Frederick D. Daniloff, Commanding Officer of the 191st from 3 Sep 69 to 27 Jan 70. He died 22 Feb 1974 during an experimental test flight at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He is remembered on the USMA website:
http://www.aog.usma.edu/Class/1961/daniloff.htm
Robert Seiffert, Pilot in the Second Flight Platoon. Robert was killed in the line of duty in Cincinnati, Ohio as a Police Officer, March 6, 1979
Kerry Doak, Bounty Hunter Pilot and AC. Kerry survived Vietnam, but died of a massive heart attack September 1, 1998. Kerry served with the Boomerangs from September '68 to September '69
Randall L. Edwards, who served as a door gunner in the 191st AHC. Our Brother died of Cancer in October, 2000. He was from Rutland, Vermont
Pat O'Donnell who crewed in the White Flight, passed away Wednesday March 6, 2002 due to Respiratory Complications.
Marvin Reynolds, Yellow Flight AC. Marvin was diagnosed with liver and pancreatic cancer in early December, 2003. Unfortunately after a short battle Marvin passed away on March 7, 2004
Thomas A. Johnson, Bounty Hunter Pilot 1970-1971. T. J. passed away June 10, 2004 due to a heart attack. He was laid to rest with full honors at Arlington on June 15, 2004. This sad news is reported by his Son, Arthur.
Raymond T. Cunneen. Ray was in the White Flight for several months in 69. It has been reported that Ray died in August of 78. No cause of death is known.
Bruce Wayne Palmer. Bruce served admirably with the 191st as a Pilot, and Aircraft Commander. We now learn that he died on September 12, 1989 of causes not reported. Our sincere condolences, and best wishes go to his family.
Wayne Lawrence Crocker served with the 191st from January 1970 until he was medically evacuated later in the year. Wayne was in the Green Delta/2nd Platoon. He died 03-16-2003 during or due to complications of surgery. This news is reported by Bernard Harvey. Our belated condolences go to to Wayne's family.
William Wessman served in the Maintenance Platoon and passed away in 1992 from Cancer. He was from Kelso, Washington and passed away in Yakima. This news is reported by Arturo Almaraz.
Bruce A. Cowie served in the 191st as a slick pilot. Bruce died in a helicopter crash in Burbank, CA on November 22, 1977 when the helicopter came apart in the air. The rear rotor separated from the rest of the fusilage. He was flying for Los Angeles Helicopter Airways, the shuttle service between the three major airports in the Los Angeles basin. This news is reported by his widow, Ruth Paulson. Our condolences go to Ruth and the Cowie family.
William (Bill) Campbell served with the 191st at Bearcat as a pilot. He attended the 2004 reunion in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but was claimed by cancer December 14, 2004. Our condolences go to his family, and especially to Beth.
Jeffrey Westerhoff served with the 191st AHC as Boomerang 5. He was lost to us due to cancer in September, 2007. This news reported by Ken Carlton, and confirmed by Dr. John Westerhoff, Jeffrey's brother. Our belated condolences go to his family.
Robert W. Kund served with the 191st AHC as a pilot and aircraft commander. Bob was claimed by cancer December 15, 2009. Our sincere condolences go to his wife Margaret, and the Kund family.
Clark Eugene Reynolds, Jr. served with the 191st AHC at Can Tho. Clark died 4/22/2005 in Tucson, Arizona from congestive heart failure. He would have been 58 years old on April 30, 2005. Our condolences go to his family.
Richard W. Burt served with the 191st AHC as a pilot and aircraft commander. His son Benjamin advises that his father passed away June 6, 2001 after being hospitalized with an infection. Our condolences go to the family.
Gerald Dean Jones served with the 191st AHC as a Bounty Hunter pilot. He died on January 21, 1994 at the age of 44 in an ice fishing accident. This news is reported by Joe Roberts. Our condolences go to the family.
Steve Armas served with the 191st AHC in 1970 as a Bounty Hunter crewmember. He passed away in August 2009 from cancer. This news is reported by Bernard Harvey. Our condolences go to the family.
Robert C. Stack served with the 191st AHC as Bounty Hunter platoon leader in 1967-1968. Bob passed away July 19, 2010 while on vacation in Alaska of an apparent heart attack suffered in his sleep. This news is confirmed by his brother Bill Stack. He will be interred at Arlington in October, 2010. A legend with the 191st, Bob Stack is sorely missed. Our condolences go to his family.
Lucas E. Hammons, E-4 with the 191st
Assault Helicopter, The Boomerangs. He served as a mechanic and door gunner on
the UH-1 Huey Helicopter. He served in the Viet Nam conflict 1969/1970. He was
in Viet Nam for his 21st birthday.
Lucas died in Indianapolis, Indiana on Sept. 6, 2009 from hepatitis. He had
been diagnosed and put on full disability in 2008 with severe PTSD and was in
depression from the loss of his mother 11/2008. We all miss him. I am his
sister, Linda Morgan.
John Douglas "Doug" Perrin passed away May 20, 2011 from cancer. Doug was a Bounty Hunter pilot in 68-69 with the 191st. This news is reported by two unit members, and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Association. Our condolences go to his family.
David Brandt served with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company as Pilot and Aircraft Commander in the Second Flight Platoon. David passed away from lung cancer January 13, 2008 after retiring from the Army with twenty-seven years of service. This news is reported by his son Charles, and Paul Vitale. Charles also noted that his mother did not receive a flag or his father's military retirement until she wrote to the First Lady, Michelle Obama, and has now received both.
Kenneth A. Jones Sr., 68, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on June 3, 2012. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK to Jack and Penny Jones. Ken is survived by his two children: Pamela Adams and Kenneth (Jorjette) A. Jones Jr.; and five grandchildren: Angela Hachfeld, Justin Eldred, Kelsey Adams, and MacKenzie & Madison Jones. Ken was a decorated Vietnam Veteran serving as a door gunner in the 191st Assault Helicopter Company. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 11am at the residence of Kenny Jones Jr. This news is reported by William Bocock in email. More information here. Our condolences go to his family.
William Winston Spurlock, 87 of Columbus, Georgia passed away December 29, 2012 following a lengthy illness. He served as Company Commander with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company from November, 1967 to February, 1968 in Vietnam. Our condolences go to his family.
Lawrence A. Cochran served with the 191st AHC in 1967 and 1968. After his service he lived in Montana, and passed away April 17, 1993 of natural causes. Our belated condolences go to his surviving family that include his wife, Pauline, three sons, two step sons, a step daughter, four brothers, and and four sisters. This news is reported by Arturo Almaraz.
Father Kenneth Strawhand – Long time friend of the 191st AHC Association passed away February 7, 2013 after a battle with liver cancer. Father Ken always remembered the 191st and our losses suffered in Vietnam at Mass. He is remembered here, and our condolences go to his family.
LTC Erwin Augustus "Dutch" Schmidt was the Commander of the 191st Assault Helicopter Company at Dong Tam, Republic of Vietnam from 2 March 1969 to 2 September 1969. He was lost to us 11 September 2013 due to a heart attack. Our condolences go to his family
Ron Donakowski served with the 191st as a Pilot in Vietnam. He passed away 11 November 2013. Our condolences go to his family.
Donald Serge Charest, CW4 USA-Retired passed away Feb 28, 2014 in Tempe, Arizona following a three month illness. He served with the 191st AHC as a pilot/aircraft commander in the Green Delta platoon during 1970 and 1971. He was placed to rest at National Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ. Donald is survived by his wife Karen. Our condolences go to his family.
Charles E. "Chuck" Schander, 73, of Winter Haven Florida, died of lung cancer April 8, 2014. Chuck deployed with the 191st AHC to Vietnam, and flew with the unit in 1967 and 1968. Chuck is survived by his wife Helen Schander, sons Ted Schander (Dee); John Schander (Tammie); stepson Ken Smith (Cheryl); eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one sister, many nieces and nephews and numerous friends he considered as his extended family. Our condolences go to his family.
Harley James Morgan, 64 of
Starks, LA passed away on March 9, 2013 in his residence with his loving family
at his side following a brief illness. He served as Door Gunner with the
191st AHC. Our condolences go to his family. August Kraemer has
written a memorial to Harley. Click
HERE to view the memorial.
Merl R. Hawkins, 65 of Pensacola, Florida passed away on October 26, 2010
after suffering a fatal heart attack while doing what he loved doing, hunting
pheasants in South Dakota on the Hawkins' ranch. He retired from the Army in
1987. Merl served with the 191st AHC as Pilot and Aircraft Commander in
the Bounty Hunters. Our condolences go to his family.
Edward Eugene Davis passed away September 5, 2000. Ed served as armament specialist in the Bounty Hunters from February 1968 until he was shot down and evacuated on September 3, 1968. He was flying with Captain David Burch, WO Ronald Cederlund, and Sergeant Paul Frazier, and was the sole survivor when the aircraft was destroyed due to enemy action. Please click HERE to view family pictures with Ed provided by Floyd Davis, his Brother.
David Willis Harmon, age 71,
of Chapel Hill, TN, died Sunday, March 16, 2014 in Franklin, TN. He was a native
of Oxford, MS and a son of the late David Irby and Betty Pettit Harmon, Jr.
David served with the 191st AHC in 1967 as a helicopter pilot and retired from
the United States Army as a Lt. Colonel. He later retired as an Industrial
Engineer and was a member of the Chapel Hill Church of Christ. Our belated
condolences go to his family.
Dennis Lowell Rapp, 60, of Masonic Park Road, Marietta, died Monday,
December 13, 2010 at his residence. He was born on January 5, 1950 in Athens,
Ohio to J. Lowell and Hilda L. Ding Rowe Rapp. Dennis graduated from Athens High
School in 1968, where he played baseball and basketball. He then enlisted in the
Army, and served during Vietnam as crewmember in the 191st AHC Bounty Hunters.
Ronald "Ron" Husman served with the 191st AHC Bounty Hunters at Dong Tam
RVN. Ron passed away on Memorial Day, May 25, 2015. This news comes
from his daughter Shilo Husman-Knoll. Our condolences go to Shilo and her
family.
Dale R. (Butch) Grebe served with the 191st AHC Bounty Hunters as Platoon
Sergeant in 1970. On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, God called 1st Sgt. Dale R.
Grebe (Butch) to his final tour of duty. He passed away at home with his loving
wife Lynda and his furry four-legged best friends at his side. Dale
proudly served in two branches of the military for a total of 22 years. He first
served at the age of 17 in the U.S. Marines - where he'd slept in the recruiting
office for two weeks until his birthday, when they would finally allow him to
join - and then re-enlisted in the U.S. Army. This news comes from Joe
Roberts, and our belated condolences go to the Grebe family.
MAJ Charles J. Lepore served as Commanding
Officer of the 191st from 21
Dec 70 to 29 Apr 71. He was lost to cancer on
4 April 1996.
MAJ
Fredrick L. “Fred” Evors, 73, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania died Wednesday,
April 22, 2015. Major Evors served with the 191st as Executive Officer
with the 191st at Can Tho.
Thomas J. Renison, 68 passed away on November 17, 2013 from long term complications from a helicopter crash for the state of Florida Water Management Department. His call sign was Boomerang 25. He was extremely proud of his participation in the 191st . He retired from service as a LTC with 27 years and served in Viet Nam from 12/69 to 1/71. His wish was to return to Can To “one more time”. This news comes from his cousin John Hanifan.
Tommy "Tom" Dale Dove, 66, of West Berrien Community passed away Friday, July 31, 2015, in Tifton, Georgia due to a heart attack. Tommy was the driver of the 191st fuel truck while stationed at Bear Cat in 1967 and 1968. Our condolences go to his wife and family.
Terry W. Davis died June 20, 2015 of complications from Agent Orange. He was 68. Terry served as the last Bounty Hunter Platoon Leader in RVN, 16 August 71 to 30 September 71. He was buried at Fort Jackson National Cemetery with full military honors. Our condolences go to his family. This news from Joe Roberts, and the VHPA Aviatior.
Jack Edward Tiesing, Sr., 69, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2015. Jack served as slick pilot and aircraft commander with the 191st AHC at Dong Tam RVN. He continued to serve the 191st after Vietnam by hosting the first three unit reunions in Louisville, Kentucky. In September, 2008 Jack hosted his fourth reunion at the Galt House in Louisville, and ongoing reunions have followed the format originated by him. Services will be held Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 3:00 PM with visitation just prior. Newcomer Funeral Home - Southern Indiana Chapel, 3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, Indiana. We extend our condolences to his family, and wide circle of friends.
Richard F. Sendelbach served with the 191st AHC in 1970 and 1971 as pilot, and was awarded the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and two Overseas Bars. He was a member of flight class 69-27 / 69-25 and lost a valiant battle with cancer 08/12/2011 at the age of 63. This news from Joe Roberts. Our condolences go to his family and friends.
William "Bill" Smith passed away February 9, 2016 as a result of lung cancer. Known as "Smitty" to a lot of us, he served with the 191st AHC in 1968 as a pilot and aircraft commander in the First Flight Platoon. Our condolences go to the Smith family. This news is reported by Don Williams.
Mike Grady served with the 191st AHC as door gunner on the nighthawk ship in 1970 along with Dave Boden, Dave Miles, and George Clogston. Mike lost his life in an automobile accident on June 7, 1971, and this news is reported by George Clogston. Our belated condolences go to his family.
CW2 Kenneth R. Messer, was born 1/8/42, graduated flight school class 69-21 / 69-23, and served as a pilot in the 191st AHC. He passed away August 20, 2015 at the age of 73 surrounded by his loving wife and family in Granbury, TX. This news is reported by Joe Roberts. Our condolences go to to his friends and family.
William H. (Bill) Hogan, Jr. deployed as a pilot with the 191st AHC from Ft. Bragg to Vietnam. Known as “Goat” to some, Bill served four tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired in 1981, working at Redstone Arsenal, with the Redstone Readiness group. In 2006, he received the Audie Murphy Award for his services. Bill passed away February 12th 2011, due to cancer. This news is reported by his son Travis. Our belated condolences go to his family.
Ed Sebek served with the 191st in Vietnam, and we have just learned of his passing. Ed attended the 2006 reunion in Branson with his wife Linda, and passed away October 9, 2008 following a very long illness. This news comes from his wife Linda who says, "We did go to the reunion in Branson in 2006 and we both had a great time. Ed so enjoyed seeing everyone after such a long time. I wish you well and hope the reunion (2016) is a great success. Our condolences go to Linda and family.
Anthony E. “Tony” Hanegmon, age 68, of Balkan Township, Minnesota died Wednesday, April 13, 2016. Tony was a U.S. Army Combat Vietnam Veteran. He was a Huey UH-1C (Charlie Model) Door Gunner, serving with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company (Bounty Hunters) 1st Aviation Brigade out of Can Tho, South Vietnam. This news is reported by his son Joe Hanegmon, and Joe Roberts. Our condolences go to his family. Click HERE for his obituary.
Paul Mann served as Aircraft Commander and unit Instructor Pilot with the 191st AHC. Paul passed away on July 3rd, 2012 at the age of 68. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, 3 DFC's, 2 Bronze Stars, and 58 Air Medals. He was survived by his mother, his wife, and their 4 children. This news comes to us from Pat Sedlacek. Our belated condolences go to his family.
Ronald D. Zec of Harrisburg, PA served as aircraft maintenance officer and test pilot with the 191st AHC at Bearcat and Dong Tam. He passed away Sunday, March 20, 2016. Our condolences go to his family. This news provided by Ed McKee.
Albert Christian Hurst was a member of 191st Assault Helicopter Company "Orange Boomerangs" 1969 - 1970 in Vietnam. Chris Hurst, passed away on 23 July 2016 in Stockholm Sweden with family at his side after a five year fight with cancer. He is survived by his wife Lena Hurst, and their children Amanda, David and Cristopher and six grandchildren. He will be missed by family and friends for the rest of our lives. This news comes to us from his son, LTC David Hurst.
CW4 Ricardo V. Lima, served with 191st AHC Boomerangs during 1970-1971. He flew in the Bounty Hunter platoon flying Charley and Mike models. He lived in Ozark, AL. after retiring and worked for the flight contractor training students. Rick passed away 4/26/2007 from complications of lung disease. This news is reported by Larry Potts.
CW4 Ronald W. Bender, served with 191st AHC Boomerangs during 1970-1971. He flew in the Bounty Hunter platoon flying Charley and Mike models. Ron had served almost 19 years in the Army when his life was cut short in a CH-47 accident in northern Texas on 2/25/1988 returning from Ft. Hood to Ft. Sill. The aircraft suffered an inflight fire in the aft pylon area. Several passenger did survive with severe burns and blunt force trauma injuries from jumping or being thrown from the aircraft as it came apart. Ron died from injuries at the accident site. This news is reported by Larry Potts.
Major Leonard Joseph (ROD) Rodowick got his permanent “Wings”, Friday December 16, 2016 at his home in Caliente Nevada. Major Rodowick served in the 191st AHC 1967-1968. He is survived by Alice, his wife of 46 years whom he met in Viet Nam, sons Scott (Lori) of Elverta CA., Todd of Mathis TX., and Leonard Jr. of Nixa, MO. and numerous grand and great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by son, Robert and sister, Wanda Nelson. A Celebration of life was held Saturday, January. 28, 2017 at the Caliente VFW Post. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wabaunsee Co. Kansas on April 29, 2017.
Richard Alan "Rick" Korn, of Lockbourne, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at University Hospital of Cleveland from complications during a liver transplant. Rick served with the 191st as pilot and maintenance officer at Can Tho. This news provided by his daughter Kaci. Our condolences go to the family.
Lawrence Jay Sands, (Larry), was born in Pennsylvania on November 19, 1942. He died in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 23, 2018, where he was receiving treatment for cancer. Larry served in the U.S. military for 10 years, primarily as a helicopter pilot with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC) in Viet Nam. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, an Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters representing a considerable, over and above amount of combat flying time, a Bronze Star Medal, the Army Commendation medal, and finally, an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Larry leaves behind cherished friends and family, including his grandchildren, Taylor and Lucas Martin and Cameron Sands. All friends with the 191st sorely miss Larry . Our condolences go to his family.
Click Here for the obituary full.
Richard (Dick) Calton served with the 191st AHC as Door Gunner at Bearcat.. He passed away July 1, 2016 of a massive heart attack while doing yard work. Dick came to us from the 9th Infantry Division. This news is reporting by his brother Barry to Alan Maw. Our condolences go to his family.
Julius "Dewey" Fambry deployed from Fort Bragg, North Carolina with the 191st to Bearcat Vietnam. Fambry served as Intelligence Sergeant, S-2 in 1967. Dewey, 85, battled cancer this year. His daughters said he died of cancer and a broken heart on September 16, 2018. His wife of 61 years, Rosa, died in July. Dewey spent 20+ years in the Army and rose to the position of First Sergeant. During his years of service, he was awarded many combat decorations, was wounded two times in Vietnam, receiving two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Our condolences go to his family.
Click Here for the full obituary.
William "Bill' Edward Smith was deployed to Vietnam with the 191st, and who was initially assigned to the Second Flight Platoon and later to the Bounty Hunters. Bill passed away February 16, 2019 at the age of 81. Our condolences go to his family
Click Here for the obituary
Jon B. Barry was a
Bounty Hunter Pilot, I believe in Can Tho.
We lost this friend this morning to cancer. Jon Barry was a great photographer,
author, painter and human being. He will be missed. February 22, 1944 — May 21,
2019. Never forget that smiling, upbeat, camera toting pilot that joined us in
the summer of 1969! Moved to Panama within the last year; and seemed to enjoy
life down there. Prostate cancer due to AO exposure took him from us. RIP my
friend.
Regards, Alan G. Maw
Reported by Bill Leipold
Click Here for the obituary
John S. Mertke was born on February 8, 1941 and passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. John was a resident of Ypsilanti, Michigan at the time of his passing. John flew in the 191st second flight platoon, and served honorably as a captain in the U.S. Army as a helicopter pilot during his two tours in Vietnam. The funeral service will be 1:30 pm Sunday March 6 2016 at Stark Funeral Service. Cremation will follow. Contributions in his memory may be made to any V.F.W. post. Envelopes are available at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 11 am until ime of service Sunday.
James Ray
"Jimmy" Joiner passed away in August 1, 2015. A U.S. Army veteran, he served
during the Vietnam War as a door gunner with the 191st Assault Helicopter
Company. During his military service he was awarded several service awards
including the Air Medal with three oak clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Expert
Rifle Qualification as well as the Purple Heart
Click Here for the obituary
Daniel Thomas
Leonardo passed away on August 21, 2019. Daniel served during the Vietnam
War as a door gunner with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company Bounty Hunters
during the Tet Offensive. During his service he was awarded two DFCs, two Purple
Hearts, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.
Click Here for the obituary
PFC
Richard (Dick) Cabral
passed away January 19, 2020 from cancer due to Agent Orange. Dick
served with the 191st AHC in 1968 to 1969 as a Door Gunner at Bearcat and
Dong Tam.
Richard's loss was reported by his Wife to Alan Maw.
Major John Edgar Arnold, 79, passed away on June 22, 2019, at his home in Greenville, NC. John was born in Greenville to the late Vance and Ruth Aman Arnold. He graduated from Greenville High in 1957 and earned a B.S. Degree from the University of Albany in 1978. After high school, John joined the United States Army in 1958 when he was nineteen and served for twenty years. John was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam and deployed with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company.
Click Here for the obituary
David L.
Perez served as a
Aircraft Commander in the first Platoon with the 191st AHC. David
passed away on January 8th, 2020 at age of 73. His decorations include the
Purple Heart. Services will be scheduled at a later date and interment
will be held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Click Here for the obituary
Perry
Jason Davis served as a CWO pilot/mechanic with the 191st AHC Boomerangs in
1968. He passed away on August 4, 2020 in Weatherford, TX and will be buried
with military honors at the Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery.
Quote from LTC Carlvin Griggs: "In the position of company maintenance officer,
Perry supervised over one hundred aircraft workers. These workers included
engine, transmission, airframe, and avionics specialists. His expertise in each
field was tested daily and never found to be deficient. He was also the primary
test pilot for the unit. His reputation as a thorough, knowledgeable test pilot
was known throughout the battalion. Unit pilots learned quickly that helicopters
test flown by Perry Davis were ready for combat operations."
Thanks again.
Cathy Anderson
Daughter
Click Here for the obituary
Alan Gene Maw, 72,
passed away August 21, 2020. He was born on April 20, 1948, to W. Eugene and
Fern Bills Maw of Roy, Utah. He was the youngest of four children.
At the age of 19, Alan was drafted into the United States Army where he served
two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner and as a door gunner with
the 191st Assault Helicopter Company. He retired from the
military after 23 years of service with 22 Air Medals, the Meritorious Service
Medal, and numerous additional awards. His career took him to many parts of the
world and resulted in a network of lifelong friends.
Alan is preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his daughter
Wendy (John) Austin of Roy, Utah; brother Dennis (Linda) Maw of Victor, ID;
brother Larry (Pam) Maw of Palm Desert, CA; and sister Janet (Mike) Talbot of
West Haven, UT; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held at the Plain City
Cemetery, on Saturday October 10, 2020 at 2 PM.
Cemetery Address: 4425 West 1975 North, Plain City, UT
Click Here for the obituary
https://www.standard.net/announcements/obituaries/alan-gene-maw/article_3c04dc1a-0978-5909-8ec8-172085454a68.html
Ernie Houdashell, 74, of Amarillo, Texas died November 22, 2020. Ernie enlisted in the United States Army in March of 1966. After basic training, he attended helicopter maintenance school and shipped out to Vietnam for his first tour of duty in November 1966. He served as a UH-1 Huey mechanic, crew chief, and door gunner while assigned to the 191st Assault Helicopter Company in Bearcat and Dong Tam in support of the 9th Infantry Division during his two tours. He was awarded the Air Medal in September of 1968 for flying over 25 missions into hostile territory within a six-day period. He then received an honorable discharge from the Army in February of 1969.
Click Here for the obituary
Richard A. Fleming passed away on April 12, 2021 peacefully at home after many health issues over the last several years. Rich served in the 191st AHC as a door gunner in the gun platoon aboard on Mother Goose and received numerous medals including twenty-two air medals, and the distinguished flying cross.
Click Here for the obituary
Harry (Bud) Blalock our brother passed
away on May 10, 2021. Even though
he had only attended the last reunion in Clarksville, which he came with his
brother Rick Biggs. He was happy to receive a Valors Blanket and was very proud
to receive it. Rick informed me today that Bud passed away from complications of
heart & kidney failure. Bud and Rick were gunners on yellow flight in 1968 and
I’m proud to say I flew with them. Our prayers to his family.
Art Almaraz
With deepest sadness, we've lost another
brother. Paul P. Zawicki Jr. of Baltimore, MD, passed away on 15
December 2021. Having been born 25 January of 1945, he was 76. Several days
before he died, he was running errands and sensed that he was having a heart
attack, so he drove himself to the Emergency Room. Once stabilized there, he was
taken to the Intensive Care Unit because, with the crowded conditions, there
were no beds available where he could receive the level of care he needed. By
the time he could be accommodated, his condition had worsened and successful
treatment was no longer possible. As a last resort, he was moved to hospice care
for a very short time.
Paul was trained as an Army Helicopter Pilot at the height of the Vietnam
Conflict, with his assignments to Warrant Officer Flight Training Classes 68-27
at Ft Wolters, TX, and 68-515 at Hunter Army Airfield, in Savannah, GA. Upon
graduation, he was immediately sent to the Republic of Vietnam (RVN) with many
of his classmates. Initially, Paul was assigned to the 335th Assault Helicopter
Company (AHC) at a crude tent camp near Phu Hiep, a small village adjacent to
Tuy Hoa Air Base (II Corps). The 335th AHC soon moved to improved facilities at
Bearcat, beside a small Air Force compound at Long Thanh North (III Corps). In
early January of 1969, Paul was transferred, with several of his other unit
members, to the 191st AHC at Dong Tam, adjacent to My Tho on the Mekong River
(IV Corps). There, he served as a slick pilot with the 2nd Platoon (White
Flight). He flew almost daily combat assaults, in support of the 9th Infantry
Division for the remainder of his tour. Following a unit move to Can Tho he
continued to fly combat assaults and he even flew some Nighthawk missions toward
the end of his tour. He was an excellent pilot and an extraordinary person -- a
favorite of all who knew him.
On 6 September 1969, Paul was the fourth ship on a combat assault near Vi Thanh,
southwest of Can Tho, where his flight received unusually intense and sustained
enemy fire upon landing with troops. His Gunner returned withering defensive
fire allowing the troops to disembark. Not only did he force himself to remain
cool while waiting on the ground with incoming rounds pouring into his
helicopter, the tactical situation required multiple identical exposures, to
bring reinforcing troops to the fight. For his conspicuous gallantry in action,
Paul received a well-deserved Distinguished Flying Cross among his other awards.
He returned from his RVN tour in late October of 1969.
After he left active duty, Paul made his mark in multiple roles: He continued
his flying with the Army Reserve. He also became an Army Tugboat Captain, a
Registered Nurse, and a Deacon in his church. Among other positions, he was a
Department of Defense employee at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He worked for the
Veteran's Administration for several years, and served a stint at the U.S. Naval
Academy. In his off-time, Paul was an avid sailor and for several years was a
member of the Downtown Sailing Center on Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Members of the 191st AHC Assn who attended the 2002 Reunion will remember Paul
as the guy who nearly single-handedly organized the whole thing in record time,
the instant he was given the green light by the 191st AHC Association Board of
Directors. His amazing flair for organization quickly became apparent when
months later he hosted that reunion with a dedicated crew of family and loyal
supporters -- a major success.
Paul leaves his wife, Connie of 51 years and his son Paul III. He will be sorely
missed.
Paul Arthur Bernier, 73, of Washburn, WI passed away at home on January 27, 2022. He was born on January 15, 1949, in Mendota, MN, the son of Thomas R. and Pearl (Shelton) Bernier. He attended Pilot Knob and St. Peter’s grade schools, Sibley High School, and Normandale Junior college. He served 3 years in the Army, including in Viet Nam from 1968-1969 as part of the 191st Assault Helicopter Company in the Mekong Delta. He worked in the music industry until 1980 when he began working in Financial Industries, owning his own business, Bernier & Associates, and later Senior Financial Advisors until retiring in 2012.
Bruce Charles Bridge USA CW4 Retired; Flight Classes: 69-37/69- 35; RVN: 69-70 191 AHC; Callsign BountyHunter 48. Bruce Bridge made his approach to his final LZ on November 6, 2021. He died from a massive bacterial heart infection. He was born in Dayton, OH, on Augustl5,1948. He joined the U. S..Army on September 12, 1967.
Upon release from active duty at Fort Stewart, GA,on1 Apr 1971,he joined the California Army National Guard (CNG) at Los Alamitos,CA and flew mosly gunships withTroop D, 1/18 Cavalry. Away from aviation, he was an instructor in map reading and weapons for some years at the California MiJitaryA'edemy,the state OCS. .He retired after more than 30 years of service.
Bruce worked as a law enforcement officer, commercial and police pilot, and full-time employee for the CNG.
With deepest sadness, we've lost another
Boomerang , John D.
Falcon, on April 3, 2022. He was 78. Among the highlights of his
distinguished Military career, John served as the Executive Officer of the 191st
Assault Helicopter Company (191st AHC) from late 1968 until he left Vietnam at
the end of his tour.
John and his high school sweetheart, Irma Falcon, raised a son, Chris Falcon,
and a daughter, Monica Bubb. He also ran a very successful insurance business
for many years. Another of this huge life commitments was the writing of a book
(The Freedom Shield -- When We Were Young, We Were There) detailing the
activities of the 191st AHC in Vietnam, from initial arrival in-Country, until
the unit stood down and returned home. John did his best to give appropriate
credit, where due, to all who would share the stories of their experiences with
the unit. And he diligently recognized the ultimate sacrifices of the forty-four
unfortunate 191st AHC members who didn't make it home. The amount of his spare
time that he devoted to this project was staggering and he deserves a mountain
of credit for completing this humongous task as promised.
A more complete obituary can be found at the web site of Baldwin Funeral Home
Inc - Richland, GA (
Click Here )
Bill Dean passed away
on March 17th, 2022 . He was 74 years old and lived in Bellaire,
Michigan, A victim of lung cancer.
He came over with us and was a gunner in the 1st. Plt., later becomming a crew
chief. We flew together on Supership.
A couple of years ago we were able to stop by Bellaire and visit a few hours
with he and his wife Sharon.
They were married in Hawaii where she flew to meet him when he went on R&R.
Roger Barkley
Gordon F. Hahn served with the 191st AHC from August 1968 to August 1969 at Bearcat and Dong Tam. He passed on July 26, 2022. Gordon was a Boomerang slick crew chief, and later was a crew chief with the Hunter Bounty’s. Gordon was one of the first members to attend the 191st Reunions. Our condolences go to the family. Gordon is survived by his wife Beverly of 50 years and their daughter Jennifer.
Gordon was cremated and a graveside service will be held on 3 pm CDT on Friday August 19, 2022 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon CA
CW4 Tony Max Elliston, age 73, of El Dorado Springs, MO, left the world on October 4, 2022 surrounded by his family and love. Tony was born on November 7, 1948, in Winfield, Kansas, the son of Emerson and Alice Elliston. Tony graduated from Eldorado Springs High School in 1966 where he took pride in being one of the first FFA members in Eldorado Springs High School and won several State awards along the way. He met Linda Sue Piper in 1969 while working on building the Stockton Dam. The two married shortly after and had 3 kids, Randy, Vance, and Marla Elliston. Tony joined the Army in 1969 and graduated flight school in December 1969 from Hunter Army Airfield in GA. After graduating he was elected to the Bounty Hunter Platoon of the 191st Assault Helicopter Company during Vietnam war.
Click Here for the obituary
Major Harold William Stitt passed away from cancer on April 26, 2023. The first tour he flew in combat with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company, the “Boomerangs,” at Bear Cat, Vietnam, just south of Bien Hoa. They formed and deployed from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with about 35 Hueys. He was among 45 pilots in the 175 member unit, including maintenance and support people. Harold went over as a 24-year-old warrant officer. In March 1968 he received a battlefield commission to second lieutenant. He flew about 1,300 combat hours in the Huey from 1967-68. Stitt received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart the day after a nighttime mission in September 1967 near Tan An in the Mekong Delta.
Roger Eugene Holford, 83 of Chrisman, Illinois, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at his residence. He was retired from the United States Army Roger was a Warrant Officer, an Aircraft Commander, and a Fire Team Leader with the 191st Bounty Hunters during 1968 and 1969. After he served in the 191st , Roger accepted a direct commission and he went on to command various Army Aviation Units.
CW4 Ralph Vernon Tolbert (Ret) was a Bounty Hunter at Can Tho during 1970 and 71. Age 79 and passed away December 2, 2022. He was a member of Class 69-49.
It is with sadness that I am sharing the passing of Tony Hornak on July 25,2023. Tony first joined the 191st on 15FE67 as a motor pool mechanic. He went to Nam with us and left Nam as sgt on 01AP68. He finished his service in Germany. Tony and I became friends as soon as we met at Ft Bragg and while in Bearcat he flew as my door gunner a couple of times a month in order to get combat pay and he was a dang good door gunner as well as a mechanic.
Tony lived in Burt, Michigan where he raised his two sons, John and Nick, as a single dad. Tony was a member of the Ss Francis and Clare Parish in Birch Run, MI where he served in many capacities since he was 10 years old. He was a police officer for 3 years in Birch Run, Mi, a Taymouth Township, Mi board member for 8 years and a volunteer fire fighter for 17 years. Tony spent 41 years at General Motors in Saginaw, MI as a member of the skilled trades.
Kenneth Larry Fleming,
73, of Ranger, Georgia, passed away at his residence on Sunday, October 9, 2022.
Mr. Fleming was born on July 7, 1949, in Demopolis, Alabama, the
son of the late Charles Ray Fleming Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Taylor Fleming. He
was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles Ray Fleming Jr. Prior to
retirement, he was an independent contractor, and he was a veteran of the United
States Army, having served in Viet Nam with the 191st AHC, and he was
awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Commendation Medal with one oak
leaf cluster, Air Medal W/V Device, and the Purple Heart.
Col. (Ret.) Clarence A. (Bud) Patnode, Jr.
On October 9, 2023, Bud passed away at home with his beloved wife Elaine at his side.
Joe Keith Roberts, age 77, of Bidwell, died Sunday November 5, 2023 at home, in the arms of the love of his life, his wife Cheryln. Born October 19, 1946 in Gallipolis, he was the son of the late Robert Earl Roberts Jr. and Rachel Ruth Wells Roberts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded by his brother, Robert H. Roberts and granddaughter Allison.
Glenn R. Phenicie, 74, of
Greencastle, PA passed away Saturday evening, October 21, 2023, in his home.
Born April 29, 1949 in Waynesboro, PA he was the son of the late Glenn E. and
Alice Jeanette (Newman) Phenicie. He graduated from Waynesboro Area Senior High
School with the Class of 1967. Glenn served with the United States Army for
three years during the Vietnam War. He served 2 tours in Vietnam.
He and his wife of over 49 years, Valerie K. (Jackson) Phenicie, were married on
September 8, 1974 in Greencastle.
Homeward Bound
In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing and the sky is clear and red.
When the summer’s ceased its gleaming,
When the corn is past its prime,
When adventure’s lost its meaning,
I’ll be homeward bound in time.
Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.
If you find it’s me your missing, if you’re hoping I’ll return.
To your thoughts I’ll soon be list’ning, and in the road I’ll stop and turn.
Then the wind will set me racing as my journey nears its end.
And the path I’ll be retracing when I’m homeward bound again.
Bind me not to the pasture, chain me not to the plow.
Set me free to find my calling and I’ll return to you somehow.
In the quiet misty morning when the moon has gone to bed,
When the sparrows stop their singing,
I’ll be homeward bound again.
Music - "Homeward Bound" from
The Road Home by The Choirs of Brigham Young University - © 2003 Tantara Records
Please Send Corrections to: bj@191ahc.org
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