donehoo, Richard Grant, Mark Dekreon, and Tony Commander. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Live from Laos. Muskets return to Chu Lai from support of Lam Son 719. Back L-R Donehoo, Gaieski "Ski", Mercer, Arredondo, Dekreon, Sharp. Front L-R Commander and Brant. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Butch Brant with 533 in Quang Tri during Lam Son 719. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Cpt. Joe Lacher and 1LT. Joe Gross at Kham Duc. 1970 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.
Cpt. Joe Lacher (176th Opns. Officer) showing his game face. 1970 picture contributed by Roger Ladd.

70-71 Down Time
Roger Ladd with his brother, SGT Vince Ladd, USMC - and Smokey 500. Pictures was taken at the old manor on the South beach sometime in 1970. Vince was stationed up at An Hoa and came down to visit and log some beach time.Vince died of a heart attack on 28 March 2000. He had been a Deputy Sheriff for 28 years and headed up the Homicide Detective Division at the time of his death. Vince was 50 years old. Picture and info contributed by Roger Ladd.
The "Short Timer". Two pictures of Musket 33, CW2 Scott "Scotty" Reed. May 1971 pictures taken and contributed by his good friend Shark 7, Fred Thompson.
Scotty left Chu Lai for "the world" in the finest Musket tradition. He didn't ride a truck or walk to the departure terminal as most guys did. He flew a gunship over to the departure terminal, hovered over near the building, climbed out and walked into the waiting area. The Musket gunship he flew that day was a beautiful, well painted, and polished helicopter that sported chromed barrel mini-guns. Information as remembered by Carl Zipperer on that day.
Cpt. Leon "Lee" Pistone, MM 16 and 2nd Flight Platoon Leader in 1971. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Howard "Blue Jackson, 2nd Flight pilot. The writing and Mad Magazine Phantom Spy drawing on the left door of the quonset hut states, "Don't Phuck with a Phox Phour Phantom," which was very good advice. This door was painted by a MAG 13 pilot and was turned with the writing on the inside of the room when the 176th moved into the area. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson. Door information contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Cpt. Tom Jackson -last Musket Platoon Leader and Cpt. Mark "Show Boat" Schnoebelin. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
WO Guy Newcomb beating the heat in his hootch. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Mike Johnson, Musket 37, in an NVA pith hat. Must have killed him with his teeth. Picture contributed by Mike Johnson.
Muskets Don Wilson and Ted Gaeski. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
Frank Coito sitting in foreground. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
L-R Rodney Bacon, unidentified door gunner possibly called Smiley, and Jolly Wilson. Picture contributed by William "Jolly" Wilson.
Shortimer CW2 Don Culler, MM28, and WO Wallace Young on the back street at the MAG 13 officer area. The Marine pilots had it good. Most of the quonset huts had working air conditioners. The green building in the background was the latrine. It had showers, sinks and three real live flush toilets. We were delighted to take over their area. Picture contributed by Wallace Young. Information contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Sgt. Watts, Supply Sgt. 14th CAB security platoon in formation in the background. Picture contributed by Wallace Young.
Wallace Young performing his duties as Supply Officer. Picture contributed by Wallace Young.
Unidentified with Browning submachine gun, possibly Garrett? Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Jessup, crew chief. Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Hootch maid at work. "My hootch maid. She cooked lunch in my room only 1 time! I hung up Madden`s blow up doll by the neck and told her she would be in the noose the next time! "Picture and information contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
"My dog 'ROTOR'. His tail wagged in counterclockwise circles." Picture and information contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Stan "Spot" Gray and CE Prindle helping him load his .38? Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Clyde Adams, Wally Burkhart, and Wayne Resemius. Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Lightnin and Spot in the back yard? These two guys were good friends and were sometimes found "sleeping" near each other in the company street. Steve! Steve! You missed your chance! Picture contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Stan "Spot" Gray all dressed up and no where to go. Picture and info contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Jim Simmons in the enlisted area at Mag 13- 1970. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Bill "Junior" Irland- P, Roy Allmon- P, and Stubby- CE, playing one of many game of Hearts in the MAG 13 Musket ready room while on standby during 1970. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Unknown pilot, Mark Dekreon CE, Mike Mohar G, on standby in the Musket ready room. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Steve Rodriguez, Musket gunner on standby in the Musket ready room in 1970. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
Jim Simmons, Musket gunner - 027, in hootch at Mag 13. Photo taken by Tony Commander. Picture contributed by Jim Simmons.
The Gang at Chickenman Cave at the south beach Manor. The faces identfied in this picture are Marty Ott, Park Jones, Wino Willy Williams, Wayne Chasson, Lowe, Steve Stone
L-R below the sign- Ed Klemanski, John Edwards, Mike Arredondo, Unknown. Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Steve Dunn, Mike Arredondo, and Jerry Penny having fun in the company area at the "old MAG 13" area. Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Ed, Rich, and Jay using C-4 to burn ID in plywood floor for "541". Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
Good old BBQ. From left to right: Keith Sutherland, Unknown, Mike Arrendondo, Steve Dunn, TZ (Chu Lai ATC). Picture contributed by Joe Gross.
MAG 13 area room mates Jeff Thommen and Carl Zipperer posing in separate pictures with seven AK47 assault rifles aquired by Jeff. The left downwind traffic pattern for landing to the south at Chu Lai West was right over the officer hootches at the MAG 13 area. One afternoon, Zipperer was sitting in the hootch when he thought it sounded as if a helicopter had dropped out of the pattern and landed in the sand dunes behind the latrine. A few seconds later, Thommen burst into the room, grabbed a blanket, and disappeared. Very shortly after, he burst into the room a second time with the blanket wrapped into a bundle with seven AKs in it. Thommen dashed back out, ran to his chopper, and flew back up into the landing pattern. The AKs were brand new rifles, illicit souveniers aquired during a day spent hauling in a big NVA cache from far out in the AO northwest of Chu Lai. Jeff had the most well armed hootch in the area and eventually used those AKs to lead a night charge directly into the cess pool between the hootches and Chu Lai East during a suspected infiltration. Unfortunately for Thommen, the water in the showers had already been shut off for the night. Pictures contributed by Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius.
Mike Waugh, MM 15 and Wallace Young, Motor Pool Officer, standing near the entrance to Chickenman Cave. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Mike Waugh in his hootch with his hand-held air conditioner. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Mike Waugh at the entrance to Chickenman Cave. Picture contributed by Mike Waugh.
Murlen "Junior" Richmond and Carl Rossomme in his personal AO. Picture provided by Carl Rossomme.
L-R Mark Mercer, Murle Richmond (drinking) and two unknowns. Picture provided by Carl Rossomme.
Carl 'Hollywood' Rossomme. This picture was taken by Jerry Penny. "Jerry took the shot and before I mailed it home to my wife he wrote on it - "Cool Carl Apr 70 - you married me, now dig me." Then I had added at the bottom "Jerry's work - not mine!" Picture provided by Carl Rossomme.
Murlen "Murle" Richmond and Carl Rossomme. Picture provided by Carl Rossomme.
Greg Lamb, hanger rat from Coos bay, OR. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Joe Barossa hangar rat from Indianapolis, IN who loved drag racing. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Unknown sitting on sand bags.Please help identify. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Tribbet first name unknown. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Hootch maid. I no take sock! Take cigarettes, no take sock! Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Some of the gang from 2nd Flight Platoon. Clockwise from the doorway, the guy with the tattoo-Tom Reynolds, Rick Reavill, 'Slow Motion' CE (unknown name who drove a 3/4 ton truck on the ramp at the old Manor and took off a tail rotor of a parked aircraft. After that, we always had to secure the aircraft with the tail rotor aligned with the vertical fin), Bob Littlefield, and Howard Abel, a certified grunt who came to the 176th from the 196th Inf. Brigade. Picture contributed by Rick Reavill. Some info provided by Stan Gray.
Craig Thoricht making certain that the hootch maid is not plotting coordinates of the company area. 1971 picture contributed by Craig Thoricht.
Chu Lai "Sunny Beach" on the South China Sea
Charlie Acord, Bob Cochran,Brian Elliot, and Zimmerman. 1971 Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Bob Cochran and PFC Anderson -Maintenance. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.1971.
Charlie Acord - Learning to play guitar...never happened. 1971. Picture contributed by Clayton Jeter.
Ernesto Andrade - Is that a can of Black Label? 1971 picture contributed by Craig Thoricht.
Cpt. Cardin - gunship pilot. Picture contributed by Don West. 1970.
Lt. Dunn - slick pilot. At the Manor in Chu Lai. Picture contributed by Don West. 1970.
Cpt. ? Picture contributed by Don West.
Marty Ott - slick pilot. In his best Prairie Fire mercenary pose.
Mark Mercer with Culler's monkey, Mary Ann - gunship pilot. Mark was shot in the back of the head by the same bullet that hit John Sharp in the back of both legs. Mark eventually returned to combat missions. Sharp was sent back to the States. 1971 . Picture contributed by Don West.
Dave Belk and Crane?
Greg Joldersma (left) and Joe Barossa kicking back. 1970 picture contributed by Brian Elliott.
Scott Kuntz. Great person and friend of Brian. 1970-71 picture contributed by Brian Elliott.
L-R Unknown, Scott Kuntz, Unknown, Christmas. 1970 picture contributed by Brian Elliott.
Bob Fureigh in his quonset hut at the old MAG 13 area. Those trips to Quang Tri during Lam Son 719 affected everyone differently. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
In Wayne "Lightnin" Resemius' hootch.That's George Barti in drag hanging over the wall. Mateer and "Blue" Jackson in the front row. Larry Arnett in the back left side. Do I see "YoYo" in this picture? Others are unknown. 1971 picture contributed by Dave Bartram.
Dave Bartram (MM18) in front of the freshly painted door of his hootch when he was an FNG and Lightnin was MM19. 1971 picture contributed by Dave Bartram.
Mike Secondino and Clayton "Legs" Jeter "writing" a letter to Jeter's folks. The tapes contained much language not suitable for stateside parents (much editing required). 1971 picture contributed by Mike Secondino.
Steve Kerchenfaut (Musket 32) having a little chop-chop with the hootch maids. 1970. Picture contributed by Steve Kerchenfaut .
Stump, alias William Bush- practicing his infiltration techniques. This type of behaviour was generally caused from ingesting too much of the local rice beverage. When Stump wasn't practicing infiltration, he was 'practicing' tail rotor failures. 1970 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
The Alabama Wing- Larry Warrick-MM Zero, and William "Stump" Bush-MM18, catching rays on the dune just behind the quonset huts. This was a popular spot frequented by pilots grounded for reaching the 30 day maximum flying hour restriction. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
William "Stump" Bush MM18 and Don West (MM22) - slick pilots, as good as they come. Don was company IP during 1970-71. In this picture, he was probably getting tips from Stump on handling tail rotor failures. Stump had a tail rotor failure at Chu Lai East while making a taxi-turn out of POL for takeoff to the north. Stump had just turned to the north when the failure occurred. Stump rolled off the throttle and executed a perfect hovering autorotation. The aircraft settled facing back to the north after three complete 360 degree turns. As Stump and the rest of the crew were breathing a sigh of relief, Col. Silver, C.O., 16th CAG notified Stump that his tail rotor was not turning. Stump received a safety award for his skill. Picture contributed by Don West. Carl Zipperer, who was a witness to the tail rotor failure, and counted the three white flashes of the door gunner's wide eyes, contributed the information.
Jeff Thommen (MM10) and Carl Zipperer (MM27) - slick pilots. Doesn't that look like Rattler (71st AHC) colors painted on the walls? (1971) Jeff was 20 years old when he DEROSed in July, 1971. Picture contributed by Carl Zipperer.
Carl Rosomme - pilot. Getting short-timer's tan.1971. Picture contributed by Don West.
Richard Michaels and WO Grant - gunship pilots. Grant was transferred to the 123rd AVN Co. 1971. Picture contributed by Don West.
Pete Verbeek, CE on UH-1M 66-00534 taking a little "sip o' the blue sock" care package from Mark Dekreon. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Paul "Groucho" Matix . Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Steve Kerchenfaut with "Mother Musket" . Is someone still hiding that skull? Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Butch Brant, Dwight Thomas (drinking), and Chuck Fatheree on the porch of the 3rd flight EM hootch. A Musket initiation ceremony. Should you say "bottoms up" or "heads up"? For those who are wondering, yes, it was a real one. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
John Skeen, CE with "Mother Musket" in the 3rd Flight EM hootch. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Tony Heines, "Frag" Harris, and John Jessup outside the NCO club. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Dwight Thomas and John Jessup in the Musket EM area at the Manor. Picture contributed by Owen "Butch" Brant.
Don Wilson - A Musket CE. was identified by best friend Tedd "Ski" Gaieski. Picture contributed by Don West.
Compton (MM24) - slick pilot. Mary Ann (Don Culler's monkey) used to climb over the wall into his room, lower herself down on her leash, and steal anything that she could find. She nearly always left Compton a little brown calling card. Picture contributed by Don West.
Henry Lipscomb - gunner in 1st flight. Picture contributed by Henry Lipscomb.
WO Hugh Grant. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
WO Doug Soares. Doug, you never needed a tan. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
Hootch Maid - This young woman was a very nice and polite person. Also, like most hootch maids, she was a stealer of socks. "Hey G.I., you beaucoup dien cai dau. No take sock! Take sock numba 10!" 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
Steve Clark negotiating a boot shine. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
Steve Clark after negotiating a boot shine. This shine probably cost 10 Dong, 4 cigarettes and one grease pencil. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
Jerry Carpenter, who was a friend and flight school classmate of Stan Gray, 1LT. Shellenberger and Mark Mercer. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark.
Steve Clark in a scenic retreat during R&R. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark
Mark Mercer, Musket pilot, standing outside the room of fellow Muskets, 1LT Arrendondo and 1LT. Robert Fureigh. 1970-71 picture contributed by Steve Clark

1969-70

69-70 Flight Time
Dan Barrett, Musket 30, standing in front of a Super Hog gunship. Picture contributed by John Longstreet.
L-R Altman??, Don Bueche, and Joe Gross. Picture contributed by John Longstreet.
WO Edgecromb. Picture contributed by John Longstreet.
WO Berge. Picture contributed by John Longstreet.
John Kerlin and unknown pilot with a 1600 round ammo belt laid out beside his aircraft. 1600 rounds was an ammo can full. Picture contributed by Charles Chatham.
Charles Chatham in the CE's well with a "free gun". An unmounted M60 was fired upside down from the left side so that the shell casings would eject to the rear. The ring finger was used as the trigger finger. Picture and info contributed by Charles Chatham.
"Jo Jo" John Kerlin flying gunner with John Longstreet. Too bad the picture doesn't show Jo Jo's sawed off M60. Picture contributed by John Longstreet.
John Kerlin in a graveyard somewhere in the AO. There has to be a story behind this picture. Picture contributed by Charles Chatham.
Munday, Musket gunner. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington. Last name contributed by Bob Ellifson.
WO Paul 'Bimbo' Lent, Musket 37. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Cpt. John Williams of the Muskets. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Cpt. John Wheeler at the controls of a 'Super Hog'. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO 'Fat Oz' Osborne waits to pick up a crew after a "little mishap". Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Paul 'Bimbo' Lent, Musket 37 at the controls. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Tom Melin at the controls. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Ed 'Fast Eddie' Covill at the controls. Fast Eddie has confirmed that he still has that Navy double visor helmet. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.

69-70 Down Time

Quote from a 176th CO. "Contrary to popular belief, the Muskets are part of the 176th AHC."
Six pictures of faces in 1st Flight hootch in 1969. Don Mull, Wayne Bollig, SP5 Mitchell, Charles Chatham, and three unidentified faces. Pictures contributed by Charles Chatham.
Don Mull and Dick Sear, both Musket crew chiefs. Picture contributed by Butch Brant.
Mad Mike Morgan and John Skeen. Picture contributed by Butch Brant.
Tom Herrington and Brownie, the pooch. Picture contributed by Tom Herrrington.
WO Ed Goff and WO Terry Hulsey behind the gun platoon hootch at the south beach Manor. Picture contributed by Tom Herrrington.
WO Tom 'Bone' Herrington, Musket 35, behind the Musket officer's hootch at the south beach Manor. Picture contributed by Tom Herrrington.
The gang of three. L-R John Longstreet, Ken Osborne, and Steve Stone. John and Ken attended the same college in Wyoming. John and Steve grew up in Iowa and lived 17 miles apart. Picture and info contributed by John Longstreet.
The personal AO of WO Tom 'Bone' Herrington. Note the lock on the wall locker. Tom cannot remember ever locking it. Theft was almost never a problem in the 176th unless you counted the cigarettes that the hootch maids stole. Tom's classy flying scarf is laying on the bed. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
Tom Herrington and the Muskets get the Christmas spirit in 1969 at the Manor. Top two pictures are Tom Herrington's personal AO. That's a nice decoration on the wall, Tom. Bottom left is a Musket Hootch. Bottom right is WO Ed 'Cheeta' Covill, Musket 38, sharing his Christmas fruitcake with WO Mike 'Purple Seal' Fuson, Musket 34. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
"Downtime" for flight crews was not always restful. In this series of four pictures taken in September 1969, it is most likely that it was Victor Charlie who motivated these Muskets to reinforce the sides of their living quarters and build a bunker. No doubt there was a recent 122mm rocket attack. Bet those Muskets were singing that Vietnam era aviator song while they worked that goes, "Making Victor Charlie run, give him a burst of the minigun." Top Left WO Gary 'Cop' Williams and WO Mike 'Vulture' Hurst. Top Right CPT Roger 'Mutha' Mothersbaugh, WO Mike Hurst, WO Dave Young (background), WO Jim Jessee, WO Dan Barrett, and CPT Andy Johnson. Bottom Left WO Dan Barrett, WO Mike Hurst, WO Jim Jessee, and WO Mike 'Purple Seal' Fuson. Bottom Right WO James Jessee, WO Mike Fuson, WO Gary Williams, WO Dan 'Grin n Barrett' Barrett, and WO Ed 'Goof' Goff. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington who is noticeably absent from all the WORK pictures.
A cookout behind the Musket officer's hootch. Possibly Wallace Young?, center left, WO Dan Barrett, far rear, WO Gary 'Cop' Williams and Cpt. Marvin 'Marve' Adams, center right. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Gary 'Cop' Williams grabs a few Z's. Must have been all that bunker building. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
CPT Andy Johnson listens to some sounds. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
"Local children somewhere near a ville in the AO." Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Four pictures depicting typical daily life in a combat zone? Well, G. I.'s are known for their resourcefulness. Give them a couple of boards and throw in a few cans of beer and you get a teeter-totter and then you teeter-totter over to the worn out rocket pod buried in the sand. Top right WO Ed Klemanski, Musket 39. Top left, WO Mike 'Purple Seal' Fuson, Musket 34. Bottom left, Ed Klemanski demonstrates the fine art of handling a beer while throwing Mike off balance. Ed outweighed Mike. Bottom left, Mike loses the iron bladder contest. The results on the teeter-totter are unknown. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
Two unknown Muskets deciding who gets the last beer. Lt. Christie is the referee and keeper of the beer. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO 'Wild Willy' Horvay prepares to take a sip from 'Mother Musket'. Come on guys, 'fess up. Who's got it? (By the late '70s, 'Wild Willy' was also known as 'Wierd Willy'). Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO 'Fat OZ' Osbourne with 'Mother Musket'. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Tom "Bone' Herrington drinks from 'Mother Musket'. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Chuck Fatheree drinks from 'Mother Musket'. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Cpt. Motherbaugh, Musket 36 , got a sexy pink teddy for Christmas complete with wings, nametag, U.S. Army and of course, captain's bars. Charming huh. Bet he got lots of dates.
Slick Drivers Keep Off reads the sign beside the ladder to the Musket Platoon sun deck. If you doubted that those Gunnies meant business, the claymore mine beside it should convince you. But it may not have been the sign or the claymore mine that kept the slick drivers off the deck. Click here to see the most probable reason the slick drivers stayed off that sun deck. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
Muskets catch some rays on the Musket sun deck. WOs Wayne 'Guido' Chasson, Ed Klemaksi, and Ed Covill. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
Plotting the great Christmas Eve 1969, vodka chug-a-lug contest. L-R WO Jim Jessee, WO Dan Barrett, CPT Roger Mothersbaugh (the eventual loser), WO Mike Fuson (back to camera and eventual winner), and CPT Andy Johnson. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
The great vodka chug-a-lug contest held on Christmas Eve 1969. L- R Cpt. Tom Mattice, WO Mike Fuson, WO Gary Williams, WO Ed Goff, Capt. Andy Johnson, and loser Cpt. Roger Mothersbaugh (look for the lace). "Some people just can't hack it," Roger was later heard to say.Click here to see Diwee Mothersbaugh, Musket Platoon Leader, all decked out in his teddy and barf bag the morning after his loss to WO Mike Fuson in the vodka drinking contest. Is there any truth to the rumor that the sneaky WOs had replaced the vodka in Mike Fuson's bottle with water? It is also rumored that those same sneaky WOs offered to switch bottles with the Diwee. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Tom 'Bone' Herrington, Musket 35, and WO Ed 'Cheeta' Covill, Musket 38, relaxing on the beach. Pictures contributed by Tom Herrington.
One of the Skeen brothers in Musket tee shirt. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington .
The Skeen brothers by the bridge. Both SP4s at the time were Musket gunners. Does anyone know their first names? Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
Musket Platoon Sgt. Mull counsels WO Dan Barrett on what is expected of an officer while 'Fat Oz' listens? Chuck Fatheree is on the left. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Ed 'Cheeta' Covill, Musket 38, holds court. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Dan Barrett, Musket 30, takes a smoke break. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
CPT. Andy Johnson with one day and a wake up. Note the short timer's calendar on the wall locker. SHORT! Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Tom Meline behind the gun platoon hootch. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Tom 'Bone' Herrington, Musket 35 and CPT Tom Mattice, Musket 40. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
CPT Andy Johnson behind the CO's hootch at the Manor. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
L-R WO Terry Hulsey and WO Ed Goff, Musket 39 sipping a cold PBR. Good beer was hard to come by in I Corps. Beer was hard to come by in I Corps. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
CW2 Johnnie Johnson, September 1969. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Mike 'Vulture' Hurst checking his eyelids for pinholes, September 1969. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
WO Terry Hulsey and WO Mike 'Purple Seal' Fuson in the remodeled break room behind the gun platoon officer's hootch, October 1969. Burnt paneling paneling decor complements of Major Metcalf. Picture contributed by Tom Herrington.
L-R. Art Johnson, Steve Swaner, and Kirk Edwards (Michigan) who I believe did maintenance records in the hanger office. May 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening .
L-R Gaylon Basil and Arthur Johnson hanging an overhauled engine. June 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
Ralph Liening doing obedience training with "Dink" or maybe the dog had another name. There were two dogs in the company at the time. June 1969 picture of a typical Mongolian dog contributed by Ralph Liening.
L-R. Unknown on left, Art Johnson, and Steve Swanerduring JiffyPop time. May 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
Ralph Liening, who left probably left a few broken hearts back in the states. Most of you guys won't appreciate this picture, but all the girls visiting this site surely will. April 1970 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
L-R Arthur Johnson from the Engine Shop, Steve Swaner the machinist who worked in a van that was parked out in right front of the hanger, Unknownby the door. May 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
L-R Art Johnson, Steve Swaner, and Ralph Liening (Engine Shop). May 1969 picture contributed by Ralph Liening.
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1968-69

68-69 Flight Time
176th AHC Change of Command Ceremony, April 1968. Major Jerry N. Tuttle takes command of the 176th AHC. Official US Army photographs contributed by Scott Tuttle.
Bunker Guard. Not all duty was flight duty. "This Photo was taken on Feb 16th, 1969. We had a big mortar attack the night before and sappers in the wire. They had us to man the Flight line bunkers all through the day. I'm glad we didn't see anything I don't know if that old gun would have fired or not. It would have been difficult with the Butterfly triggers." Mike Parris on the gun while SP-4 Hinz is catches some rays. Photo taken by Roy Van Amburg. Picture and information contributed by Mike Parris.
Brian Lambie, Minuteman 11, "Double Ace". Picture contributed by Brian Lambie.
Recovery of an aircraft near Fire Base Buff, later known as Stinson. Blacksmith, and a Chinook recover the aircraft while Smokey 500 flies cover. August 1969 Pictures taken from Smokey 500 by Mike Parris.
What did you do in the war, Daddy? SP4 Fritz takes care of the daily burn duty. Hold your nose when you look at these pictures. For the uninitiated, those who have never felt the tickle of flies on your rear, the latrines had 55 gallon drum halves under the holes. Each day, someone was assigned to pull the half drums out, light them with diesel fuel, and replace them with the burned drums from the day before. For most GIs this was the first thing you smelled upon arrival in South Vietnam and the last thing you smelled before departure. Pictures contributed by Mike Parris.
This is a Rice Paddy Wreck that I had nothing to do with except take the picture. Thank god, Because they had a new batch of fertilizer on the field. You could smell this bird before you saw it. Can't remember the Gunner's name. Picture and info contributed by Mike Parris.
From Bob Ellifson: The person in this picture is Crew Chief Steve Cundy(Kundy). We flew on the same flight to Nam. Went through the 3 day RVN training at the Reception Center together, we were assigned to the 3rd platoon the same day and flew home on the same Freedom Bird. He was from Springfield MO. I haven't heard from him since we said our good bye's at Ft. Lewis on January 17th,1970. I think that crash happened in April or May of "69".
Mike Parris helped rig this bird with the Blacksmith crew sometime in late summer 1969. It took one or two 37mm rounds through the engine. The aicraft was autorotated into a tree explaining why both main blades are on one side. "I think the crash was in Laos, We were doing a lot a unofficial cross the border stuff about that time." Picture and info contributed by Mike Parris.
Rick Deems the Crew Chief of Smokey 500 during part of 69. Picture provided by Mike Parris.
"In these two pictures I was flying Smokey while CPT. Jim Horton tied about 10 lbs of C4 together and tried his luck at Fishing, We had just finished out test flight after a PE and it was time to play. I didn't Smoke, The cigarette was to light the fuse with. You can see the blocks of C4 and Fuse. The Crew Chief was taking the pictures, He then had to climb out on the skid and catch any fish that floated to the top. We were out at the Free Fire Area. Another time we landed in the free fire area so that I could get Capt Horton a stalk of Red Bananas." Info and pictures provided by Mike Parris.
"I had been in country about five months when I got a chance to fly on Smokey. I think this was my first mission." Picture and info provided by Mike Parris.
SP4 Gus Conover on the 176th Flight Line. Gus may have flown as part of the Blacksmith Crew. Info and picture provided by Mike Parris.
Washing Smokey 500. "We had to wash down the tail boom every day with Varsol because the Fog Oil caused the rivets to work loose. Black headed Gunner is SP4 Hinz, from Louisiana. I am the one doing the washing." Info and picture contributed by Mike Parris.
Those Killer Muskets. Tom Melin, L-R Capt. Lonnie Ellis, WO Jerry Herman, Unknown CE, WO Skip Beebe and CE Billy Parsons. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman.

68-69 Down Time
Most of the 2nd Platoon as it was in January 1969. Mr Covill (MM29), Cpt Kohler (MM26), Mr Brown (MM25A), Cpt Johnson (MM10), Mr Blair (MM21), Mr Jessee (Musket?), Mr Chasson (MM23), Mr Altman, Cpt Adams (MM22), Mr Saunders (MM28), Cpt Bryant, Mr Wheary (MM25). Picture contributed by Ed Covill. Dusty Rhodes, Aircraft Electrician passing a beer to the photographer. Mike Parris is on the left, Unknown to his right. Picture and information contributed by Mike Parris. Mike Parris on his way back in country from R&R in Hawaii. April 1969. Picture contributed by Mike Parris. Pictures from several floor shows at the Manor, from December 1968 to September 1969. Pictures contributed by Mike Parris. Some of the Allied Shop Crew. These were all but one of the guys in the hooch with Mike Parris. That is Mike Parris on the left with his right hand and beer resting on his Marine K-bar. Next is Roy Van Amburg, Dusty Rhodes, Thomas Barr, Unknown and David Carl Baker (1st flight). Note from Mike states, "Dusty shaved his head after showing up in morning formation with a Mohawk haircut. The First Shirt gave him the choice of an Article 15 or a shaved head. Too much formaldehyde in the beer I guess. We were rebuilding our bunker and were taking in refreshments. I wish we had never rebuilt that bunker. It was one of the best in the company, so when the alarm went off you couldn't get near it for the trespassing bodies." Picture contributed by Mike Parris. D.C. Baker identified by Gary Ahlstrand. Do these guys look like killers? Top to bottom- Rick Mclean, Phil Lee, Ken Wood, Unknown, and Tom Melin. Jerry Herman explained the walls of this hootch in an e-mail note: Maj. Metcalf acquired a pallet of plywood for us and we covered the inside walls of this hootch to keep out the blowing sand. We used a blow torch to burn the grain in the wood. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman. Long john underwear? Maybe this photo was taken in North Vietnam? L-R WO Sam Young, Sp Evans, WO Jerry Herman, WO Phil Lee. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman. This picture will make you do a double take. Jerry Herman and Bob Davies with Jerry Herman and Bob Davies. The affliction known as double vision was common in RVN and was usually caused from spending too much time at the club. 1968-69 picture contributed by Jerry Herman. Back to Top

1967-68

67-68 Flight Time
Daniel J. Rivera, Musket gunner and SP5 Cottel, Musket crew chief standing in front of a Musket gunship, with a freshly painted Purple Heart. Daniel received the Purple Heart for wounds while flying with CPT Warren Tanner, but like so many enlisted crew members, never received Air Medals for the hours he flew as a crew member in Vietnam. Daniel was also an original gunner on one of the 1st Cav "GUNS A GO-GO" gunships. While in Vietnam, Daniel, also sever with 173rd Airborne Infantry Brigade, the 1/327th Infantry, and the 101st Airborne Division. Picture and information contributed by Daniel J. Rivera.
Apparently a picture of James Hovinen working on a gunship at Duc Pho. Picture contributed by Robert Hovinen.
Flight Operations tent and L-R CPT James Hammond, Hank Anthony, WO1 Kim Hogan, at The Eagle's Nest at Duc Pho. summer of '67. Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.
Russ Lewis with UH1-D 65-10055. Russ and Dale Wiese went through Ft. Rucker, Vietnam, and Hunter Army Airfield together and are still great friends. 1967-68 picture and information contributed by Dale Wiese.
Dale Wiese shining up the tail of UH-1D 66-16230 while in maintenance at Chu Lai. 1967-68 picture and information contributed by Dale Wiese.
Dale Wiese and Bob Bodo from Colorado Springs, CO, standing beside UH-1D 66-16230, the "Oregon Taxi". They had both just made SP4. Note the .38 on Dale's hip. He did not carry a M16, just a .38 like the Wild West. Like so many of us, including John Wayne, he thought was invincible. 1967-68 picture and information contributed by Dale Wiese.
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67-68 Down Time
This is believed to be enlisted living quarters at Duc Pho in 1967. Possibly a photo of James Hovinen and hootch maid. Picture contributed by Robert Hovinen.
Max Mizejewski test flying the "Officers Outhouse" in Duc Pho base camp June or July 1967 This is luxury compared to some of the other accomodations and harder for "Charlie" to get a bead on you. Picture contributed by Max Mizejewski.
Officer's quarters and WO Max Mizejewski sitting on the sandbags in front of officer's quarters tent in Duc Pho base camp June or July 1967. Picture contributed by Max Mizejewski.
Chief Warrant Officer Two Albert C. Cerullo, 23, of Elmont, N.Y. According to an article in The Falcon Cerullo completed his tour in Vietnam, having flown 1605 combat hours in 241 flying days. As of December, 1968, "Minuteman 12", had not had an accident charged against his record since he began flying. "Today if you watch the credits on a lot of movie, big namers, you will see his name as the helicopter pilot. He has his own company in New York, which is used in alot of movies. Great Guy and one helluva pilot." Picture and recent information contributed by Dale Wiese.
Hank Anthony shows a 'close one' in Chu Lai. OUCH! For those who don't recognize the object that Hank is holding in the picture, it's an armored chest protector commonly known as a 'chicken plate'. The cover has been removed to show the bullet indentation in the crockery layer. One life saved here by a 'chicken plate'. This appears to be the chicken plate worn by Roland Scheck on 15 May 1967. Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.
SP4 Claude Edgar Windle of McAllister, OK and Hank Anthony on R&R in Tuy Hoa. Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.
SSGT. Lum E. Meares, Mess SGT. Hello SGT. Meares, where are you going with that goody box of SPs? Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.
Unknown and Hank Anthony at "home" in Duc Pho, 1967. " It's certainly not the Waldorf Astoria." Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.
Hank Anthony on a hospital ship. Down to about 100 lbs, September 1967. Picture contributed by Hank Anthony.

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