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OH-6 Vietnam Losses }-> 1970-1973 ~ 1968-1969

 

Date

Name(s)

Location

Insignia

Notes

06 SEP 18

CW4 Paul J. Reidy [IP]
Trainee injured

Saudi Arabia

SANG
AH-6i
#
A/C crashed during routine training mission at Khashm Al-An airport in Riyadh.

08 AUG 11

CPT John D. Hortman [P]
CW3 Steven B. Redd [P]

Georgia

1-160 SOAR
AH-6M
#06-25380
A/C crashed on a live-fire range at approx 1615 hours during routine training exercise with the 3-75 Rangers at Ft Benning. Investigation revealed the FADEC failed to low fixed-fuel setting, which affected the RPM of the rotors and caused a loss in altitude.

14 MAY 06

CW5 Jamie D. Weeks [P]
MAJ Matthew W. Worrell

Iraq

1-160 SOAR
AH-6M
#81-23634
A/C shot down near Yussifiyah during combat operations.

09 SEP 99

MSG Gaetano J. Cutino

North Carolina

160 SOAR
MH-6J
#81-23629
Died from injuries sustained while exiting from A/C during an insertion exercise near Sicily Drop Zone on Ft Bragg. A/C landed on a steep right downslope during a night multi-aircraft troop insertion. As 4 CETs began offloading, the A/C rolled right, wobbled, and then yawed left. M/R blades struck one of the CETs as he attempted to maneuver from beneath the rotating blades.

20 JUL 94

CW3 Carlos P. Guerrero [P]
1 injured

Kentucky

B/1/160 SOAR
AH-6G
#84-24679
After completion of firing during aerial gunnery, pilot initiated a right turn away from the target and continued in a right descending turn when it impacted the ground and exploded on Ft Campbell military reservation.

22 FEB 93

MAJ Robert P. Mallory [P]

Ohio

1/160 SOAR
OH-6
#69-16072
News Article
A/C crashed near Gallipolis shortly after takeoff from Tri-City airport in Huntington, WV while enroute to Ft Belvoir.

05 SEP 91

LTC Robert R. Wade [P]
CW4 Charles D. Yingst [P]

Colorado

2-135 AVN (CO ARNG)
OH-6
#66-7851
A/C was under NVGs at 225' AGL when it hit a radio tower guy wire on an unlit 306' radio xmsn tower, severing blue M/R blade. T/R assembly separated and A/C hit ground in 40-degree nose-down, left-roll attitude, coming to rest on its left side just after midnight in a field 6 miles SE of Buckley ANG Base.

26 NOV 90

LTC Richard L. Vincent [P]
CW3 Richard H. Walch [P]

Kentucky

 

USAASC
OH-6
[Need Tail#]
A/C crashed near Range 29 at approx 1830 hours during an NVG weapons-testing flight on Ft Campbell.

20 DEC 89

1LT John W. Hunter [P]
CW3 Wilson B. Owens [P]

Panama

B/160 SOAR
AH-6G
#84-24678
A/C crashed as a result of a firefight during Operation Just Cause. A/C was in a flight of 4 MH-6 and 9 MH-60 on a pre-H Hour mission on a beach house located on the coast of Colon.

20 MAY 88

CW3 Stephen A. Hansen [P]
CW3 Jerome H. Landgraf [OB]

Tennessee

160 SOAR
AH-6C
#68-17276
News Article WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
A/C was on a day VFR cross-country training mission from Ft Campbell at about 200' AGL and 40 KIAS when low rotor RPM allowed M/R blade to hit the tailboom. As a result, the aft portion of the tailboom and T/R components separated from A/C, rolled 90 deg left, pitched approx 70 deg nose down, yawed about 25 deg right and crashed in a grass field at approx 1310 hrs NE of Portland. Investigation determined crash caused by engine power loss.

05 MAR 87

CW3 Dennis L. Barlow [P]
CW2 David O. Barr [P]

Oklahoma

45 AVN BN (OK ARNG)
OH-6
#68-17301 & #68-17316
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
Mid-air crash at approx 2120 hours 3 mi S of Wagoner during night training under NVGs. After collision, A/C with fatalities erupted into fireball and crashed into heavily wooded area. Other A/C crash landed and toppled on its side approx 50' from Hwy 69.

2 injured

27 APR 87

CPT Frederick M. Maddock II [P]
1 injured

California

A/TF 160
OH-6
#81-23656
A/C crashed approx 25 mi off the coast of Huntington Beach during a night training mission.

02 JUL 84

MAJ Sam M. Kyle [P]
CIV Donald G. Gammons
CIV James F. McPeters

Tennessee

TN ARNG
OH-6
#67-16404
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
A/C crashed while helping to search for three prison escapees near Only. A/C was flying at low altitudes and variable airspeeds when it hit two wires 135' above the ground, xmsn and rotor were torn from the A/C and fuselage hit the ground on left side, bounced back in the air, and again hit on its left side about 30' from initial point of impact. Two Dept of Corrections officers were also killed in the crash.

07 OCT 81

LTC Michael C. Grimm [P]
1 injured

Tennessee

TF 160
MH-6
#69-16039
News Article
A/C hit an electrical tower and crashed into the Cumberland River, while leading a flight of 22 aircraft on a long range, night vision assault mission.

04 NOV 80

SP4 Timothy C. Hensley [CE]

Florida

TF 160
OH-6
#168
News Article
CE was taking part in a "downed pilot" training exercise at Eglin AFB in vicinity of Duke Field. The OH-6 dropped a cable and harness assy, which CE put on. The carabiner hook unknowingly rotated causing weight to be put on the gate. During the lift and subsequent flight, the carabiner failed and he fell in the trees at the end of the airfield.

10 DEC 77

CPT Kenneth W. King [P]
CIV Joseph K. Smith

Tennessee

TN ARNG
OH-6
#65-12927
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
A/C high-line wire strike at Nickajack Lake in Egypt Hollow area over I-24 at night about 10 mi E of Jasper. Pilot was conducting a night flight in local area, flying below 500' AGL on a mission that did not require low-level flight. A/C struck and severed two powerlines which were about 200' AGL. There was an unauthorized PAX (brother-in-law) on board.

1972

CWO Manuel Collazo [P]

Unknown

 

[Need A/C Unit
OH-6
[Need Tail#]
No details.

02 NOV 71

CW2 Alan Curtis Shurlow [IP]
1LT John K. Putnam [IP]

Georgia

 

197 AVN
OH-6
#67-16656
A/C was practicing autorotations at Ft Benning (Lawson AAF) and autorotated on top of a UH-1H #70-16233 near Lawson AAF. The M/R blade of the Huey entered the OH-6s cabin severing the lower section of the cabin and rupturing the fuel cell. The fuel spilled on the Huey and caught both on fire. The OH-6A disintegrated before hitting the ground.

Cayuse Vietnam Losses 1970-73

26 JAN 73

SP4 Robert L. Frakes [OB]

Binh Thuan Province

H/10 CAV
OH-6A
#66-07918
A/C was relocating two-man SVA LRRP to a suitable PZ when it took enemy fire. A WP grenade detonated in the rear passenger compartment, filling the cockpit with smoke and reducing visibility to zero. A/C crashed during landing attempt and rolled on its side and post crash fire ignited numerous grenades and ammunition stored at OB station.

28 DEC 72

SP4 John S. Satterfield [OB]
P injured

Kien Giang Province

C/16 CAV
OH-6A
#69-16069
A/C shot down 26 km E of Ha Tien City.

05 NOV 72

WO1 Joseph F. Denardo [P]
SGT Steven L. Taylor [OB]

Quang Nam Province

D/17 CAV
Killed by Claymore mine while attempting to capture NVA flag.

26 OCT 72

1LT Dexter B. Florence [P]
SSG Keven Z. Goodno [OB]

Quang Ngai Province

D/17 CAV
#68-17329
While on a scout mission, hovering at tree-top level, a command-detonated mine blew the A/C out of the air. OB killed instantly, while P was seriously injured and died 3 days later.

07 SEP 72

WO1 Ronald F. Boeing [P]

Bien Hoa Province

F/9 CAV
#69-15972
A/C was shot down on pink team mission scramble. Suffered a broken neck because of not having shoulder harness hooked.

12 JUN 72

SP4 Richard D. Wiley [OB]
P rescued

Thua Thien Province

F/8 CAV
#68-17338
A/C was shot down and rolled on top of OB.

11 JUN 72

1LT James R. McQuade [P]
SP4 James E. Hackett [G]

Thua Thien Province

F/8 CAV
#67-16275
A/C was hit by intense ground fire causing WP and smoke grenades carried aboard the A/C to explode prior to hitting the ground while attempting rescue of OH-6 #68-17344 (below). YD562138

11 JUN 72

CPT Arnold E. Holm Jr [P]
SP4 Robin R. Yeakley [OB]
PFC Wayne Bibbs [G]

Thua Thien Province

F/8 CAV
#68-17344
A/C exploded on low level recon in mountains west of Camp Eagle by possible SA-7.

29 MAY 72

WO1 Gerald D. Spradlin [P]
SGT Larry K. Morrow [G]

Kontum Province

H/17 CAV
#66-17771
A/C was on a visual recon mission near Kontum. During the mission, A/C came under hostile fire, disappeared over a ridge line, crashed and burned.

25 MAY 72

1LT Daryl R. Kunzler [P]
1LT Robert F. Wilcoxson [OB]

Kontum Province

H/10 CAV
#66-07935
Recon mission south side of Kontum, observed and reported NVA troops. As A/C went back for second look it was shot down in field.

19 MAY 72

WO1 Dean K. Leach [P]
G injured

Phuoc Long Province

D/229 AHB
#68-17287
A/C was performing a visual recon of the Dong Nai River. The skids of the LOH touched the water, G was knocked out of A/C into the water. A/C went into a left hand, nose high turn, then went nose low into the water and sank.

19 APR 72

CPT Thomas S. Powell [P]
SP4 Paul J. Pesce [OB]

Pleiku Province

H/10 CAV
#67-16499
A/C was on a recon mission SW of Pleiku against reported NVA brigade. A/C took on 8mm arms fire, crashed and burned.

08 APR 72

CPT Joseph R. Harris [P]

Tay Ninh Province

H/16 CAV
#67-16078
Killed due to hostile fire just east of Bu Dop SF Camp during the evacuation of the camp.

01 APR 72

CW2 John A. Jelich [P]
SP4 James D. Owens [G]

Tay Ninh Province

D/229 AHB
#69-16075
A/C hit by heavy gound fire, crashed and burned near Tay Ninh.

30 MAR 72

CPT Melvin W. Finch [P]

Kontum Province

B/7/17 CAV
#68-17200
On a recon of a bunker-hooch complex about 12 miles W-SW of Kontum. During the mission, SA fire from one of the hooches downed the A/C. Died of dysentery Sep 72 while POW on Ho Chi Minh Trail being taken north.

20 FEB 72

CPT James M. Hamrick Jr [P]
SP4 Don H. Ware [CE]

Binh Duong Province

F/4 CAV
#67-16632
A/C shot down by SA fire.

13 FEB 72

CPT Luther M. Lasater III [P]

Bien Hoa Province

F/9 CAV
#67-16138
A/C was shot down into a bunker complex.

29 JAN 72

SP4 Erhard J. Mello [C]
SP4 Karl D. Porter [C]

Phong Dinh Province

C/16 CAV
#66-07849
A/C was being re-armed prior to a mission when the A/C exploded. Mello died the following day of injuries.

25 JAN 72

1LT Michael J. Welch [AC]
1 injured

An Xugen Province

B/7/1 CAV
#66-07881
During mission, LOH received enemy fire and crashed.

21 JAN 72

SGT Jimmy L. Dunagan [OB]

Pleiku Province

B/7/17 CAV
#69-16051
No details.

16 JAN 72

CPT Richard J. Hock [OB]

Thua Thien Province

2-101 ABN
#69-16070
A/C was positioned on a slope with one skid on the ground. OB walked toward A/C from the upslode side. Pilot signaled for him to stop and before pilot could raise the A/C off the slope, the OB had been struck in the head by the M/R.

02 JAN 72

CPT Robert O. Baker Jr [P]

Thua Thien Province

A/2/17 CAV
Struck in groin by AK-47 rounds during recon flight at south end of Ashau Valley. Observer landed A/C.

31 DEC 71

SP4 Neil W. Jones [G]

Quang Tri Province

D/3/5 CAV
#68-17223
A/C was part of 4 ship team on a recon mission near the tri-border area of Vietnam. When the Huey C&C ship was shot down, pilot was hovering over the downed ship to provide suppresive fire when gunner was killed by .51 fire.

19 DEC 71

1LT Peter C. Forame [AC]
WO1 Thomas W. Skiles [P]

Cambodia

ACT/11 ACR
#67-16347
A/C was on a bomb damage assessment mission SE of Bambe, Kampong Cham Province. During the mission, A/C began receiving heavy .30 and .51 cal AW fire and in attempting to climb, A/C turned and burst into flames. The A/C passed over an open area and crashed into a tree line, exploded on impact, and was completely destroyed by fire.

12 DEC 71

PFC Howell W. Burns [OB]

Cambodia

F/4 CAV
#68-17229
No details.

09 DEC 71

WO1 Lewis A. Walton [P]
SSG Richard C. Pawelke [G]

Kien Giang Province

C/16 CAV
#67-16013 OUTCAST 13
A/C was on a mission near the "Hump" just south of the Twin Sisters in the U Minh Forest. The lead Loach on team took heavy fire and the A/C rolled in to cover with mini-gun and doorgunner. A/C took heavy fire from both .30 Cal and .51 Cal machine guns. The lead Scout got away from the area as A/C went down in a rice paddy area.

02 DEC 71

CPT Joe S. Burchfield [P]

Quang Tri Province

A/2/17 CAV
A/C received AK-47 fire. Hit in chest area, died 2 or 3 days later at 95th EVAC in Da Nang.

03 NOV 71

SP4 Albin L. Kendall [C]
SP4 Errol L. Kent [C]

Khanh Hoa Province

1 AVN BDE
No details.

30 OCT 71

WO1 Kenneth M. Berblinger [P]
SSG Darrell Hogan [CE]
PFC Donald C. Tallman [OB]
PFC Robert F. Quandt [G]

Long Khanh Province

H/16 CAV
#67-16604
While flying recon, it appeared a tree mounted claymore went off.

27 SEP 71

CPT Hershel G. Rogers [P]
PVT James F. Bishop [G]

An Xugen Province

C/3/17 CAV
#67-16629
A/C shot down by small arms fire.

24 SEP 71

WO1 Steven R. Hanson [P]

Quang Tri Province

D/3/5 CAV
A/C shot down by small arms fire. Was being extracted by rope from CH-47 when rope broke and he fell to his death.

15 SEP 71

SP4 Charles E. Jaquins [G]

Hua Nghia Province

A/3/17 CAV
#68-17175
A/C was attempting to mark the limits of a new bunker complex with WP grenades when a WP grenade with an instant fuse detonated upon its release by the gunner. The gunner and pilot received WP burns and the A/C crashed. SP4 Jaquins died a few hours after the crash.

13 SEP 71

WO1 Robert G. Fortin [P]

Tay Ninh Province

B/3/17 CAV
Splitting bamboo looking for "Charlie". Killed instantly by small arms fire.

07 SEP 71

CPT Bruce A. Cannon [P]
SP5 Jimmie D. Hinton [OB]

Kien Tuong Province

C/3/17 CAV
#67-16651
While reconning an LZ took fire causing the helicopter to explode in the air.

04 SEP 71

CPT Martin W. Gronborg Jr [P]
PFC Bernard G. Dillenseger [OB]

Quang Tri Province

D/3/5 CAV
#66-07781
A/C took an RPG in the cockpit while working a bunker area on the beach near the DMZ in I Corps.

28 AUG 71

WO1 Dennis Bucklew [P]
OB injured

Pleiku Province

B/7/17 CAV
#67-16240
After arriving in the area of operations, the LOH's dropped low-level to begin their recon. After 10-20 minutes of actual recon, the A/C struck a tree, went out of control and crashed in the trees.

27 AUG 71

SP5 Robert A. Beavers [C]

Phuoc Long Province

H/16 CAV
#69-15989
No details.

01 AUG 71

WO1 William J. Bradford [P]
SP5 Andrew M. Bordes [OB]

Thua Thien Province

HHC 2 BDE
#68-17176
A/C shot down, crashed and burned during a scout mission south of Phu Bai.

24 JUL 71

SGT Gregory A. Antuanano [OB]
SP4 Randall D. Dalton [G]

Cambodia

A/3/17 CAV
#68-17257
A/C was shot down by enemy fire while on a recon mission.

17 JUL 71

WO1 Allen J. Dyer [P]
SP4 John H. Lopochonsky Jr [G]
SP4 Allen E. Noble [OB]

An Xugen Province

A/7/1 CAV
#67-16523
A/C control tube shot out. Ordinance blew up on impact.

11 JUL 71

CW2 Michael E. Lukow [P]
SP5 Thomas W. Bickford [G]

Ba Xugen Province

C/16 CAV
#68-17148
Gunner got shot and brought a "bomb" back inside the A/C causing it to explode in mid-air.

05 JUL 71

CW2 Edward L. Mortimer Jr [P]

Binh Duong Province

F/4 CAV
#69-16043
No details.

28 JUN 71

WO1 Donald L. Delaplaine [P]
SP5 Charles W. Cook [G]

Quang Nam Province

HHC 196 BDE
#67-16417
A/C was on a mission N of LZ Mary Ann. A/C shot down in early pm in the River Delta South of DaNang. G was thrown out and executed by NVA.

02 JUN 71

WO1 Michael A. Lamusga [P]
SP4 Danny R. King [G]

Long Khanh Province

B/1/9 CAV
#66-17905
A/C was on a combat mission and went to refuel. Upon returning to the AO, the A/C struck power lines catching the support cable above the landing skids on the struts under the forward fuselage section, probably flipping the A/C. The cable was pulled along the flight path for approx 50 meters. Pilot lost control and A/C crashed.

28 MAY 71

CPT Paul D. Urquhart [P]
SP5 Stephen Chavira [OB]

Thua Thin Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16670
At an altitude of 30' AGL, an RPG round struck the A/C and exploded, causing the tail boom to bend in half. The A/C was seen to explode into flames, crash and burn on a small knoll.

24 MAY 71

WO1 Leroy J. Westra [P]
SP4 Randall C. Short [CE]

Pleiku Province

B/7/17 CAV
#67-16253
A/C was on a morning test flight, checking for high-frequency vibrations. As A/C started to recover from a maneuver, A/C lost RPM, sustained an engine failure, a fire, and then entered autorotation. The A/C traveled 510' from initial impact point to final resting place.

23 MAY 71

CPT Philip D. Sharp [P]
SP4 Henry D. Adkins [OB]

Kien Giang Province

B/7/1 CAV
#68-17207
Shot down by hostile fire in the U Minh Forest.

23 MAY 71

SP4 John H. Gruber [G]
P injured

Bien Hoa Province

1/9 CAV
#67-16486
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire, crashed and burned.

20 MAY 71

WO1 Robert G. Bruce [P]
WO1 Gregory A. Smith [P]

Pleiku Province

A/7/17 CAV
#68-17247
A/C shot down and crashed at 1105 hours west of Dragon Mountain near Camp Enari.

10 MAY 71

CW2 Clayton W. James [AC]
SP4 Noel B. Witmer [CE]
SFC Ervin B. Cherry [OB]*

Thua Thien Province

C/2/17 CAV
#67-16543
A/C shot down and crashed. *OB died 20 days later of injuries.

10 MAY 71

SP4 David W. Starcher [OB]
2 injured

Binh Dinh Province

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16339
A/C was conducting a combat VR mission and was following a trail. At some point, pilot thought he was taking fire and steepened his turn to the right while approx 25 AGL and 30 KIAS, taking him into a crosswind causing A/C to spin to the right, hit a tree, rolling A/C backwards, snapping off the T/B and fuselage came to rest approx 250' downslope. OB was thrown at some point during the crash sequence and died later at LZ English.

07 MAY 71

1LT Frank W. Bengtson [P]
WO1 David P. Meyer [PP]
SP4 Larry W. Rothel [G]

Cambodia

A/1/9 CAV
#67-16679
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire, crashed and burned.

25 APR 71

PVT James E. Weston [OB]
1 injured

Quang Ngai Province

D/1/1 CAV
#68-17299
A/C received enemy fire and OB died next day of injuries sustained.

21 APR 71

SP4 Kenneth W. Shamblin [CE]

Cambodia

F/4 CAV
#68-17175
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire.

20 APR 71

LTC Albert F. Coast [P]

Quang Ngai Province

11 BDE
LTC Coast was the BN CDR of the Americal (23 INF) DIV, 4/3 INF BN. He was heliported to the Delta Co field position in a LOH and when the same copter returned later to pick him up he ducked his head and headed to where pilot was landing. Pilot swung acft around to readjust "skids" and LTC Coast was struck in the head with rear prop, killing him instantly. (BS427472)

13 APR 71

SP5 Alton R. Roberts [G]

Vietnam

C/1/9 CAV
Killed by hostile fire.

30 MAR 71

MAJ David F. Nidever [OB]
2 injured

Quang Tri Province

101 ABN
#67-16433
A/C was transporting a passenger from FSB Vandergrift to FSB Sarge and during a second approach, A/C started rotating right making two 360 deg turns. A/C lost altitude and impacted the side of the hill some 20m N of helipad, right skid separated along with 3 M/R blades and came to rest inverted. OB returned to A/C to assist pilot but was killed when A/C shifted due to still rotating rotor head.

24 MAR 71

CW2 Steven M. Larrabee [P]
SP4 William D. Smith [OB]

Tinh Binh Tuy Province

F/1/9 CAV
#68-17322
Acting as the scout on a "Sniffer" mission. A/C was laying down suppressive fire, it was caught in a lethal crossfire of AK-47 and was simultaneously hit by a B-40 rocket. The A/C went into a violent spin, smashed through the jungle canopy and burst into flames upon impact.

20 MAR 71

CW2 William E. Royal [P]
SP4 William B. Beardsley [G]

Kien Giang Province

C/16 CAV
#67-16037
A/C was pink team wing man. A/C took a B40 in fuel cell at 50' AGL.

10 MAR 71

SP4 Robert T. Kiser [CE]
SFC Curtis R. Smoot [G]

Cambodia

A/1/9 CAV
#67-16412
A/C was on a visual recon mission over Kracheh Province just SW of the city of Phumi Sre Roneam. At about 1400 hours, while making a low pass over a suspected enemy position, the A/C was hit by an enemy rocket and crashed. The A/C landed on the bank of a river, burst into flames, and fell into the river.

08 MAR 71

1LT John D. Hale [P]
CPL Robert E. Grantham [OB]

Quang Tri Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16645
A/C was hit by ground fire and seemed to come apart and begin spinning, as if it had a T/R failure. Numerous objects were flying out of the A/C while it was spinning. The spinning slowed at about 500' AGL, but increased again prior to impact. A/C exploded upon impact with the ground.

28 FEB 71

1LT Morris A. Simpson [P]

Laos

C/2/17 CAV
During Lam Son 719. Pilot killed by 10 bullets in the head - gunner who was not a pilot flew back.

27 FEB 71

CPT Ronald L. Babcock [P]
SFC Fred Mooney [OB]

Laos

B/7/1 CAV
#67-16256
Shot down and crashed on dirt road. Both crewmembers got out and ran across clearing where they were killed by NVA.

26 FEB 71

CPT Jon E. Swanson [P]
SSG Larry G. Harrison [OB]

Cambodia

B/1/9 CAV
#69-16067
A/C was flying at a low altitude marking enemy positions when it came under fire from two machine guns and was seen to burst into flames and crash. *Crew remains repatriated 1995 and positive ID confirmed in 2002.

19 FEB 71

SP5 Leonard A. Monnett [CE]

Laos

A/1/9 CAV
A/C shot down.

19 FEB 71

PFC Francisco N. Valdez [C]

Phu Yen Province

B/7/1 CAV
#68-17207
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire.

18 FEB 71

WO1 Gregory S. Crandall [P]
SGT Walter E. Lewellen [CE]
SP4 Robert J. Engen [OB]

Laos

C/2/17 CAV
#67-16528
A/C shot down about 8 miles east of Tchpone.

13 FEB 71

SP4 Steven L. Seigler [G]

Bien Hoa Province

C/1/9 CAV
Killed by hostile fire.

10 FEB 71

WO1 Mark J. Robertson [P]
SGT Joseph R. Pietrzak [OB]

Thua Thien Province

B/2/17 CAV
#66-17765
A/C was on a visual recon mission when the A/C was hit by heavy .51 cal machine gun fire in the power compartment and fuel section. It burst into flames and fell vertically and exploded on impact.

22 JAN 71

CW2 Rog Johnson [P]
SP4 Frederick A. Vigil [CE]
SGT Michael H. Petty [OB]

Laos

D/3/4 CAV
#68-17337
Shot down by NVA fire.

19 JAN 71

CPT Wilbur D. Latimer [P]

Thua Thien Province

C/2/17 CAV
#67-16161
Gun shot wounds in right shoulder and left flank.

11 JAN 71

CW2 Robert D. Black Jr [P]

Quang Ngai Province

HHC/11 BDE 23 INF
#69-16030
A/C crashed in the Song Tra Khuc River due to a power failure. Pilot's body was found later downriver.

11 JAN 71

WO1 William F. Johnson [P]
CPL Richard V. Blackburn [OB]

Darlac Province

A/7/17 CAV
#66-07923
Was dropping a homemade bomb (a mini-gun ammo can filled with dynamite and hydraulic fluid, banded tight w/WP grenade strapped to it) when it exploded on the A/C. Speculation was that one of the Ruff-Puff guards at City Field in Ban Me Thout changed the detonator for one from a smoke grenade. When OB got ready to drop it on a bunker and pulled the pin, it blew immediately killing them both.

09 JAN 71

CW2 Gordon L. Wirth Jr [P]
CPL Craig A. Sysak [CE]
SP4 David W. Lilley [OB]

Quang Tri Province

A/377 ARTY
#67-16239
While operating at low altitude and slow speed, the A/C was engaged by enemy gunners and shot down.

24 DEC 70

WO1 John G. Buchanan [AC]
2 injured

Binh Duong Province

C/1/9 CAV
#69-16024
A/C was on a visual recon mission. Pilot stated A/C had maintenance difficulties from earlier flight. The N1 was determined to be too high. After flying for almost 2 hours, pilot was descending from altitude when at 150' AGL, as the pilot began to apply collective he noticed the N2 was deteriorating. Pilot applied aft cyclic in an attempt to regain operating RPM. A/C was heading S to SE, when it first contacted a tree 90' NW of its final resting place.

19 DEC 70

1LT Dan L.F. Coombs III [P]
SP5 Joseph W. Blickenstaff Jr [OB]

Binh Duong Province

ACT/11 ACR
#69-15963
A/C was hit by enemy fire north of Phu Loi, crashed and burned.

19 DEC 70

WO1 Avon N. Mallette [P]
SP4 George A. Knetsar [OB]

Tuyen Duc Province

A/7/17 CAV
#68-17264
A/C was on a VR mission when it received a direct hit from a B40 rocket and exploded.

18 DEC 70

CPT Floyd D. Solomon [P]
SP5 John Martinez [OB]

Vinh Long Province

B/7/1 CAV
#66-17759
Mid-air collision in the traffic pattern, Vinh Long AAF.

WO1 Gary L. Bartels [P]
SP4 Stephen M. Lynch [OB]

B/7/1 CAV
#66-07807
Mid-air collision in the traffic pattern, Vinh Long AAF.

13 DEC 70

SP4 Earl E. Shannon [OB]
SP4 John T. Kile [G]

Tay Ninh Province

E/1/9 CAV
#67-16158
Shot down by NVA, crashed, caught fire and exploded.

08 DEC 70

WO1 John D. Bryant [P]
OB injured

Binh Thuan Province

A/7/17 CAV
#67-16536
Shot down by small arms into 150' trees. Pilot pinned under A/C.

26 NOV 70

WO1 Philip E. Richard [AC]
CW2 Willard G. Storie [PP]
SP4 Michael D. Gehrt

Quang Ngai Province

198 BDE
#68-17177 MINUTEMAN 27
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
Engine failed at 200', skids stuck in mud on landing causing cart wheel.

24 NOV 70

WO1 Ian McIntosh [P]
CP injured

Quang Tri Province

A/2/17 CAV
#67-16384
Hit by automatic rifle fire. CP left area and soon the engine quit, so an attempted landing was made. The A/C burst into flames before crashing. CP exited A/C and helicopter exploded.

19 NOV 70

CW2 Franklin A. Hamm [P]
SGT Bruce C. Halbach [OB]

Thua Thien Province

C/2/17 CAV
#67-16391
A/C went IFR in cloud bank and flew into the ground during low recon to recover a ranger team.

19 NOV 70

WO1 Stanley D. Struble [AC]
CW2 John R. Grisard [CP]

Binh Dinh Province

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16335
A/C exploded in mid-air at approx 500-1000' AGL and crashed in a ball of flames.

20 OCT 70

SP4 Gary R. Cady [CE]
P & G injured

Quang Ngai Province

B/123 AVN
#69-16023
Mid-air collision with UH-1H #66-16617 appx 10-15 km SW of Chu Lai.

19 OCT 70

CPL David E. Bryant [OB]

Long Khanh Province

C/1/9 CAV
#69-15987
Serving as FO for 1/9 CAV in a helicopter and died of wounds received from ground fire.

18 OCT 70

WO1 William J. Cahill [P]
SGT Rae A. Bailey [CE]
SP6 Douglas F. Strait [OB]

Binh Tuy Province

C/1/9 CAV
#67-16193
A/C was part of a flight of 2 on a recon mission about 30 miles NE of the city of Xuan Loc. While attempting to mark an enemy target, the A/C was hit by SA ground fire and crashed into an area of 100' trees and heavy jungle.

29 SEP 70

WO1 James M. Benicek [P]
SP4 Robert W. Nelson [CE]

Binh Duong Province

E/1/9 CAV
#67-16342
A/C shot down while flying white team recon near Testicles SE of Phonc Vinh, crashed inverted in bomb crater and exploded on impact.

19 SEP 70

SGT Milan L. Lee [OB]
P injured

Tay Ninh Province

D/3/4 CAV
#68-17169
A/C was conducting a low level recon over the area of the Crescent when signs of enemy activity were detected. VR was conducted for approx 20 min, during which time no sign of the enemy was observed. P decided to land and check out the water jug and trails, and on final approach an unobserved enemy opened fire on the A/C. The initial burst sprayed the front of the A/C (18 rounds total, 13 rounds hit the front of the LOH) wounding the pilot and killing OB.

05 SEP 70

1LT Preston L. Smith [P]
1 injured

Binh Dinh Province

2 BDE 4 INF
#68-17145
A/C's engine seized, pilot autorotated while searching for a clearing in which to land. A/C landed safely, but hard, breaking the skid on the pilot's side.

01 SEP 70

SGT Tyrone Converson [OB]

Thua Thien Province

B/2/17 CAV
Pilot was taking OB (new scout plt sgt) on his first orientation mission in the AO when a single round hit him in the neck.

29 AUG 70

PFC Brian E. Jay [CE]

Thua Thien Province

C/2/17 CAV
#67-16528
CE's helicopter was in a revetment still running when he reached up to the top of the revetment to get something off before leaving when the M/R blades struck the top of his head.

13 AUG 70

WO1 Edward C. Johnston [P]

Thua Thien Province

2/101
#67-16675
Single .51 cal round through the cockpit at 500' during seige of FB Ripcord.

01 AUG 70

CW2 Anton J. Schoepke [P]
SP5 John J. Hooper [OB]

Thua Thien Province

A/377 ARTY
#67-16628
A/C was shot down, exploded and burned while enroute Camp Eagle.

28 JUL 70

CPT William L. Whitmore [P]
SSG Gerald M. Vetrano [OB]

Quang Tri Province

A/2/17 CAV
#67-16168
A/C was on pink team mission SE of Khe Sahn when aircraft was hit with .51 cal fire causing A/C to explode and crash. Pilot survived the crash but died 10 AUG of injuries sustained.

24 JUL 70

CPT Wiltse L. Weber [P]
OB injured

Dinh Tuong Province

B/7/1 CAV
#66-14400
A/C hit by small arms fire and crashed west of Dong Tam.

21 JUL 70

1LT Lanny J. Wallace [P]
CW2 Marvin L. Wagner [P]
WO1 Phillip G. Wright [P]
SP4 Walter J. Kacsock Jr [OB]

Pleiku Province

A/7/17 CAV
#66-07860 & #?
Two LOHs either shot down or had midair NE of Pleiku. Unable to determine crew of both aircraft.

20 JUL 70

WO1 Edgar F. Crouse Jr [P]
WO1 Mark J. Webb [P]

Pleiku Province

B/7/17 CAV
#69-16009
A/C was on an in-country aircraft commander check ride when it crashed.

08 JUL 70

WO1 Michael J. Dickus [OB]

Binh Dinh Province

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16134
The LOH took intense ground fire, crashed and burned in an AO near LZ English.

08 JUL 70

CPT John L. Wadsworth [P]
2 injured

Quang Ngai Province

HHC 11 LIB/23 INF
#67-16170
A/C downed by booby trap.

19 JUN 70

SSG Robert H. Pilk [OB]
P & G injured

Binh Dinh Province

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16244
A/C was on a recon mission. While on a low altitude, low speed firing run (approx 20' and 40 knots), the A/C was hit by AW fire, exploded, and crashed.

09 JUN 70

CW2 Andrew J. Elliott [P]
SP5 Steven L. Dobry [OB]
SP4 Jerry W. McGlothlen [G]

Tay Ninh Province

D/3/4 CAV
#68-17359
A/C was about half-way between FSB Santa Barbara and Katum SF Camp when pilot radioed he could not see the road. He was instructed by the C&C to go to Tay Ninh and shut down. Communication ceased after pilot acknowledged. A/C found crashed 45 days later.

05 JUN 70

WO1 Charles A. Richardson [AC]
1LT Vernon F. Hovey III [CP]

Thua Thien Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16405
A/C hit in transmission by B-40 rocket while supporting an infantry unit in the Ashau valley.

05 JUN 70

WO1 Danny L. Dewey [P]

Kontum Province

C/7/17 CAV
#65-12937
Killed just outside of LZ Uplift while trying to locate a VC mortar crew in mountains overlooking Uplift.

03 JUN 70

SP5 Edward M. Dugan [OB]

Pleiku Province

B/7/17 CAV
OH-6A
#66-14393 & #67-16444
Mid-air between two LOHs caused by receiving hostile ground fire 9km south of Plei Mrong.

SP4 Earl R. Webb Jr [OB]

03 JUN 70

PFC Buster L. Scott [CE]
P & OB rescued

Quang Tin Province

HHC
A/C was searching a river when it was hit by 12.7mm and entered a violent spin, throwing the CE out of the acft. A/C crashed and pilot and OB were evacuated the next day by a USN Jolly Green.

29 MAY 70

CPT Glenn D. Rickert [P]

Quang Ngai Province

HHC 11 BDE
#66-17766
A/C shot down by small arms fire and crashed.

27 MAY 70

SP5 David J. Combs [CE]
CPL Danny W. Bowers [OB]
P injured

Phuoc Long Province

C/1/9 CAV
#67-16547
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire, crashed and burned.

25 MAY 70

SP4 Gregory A. Blakeney [OB]

Binh Duong Province

HHC 1 BDE/1 CAV
#68-17201
A/C was on the ground at Pine Ridge Pad (Phuoc Vinh) and was to pick up two passengers. PAX was approaching A/C from the right rear and was carrying a box, he stumbled, dropped the box and fell under the tail boom and was decapitated by the T/R.

23 MAY 70

SGT Michael S. Jett [OB]
P injured

Quang Tri Province

C/2/17 CAV
#66-07889
A/C was performing perimeter check of FSB Tomahawk. While making sharp left turn, tail section hit brush causing A/C to crash and burn.

22 MAY 70

WO1 Ralph W. Bigelow [P]
1LT John Kaugars [OB]
2LT Neil B. Hayes Jr

Quang Ngai Province

HHC 198 BDE
#68-17354
A/C shot down while taking off.

21 MAY 70

SP5 Joe D. Ramey [CE]
2 injured

Cambodia

D/3/4 CAV
#68-17321
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire and crashed.

21 MAY 70

WO1 Patrick F. Cawley [P]
WO1 Robert E. Gorske [PP]
SGT Jon W. Rich

Cambodia

E/82 ARTY
#67-16454
A/C shot down after resupply of pinned down 1st CAV unit near LZ Brown.

17 MAY 70

CPT Michael J. Blanscet [P]
OB injured

Phuoc Long Province

E/82 ARTY
#67-16096
A/C on scout mission as Low Bird. Approx 5-10 minutes before accident, pilot told right doorgunner to pull inspection panel and check T/R drive shaft. While flying low-level at 100-150' above trees, he went into a right turn, A/C lost airspeed and spun to the right completing 180 degree turn and crashed into the trees.

14 MAY 70

WO1 Robert K. Everest III [P]
SP4 Lawrence R. Geiger [OB]
SP4 Kenneth M. Walls Jr [G]

Cambodia

A/1/9 CAV
#67-16199
A/C was flying low bird on a recon N of Katum looking for a Huey crew that had crashed or been shot down - located the Huey but not the crew. A/C came under heavy fire from several RPD's/AK's using API rounds. A/C called taking fire and there was a small inflight explosion. A/C then nosed into the bamboo and exploded on impact.

10 MAY 70

SP4 William J. Golden [OB]

Vietnam

B/7/1 CAV
#67-16459
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
During a low level recon mission in Cambodia, bats had broken the plexiglass in upper right quadrant of cockpit. A/C returned to Don Phuc to refuel, however they decided to refuel later at An Long and to also repair windshield. While enroute to An Long A/C ran out of fuel and crashed while attempting autorotation. OB suffered severe head trauma by the ground or the armor plate during roll over.

10 MAY 70

SP4 Leland M. Chestnut [CE]

Cambodia

C/1/9 CAV
#68-17360
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire.

09 MAY 70

CPT Rhonald L. Durham [P]
SGT John A. Marr [OB]

Cambodia

ACT/11 ACR
#65-12946
A/C was on visual recon mission. A/C radioed Red 7 (Cobra) that a bunker and hootch had been spotted. A/C made 3 passes around the bunker and hootch in a left hand turn when M/R blades struck one of the large trees and started to tear out the top of trees. After striking the tree, the A/C nosed over and crashed to the ground bursting into flames.

09 MAY 70

SP4 Charles D. Slayton [OB]

Cambodia

D/3/5 CAV
#68-17307
Shot in the head while flying as Scout Observer.

06 MAY 70

WO1 Tommy L. Whiddon [P]
SGT Gary L. McKiddy [G]
CP injured

Cambodia

C/1/9 CAV
#67-16115
A/C was hit by machinegun fire. The pilot attempted to fly back into South Vietnam but didn't make it, the A/C crashed and burned.

05 MAY 70

SP4 Richard S. Moden [OB]
P injured

Cambodia

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16554
A/C was in a stationary hover over some enemy bunkers when hit as part of the Sanctuary Counter-Offensive.

02 MAY 70

1LT Richard D. Brewer [P]
SSG George D. Slye [CE]
SP4 Frank R. Corona [G]

Cambodia

A/1/9 CAV
#68-17214
A/C shot down by ground fire while on a scout recon in Cambodia.

30 APR 70

WO1 John R. Hunter [OB]

Quang Tin Province

D/1/1 CAV
A/C was flying at approx 1000-1200 AGL enroute to the mission area when OB was hit with a single round to the left side of head.

30 APR 70

CW2 Larry W. Rabren [P]
SP5 Jack C. Everts [OB]

Kontum Province

B/7/17 CAV
#67-16126
A/C was hit by B40 rocket after spotting enemy ground troops NE of Dak To.

30 APR 70

CPT John L. Sensing [P]
SP5 Robert E. Masseth [CE]
SP4 David W. Staton [OB]

Thua Thien Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16431
Hit by RPG in vicinity of FB Ripchord. A/C was trailing flames and flew for about 15 seconds as the flames increased and then exploded in a ball of flames and fell to the ground from approx 250’ AGL.

29 APR 70

CW2 Edgar D. Berner [P]
SP4 Jeffrey J. Klaves [CE]

Thua Thien Province

HHC 3 BDE
#66-07843
A/C hit with .51 cal and crashed.

27 APR 70

CW2 Michael R. Pickles [P]
1 injured

Quang Ngai Province

D/1/1 CAV
#67-16023 SABRE 14
A/C was on a VR along the Quang Nai river, about 5 miles W of Quang Nai city, along the north side of the river. A/C was hit by multiple rounds after rising to an altitude of 100-200'. A/C did a front flip and went inverted after hitting ground.

24 APR 70

SP4 William P. McConnaghy [OB]
1 injured

Binh Dinh Province

B/4 AVN
#68-17194
OB killed by small arms fire.

22 APR 70

WO1 John S. Keenan [P]
2 injured

Tay Ninh Province

1/9 CAV
#68-17156
A/C shot down, engine hit.

21 APR 70

CW2 Anthony W. Manstis [P]

Bien Hoa Province

B/3/17 CAV
#67-16396
A/C on a recon mission when it was shot down and destroyed.

15 APR 70

SP4 Larry R. Slagle [OB]
1 injured

Kontum Province

A/7/17 CAV
#67-16553
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire, crashed and burned.

12 APR 70

CPT Gus B. Robinson [P]
1 injured (POW)

Kontum Province

A/7/17 CAV
#67-16634
A/C was on recon mission when it received AW fire, striking pilot in head, crashed and burned near Hill 763.

11 APR 70

SP4 Alonzo Garrett [OB]
1 injured

Binh Dinh Province

C/7/17 CAV
#67-16573
A/C was making a 2nd pass over suspected NVA position when pilot was hit in the chest by .51 cal ground fire causing A/C to crash approx 500 yds from enemy gun position.

09 APR 70

SP4 Philip A. Harris [G]
2 injured

Phuoc Long Province

B/1/9 CAV
#67-16556
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire and crashed.

05 APR 70

SGT Myron W. Berg [CE]
SP4 Raymond C. Graver
P injured

Quang Tin Province

F/8 CAV
#68-17151
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire, crashed and burned. CE died of burns 3 days later.

05 APR 70

CPT Olan J. Howe [OB]

Quang Tin Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16229
A/C was on a recon mission and OB was killed by small arms fire. OB was starting his second RVN tour as the new Scout Plt Ldr and was on his first orientation mission in the new AO.

12 MAR 70

SP4 Benito A. Ponce [G]
2 injured

Quang Tin Province

23 INF
#68-17179
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire and crashed.

04 MAR 70

CPT Justin R. Spisto [P]

Kien Giang Province

SF ABN
No details.

02 MAR 70

WO1 James J. Burgoyne [P]
2 injured

Thua Thien Province

C/2/17 CAV
#66-17772
WARNING: Clicking on this icon will display graphic image of crash site.
Pilot killed by .51 cal fire, and OB flew A/C back to attempt to land at LZ Sally when it crashed into the perimeter wire.

24 FEB 70

PFC Ronald E. Young [OB]
P injured

Quang Tri Province

A/2/17 CAV
#67-16135
A/C was flying interference for Dustoff when it received heavy AW fire, crashed and burned.

16 FEB 70

SP4 Michael S. Carter [G]

Bien Hoa Province

E/82 ARTY
A/C shot down. No further details.

16 FEB 70

PFC Edewin C. Harmon [CE]

Thua Thien Province

HHC 3 BDE
#67-16190
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire.

15 FEB 70

SP4 Connie W. Parrish [G]

Bien Hoa Province

A/11 CAG
#66-07879
A/C landed to investigate earlier OH-6 shoot down near Nha Be. PIC was severely burned. Body of gunner was recovered after insertion of Marines to secure site.

12 FEB 70

WO1 Raymond R. Taylor Jr [P]
SP4 Ross E. Hardt [CE]
SP4 Larry H. Goschka

Binh Duong Province

HHC 2 BDE
#67-16144
A/C crashed along a road approx 10 miles N of Phu Loi. By the time rescue crews reached the wreckage, the 3 crewmembers had been removed. The A/C was totally consumed by fire.

11 FEB 70

WO1 Fred E. Carrington [P]
SGT Michael D. Puetz [G]

Cambodia

B/7/1 CAV
#66-07928
A/C exploded in mid-air while flying trail scout west of Moc Hoa, hit by 50 .cal ground fire.

31 JAN 70

WO1 Alan B. Partridge [AC]
1 injured

Thua Thien Province

B/2/17 CAV
#67-16223
A/C was on a V/R "Last Lite" mission. Shot down by small arms fire and crashed.

31 JAN 70

WO1 Norwood R. Richardson [P]

Tay Ninh Province

25 AVN
#68-17210
A/C was on a C&C mission located at FSB Washington. Pilot informed flight following that mission had been completed and was enroute to Tay Ninh base camp. Witnesses saw A/C flying at approx 200' AGL and in normal flight attitude when the T/R section including the vertical and horizontal stabilizers separated from the A/C. From that instant A/C was uncontrollable due to loss of such a large section of the tail assembly. A/C entered a right hand spin which resulted in the subsequent loss of the tailboom and upon impacting the ground, burst into flames.

20 JAN 70

WO1 Roger L. Scott [AC]
1 injured

Quang Duc Province

ACT/11 ACR
#66-07895
A/C was shot down in ambush near BuDop. Pilot was pinned in A/C and burned.

17 JAN 70

SP4 Philip E. Smith Jr [G]
P injured

Ba Xugen Province

121 AHC
#67-16485
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by RPG and made a forced landing.

12 JAN 70

CW2 David K. Aeschliman [P]
1 injured

Long An Province

B/3/17 CAV
#67-16371
A/C was on recon mission when it was hit by AW fire. Pilot died of chest wounds by hostile fire.

08 JAN 70

WO1 Ronald E. Pickart [P]
SP4 Warren L. Donahe [G]

Binh Thuan Province

D/2/1 CAV
#67-16249
A/C shot down by small arms fire, crashed and burned.

06 JAN 70

SGT Gerald A. Gauthier [OB]
P injured

Vietnam

B/2/17 CAV
A/C was shot down on the Laotian Border near the old french prison a few miles W of Khe Sanh. A cobra picked him and the pilot up and flew them to Khe Sanh. Crew was then picked up in a C&C Huey and took them to the Medical Facility at Quang Tri. Sgt Gauthier died of combat wounds on 06JAN70.

04 JAN 70

WO1 James R. Whitmore [P]
SSG Waldo A. Williams [OB]

Phuoc Long Province

C/1/9 CAV
#66-07829
A/C was assigned a pink team mission. A/C married up with an AH-1 and were conducting search and destroy. A/C was flying low level enroute to Song Be area. At 1520, A/C crashed into an open area east of Hwy 1A, 100m south of the main body, exploded and burned immediately upon impact with the ground.

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This website is not a product of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or any other government agency.

NOTE:
Most information for Vietnam crew losses have come from the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Most unit patch images have come from the VHPA Museum website.