189th Aviation Company

History

Constituted 23 September 1942 in the Army of the United States as the 2027^th Quartermaster Truck Company, Aviation.

Activated 5 October 1942 at Lockbourne Army Air Base, Ohio.

Inactivated 20 February 1946 in the Philippine Islands.

Converted and re-designated 1 August 1946 as the 2027^th Transportation Company (Aviation).

Re-designated 1 November 1966 as the 189^th Aviation Company, allotted to the Regular Army, and activated at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Entered the Vietnam Conflict May 1967 and assigned to the 52d Combat Aviation Battalion at Camp Holloway, Pleiku, Vietnam.

The 189^th was just one (1) unit of the largest Aviation Battalions ever formed; the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion (CAB) “The Flying Dragons” was subordinate to the 17^th Combat Aviation Group (CAG). The 17^th CAG was subordinate to the 1^st Aviation Brigade, the largest Army Aviation organization formed since World War II. The 1^st Aviation Brigade was comprised of several Groups, each having several Battalions.

Inactivated 15 March 1971 in Vietnam.

Assigned 19 February 1986 to the 3d Armored Division and activated in Germany.

Inactivated 16 July 1987 in Germany.

189^th Campaign Participation Credit

World War – AP

New Guinea

Leyte

Vietnam

Counteroffensive, Phase II

Counteroffensive, Phase III

Tet Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase IV

Counteroffensive, Phase V

Counteroffensive, Phase VI

Tet 69/Counteroffensive

Summer-Fall 1969

Winter-Spring 1970

Sanctuary Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase VII

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 October 1944 to 4 July 1945.

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered Vietnam 1967-1968.

Presidential Unit Citation, October 29, 1967 to 30 November 1967. DA GO 38 Dated 20 July 1971

Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered Vietnam 1970

The 189^th Aviation Company History

1966

The 189^th Aviation Company (AML) was activated by Department of the Army with Fifth Army General Order 236, dated 19 September 1966, to take effect on 1 November 1966 at Fort Carson, Colorado. Shortly before Thanksgiving the U.S. Army began assembling a group of aviators at Ft. Carson, Colorado. The mountainous area around Ft. Carson, it was hoped, would give the aviators a certain degree of training in mountain flying before being deployed to its ultimate destination, the Central Highlands, Republic of Vietnam.

Captain Victor Hamilton, Infantry commanded the unit, who proceeded in organizing the unit under TO&E 1-77E (Modified). Under his command the unit was open for the receipt of incoming personnel and equipment.

1 December 1966: Major Robert Bagley, assumed command. Under his guidance, request for additional equipment was submitted. A training program was established, the airfield operations elements were established, and unit training begin.

9 December 1966: The 189^th was reorganized under TO&E 1-77G (Modified) as directed by General Order 427, Fifth Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado. Under the new TO&E, the 189^th was authorized a Company Headquarters, two (2) Airlift Platoons, a Gun Platoon and a Service Platoon. The 604^th Maintenance Detachment, the 519^th Medical Detachment and the 6^th Signal Detachment provided the unit additional support.

Under TO&E 1-77G, the 189^th was to prepare for deployment on a date yet undisclosed.

Being one of the first Army units to receive the new UH-IH Huey, the area was also ideal for testing the new H Model at mountainous elevations. Sister companies, the 187^th & 188^th were also forming and receiving H models at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky during the same time period. All new aircraft were picked up from the factory in Ft. Worth, Texas and ferried to Fort Carson, CO.

12 December 1966: The 189^th began its formal training. The first week dealt primarily with basic required subjects, such as Code of Conduct, Geneva Convention, etc. The next few months or so were spent doing supply actions, as the unit was to deploy with full organic equipment. Each day began with physical training capped with an increasing longer run around post. As this was winter in Colorado physical training was suspended on those mornings when the temperature dropped below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

17 December 1966: The Christmas Holidays began, and all formal training ceased for two weeks.

The initial pilots of the 189^th were an odd lot. There were seven fixed & rotary wing rated Majors assigned to the unit. Many of the Majors in the unit were primarily “old” fixed-wing drivers and were not particularly overjoyed with the idea of going to Vietnam with a helicopter outfit. The remaining aviators, both lieutenants and warrant officers were fresh out of flight school. While lacking maturity and flight experience, they were an enthusiastic and gung-ho group. Only three personnel, two Warrant Officers and a crew chief had seen prior service in Vietnam.

21 December 1966: Major John J. Webster, TC assumed command of the Company. During the remainder of 1966, the unit was primarily involved with aircraft checkouts required for aviators in the UH-IC and UH-IH

.

After the Christmas Holidays, training became serious under ATP 1-77G and continued until April 1967.

1967

1 January 1967: The following personnel filled the key positions within the Company:

Commanding Officer: Major John Webster

Executive Officer: Major Robert T. Bagley

First Sergeant: 1SGT Alfred

Operations Officer: Major Richard V. Coulter

Intelligence Officer: Major Jesse E. Stewart

First Airlift Platoon Leader: Captain Jack W. Blien

Second Airlift Platoon Leader: Major Albert H. Kraph

Gun Platoon Leader: Captain Pinckney C. Cochran

Service Platoon Leader: Captain Wilbur R. Mixier

The associated detachments and their initial commanders were:

604^th Maintenance Detachment: Major Richard D. Caldwell

519^th Medical Detachment: WOI Daniel J. Bainey

6^th Signal Detachment: 2d Lt. James R. Conley

3 January 1967: Scheduled training resumed. In preparation for deployment, the unit began a series of field exercises the first week of 1967. While the snow and ice posed many problems, the improved engines in the UH-IH performed magnificently. As part of the exercise, the gun platoon was conducting its weapons training and learning about the ways of war and survival. The first week of the New Year was devoted to basic required subjects.

11 January 1967: Formal flight training began at section and platoon levels encompassing such subjects as Navigation, Instrument Proficiency, Night and Formation Flying, Flying with Loads, Gunship Tactics and Air mobile Operations.

20 January 1967: The first company-size Air mobile Operation was conducted and was followed by three (3) more prior to the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion of unit training.

31 January 1967 – 6 February 1967: As part of the exercise, the gun platoon was conducting its weapons training. Gunnery training (7.62 systems) was conducted. During the period, all gunnery personnel were qualified in the XM-21 and XM-23 systems.

7-9 February 1967: Found the unit in the field for the first time where emphasis was placed on operation of a tactical landing area, security of the area, operational reaction time, re-supply, medical evacuation, and section and platoon-size Air mobile Operations with armed escort.

14-16 February 1967: The unit again operated from the field. Emphasis was placed on the first operation, for the purpose of reducing mission reaction time.

20 February 1967: Found the 189^th in the field: this time for a five (5) day exercise. During that period, the company provided aviation support to the 2/llth Infantry in its Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) cycle. Emphasis was placed on platoon and company-sized operations, re-supply, medical evacuation and a night move in preparation for the forth-coming Army Training Test (ATT) cycle. The unit was observed throughout the operation by ranking personnel who seemed pleased with the unit’s progress. Even though the unit was testing the new aircraft during Colorado’s winter, they felt sure that the added power of the H model would perform just as effectively in the real test which lay ahead, the hot jungle of Vietnam.

During the same period, the Gun Platoon participated in firing of the 2.75 Rocket System and the M-5 (40mm) Grenade Launcher. With the completion of this training, the company looked forward to the ATT.

1-3 March 1967: The ATT was conducted under conditions simulating combat. During the three-day period, the unit and supporting detachments were judged combat ready in all phases of the testing.

With the completion of the ATT, the 189^th Aviation Company (AML) began preparations for it’s overseas assignment. The unit was notified of over-seas redeployment by the Fifth Infantry Division and Fort Carson Movement Order #5. With the issuance of movement Order #5, the unit began processing all equipment for repair and final inspection.

The arduous task of loading several hundred CONEX containers then fell to the troops. Every CONEX had to have specific markings and a manifest detailing its contents. This was complicated somewhat by the units determination to circumvent regular supply channels and commandeer as much station property from Ft. Carson as possible. Who was to know what lie ahead? Vehicles were prepared and loaded aboard trains for shipment to the point of debarkation.

16 March 1967: The Gun Platoon departed Fort Carson with eight (8) UH-IC’s and headed for Sharp Army Depot in Stockton CA. The aircraft were to be processed for overseas shipment not later than 21 March 1967. On 17 March the Gun Platoon reported departing El Paso International, ETA Yuma, Arizona. After the gun platoon departed Yuma on the morning of the 18^th they were flying low level skimming above the desert at about 50 feet. One of the AVENGERS looked up and saw a small camper trailer parked in the middle of nowhere. It was determined that they all would fly by to check it out. As the flight approached the trailer, a person could be seen sleeping on the roof in a lounge chair. Suddenly eight (8) helicopters flew over him at about 50 feet the last copter reported him on the ground heading toward a huge cactus with brown spots in his shorts. Many fun things took place on the trip, but this was the highlight. The transfer of “C” Models was completed upon arrival, 18 March 1967 at Sharp Army Depot, Stockton, California.

28 March 1967: Additional movement instructions were received. All vehicles and CONEXED equipment were port called for NLT 12 April. To meet the 12 April port call, rail cars were loaded 6 April for movement on 7 April.

29 March 1967: Requirements for the advance part were partially finalized. The number in the party was limited to five and included:

Major Richard V. Coulter, Operations and OIC

Major Jesse E. Stewart, Training and Intelligence

Captain Ernest R. Bowling, Communications

Captain Phillip Ashley, Maintenance

Captain Darrell Waite, Supply

21 April 1967: The advance party was alerted and departed Fort Carson at 0620 hours on 23 April. The party arrived at and departed Travis Air force Base that same day for Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Arrival time at Cam Ranh Bay was 0500 hours, 25 April. From there, the advance part was processed through the 17^th Aviation Group and finally arrived at its new station, Pleiku, Vietnam on 27 April. The unit was assigned to the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion and was re-designated as the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company, APO San Francisco 96318.

As the end of April approached and with the final shipment of the units equipment, the men were given their last leave and told to report back by the 1^st of May for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam.

3 May 1967: The unit was broken into contingents and began departing via U.S. Air force C-141 Starlifter. While en-route to Pleiku AFB, Vietnam with intermediate stops at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and Yokoda, Japan. The sweltering heat of Pleiku was indeed a change from the cold mountain air of Colorado where it had snowed the day before.

May being late in the dry season, the unit had a few days to move into Camp Holloway and get tents setup before the monsoon rains set in. Having evolved into the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company upon arrival in Vietnam, the unit was assigned to the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion.

The unit was assigned a bare piece of ground alongside the runway as a permanent bivouac area. Seeing that the assigned area lay outside of the Battalion’s perimeter, the first order of business was to extend the barded wire to encompass the unit’s new home. Tents were erected and sandbagged. Officers and enlisted personnel shared equally in the backbreaking task of filling sand bags with the red clay of Pleiku. Revetments for the slicks were built of perforated steel planking (PSP), soil and sandbags. The aviators alternated days working on construction and days flying as copilots with sister companies in order to learn the area around Pleiku and gain some experience flying in a combat environment.

The remainder of the body arrived at the new location the on 6^th and 7^{th .} Shortly thereafter, the TO&E equipment, less aircraft, arrived. Finally the 189^th neared an operational readiness goal.

22 May 1967: Saw the arrival of the unit’s helicopters at the Port of Vung Tau, a coastal city in II Corps and also an in country R&R site. Much excitement accompanied the crews fortunate enough to RON at the old French hotel, sample the local Bier 33 and consort for the first time with the local Vietnamese bar girls. It was a welcome respite from the heat and red dust of Pleiku. Vung Tau was relatively peaceful at the time and the rule was no side arms openly displayed while out on the town. Being new in country, most of the 189^th troops elected to go out armed but concealed, rather than surrender the newly issued Smith & Wesson revolvers. Wanting to depart Vung Tau with the proper amount of flourish, the unit’s first real in-country flight was a full company formation flight from Vung Tau up the coast to Cam Ranh Bay, Quin Nhon and thence inland over Route 19 through the An Khe and Ming Yang passes to Pleiku. A full-scale flyby at Camp Holloway was made to announce the presence of a brash new kid on the block to both local VC and sister companies.

The first ten (10) aircraft arrived, and the following day eleven (11) more H models and six (6) UH-IC’s arrived; to be followed by two (2) more H models on the 24^th. The remaining two (2) UH-IC’s were scheduled to arrive the 25^th of May 1967.

With the arrival of equipment and personnel, the company was given an operational readiness date of 15 June 1967. Operational requirements demanded that the transition be made as quickly as possible into a full-scale combat flying unit. It is significant to note that both the aircraft commanders and pilots of most crews had very little, if any, combat experience, yet they went directly into flying operational missions.

27 May 1967: UH-IH, 66-1065 crashed in the ocean and aircraft caught fire while on a courier and re-supply mission. WO Herbert A. Ripka, was the unit’s first in-country fatality. Although he was initially reported missing in the over water accident, three (3) days later, his body was washed ashore, and he was pronounced dead from drowning.

1 June 1967: The first DEROS took place in the 189^th as a result, new personnel assumed key positions as follows:

Intelligence Officer: .............................Captain Michael Howe

1^st Airlift Platoon Commander: ............Captain Eugene Malcoff

2^nd Airlift Platoon Commander: .........Captain Darrell Waite

Gun Platoon Commander: ................ Captain Rupert Bowling

During the first part of June, the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company was assigned radio call signs. The gun ship pilots with their usual hefty amount of bravado decided to seek their combat fortunes using the call sign ‘AVENGERS’. Their platoon patch would feature the grim reaper holding a scythe on top of a coffin. The slick pilots followed the theme by selecting ‘GHOST RIDER’ as their call sign and characterized by a patch featuring a ghost armed with a .30 caliber machine gun alongside a slick. It then followed logically, to name the revetment area, where the slicks parked their aircraft, the ‘GRAVEYARD’. The gun platoons C (Charlie) model gun ships were unable to park there. When fully loaded with ammunition the Charlie models were not able to hover high enough to clear the barbed wire apron that surrounded the ‘GRAVEYARD’. Instead the Charlie models were kept in an area easily accessible to the runway. This area became known as the ‘ARSENAL’.

The First and Second Airlift Platoons had their own distinctive patch. The First Airlift was known as “Silver Flight” their patch was a blue lightning bolt with silver lettering “SILVER FLIGHT 1^st A/L”. The Second Airlift was known as “Scarlet Flight” they had the same lightning bolt shape but it was red in color with white lettering “SCARLET FLIGHT 2^nd AL”. Their patches represented the swift and sudden striking force of lightning, which was the job of the lift platoons “get in and out quick”.

The Maintenance Platoon also adopted their own unique patch and call sign “CARETAKER”. It’s patch depicted the powerful Condor on top of a mountain keeping vigil over it’s young one which, in this case, is a UH-1H helicopter. The patch emphasizes the care of the Condor, yet it can be one of the fiercest fighters in the sky.

15 June 1967: The 189^th AHC became operational. The combat training was completed and the company assumed its place as a combat ready unit in the 52^nd CAB. The 189^th AHC was placed in direct support of the 4^th Inf Div. missions assignments consisted of C&C, re-supply, and combat assaults.

To prevent a major reorganization of the unit when the original members returned to the states after their one-year tour ended, pilots with varying DEROS dates were infused from other units. To make up for these newer members, some of the original men were transferred out to other units.

Mission: The mission of the 189^th AHC was to provide tactical air movement of combat troops in air mobile operations, tactical air movement of combat supplies and equipment within the combat zone, combat assault support to combat troops, medical evacuations, reconnaissance, command and control, liaison, and logistics and administration missions.

Terrain: The II Corps Tactical Zone, where Pleiku is located and where 189th AHC rendered the majority of it's support, covered an area of 32,725 square miles or 49% of the land area of South Vietnam. Its western border is 342 miles long and in common with Laos and Cambodia. The eastern border is approximately 400 miles of coastline bordering on the South China Sea. The area is 40 miles wide in the north and 142 miles wide in the south. The area is politically divided into the provinces of Kontum, Binh Dinh, Pleiku, Phu Bon, and Phy Yen in the 22nd ARVN Divisional Tactical Zone, and Darlac, Kanh Hoa, Quang Duc, Tuyen Duc, Nunh Thuan, Lam Dong, and Binh Thuan in the 23rd ARVN Divisional Tactical Zone. Geographically, this area may be divided into three (3) major areas:

Coastal Plain

The coastal plain is the narrow strip of long flat, often marshy terrain, not more than twenty (20) miles wide from the sea island. This area is formed by a series of numerous river deltas interrupted by rocky ridgelines running steeply to the sea. This is almost entirely under cultivation, with four (4) rice crops a year.

Mountain Region

The mountain region extends from north to south almost the entire length of the II Corps Tactical Zone. Elevations range from 3,000 to 8,000 feet, with the eastern slopes quite steep and the western slopes more gradual. Rain forests cover three quarters of this area with most of the remainder covered with open, deciduous growth. Cultivation is limited to small, cleared areas on relatively flat lands. Flying in this area is very hazardous with forced landing areas practically non-existent, ceilings frequently very low and the winds are unpredictable.

Plateau Region

The Plateau Region is located west of the mountains and is comprised of the Kontum Plateau in the north and the Darlac Plateau in the south. This region has altitudes ranging from 1.000 to 3,000 feet with gently rolling hills and much open area. Where the soil is not under cultivation, a thick growth of grass, to a height of eight to ten feet covers the ground. Where adequate drainage is provided, this area will support four vegetable crops yearly.

The principal cities of this area are Phan Thiet, Phan Rang, Nha Trang, and Qui Nhen are on the coastal plain; Dalat is in the mountains, and Ban Me Thuet, Pleiku and Kontum are in the Plateaus. The major routes of this area are:

Route #1 Saigon – Da Nang (coastal route)

Route #11 Dalat – Phan Rang

Route #14 Saigon – Ban Me Thuot – Pleiku – Kontum

Route #19 Pleiku – Qui Nhon

Route #20 Saigon – Dalat

Route #21 Ban Me Thuot – Nha Trang

The Republic’s major rail line parallels Route #1 along its entire length with one spur line from Phan Rang to Dalat. The logistical and communication complex at Cam Ranh Bay is located between Phan Rang and Nha Trang.

Weather: Weather throughout the area can be divided into the summer monsoons, June through September, and the winter monsoons, November through April, with the months of May and October as periods of transition. During the summer monsoons the wind is southwesterly, causing cloud buildups on the western slopes of the mountains. This results are a rainy season for the plateaus and mountain areas during the summer months, while the coastal provinces have clear skies and good flying weather. The winter monsoons bring a northeasterly flow with the conditions reversed. The coastal provinces of Binh Thuan and Nhin Thuan are not affected by either monsoon seasons and have generally clear weather year round. Average rainfall in the mountain and plateau areas are 92 inches, and on the coastal plain 87 inches. The temperature on the coastal plain ranges from the mid 70’s to the high 80’s during the rainy season and low 80’s to high 90’s during the dry season. The mountains and plateaus experience temperatures from the mid 50’s to mid 80’s during the wet season, and low 60’s to a 90 plus during the dry season. Winds are normally gusty at 10 – 15 knots with velocity increasing with altitude. In the Kontum, Pleiku area, surface winds of 25 – 45 knots are common in the fall of the year.

For the most part, flying conditions due to weather and terrain are unfavorable for the majority of the year in this area. Due to the combination of monsoon, heat, dust, dense jungle, altitudes and density altitude, it is easy to see why the II Corps Tactical Zone gained the reputation for being an aviator’s nightmare.

The first series of operations that the 189^th participated in supported the 1^st Bge 4^th Inf Div based in the school house of the abandoned hamlet of LeThan, better known to the Americans as Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole lies west of the Cateeka Tea Plantation and was very near the Cambodian border.

Single ship hover hole landing zones (LZ’S) were encountered for the first time. Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP) insertions and extractions, medical evacuations and occasional hostile fire, all provided necessary learning situations for the still unseasoned 189^th pilots.

1 July 1967: Major Bobby Sanders assumed command of the 189^th.

7 July 1967: The first aircraft hit by hostile fire was GHOSTRIDER 174 while on a combat assault in support of the 1^st Cavalry Division northeast of Kontum. One (1) small arms round hit the aircraft in its tail section.

10 July 1967: Hill 830 is approximately 14 kilometers from the Cambodian Border and sits astride a major exit from the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The 4^th Bn 503^rd Inf of the 173^rd Abn engaged a large, well dug-in NVA force. AVENGER guns supported the operation in a fierce two (2) day battle. The BN suffered 24 KIA and 62 WIA. They found a total of nine (9) NVA dead after the battle.

13 July 1967: While in support of the 4^th Inf Div In the vicinity of Due Co, the ground troops made contact with a superior force and were in desperate need of support. CPT. Hooper flying AVENGER 691 serving as team leader of a fire team arrived in the area and immediately directed and applied suppressive fire on the enemy positions and forced the enemy to break contact with the friendly forces. While his wingman AVENGER 693 provided suppressive fire, CPT. Hooper went into a small landing zone to evacuate a seriously wounded soldier. The AVENGERS claimed the first enemy kills of the company. One (1) NVA, KIA was confirmed and an estimated thirty (30) NVA KIA, were unconfirmed. CPT. Lynn C, Hooper was awarded the DFC for his part in the action.

17 July 1967: MAJ. Robert Bagley, the Executive Officer, was reassigned to IFFV. CPT. Michael Howe assumed the Executive Officer position and LT Lonnie Welch replaced CPT. Howe as the Intelligence Officer.

30 July 1967: CPT. Lynn Hooper assumed command of the Gun Platoon, replacing CPT. Ernest R. Bowling.

31 July 1967: While in support of the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDER 529 crashed and burned approximately ten miles south west of Camp Holloway. Killed in the accident was WO Arnold 0. Nakkerud (AC), WO Glen Shropshire (P), and SP4 Donald W. Hart (G). The (CE) PFC Robert E. Keyes stated that the aircraft inadvertently went IFR during a low level pass and struck a tree in a descending left turn attempting to return to VFR conditions PFC Robert E. Keyes was seriously injured and evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital.

3 August 1967: In the morning a CIDG company made contact with two (2) NVA companies one (1) km west of Dak Seang. A relief force also found itself under attack. Not until early afternoon did the fight end. Almost every night during the last half of July, both Dak Seang and Dak Pek had been pounded by mortar, rocket and RR fire.

4 August 1967: As a result of the fighting on 3 August and with the ARVN 42d Regt and two (2) ARVN airborne battalions moving to reinforce Dak Seang. The 189^th airlifted the 1/503^rd Abn Bn of the 173^rd Abn out of the jungle near Hill 830 and inserted them at Dak Pek. The 189^th also conducted a CA for 5^th SFG in vicinity Buon Ho. 177 pax in 168 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

6 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Francis Marion they moved 450 pax in 327 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

7 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Francis Marion moving 410 pax in 218 sorties. The assault was conducted with on incidents and negative contact.

10 August 1967: GHOSTRIDER 169 was completely destroyed by fire at Hensel AAF. There were no injuries; all crewmembers were out of the aircraft at the time. Aircraft 169 was shut down while being loaded with CS grenades. The grenades were dropped causing several to ignite catching the aircraft on fire.

11 August 1967: AVENGER 552 flying at 1000 feet and seventy (70) knots, received small arms fire in the cockpit and main rotor blade. One (1) person on board was wounded, the aircraft continued to fly.

13 August 1967: Two (2) 189^th gun ships received three (3) hits from automatic weapons fire in support of Francis Marion. No injuries were encountered and aircraft continued to fly.

17 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Francis Marion. 267 pax 81 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

17 August 1967: 189^th responded to a tactical emergency call from the 24^th STZ (5^th SFG), requesting six (6) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER helicopters in the vicinity of Dak To. The mission was not accomplished due to weather and darkness. The ground unit was no longer in enemy contact.

18 August 1967: 189^th conducted two (2) extractions for Co B, SFG in the vicinity of Dak To moving 247 pax in 138 sorties. One of the extractions was for the 24^th STZ that was requested the night before. They also conducted a final extraction for 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Francis Marion, 267 pax in 81 sorties were moved. Both missions were accomplished without any incidents.

25 August 1967: GHOSTRIDER 172 made a forced landing approximately ten (10) miles west of Camp Holloway. Minor damage was sustained but there were no injuries to the crew. The aircraft was sling loaded back to Camp Holloway and was mission ready on 27 Aug 1967.

26 August 1967: AVENGER 693 was flying at 50 feet and 100 knots when it received one (1) round in the engine compartment from small arms fire in the vicinity of Dak To. No injuries and the aircraft continued on its mission.

26 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for the 5^th SFG in the vicinity of Phu Tuc, 153 pax in 223 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents.

31 August 1967: A reconnaissance patrol had been pinned down and surrounded by a superior enemy force just North of the Pleiku Valley. It was decided to get them out. CPT. Hooper was designated flight leader for the night extraction mission. Operating in the most marginal weather conditions, CPT. Hooper planned, coordinated, and led the successful extraction. Everyone was extracted successfully. CPT. Lynn C. Hooper was awarded the DFC for his actions.

3 Sept 1967: MAJ. Eugene Malkoff was reassigned to the 155^th Assault Helicopter Company at Ban Me Thout. CPT. Ernest Bowling assumed command of the 1^st Airlift Platoon.

3 Sept 1967: Avenger 690 made a forced landing due to engine failure. There were no injuries, however the aircraft sustained major damage.

5 September 1967: CPT. Lynn Hooper was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for action he was involved in on the nights of 31 August-1 September. MG George P. Seneff presented the award. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS was conducting a final extraction of the 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of our favorite operation, Francis Marion, while CPT. Hooper was getting his award. The slicks hauled out 522 troops in 191 sorties, taking up enough time so many of the 189^th missed CPT. Hooper’s ceremony.

7 September 1967: Again the 189^th was called on to perform another extraction for the 1/12^th Inf. 4^th Inf Div In support of Francis Marion.

Many of the operations were put on hold because of the weather. Much of the month of September consisted of heavy morning ground fog, zero-zero until after 0900 hrs. Frequent afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms with ceilings 3500-5000ft broken, visibility to 3-7 miles. Temperatures were in the High 70s to the Low 60s.

14 September 1967: 189^th conducted multiple troops movements and final extractions for the 1/12^th, 3/8^th, 4^th Inf. Div. In support of Francis Marion. The slicks pulled out 529 troops in 206 sorties. Enemy contact was minimal

15 September 1967: The company sustained its first casualties from hostile ground fire. While investigating suspected enemy tunnels and foxholes on the daily visual reconnaissance, GHOSTRIDER 166 received automatic weapons fire from four individuals who were attempting to bide in the trees. GHOSTRIDER 166 received approximately ten (10) hits wounding WO Egekial Williams (AC) in the thigh and WO Albert Whaley (P) in the lower leg. The observer Sgt. Lawrence Crippen received facial injuries from shrapnel. Sp4 Samuel Kravehak, the gunner returned fire on the enemy location and claimed, one (1) enemy KIA. All wounds with the exception of WO Whaley’s were superficial and after treatment at the 18^th Surgical Hospital the individuals were released. WO Whaley was eventually evacuated to the United States.

15 September 1967: The 189^th was reassigned from direct support of the 4^th Inf Div to general support of the Central Highlands. These missions included the support of II Corps, 5^th SFG and 52^nd Artillery Battalion. Operations Omega and Prairefire were also included.

15 September 1967: Major Richard Coulter was reassigned to be S-1 of the 52^nd CAB. MAJ. Darrell Waite replaced him as Operations Officer; MAJ. Robert Davenport became the Platoon Leader of the 2^nd Airlift Platoon.

17 September 1967: MAJ. Wilbur Mixter was transferred to the 405^th Maintenance Detachment as the Detachment Commander.

21 September, 1967: The unit was notified at 2230 hours that GHOSTRIDER 166 was missing on a flight from Mang Buk Special Forces Camp to Kontum. An air search was initiated on 22 September and the missing aircraft was located approximately twenty kilometers south of Mang Buk. All crewmembers survived with minor injuries although the aircraft was completely destroyed.

1 October 1967: MAJ. George Hodges was assigned to the 189^th as Company Executive Officer, replacing CPT. Howe. CPT. Howe was made the assistant gun platoon leader.

1 October 1967: Found the 189^th in support of Operation Prairefire, the high stakes, top secret, cross border reconnaissance game. Across the border in Laos and Cambodia, the rules were much different and the standards expected of pilots much higher. Normal military protocol, rank, etc. were subordinated as natural leaders proved they were up to the challenge. Friendships formed, based on trust and mutual interdependence. Foremost was the determination by all participants that they would stick to the bitter end of the mission to ensure no friendly forces were left behind in enemy territory. Marked the start of a classified mission for the 189^th with the 5^th SFG out of FOB-2 at Kontum. This mission required all the skill, techniques, and proficiency the pilots and crews could muster. Charlie was not to be laughed at.

It is impossible to determine whether the GHOSTRIDERS or the AVENGERS encountered more hostile fire on these missions. While GHOSTRIDERS were hovering above triple canopy jungle, using Maguire rigs (ropes and slings) to extract the teams on the ground, the AVENGERS were on station providing withering fire support. These missions established once and for all that the NVA had developed the Ho Chi Minh trail into a high-speed highway, capable of rapid movement of men and equipment into all parts of South Vietnam.

3 October 1967: AVENGER 552 was on a low level mission at 100 feet at 100 knots. The aircraft took 4 hits in the left side while in support of a SF mission in Laos. One crewmember was WIA.

5 October 1967: At approximately 0820, the 189^th was notified the gunner on GHOSTRIDER 759 put two (2) rounds through the top of the ship. Nobody was hurt, but ship had to be brought back and checked out for further damage. Also, GHOSTRIDER 153 piloted by WO Jones, was hovering over the dense jungle making a pick up by ladder, a tree bent down by the rotor wash flapped back into the tail rotor causing the aircraft to make a hard landing. The crew was not injured and the area was secured until a CH-47 aircraft picked up the aircraft.

6 October 1967: On a FOB-2 mission aircraft GHOSTRIDER 171 was in support of a SF team deep in enemy held jungle west of Dak To. GHOSTRIDER 171 the leading insert ship drew heavy automatic weapons fire wounding the pilot and almost totally disabling the ship. WO Butler brought his AVENGER gun team in to suppress the fire on the injured ship. After getting the troop ship safely out of the area, they returned to mark the heaviest ground fire area with smoke to facilitate air strikes by the Air Force. CPT. Shiver Eustice (P) received wounds in his leg and arm and was evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital. The aircraft was left at Dak To and arrangements were made to return the aircraft by CH-47. AVENGER 694 received small arms fire, but in retaliation the AVENGERS were given credit for 27 confirmed NVA kills. WO Richard E. Butler received the DFC for his actions on the mission.

10-31 October 1967: Project Omega (Dak To) The first platoon of the 281^st AHC Provided three (3) UH-ID’s for operations at Kontum in support of Project Omega with the 189^th AHC, staging out of Kontum, the aircraft were utilized in the daily shuttle of a seventy two-man reaction force to New Dak To and to stand by daily to insert the reaction force in areas where the LRRP detected enemy activity. Three (3) assaults were made northwest of New Dak to into Mountainside landing zones.

13 October 1967: Company was notified that WO Nelson had been shot in the back while participating in a operation for FOB-2 while flying AVENGER 693. He was evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital and later to Cam Ranh Bay. The aircraft did not receive any damage from small arms fire.

14 October 1967: SP4 Duffin sustained a slight bullet wound to the foot. He was taken to the 18^th Surgical Hospital. He was released from the hospital quickly and returned to the unit in a few days.

The 52^nd CAB was the principle supporting aviation element during Operation Mac Arthur. The Battalion’s normal daily operational commitment to the 4^th Inf Div was 22 UH-1Hs, 10 UH-1Cs and 7 CH-47s. The majority of which was allocated to the 1^st Brigade at Dak To.

15 October 1967: Reports pertaining to Operation Mac Arthur were published showing the build-up of enemy forces in preparation for the Battle of Dak To. During the period 15-21 October, there were several reports of small arms fire directed at aircraft in an area twenty (20) kilometers northeast of Dak To.

15-21 October 1967: During this period there were several reports of small arms fire directed at aircraft in an area twenty (20) kilometers NE of Dak To. With excellent gun coverage given by the AVENGERS and the GHOSTRIDERS they continued to operate successfully and effectively on the FOB 2 mission.

19 October – 9 November 1967: 5^th SFG (Prairefire) the aircraft used in this operation was assigned a primary mission of re-supply and liaison. The unit in addition conducted several combat assaults. The area of operations was southwest of Kontum, where the assaults were flown into mountain landing zones. On one such assault, a 281^st AHC aircraft killed one (1) enemy. On 9 November the aircraft were withdrawn to Pleiku, where they once again flew in support of the 52^nd CAB.

22-29 October 1967: Contact was made with an unidentified company sized unit eight (8) km SE of Dak To. Heavy trail building activity was reported thirty (30) km NW of Dak To. An agent reported that a 4000-man force would use the trails to move into Knotum Province.

24 October 1967: Captain Howe called operations and alerted them that GHOSTRIDER 167 had a small electrical fire and a main rotor blade strike while evacuating troops. The aircraft

Was flown back to FOB-2 and left there for maintenance to check the following morning.

25 October 1967: Our turn to be supported by another company. Due to maintenance problems, only one (1) gun ship could be supplied to FOB-2. The 165^th AHC supplied slicks and remaining guns.

27 October 1967: The 52^nd conducted a battalion size Airmobile Operation in support of the 1/22^nd Inf 4^th Inf Div for Operation Mac Arthur. The 189^th participated with slicks and guns. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

28 October 1967: An AVENGER gunship received three (3) hits by ground fire in vicinity of Dak To. One (1) crewmember WIA and aircraft continued to fly.

29 October 1967: Helicopter crews from the 179^th Medium Helicopter Company, 52^nd CAB, 189^th AHC and 604^th Maint Det provided support to recover a downed UH-1H helicopter. The helicopter recovery operation was carried out under difficult and extremely hazardous flying conditions. The ground party prepared a landing zone at the crash site located in dense jungle. The maintenance crew landed at 1800 hours and prepared the aircraft for extraction by CH-47D. The first attempt was unsuccessful because the lifting cable was too short. A longer cable was obtained, the downed UH-1H again prepared for extraction, and the LZ enlarged by cutting additional trees. The CH-47D returned and the recovery was accomplished during the hours of darkness. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS performed insertion of maintenance personnel and gun cover. WO Niester received superficial face wounds, minor shrapnel wounds to arms and legs.

30 October 1967: Omega Operations terminated with all GHOSTRIDERS returning to Camp Holloway. Many pilots were looking forward to continue this mission in the future.

2 November 1967: Two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks were assigned to participate in a CA with the 170^th and 119^th AHC’s.

The Battle of Dak To was a major battle of the Vietnam Conflict that took place between 3 and 22 November 1967 in Kontum Province, in the Central Highlands. The 189^th played a major role with insertions and extractions, medical evacuations, re-supply and gun support though out the entire battle.

3 November 1967: AVENGER 552 while on a CA the aircraft was hit in the cockpit by automatic weapons fire. One (1) crewmember was WIA and the aircraft received structural damage and continued on the assault. GHOSTRIDERS were notified that a new commitment was given to them. Nightly flare stand-by, two (2) UH-1H's were required.

4 November 1967: Another mission was assigned. An area to include the western half of a semi-circle within a 15 km radius of Camp Holloway was to be visibly re-coned every day.

6 November 1967: The 4^th/503^rd established FSB 15 atop hill 823 for Battery C 3/319^th Artillery. Hill 823 is approximately nine (9) kilometers from the Cambodian border and sits sat astride a major exit of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. CH-47D aircraft to the top of the hill airlifted the battery. Company B of the 4^th /503^rd were involved in a fierce fight to secure the hill for the artillery. AVENGER guns covered the insertion and took action to secure the hill. After the hill was secured the four (4) rifle companies rotated the job of providing security of the FSB. Later that day GHOSTRIDER 153 Piloted by 1LT Hedrick landed next to a CONEX container to off load flares. As the aircraft lifted to a hover the CONEX door swung open and hit the stinger and caused the tail rotor to hit CONEX container.

7 November 1967: GHOSTRIDER 160 caught fire in maintenance and received major damages. Aircraft commitment increased at FOB-2 to eleven (11) slicks and five (5) guns.

8 November 1967: In an area centered four (4) nautical miles west of Dak To, a SF team on a search and destroy mission engaged an unknown-size enemy force in fortified positions. SP5 John Adams was (CE) aboard an AVENGER gun ship flying cover on a Special Forces insertion mission west of Dak To. Other members of the crew were; WO McKenna (AC); SP4 Begay (G); WO Weaks (P). CPT. Hooper was team leader, he and his wingman were circling the inserted troops, when they started received heavy small weapons fire. WO McKenna’s aircraft was hit with small arms fire and began to loose power and attempted to land. Failing to find a suitable landing zone, WO McKenna allowed the aircraft to settle tail first into the trees. As the helicopter struck the trees, the tail boom snapped off, spun and came to rest on an upslope caving in the front of the aircraft. After his wingman crashed CPT. Hooper called for the flight of helicopters that just departed, to return and rescue the downed crew. He continued to attack the enemy positions despite the heavy hostile fire and forced the enemy to withdraw from the rescue site. WO McKenna and SP4 Begay exited the right side of the helicopter, while Weaks and Adams exited the left. SP4 Begay had suffered a broken leg, WO Weaks had injured his right foot, and SP5 Adams had a broken arm and appeared to be in shock. The four had barely exited the helicopter when they began to receive small arms fire. WO McKenna radioed for help, and he, SP4 Begay and WO Weaks made their way to an extraction point, with SP4 Begay dragging SP5 Adams. SP4 Begay, because of his own injuries, was unable to carry SP5 Adams far, and left him in a slumped-over position against some bushes. SP4 Begay later stated that SP5 Adams condition had worsened. While awaiting extraction, WO McKenna returned to the crash site to see if he could help SP5 Adams. He saw two Viet Cong, one of whom appeared to be shooting at SP5 Adams. WO McKenna shot at the Viet Cong then fell down the slope to the creek bed where he was extracted. WO Miller upon learning the position of the downed aircraft immediately flew to the area. Caption Hooper advised him that the downed crew was receiving heavy fire and that the ridge overlooking the crash site was held by well armed and determined NVA. Disregarding the danger, WO Miller brought his aircraft to a hover over the site of the downed aircraft; and while under intense fire from the enemy he directed his (CE) and SP4 Williams (G) to cover his approach and lower the McGuire rig into the crash site below. SP4 Williams placed accurate fire upon the enemy positions so that the rescue of the down crew could be completed. WO Miller ignored enemy fire for more than five (5) minutes while the injured crewmembers secured themselves to the rescue sling. He then made a slow vertical ascent under fire and safely lifted the injured personnel from the crash site and flew them to a safe landing area for transfer, inside his aircraft, for medical evacuation to a Pleiku Hospital. SP5 Adams was last seen slumped over just outside the left cargo door of the crashed aircraft. Subsequent rescue efforts were frustrated by enemy fire, and Major Sanders ordered all rescue attempts terminated. Following termination of rescue efforts, the downed aircraft was destroyed to prevent capture of weapons and equipment. The enemy broke contact leaving twelve (12) dead. SP5 Adams survived the crash of his helicopter, and with the presence of enemy forces, stood a good chance of being captured. His helicopter contained equipment the Army did not want in the hands of the enemy. The decision was made to destroy the aircraft. Twelve 500 lb. Bombs, six CBU-2’s, 1600 rounds of 20 mm fire, and additional bombs and napalm were dropped on the crash site to prevent the enemy from getting equipment from the helicopter. SP5 Adams was declared dead on 03/13/78. All other crewmembers were rescued. CPT. Lynn C. Hooper and WO Ronald E. Miller received the DFC and SP4 Claire P. Williams received the Air Medal with “V” Device for their heroism.

9 November 1967:  The aircraft were withdrawn to Pleiku, where they once again flew

In support of the 189th AHC.

11 November 1967: A Co. 2^nd/503^rd was moving along a narrow ridge 400 meters west of the LZ when they were ambushed by NVA. AVENGER gunships assisted in recovery of the troops. A Co. lost three (3) KIA and twenty four (24) WIA B Co. lost one (1) KIA and eleven (11) WIA When the fight ended patrols found five (5) NVA dead, along with weapons.

12 November 1967: Two (2) companies from the 503^rd moved 300 meters north of FSB 16 to secure the ridge line. They started to move west along the ridgeline when they were once again ambushed. AVENGER and CROCODILE guns were called to provide suppressive fire, making firing pass after firing pass putting down intensive fire, the enemy would not break and run. The vicious fighting lasted until the next day. The 503^rd lost 21 KIA and 17 WIA. A sweep of the area afterwards revealed 34 NVA dead and 21 enemy weapons.

15 November 1967: It appeared that the second phase of the Battle of Dak To was on its way. At 0840 hours in Dak To, AVENGER guns were on standby waiting for anything to happen. They did not have to wait long. Charles decided he was going to make sure everyone was awake, so he sends his greetings via incoming mortars, 12 to 15 rounds landed on the parking ramp where three (3) C-130's were parked. Two (2) of the C-130's were completely destroyed and the third damaged. Everyone except the AVENGERS retired to the bunkers, the fire team took off and directed by the tower, engaged the mortar firing position. The C-130's that burned were loaded with ammo so it was a long stay in the bunker for the troops. The C-130's stopped burning about 1230 hours. At 1545 hours, Charlie again sent his greeting via mortar to Dak To. This time he hit the ASP setting it on fire resulting in a complete loss of the ASP. Again everyone retired to the bunkers and again the AVENGERS again take to the air. The ASP burned fiercely until 0130 hrs and an occasional round exploded throughout the night, most of the night was spent in very close proximity of the bunkers. Charlie continued to send his greetings several times during the night. Unreported weather was 1141 tons of various types of ammunition falling everywhere. There was an isolated thunderstorm over the airfield during the night. Damage to the airfield was heavy but only in certain localized areas. No injuries to 189^th personnel.

15-21 November 1967: Heavy mortar and rocket fire continued day and night. Charlie seemed to be well entrenched in the surrounding hillside. Their objective appeared to be an attempt to inflict as many US casualties as possible, rather than attempting to over-run Dak To itself.

22-28 November 1967: During this period enemy activity decreased significantly. In what appeared to divert US forces from Dak To, the enemy began to increase ambush and harassing activities in Kontum City. Kontum was mortared on 27 November.

26 November 1967: A covert and clandestine operation was to take place in Laos. Eighty (80), ground troops consisting of Special Forces, Mountangards, and Nungs, were the largest SOG force that has been inserted since working with FOB-2. It was not long before a call came in that the team was pinned down and desperately needed ammunition, water, and entrenching tools and wounded to be evacuated. It was late afternoon and the flight got to the LZ just before dusk, during the approach the first aircraft GHOSTRIDER 628 took twelve (12) hits mostly though the cockpit, receiving heavy battle damage. The (AC) Lt Gray received multiple serious wounds and the (P) WO Clines took a round in the leg, but managed to fly the heavily damaged aircraft back to Dak To. The other aircraft could not land because of the intense ground fire so they made passes over the LZ tossing ammunition and other supplies out the door. A night extraction would be impossible so the aircraft returned to FOB-2. No one slept that night thinking about what could happen in the morning.

27 November 1967: A 5^th SF unit from FOB-2, was in constant contact deep in enemy territory, west of Dak To, and they called for an emergency extraction. The troops to be extracted were an 80-man force that was inserted the previous day. Their situation was getting critical. GHOSTRIDER 6 (MAJ Sanders) and AVENGER 6 (CPT Hooper) arrived over the position with eight (8) slicks and four (4) gun ships. CPT Hooper immediately led his fire-teams on devastating runs over the enemy positions. The enemy was so close to the defenders that the use of Air Force ordinance was impossible. The AVENGERS made continuing firing passes at this determined enemy and in spite of heavy weapons fire, they were successful in forcing the enemy to break contact. Backing up the gunship pilots with tremendous fire support was the crew chiefs and gunners on the guns and slicks. They placed heavy and accurate fire on the enemy thereby protecting the flank of the attacking gun ships, thus allowing the GHOSTRIDERS to begin the extraction. Lt Gray was evacuated to Japan, then later to the US. WO Cline's went to a Quin Nhon hospital and returned to the unit. MAJ Sanders was awarded the Silver Star, MAJ Leva and all AC’s were awarded the DFC, all others on the mission were awarded the Air Medal with “V” device. (See enclosure 1 for statement from CPT John J Holland, SF Commander of ground troops)

29 November 1967: 189^th conducted a final extraction in support of 1^st Bde 4^th Inf Div in the vicinity of Dak To. They extracted 252 pax in 87 sorties. Mission was conducted with no injures or contact.

30 November 1967: The 189^th conducted a CA in support of 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in the vicinity of Dak To. They lifted 585 pax in 182 sorties. The Battalion Commander of the 3/12^th Inf. received a minor facial wound when his C&C aircraft came under enemy automatic weapons fire. GHOSTRIDER 154 was on a recon mission at 50 feet and 90 knots and received one (1) hit through the cockpit and continued on the mission.

1 December 1967: With the completion of the FOB mission, the 189^th turned it’s attention to other commitments including the 4^th Inf Div and support of the 170^th AHC, 119^th AHC and II Corps missions.

4 December 1967: 189^th AVENGER gun ships supporting a CIDG team received credit for nine (9) NVA killed by air.

6 December 1967: 189^th conducted a CA in support of the 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div, in Spaatz AO. They lifted over 255 pax in 45 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

13 December 1967: Dak To came under motor attack causing extensive damage to GHOSTRIDER 156. No injuries were suffered, however, the aircraft could not be flown.

14 December 1967: GHOSTRIDER 159 took one (1) round of hostile fire while in support of 4^th Inf Div negative injuries.

16 December 1967: While on a mission for the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDER 174 received one round through tail boom, The aircraft was flown to Dak To and repaired.

17-19 December 1967: Normal missions resumed.

20 December 1967: At 1530 hours 189^th GHOSTRIDER 154 was hovering at 120 feet lowering cutting equipment by rope. The tail rotor struck a tree causing the aircraft to crash and burn. Two (2) crew members, (AC) WO Mc Garry and (CE) David Antol were missing, and two (2) passengers LTC Glen Belnap and SGM Herbert Roberts Jr. were also missing. WO Baker (AC) suffered a severe cut lip. Sp4 Kornes (G) was evacuated with a broken leg. A search for the missing crew members and passengers had to be terminated due to darkness. The missing personnel were declared KIA. Reports indicate that LTC Belnap on board from the 3^rd Bde 4^th Inf took Antol’s helmet to talk with the AC while they were landing so there was no way to clear the tail rotor on the left. Rules were changed after that flight; no one could use a crew member’s helmet during flight.

21 December 1967: The 189^th received a call from WO Meister that AVENGER 697 had been involved in an accident at Polei Klang trying to hover between two (2) 281^st AHC aircraft, INTRUDER 748 and 039, AVENGER 697 meshed blades with 748. AVENGER 697 was totally destroyed. (AC) of 697 was WO Ginac (P) was WO Engle, (CE) was SP4 Tipton, and the (G) was PFC Nelson.  SP5 Schenk was sitting in a trailing helicopter and observed 697 mesh blades with 748 He raced to the gunship and pulled out the crew from the wreckage and moved them to safety. Then he returned to the stricken aircraft and successfully shut off the engine preventing a fire from starting. During the entire action he was drenched with fuel and in a situation of almost certain death or grievous injury had a fire occurred. The only injuries sustained by the crew were head lacerations received by SP4 Tipton. Both aircraft were a total loss. SP5 Schenk was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his quick action and complete disregard for his own life. One (1) US soldier SP4 Paschall from the 281^st AHC, INTRUDERS was KIA by flying shrapnel from the crash. At 1530 hours GHOSTRIDER 154 crashed and burned while on a re-supply mission for the 3/8^th Inf a tail rotor strike was suspected, the aircraft came in contact with jungle canopy. WO Baker (AC) suffered a severe cut lip. WO McGarry (P) and PFC Antol (CE) were missing. SP4 Kornes was evacuated with a broken leg. A search was made of the area, for the missing, but to no avail.

23 December 1967: 189^th Operations was informed that GHOSTRIDER 153 was down at Dak To with a split main rotor blade. Aircraft was sling loaded back to Camp Holloway by CH-47D.

25 December 1967: Being Christmas day, the entire company was thinking about family and friends at home. The mess hall had a better meal than usual. Many toasts were made and many beers were consumed. No incidents occurred. However, one (1) GHOSTRIDER slick carried Chris Noel to Camp Schmidt to entertain the waiting troops.

27 December 1967: Approximately 1300 hours the 189^th received a call that GHOSTRIDER 153, piloted by (AC) 1LT Lindsey, was down two (2) miles west of Dak To airfield. Neither crew nor aircraft suffered any damage. The aircraft was sling loaded by CH-47 back to Pleiku. The other missions ran smoothly the rest of the day. A CA in support of the 2/503^rd Abn, 173d Abn Bde was conducted in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 252 pax in 42 sorties.

28 December 1967: Still in support of the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS conducted a CA, for the 1/503^rd Abn, 173d Abn Bge in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 120 troops in 20 sorties into a new area. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

29 December 1967: Normal missions in connection with the 4^th Inf Div the 189^th conducted a CA with 120 troops in 24 sorties from the 3/12^th 4^th Inf Div Enemy small arms fire was received from the SW quadrant of the LZ. An AVENGER gunship sustained one (1) hit, with no injury to crew. Later that day the 189^th moved 352 troops of the 7^th ARVN Bn. into a secure LZ. The mission continued with another insertion of 150 troops and tons of cargo moved.

31 December 1967: The 189^th conducted a CA in support of 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in the Spaatz AO. They airlifted 150 pax in 50 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents or contact.

31 December 1967: Many spent New Years Eve in celebration, both in the Officers and Enlisted clubs at Camp Holloway, while others were committed to the 5^th SFG, 4^th Inf Div and others. At the celebrations all commanders expressed their appreciation for the men of the 189^th, and toasted to a job well done, with many more too go. Thus closing out the end of 1967.

Looking back on the different missions during the year shows a few problems encountered in the first months of support to the 4^th Inf Div and the 5^th SFG. The 189^th recognized them, but the 4^th and 5^th appreciated how the unit performed for them. The coming year was spent in support of the same missions and operations were performed much smoother.

1968

January 1968: Ushered in a new life-style for the officer’s and men of the 189^th. They were able to leave inhospitable tents with their rain barrel bathtubs for wooden hooch’s with real showers right in the center of Camp Holloway. The local VC was not ready to let the company enjoy their new quarters. With the move came nightly mortar attacks, which made it inadvisable to sleep above ground. Most nights as many as 50 mortar rounds a night were lobbed onto Camp Holloway. In an effort to stop the nightly barrage, half of the gun teams were kept on alert at night after putting in busy long days, in hopes of silencing the mortar tubes.

3 January 1968: Change of Command from MAJ Bobby Sanders to MAJ Neil Leva CO, MAJ William Frakeris XO.

8 January 1968: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft had landed at a fire base SW of Dak To and while running received extensive main rotor damage. An infantry detail working at the fire base cut down a tree down and it fell into the turning blades. The aircraft was recovered and there were no injuries to the crew.

9 January 1968: 189^th inserted A and C companies 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div into a hostel LZ that was prepped with artillery for 12 minutes, the barrage was very effective. Seven (7) GHOSTRIDER slicks and three (3) AVENGER guns flew 45 sorties and 20 flight hours. Small arms fire was encountered, but there were no hits or injuries.

10 January 1968: The 189^th conducted an extraction of A and C company’s 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Operation Mac Arthur, utilizing eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships they flew 42 sorties inserting 254 troops west of Dak To. Heavy automatic weapons fire was received, negative hits and injuries. They also did a final extraction of 2/503^rd Abn., 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They airlifted 252 troops in 40 sorties. One (1) GHOSTRIDER slick crashed, major damage to aircraft, no injuries to crew.

11 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and final extraction in support of the 1/12^th, 4^th Inf Div west of Dak To in connection with Operation MacArthur. They lifted 254 pax in 42 sorties. A GHOSTRIDER aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Dak To. There was major damage to aircraft, with negative injuries to the crew. They continued to stay available and conducted another CA and final extraction in support of the 2/503^rd Abn, 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 252 pax in 40 sorties. This mission was conducted with no incidents or contact.

12 January 1968: The 189^th conducted a series of CA’s and extractions supporting the 3/8^th and 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Spaatz AO. They lifted 777 pax in 139 sorties. The aircraft received moderate enemy automatic weapons fire in the vicinity of Dak To. A 170^th UH-1H assisted in the lift and sustained one (1) hit from small arms fire, The crew was not injured, the aircraft continued to fly.

13 January 1968: The 189^th performed a CA in support of C company 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div southwest of Dak To. The LZ was prepared by artillery for 15 minutes prior to the seven (7) slicks and three (3) gun ships entering the area. Only sporadic small arms fire was received during the insertion.

14 January 1968: 189^th conducted multiple CA’s and extractions in support of the 1/8^th and 3/12^th Inf, 4^th Inf Div in Spaatz AO. They lifted 256 pax in 43 sorties. Aircraft encountered no incidents.

18 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and final extraction supporting the 1/503^rd Abn, 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They airlifted 478 pax in 158 sorties. Not a bullet did fly.

20 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and extraction of the 2/503^rd Abn in the vicinity of Kontum. 369 members of the unit were extracted in 62 sorties. The mission was completed without enemy contact.

23 January 1968: 189^th conducted multiple CA’s in support of the 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Polie Kleng . They assaulted with 380 pax in 68 sorties. The weather was clear and the insertion went off without a hitch.

24 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and extraction for the 1/503^rd , 173^rd Abn Bge, vicinity of Dak To. 173 pax in 20 sorties were pulled out and they only got shot at twice.

25 January 1968: Early in the morning mortar rounds began falling within the area of the AVENGER hooch’s, before anyone could take cover and head for the bunkers, one (1) round landed on the roof of an AVENGER hooch wounding five (5). CPT Howe took shrapnel in the stomach and CPT Bowling took shrapnel all over. They were the most critical of the group and evacuated to the 18^th Evacuation Hospital. MAJ Fraker had minor fragments to the scalp and right knee. Mortar rounds continued to fall throughout Camp Holloway. After the attack the AVENGERS, both officers and enlisted personnel spend every off-duty hour digging bunkers so they could sleep underground. The AVENGERS had hot-spot duty on the first night of TET and were the first fire-team airborne, taking heavy fire from lift off. The AVENGERS initially worked the East Perimeter, then were called into Pleiku City to support a CAV element that was under enemy fire, then diverted to Kontum to support the 57^th AHC who were virtually over-run. TET was starting and we did not know it. All units at Camp Holloway were alerted and told to take to the air.

25 January 1967: After completing one (1) mission, (AC) WO Brink piloted his helicopter toward Hill 943, which was just a few miles from the battle-scarred Dak To. WO Brink was searching the hill for signs of enemy mortars in the dense jungle foliage. During his second pass over the area, the AVENGER aircraft came under enemy 50-cal. automatic weapons fire. When the round struck the aircraft, “it sounded like a rocket had hit me in the tail,” WO Brink remarked later. When I looked around to check for damage, “red smoke was coming from somewhere.” The round had pierced the belly of his ship and hit a red smoke grenade hanging from the radio console. Thick red smoke completely blinded the occupants of the AVENGER aircraft, WO Brink thrust his head out of the window in search of an emergency landing zone. The grenade, still burning, had lodged between the radio and its carriage. The (CE) SP4 John P. Miller grabbed the “hot” grenade and pitched it from the ship. They were able to land without any damage.

Enemy activity at area fire-bases and troop concentrations in outlying areas fell to almost nothing as TET approached. In a nationwide coordinated attack, Charlie struck every town and Provincial capital as the Vietnamese New Year arrived. The AVENGERS flew all night long responding to requests for fire support in the Pleiku and Kontum areas. As a result of one (1) mission near the Kontum airfield, the AVENGERS were credited with killing 165 NVA regulars. The GHOSTRIDERS were kept just as busy defending the Camp Holloway perimeter with door guns stripped from the slicks. They successfully repelled a sapper attack that followed one of the all to frequent mortar barrages. The spirit of the unit, as a whole was evidenced by the fact that every person not employed elsewhere spent the night on the perimeter reinforcing the normal contingent of guards. It was through the efforts of these men and men of other units that Camp Holloway was able to survive the 1968 TET offensive with relatively light damage.

25 January 1968 to 4 February 1968: During the TET Offensive in the Kontum Pleiku area, many men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as Aircraft Commanders, Pilots and crew members of AVENGER gunships. They displayed a vast amount of courage and daring during the battle by continually providing ground troops with direct and suppressive fire support. Their ships were hit by hostile fire on numerous occasions, but they fearlessly persisted on placing accurate and deadly fire on enemy positions. Crewmembers continually placed suppressive fire on areas not accessible to aircraft weapons systems. Often rearming and refueling while under mortar attack and automatic weapons fire they performed their tasks with the highest degree of professionalism and daring. Many of the personnel serving as pilots and crew members received the Air Metal with “V” device for heroism

26 January 1968: At approximately 0230 hours, Camp Holloway came under attack. The initial attack came when sappers penetrated the 88^th S&S Bn perimeter, slipping by US personnel on guard, and planted satchel charges in and around the POL area. The sappers left charges in the 88^th S&S Bn Class I, II, and IV yards also on one ammunition pad. The mortar attack was initiated at 0245 hours against the 52^nd CAB and the 219^th Avn Co. An estimated 110 to 120, 82mm mortar rounds fell in the vicinity of the aircraft parking ramps. The attack was broken at approximately 0320 hours. Results friendly: 40 US WIA, 24 aircraft damaged, 3 major, 21 minor. VC losses: 1 KIA, 1 WIA captured by 52^nd Security Detachment.

26 January 1968: The 189^th AVENGER and 57^th COUGAR gunships received twelve (12) hits from intense enemy automatic weapons fire while covering a SOG team that were in contact in Laos. Bullet holes were taken in the aircraft, but not in the crew. All aircraft continued to fly.

28 January 1968: The 189^th conducted multiple CA’s and extractions in support of the 3/8^th and 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Spaatz AO. They lifted 610 pax in 200 sorties. Some enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire was received, but no hits sustained.

As the month of January was coming to a close, a new devastating section of the war's history was about to begin. Coming in from a long day flying the FOB II mission on the evening of 29 January, several of the 57^th aircraft received fire as they came in over Kontum city on final for the Coliseum, the unit's aircraft revetment area. This was attributed to the ARVN's celebrating the arrival of TET. Throughout the night of 29 January, small arms fire could be heard from the city as streams of bright red machine gun fire brought all members of the 57^th AHC out of their tents and to their battle stations. The COUGARS scrambled four (4) gun ships while slicks became airborne to provide flare support. The compound as well as Kontum city was under siege. The TET offensive had begun. When the main NVA attack came along the unit's eastern perimeter, the company poured M60 machine gun and small arm from every bunker. Neighboring Cavalry elements wheeled several tanks and APC,s in along the northern flank and opened up with murderous beehive rounds. Overhead, gun ships from the 57^th COUGARS, along with the BUCCANEERS of the 170th AHC, AVENGERS of the189th AHC and CROCODILES of the 119th AHC from Pleiku made pass after pass along the perimeter spewing a hail of mini gun and 40mm grenade fire. After breaking the ground attack, they turned to the numerous mortar positions that were spotted by blazing muzzle flashes. Rolling in on these positions with 2.75 rockets brought great satisfaction to many gun pilots as numerous secondary explosions resulted from direct hits. As dawn broke on the GLADIATORS Compound and Kontum City, it appeared that the attack was over. This assumption was quickly dispelled as throughout the day the compound was subject to numerous sniper rounds. In Kontum the battle was waged from house to house. A partial police of the unit's eastern perimeter accounted for 59 enemy dead. It can easily be assumed that the actual number of enemy dead was somewhat higher. The second night of the offensive, the battle shifted to the western neighbors, MACV, Special Forces Team B24, and the 43d Signal Compound. The three (3) units occupy a square section on the north west side of Kontum City. They came under sustained mortar and ground attack on the nights of 30 January to 2 February. At one time the NVA took two (2) bunkers on B24's perimeter. The courageous gunship crews, along with several other attack helicopter teams from Pleiku again saved the day. Two (2) gun ships remained in the air throughout each night as the GLADIATORS flare ships circled overhead providing an eerie day light brightness over all of Kontum City. The 57^th compound took continual sniper fire through 4 February when the city was finally cleared and the NVA withdrew. Miraculously no members of the unit were killed, though 26 were wounded, none critically. During the six (6) day period of 30 January to 4 February, the body counts in the Kontum area reached 785 NVA troops dead.

30 January 1968: Camp Holloway was attack by two (2) 82mm mortar tubes of an unknown manned force at 0140 hours. The duration of the attack was about thirty (30) minutes during which 20 to 30 rounds fell within the confines of Camp Holloway. The location of the enemy position was visually confirmed from the HAAF control tower and counter-mortar and AVENGER gunships were employed to neutralize the position. However, after a three to five minutes pause, 10 to 15 additional rounds were received. The AVENGERS again engaged the enemy position with aerial rocket and mini-gun fire. Incoming rounds ceased immediately after the AVENGERS engaged them for the second time. The reaction of the AVENGERS, it is believed, caused the enemy mortars to cease fire, and spoiled a planned ground attack. 250 enemy personnel had earlier been reported in the vicinity of Camp Holloway, preparing for an attack on some installation in the area. The following morning, the same enemy element (identified as H-15 Bn) was located, taken under fire and destroyed by AVENGER and GLADIATOR gunships. 130 VC and NVA were reported killed by aircraft. The following personnel from the 189^th AHC were wounded in action and treated at Camp Holloway Dispensary, then returned to duty: 1^st SGT Kelly L. Alfred and SP5 Lawson Hardwick Jr. SP4 Jerald D. Smith was wounded and evacuated to the 18^th Medical Evacuation Hospital. Five (5) 189^th aircraft received minor damage during the attack.

30 January 1968: Having spent most of the night in a bunker or under a sandbagged bunk CPT Hooper came into the hooch screaming everyone get airborne. We grabbed our gear and headed to the flight line, we would be briefed in the air. CPT Hooper got his fire team in the air and headed out to Kontum. Upon arriving at Kontum, he sighted and immediately engaged numerous enemy machine gun and sniper positions. Both ships received several hits, but continued making daring low level passes until both aircraft expended all ammo. Rearmed and airborne, the ships were directed to proceed to a suspected rocket battalion emplacement northeast of Kontum. On one firing pass, his ship was hit on the left front by a 37mm explosive round. His pilot WO Butler received multiple wounds in his left leg. WO Butler permitted evacuation only after the fire team had expended their ordinance. After braving the enemy fire and evacuating the wounded to medical aid CPT Hooper returned to Kontum with another aircraft and continued his assault on the insurgent forces. CPT Hooper received the Silver Star and WO Butler received the DFC and Purple Heart for their actions at Kontum.

31 January to 1 February 1968: The AVENGERS and other fire teams continued to engage the enemy positions, flying numerous hours and expending load after load of ammunition, both in Pleiku and Kontum.

2 February 1968: CPT Hooper distinguished himself while serving, as an aircraft commander of an attack helicopter team which was involved in an attack on an enemy battalion in the vicinity of Dak To. Ignoring the fact that three (3) other aircraft had already been shot down by the ever increasing enemy fire, CPT Hooper and his wingman WO Kreutz repeatedly placed devastating fire, over the hostile positions. Due to the proximity of the friendly ground troops to the enemy positions, they made daring passes firing their rockets with extreme accuracy. On each of their heroic passes over the insurgent emplacements, they superbly directed the fire of the door gunners, which caused the enemy forces to go into a state of complete chaos. During their firing passes AVENGER 694 received 1 hit separating CE Shoships middle toe from his foot. He continued to fly for 3 more sorties before he discovered his dilemma. AVENGER 693 received five (5) hits; two (2) crew-members were wounded. Through the courage and personal bravery of the crew in the face of intense hostile fire, they were instrumental in the successful defeat of the enemy forces. Both CPT Hooper and WO Kreutz received the DFC for their heroic actions.

3 February 1968: Another day, another attack at the 57^th AHC compound at Kontum. The AVENGERS again spent most of the night and all day defending the camp. It was like a turkey shoot, they kept coming out of the trees and the guns kept shooting. There were clerks, cooks, mechanics and everyone else available torquing rockets and the guns were averaging four (4) and five (5) ammo loads per fuel load. The 57^th AHC did not have any aircraft flyable after the assault and Warrant Officers, some of whom were in the 189^th, were actually leading ground patrols. Those first few days were the worst but the 57^th held out with the help of the 189^th.

4 February 1968: GHOSTRIDER 158 received 18 hits from small arms fire in the vicinity of Kontum. One (1) crew member was WIA.

5 February 1968: 189^th continued to support missions in defense of Dak To and Kontum during the TET Offensive.

6 February 1968: HAAF was attacked by 18 rounds of 122mm rocket fire and 30 to 40 rounds of 82mm mortar outside the Camp Holloway cantonment area. No personnel injuries, two (2) aircraft received light damage. GHOSTRIDER 066 was hit by recoilless rifle fire in a LZ causing major damage to the aircraft. GHOSTRIDER 066 crashed outside the perimeter of the fire base and was under heavy fire by the enemy. One (1) crew member was WIA. GHOSTRIDER VI, MAJ. Leva, went in to rescue the downed crew. He unhesitatingly landed in close proximity to the downed aircraft and went to it to determine whether it was capable of flying out. Immediately enemy mortars fired upon him and his crew. He continued to check the aircraft and decided that the aircraft was flyable. After directing AVENGER aircraft onto the enemy mortar positions, he waved the AC off and despite the damage by enemy fire; the downed aircraft was saved as he flew out of the area under heavy enemy small arms fire. MAJ Leva received the DFC for his heroic actions after accomplishing the mission successfully.

11 February 1968: AVENGER 693 made a forced landing on highway 14 as a result of a engine failure, causing minor damage to the aircraft and no crew were injured.

14 February 1968: The 189^th lifted two (2) companies of the 1/8^th Inf Bn during a CA in the vicinity of Dak To without incident. A total of 12 hours and 41 sorties were flown to lift 245 pax.

16 February 1968: The 189^th conducted a CA for the 1/8^th Inf Bn with ten (10) GHOSTRIDERS and four (4) AVENGER aircraft. Thirty (30) hours were flown to move 250 pax in 100 sorties into a LZ in the vicinity of Dak To. Minimal ground fire was received and the operation was conducted without major incident.

18 February 1968: A LLRP consisting of nine (9) members was surrounded and called for extraction. They were operating deep inside Laos when a superior NVA unit attacked them. Air Force Tac Air bombed and strafed the area before the slicks from the 57^th AHC went in for the pick up. The AVENGERS provided helicopter gunships. After the Tac Air had expended, the first slick went in and extracted half the team. The second ship, piloted by LT Richard Griffith and WO John Cook followed and picked up the remaining five (5) members. As they started out of the LZ they came under intense hostile fire. The ship burst into flames and plummeted to the ground. At this time the chase ship, piloted by WO John Herbold, descended into the area and was able to pick up LT Griffith, WO Cook, the crew chief and one (1) member of the LRRP team. The remainder of the patrol and the gunner perished in the fire. AVENGER 092 received hits in the cabin area, causing light damage to the aircraft and no injuries to the crew. WO Cook died two (2) days later of the burns he had suffered in the fire. WO Herbold was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism. S/SGT Fred W. Zabitosky was nominated for and received the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR for his heroism in this action. (His citation for the Medal is Enclosure 2).

22 February 1968: This day proved to be a true test of the 189^th ability to coordinate and execute a number of CA's and final extractions. Three (3) different operations were performed with some aircraft being used on more than one mission. The first was an extraction of the 3/8^th Inf Bn utilizing seven (7) GHOSTRIDERS and four (4) AVENGERS. Eighty-four (84) pax were lifted in 28 sorties the second was a final extraction of the 1/8^th Inf Bn with eight (8) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGERS. A total of twenty two (22) hours were flown to complete the operation. The third mission for the 189^th was a CA for the 3/12^th Inf Bn utilizing four (4) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGERS. Two-hundred and fifty-two pax were lifted in eighty-four sorties (84). Small arms fire was received during the initial assault; however, there was no damage to aircraft or crew. All extractions and insertions took place just west of Dak To in a heavily defended area. Seems like the NVA and Viet Cong like to dig deep holes in the ground, craw in them and defend them, then we have to dig them out, not fun.

24 February 1968: AVENGER 691 crashed at Old Dak To. The aircraft was a total loss. Crew was not injured.

25 February 1968: The 189^th AHC picked up 342 pax from the 1/8^th Inf. Bn. With nine (9) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGERS just southwest of Kontum and relocated them northwest of Dak To. 116 sorties were flown to complete the mission.

27 February 1968: GHOSTRIDER 172 was hit twenty (20) times in a heavily armed area deep in enemy territory. The aircraft made a forced landing, causing moderate damage to the aircraft and two (2) crew-members were injured. GHOSTRIDER 174 had an engine failure and crashed eight (8) miles south of Ban Me Thout. The aircraft was a total loss, negative injuries to crew.

28 February 1968: The GHOSTRIDERS conducted a final extraction of the 1/12^th Inf Bn six (6) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGERS moved 110 pax in 52 sorties from YB007289 to YB007218. The operation was completed without incident.

29 February 1968: AVENGER 690 received five (5) hits of enemy fire in the vicinity of ZB160050. The aircraft received light damage; one (1) crewmember was WIA. A second extraction of 224 pax from the 3/8^th Inf Bn from ZB 003213 to ZB140075, with six (6) GHOSTRIDERS and three (3) AVENGERS. Heavy automatic weapons fire was received in the LZ. One (1) AVENGER received several hits and one (1) crewmember was wounded. Ninety seven (97) sorties were flown to complete the operation.

During the month of March the unit encountered two problems in maintaining its top-notch performance. The first was weather, and the second was during this period the Vietnamese burned their fields in preparation for the growing season. The smoke from this burning created a dense smoke which on some days reduced visibility to only two (2) or three (3) miles.

1-4 March 1968: Seems Charlie had Camp Holloway figured out, he would lob 15 to 20 rounds of 82mm mortar fire into the Camp every night. The perimeter would be reinforced and guns would fly.

3 March 1968: The 189^th conducted a final extraction for the 1/8^th Inf Bn From YB972267 to YB953238 with nine (9) GHOSTRIDERS and four (4) AVENGERS. 391 pax were lifted in 134 sorties. The unit was initially extracted to a fire base with further extractions to be continued by CH-47A's due to a TAC emergency crisply CH-47A's were not available and a second secure to secure lift had to be made by the GHOSTRIDERS to the final LZ.

7 March 1968: The 189^th supported the 3/12^th Inf Bn with eight (8) GHOSTRIDERS and four (4) AVENGERS to execute an extraction from YB857269 to YB888152. 210 pax were airlifted in 35 sorties. Automatic weapons fire was received in the LZ, but no aircraft or personnel were injured. .

8 March 1968: The 189^th supported the 1/8^th Inf Bn with five (5) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGER aircraft. Ninety (90) pax were airlifted from ZB00243 to ZB010219 in forty (40) sorties. Another extraction was conducted in support of the 3/12^th Inf Bn utilizing five (5) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER aircraft, forty five (45) pax and one (1) ton of cargo were airlifted from YB887289 to ZB010219, 18 sorties, were flown to complete the operation. Camp Holloway got mortared again.

11 March 1968: AVENGER 693 crashed and burned as a result of engine failure and was forced to land in a unimproved area in the vicinity of Kontum. The aircraft was on a combat support mission, providing fire support to a ground unit. On its way back to base, the aircraft developed a mechanical problem. The command pilot of the aircraft, CWO Elmer Lauck, was the gun platoon maintenance officer. He flew to the base of a sister unit, diagnosed the problem and decided to fly the twenty (20) miles back to Pleiku to insure that the aircraft would be available as soon as possible. Tragically, shortly after takeoff, the engine failed. The pilot attempted an auto-rotation and the aircraft stuck a wire fence that was invisible in the low light, causing the aircraft to crash. As the helicopters were in part constructed of magnesium, filled with jet fuel, and the engine was hot, the results of most crashes were a high temperature fire. The aircraft crashed onto its left side trapping the (AC) CWO Lauck, the (CE) PFC Albert Andrews and the (P) WO Ron Fish. The (G) SP4 Meade pulled himself clear and with smoke blocking his vision started to run from the aircraft. He looked back and saw he was alone. Imagine this gunner, SP4 Meade was about 5 feet tall and maybe weighed a hundred pounds. Still he raced back to the burning aircraft, grabbed the 6' 2, 180 pound bloody pilot WO Fish, tore off the shoulder harness and while his own clothing was actually smoldering, pulled the co-pilot away from the burning aircraft. Once he reached a safe distance he dropped the bloody unconscious pilot and tried to run back to the burning aircraft, when ammunition in the aircraft started exploding. He could not get close to the burning aircraft and rescue anyone else. Fortunately a passing aircraft landed and picked up the two (2) and flew them to the Pleiku field hospital. Maj. Leva landed at the crash site shortly after they were evacuated and attempted to reach the burning aircraft; however, the heat actually started melting his helmet facemask. The burning aircraft exploded. WO Elmer Lauck was prior Special Forces, he served in VN with the 5^th SFG before going to flight school.

13 March 1968: This day proved to be a very busy day for the 189^th two (2) CA's and two (2) extractions were performed utilizing six (6) GHOSTRIDER and three (3) AVENGER aircraft. The aircraft extracted the 1/3^rd Inf. Bn from Polei Kleng to Dak Pek. Thirteen (13) sorties were flown to move thirty (30) pax without incident. Then they inserted 76 pax from the 3/8^th Inf. Bn. Kontum to a LZ just west of Polei Kleng in 28 sorties. Automatic weapons fire was heavy; GHOSTRIDER 044 took seventeen (17) hits of 30-caliber fire in the vicinity Polei Kleng. The aircraft received heavy damage and one (1) crewmember was WIA. Later in the day seventy-six (76) pax from the 3/8^th had to be extracted from Polei Kleng back to Kontum, because of heavy weapons fire received in the LZ. Many aircraft were hit but the extraction was performed without casualties.

15 March 1968: The 189^th conducted an extraction with eight (8) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER aircraft in support of the 1/22^nd Inf Bn and eighty-two (82) pax were airlifted from ZA095535 to ZA195665. The operation was completed without incident.

17 March 1968: During a command and control mission WO Brooks flying as (AC) was requested to land. While hovering in a clear area, one passenger jumped from the aircraft without permission and the aircraft shifted causing the tail rotor to strike a stump. GHOSTRIDER 628 began to spin, and then crashed and burned, it was a total loss. The (CE) SP4 David L Groves was KIA. All other crew and passengers were rescued.

21 March 1968: The 189^th supported the 3/8^th Inf Bn during a CA with nine (9) GHOSTRIDER and four (4) AVENGER aircraft from ZA0278928, ZB000045 and ZB034036 to ZA939912. Three hundred and forty (340) pax were airlifted in 136 sorties. Enemy small arms fire was received about 200 meters north of the LZ causing only slight damage to the aircraft. Also that day AVENGER 696 sustained incident damage on take-off from HAAF refueling area.

26 March 1968: The 189^th supported the 1/22^nd Inf Bn with ten (10) GHOSTRIDER and three (3) AVENGER aircraft during a CA in which 192 pax were airlifted in 72 sorties from ZA065308 and ZA055357 to ZA077378. Small arms and automatic weapons fire was received in the LZ. GHOSTRIDER 162 received eight (8) hits from 30-caliber automatic weapons fire causing light damage to the aircraft and one (1) crewmember was WIA. Later that day another CA was performed with the 3/8^th Inf Bn with eleven (11) GHOSTRIDERS and five (5) AVENGERS from ZA128962 and ZA130970 to YA939913. Two hundred and sixteen (216) pax were lifted in 72 sorties.

28 March 1968: After some thought and planning the 1/22^nd Inf Bn decided they needed to do a CA and extraction from ZA079375 and ZA055357 to ZA113283. Two hundred and fifty troops were airlifted in ninety (90) sorties without incident.

3 April 1968: Det. C-2/5^th SFG requested two (2) CA's one (1) consisting of 170 troops from AR763503 to ZA904742 utilizing seven (7) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER aircraft. The insertion was made in 36 sorties, during the assault enemy small arms fire was taken in the LZ only minor damage was received by the aircraft. The operation was a success. The other CA was to move 102 troops from YA31454 to YA56533 utilizing the same number of aircraft. The troops were moved in 26 sorties and it was completed without incident.

4 April 1968: HAAF, the 52^nd CAB received 40 rounds of 82mm mortar fire that impacted the CH-47 parking area. Three (3) CH-47's were damaged to include other miscellaneous equipment. There were no personal injuries during the attack.

7 April 1968: The 189^th supported 42^nd ARVN Regt with seven (7) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGER aircraft to extract 365 pax from ZB049156 to ZB045225. Eighty (80) sorties were flown to complete the operation without incident. The extracted unit was re-supplied and equipped at ZB045225 and the unit performed a CA to ZB045118 and ZB058124.

11 April 1968: Five (5) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER aircraft performed and extraction of 171 pax for Det C-2/5^th SFG from YA804734 to AR765498, no enemy contact was made.

12 April 1968: six (6) GHOSTRIDER and four (4) AVENGERS moved Eighty-five (85) troops for Det C-2/5th SFG from YB952683 to ZB014713. No enemy bullets were encountered.

15 April 1968. MAJ William W. Fraker assumed command of the 189^th AHC.

15 April 1968: The GHOSTRIDERS supported the 2/35^th Inf. Bn. On a CA with seven (7) slicks and two (2) guns moving 158 pax with 44 sorties from ZA035927 and ZA063911 to ZA155937. There were two (2) blade strikes and a busted skid during the operation. Charlie decided to not make contact that day.

19 April 1968: While serving as an (AC) on a AVENGER aircraft CWO Butler was escorting an unarmed helicopter during a mission to extract a LRRP that was in heavy contact with the enemy near Dak To, arriving over the contact area he encountered a heavy volume of enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire while encircling the trapped team. Continuing to engage the enemy, his murderous barrages of rocket fire caused the insurgent troops to break contact and withdraw, thus enabling the rescue helicopter to enter and depart the landing zone safely. After the evacuation helicopter safely left the area CWO Butler returned to the scene and totally silenced the enemy with his aircraft armament systems. CWO Butler was awarded the DFC (2^nd Oak Leaf Cluster).

20 April 1968: A LRRP team sighted an enemy force preparing an anti-aircraft position. While serving as team leader of an AVENGER fire team, CWO Butler located the enemy position by flying low over the area. On his first firing pass on the enemy position, he encountered heavy enemy fire. Although his aircraft received many hits, he relentlessly attacked until the enemy position was totally destroyed. The friendly patrol on the ground then informed him that they had to be extracted and he volunteered to cover the extraction helicopters, despite furious enemy fire, his attack with rocket and minigun fire insured the safe recovery of the aircraft by suppressing and diverting the enemy fire. Only after expending all the aircrafts ammunition did he retire from the fray. CWO Butler was awarded the DFC (3^rd Oak Leaf Cluster).

22 April 1968: An AVENGER aircraft piloted by (AC) WO Kreutz and (P) WO Fish crashed after engine failure. All did a good job of crashing. SP4 Nelson, the gunner, got a bruised arm no else was hurt. The accident was the third (3) in six (6) weeks for WO Fish so MAJ Fraker made him his new Assistant Commanding Officer.

25 April 1968: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft had an engine failure WO Leary (AC) did a beautiful job and put it down without a scratch. MAJ Fraker rewarded him for his good job by being put in the AVENGER gun platoon.

26 April 1968: Another busy day for the 189^th two (2) CA's had to be performed using the same aircraft. Seven (7) GHOSTRIDER and four (4) AVENGER aircraft moved 103 troops of the 3/12^th Inf Bn from ZB015216 to YB852187 in 38 sorties. Then another 103 troops from the 3/8^th Inf Bn were airlifted from ZB015216 to YB882291 in 42 sorties. Both missions were completed without incident.

28 April 1968: AVENGER 263 was hit three (3) times with enemy small arms fire in the vicinity of FSB-16 while supporting Operation Greeley. One (1) crewmember was WIA, and the aircraft received light damage.

16 May 1968: A slick from another unit crashed and burned at FSB 5 in support of Operation Greeley. Witnesses from the 189^th said it was over-gross, and the crew was over-confident, and they are the luckiest six (6) people in the world. The aircraft was destroyed but the crew survived. On that same day WO Spofford, WO Ronyak and WO Martinak thought they would show all aviators at Pleiku how to make yourself known. So they decided to do a fly-by of Holloway AAF everyone thought it was neat, except MAJ Fraker.

21 May 1968: The 189^th AHC had an IG Inspection. All the troops and aviators that we not flying had to stand tall and act like they knew what they were doing. It must have worked because they passed with flying colors.

25 May 1968: A and C Company 1/8^th Inf were attacked from the south-southwest and west by elements of the K-4 Bn, 95C Regt. AVENGER gunships were called in to suppress enemy fire, after heavy contact the ground force counted 149 NVA, KIA. WO Zima shot himself in the hand with his own pistol. Not a smart thing to do.

1 June 1968: The 189^th picked up the FOB-2 mission out of Kontum. GHOSTRIDER and AVENGER aircraft were committed to the 5^th SFG to support insertions and extractions of LRRP teams in Laos and Cambodia with the intention of disrupting traffic on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

10 June 1968: Dak Pek Special Forces Camp received intense enemy fire from 60 and 82mm mortars 75mm RR, and 122mm rockets. The size of the unit making the attack, as well as the weapons employed in the ground attack indicate that major elements of the 2^nd NVA Div had returned to Dak Pek. AVENGER gunships made pass after pass laying down intensive rocket and minigun fire in support the SF Camp.

13 June 1968: SP4 Gambone shot himself in the leg with his 30-caliber machine gun-accidentally. Totally ashamed for what he did he would not look at MAJ Fraker when he visited him in the hospital. Fortunately it was a clean wound and he went back to the unit within a week.

16 June 1968: MAJ Fraker with his great scrounging skills was able to get 20 pounds of popcorn for the Red Cross at the 71^st Evacuation Hospital. It was used to cheer up injured troops staying in the hospital. The 189^th was credited with the donation. They also received 2 pallets of 17 lb warhead fleshette rockets at FOB-2.

18 June 1968: (AC) WO Dillmore and (P) MAJ Fraker flew number one (1) insert ship into a LZ where no aircraft had successfully inserted a team without incident. Two (2) helicopters were shot down in previous attempts to enter the LZ. Small arms fire was received but only slight damage to aircraft and no personnel were injured. Later in the day MAJ Fraker had his first opportunity to fire fleshette rockets in an AVENGER aircraft in support of the same mission.

25 June 1968: The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS with C&C in the hands of MAJ Fraker flew all day in support of FOB-2, making one (1) extraction and two (2) insertions.

30 June 1968: This day marks 45 days without an accident under MAJ Frakers command. He bought champagne for his pilots to celebrate. The big spender bought 12 bottles at a cost of $1.25 a bottle, for a grand total of $15.00. At the time everyone thought it was great, until they found out how cheap he was, but to give him a break, it was probably all he had in his wallet.

6 July 1968: SP4 Robertson shot himself in the leg with his own 38-caliber pistol. Not smart.

9 July 1968: MAJ Fraker and SSG Tomessetti took a truck full of food to the orphanage at Tu Tam. They talked with Sister Gisele about a generator and a new building. MAJ Fraker was hopeful that the unit could get the materials needed to construct the building.

14 July1968: Three (3) GHOSTRIDER aircraft were called out to do an emergency extraction in Laos. Members of FOB-2 were in trouble and had to be taken out. These men, WO Wallin R Haber, WO Christain A Peterson and 1LT Daniel L Bradshaw assisted their AC's in maneuvering the ships into a small jungle clearing, cutting through dense foliage, evading enemy fire to land and allow the ground personnel to board the their ships. They directed and aided the crewmembers in the performance of their duties. Through their brilliant teamwork, they contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission. All three (3) received the Air Medal with “V” Device. AVENGER gunships covered the extraction.

15 July 1968: The 189^th made two (2) insertions for FOB-2 in the vicinity of Dak Pek. The slicks going into the LZ received ground fire. MAJ Fraker was flying with the AVENGERS and was providing fire support with fleshette rockets. The body count was 146 NVA, KIA and zero (0) for the good guys. The boss says, “fleshette rockets are here to stay”.

5 August 1968: After 80 days without a accident WO Dobbs and WO Bradshaw banged up GHOSTRIDER 252 at An Khe.

11 August 1968: MAJ Fraker and a few men from the company went to the orphanage. They took a bunch of school supplies, clothes, toys and other items. The men were close to finishing the fence around the orphanage. Slowly materials such as cement and lumber were being gathered to build the new building.

28 August 1968: (AC) 1LT Liner was maneuvering the aircraft in the LZ looking for a landing place and the aircraft had a main rotor blade strike. (P) Was WO Licina.

31 August 1968: After approach to the LZ, (AC) WO Wiles was hovering the aircraft to find a safe place to land when the main rotor struck a small tree.

1 September 1968: CWO Kreutz was (AC) of an AVENGER gunship providing aerial fire support to a LRRP team in heavy contact with a numerically superior enemy force near An Khe, Even though his aircraft was under constant hostile fire and received many hits, he remained on target and made pass after pass giving protective fire to the distraught team members allowing them to move to a defendable position. Only when his ammunition was expended did he desist. CWO Kreutz courage under fire contributed immeasurably to saving the LRRP team from certain annihilation. CWO Kreutz was awarded the DFC (First Oak Leaf Cluster) for his valorous action on the mission.

7 September 1968: The FOB-2 mission was turned over to the 57^th AHC. The FOB-2 mission was to insert and extract LRRP teams in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. By October the GLADIATORS and COUGARS had completely taken over the FOB-2 mission from the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS of the 189^th AHC. Aircraft requirements for the mission included eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships for FOB-2, with the remainder of the 57^th AHC aircraft allocated to miscellaneous missions.

13 September 1968: WO Peterson serving as (P) on a GHOSTRIDER slick during a mission to extract a five (5) man LRRP team that were under heavy enemy fire near Duc Co. Through his alertness he initiated the successful recovery by spotting the exact location of the patrol on the ground. While flying through intense hostile fire, he directed his door gunners fire onto enemy positions, affording the patrol the necessary cover to board the aircraft. With the entire patrol onboard, he flew his ship, hit several times by small arms fire and critically leaking fuel to the 71^st Evacuation Hospital. For his heroic actions WO Peterson was awarded the DFC.

15 September 1968: The 189^th inserted troops of the 3/8^th Inf into two (2) fire bases and later in the day one (1) company of CIDG west of Plei Mrong. MAJ Fraker flying with WO Nilmeier made two (2) LRRP insertions, a medevac and a LRRP rescue in a thunderstorm with the aide of the AVENGERS. In the middle of the night Charlie decided to launch a few rockets and mortars into Holloway. No rest for the weary.

18 September 1968: The 7/17^th CAV was supporting a GHOSTRIDER insertion of troops with gun support. They were called into place fire on the enemy and friendlies were shot, one (1) KIA and three (3) WIA with two (2) rockets. WO Nilmeier was in the LZ when it happened. Witnesses described an OH-6 shooting.

21 September 1968: GHOSTRIDER 370 was on take-off from the LZ at forty (40) feet and fifteen (15) knots-when the aircraft was hit in the mid area by a B-40 rocket causing an in flight fire, the aircraft crashed and was destroyed. (AC) WO Brooks, (P) WO Crammey received minor injuries were checked at 71^st Evac Hospital and released. (CE) SP4 Silversmith sustained 1^st and 2^nd degree burns when aircraft crashed and burned. His left eye was injured and operated on at the 71^st Evac Hospital. He was evacuated to Japan on 23 Sept. (G) SGT Roscoe L Prosky was KIA. Shortly after the crash of 370, GHOSTRIDER 473 was making a approach to drop a fire extinguisher, at 60 feet off the ground the aircraft was hit by another B-40 rocket in the tail boom, miraculously (AC) WO Nilmeir was able to land the aircraft in a upright position. SP4 McGarity had been on the right side of the ship and received the greatest impact of the explosion; the rocket hit the aircraft just aft of the fuel cell. He was pulled out of the ship by one of the ground troops. He received major injuries from the explosion. He lost both of his legs from the knees down, loss of both eyes, broke both arms with nerve damage to the right arm, fragmentation wounds to head and arms. He was medevaced to Japan 25 September. WO Nilmeir received fragmentation wounds left calf, right foot and ankle and injury to right eye. Transferred to Japan 24 September. WO Gillis sprained wrist checked out and released from 71^st Evac Hospital. SP4 Taylor, from the 604^th Maint Det received 1^st and 2^nd degree burns on face and arms, he was evacuated to Japan on 23 September. All crewmembers were submitted for Silver Stars and DFC'S. (Enclosure 3 is a detailed report of the mission from XO, CPT Murray).

23 September 1968: The aircraft UH-1H 66-16531 was a medevac helicopter belonging to the 283^rd Medevac Detachment in for repair to the 604th TC. The main rotor hub and one blade had been changed and some sheet metal repair completed. Two run-ups had been completed on the aircraft that morning for tracking by CWO Jesse Hill, quality control officer of the 604th TC. After the lunch hour WO Cahela approached the aircraft and preflighted for test flight. Six (6) people boarded the aircraft for the test flight. There were no seats or safety belts aboard the aircraft for passengers, only the pilot and copilot positions had seats and safety belts. After checking the aircraft in the hover test area for approximately five (5) minutes, WO Cahela departed Camp Holloway Airfield for the big rice paddy area approximately four (4) miles to the southeast of Holloway. Upon arrival in the area WO Cahela made an autorotation to the west, completed the autorotation and initiated a takeoff to the west. After forward speed was attained, a sharp cyclic climb was observed to an altitude of 300 or 400 feet, followed by a sharp right turn to the east. That caused all passengers to rise in the aircraft with one (1) passenger hitting the ceiling of the aircraft as it started down in an autorotation. Once forward speed was attained, WO Cahela banked the aircraft steeply to the right; a bank followed the right bank immediately to the left, very steep, probably in excess of 60 degrees. It was during the left bank that one (1) passenger observed the main rotor blade strike the ground. When the main rotor struck the ground the main rotor blade snapped and caused severe mast bumping, separating the rotor head and remaining portion of rotor blades from the aircraft at an unknown point during the crash sequence. The main rotor head with remaining portions of the rotor blades came to rest six (6) feet past the junction of four (4) dikes. The ship exploded during the crash and fire consumed the aircraft. Except for the main rotor blades and hub, all major components of the aircraft were at the crash location. (P) WO Gerald Cahela, (CE) PFC John M White, and passenger SP5 Jack Sizemore Sr, were all KIA. Passengers D R Chrisman, E4 W L Badley, E4 B Hauer were injured.

2 November 1968: AVENGER 244 was in close support of an insertion when it took one (1) hit of automatic weapons fire through the main rotor blade. The aircraft continued and accomplished its mission.

5 November 1968: The 189^th GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS performed an insertion south of Duc Co for the ARVNS under II Corps Command. During the insertion extensive enemy small weapons and anti-aircraft fire was encountered at the LZ. Crewmembers from the slicks and gunships displayed tremendous bravery because of the amount of weapons fire being received, by staying on station until all ARVN troops were inserted. The following crewmembers were awarded the Declaration of Merit before II Corps for the Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star. 1LT Charles T. Daily, 1LT Stanley B. Albrecht, WO Odis J. Lambright, WO Terry G. Opdahl, 1LT Curtis C. Parsons, WO James T. Hattan, WO Brent L. Hanawalt, WO Thomas L. Locke, SSG James L. Smith, SP5 Jose Martinez Jr, SP5 Gilbert Carrillo, and PFC Louis T. Frye.

6 November 1968: While returning from an insertion of a LRRP, (AC) WO Cranney and (P) Stasiewski were notified that another LRRP team was in contact with a superior enemy force and had to be extracted at once. WO Cranney headed for the location just SW of the Oasis, a 4^th Div FSB twenty (20) miles SW of Pleiku. When WO Cranney's aircraft arrived at the site AVENGER gunships were already on station giving the LRRP team heavy fire support. WO Cranney was in contact with the team on the ground and told them he was going into the LZ. He also instructed his (G) SP4 Ciosielski, and (CE) SP4 Roach to suppress the enemy fire with M-60 machineguns. While the team was boarding the aircraft the ship received small arms fire. The door gunner brought the hostile fire to a halt when he got a confirmed kill on a NVA soldier who exposed himself for a better firing position. Due to the courage and teamwork of the AVENGER crew the LRRP team was returned safely home with a wealth of war stories. Later that day LT Hedrick was piloting GHOSTRIDER 153 and landed near a CONEX container to off-load flares. As aircraft picked up to a hover the CONEX door swung into tail stinger and caused tail rotor to hit Conex container.

13 November 1968: The 52^nd CAB conducted a Battalion size CA and FSB move in support of the1/8^th Inf, 4^th Inf Div, in Spaatz AO. The aircraft, twenty-four (24) UH-1H slicks, four (4) UH-1C gunships, and nine (9) CH-47A Chinooks were used to move 550 pax and 143 tons of cargo in 437 sorties. Fog and enemy automatic weapons fire delayed the lift for one (1) hour. One (1) UH-1H slick was hit with an enemy B-40 rocket and destroyed. All crewmembers were WIA and medevaced. Late into the night Camp Holloway received twenty (20) rounds of 122mm rockets. There were four (4) US WIA, 1 UH-1D helicopters destroyed, three (3) CH-54's with light damage, eight (8) UH-1H's with moderate damage, two (2) UH-1H's with light damage and numerous buildings with varying amounts of damage.

15 November 1968: On an insertion of a 4^th Div LRRP west of Duc Co, GHOSTRIDER 22 piloted by 1LT Phillip Ahneman, received an emergency call from a downed Birddog of the 219^th Aviation Company, call sign HEADHUNTERS. The HEADHUINTERS had experienced an engine failure and were forced to ditch the aircraft in the only suitable open space, a soft river bottom. The ever-present threat of Charlie turned what would have normally been a routine forced landing into a race for safety. 1LT Ahneman and his crew, 1LT Robert Acklen, SP5 Joseph Meeks and SP4 Tony Gambone, immediately recognized the problem and made a quick change from the role of CA helicopter to that of a medevac helicopter. They picked up the pilot and his observer from the river, a little wet and shaken but very grateful.

16 November 1968: The 189^th airlifted an eight (8) company CA near Duc Co in western Pleiku Province.

18 November 1968 : The 189^th extracted five (5) companies from Duc Co AO. That evening Camp Holloway received three (3) 122mm rockets with negative casualties or damage.

20 November 1968: The 189^th inserted six (6) companies into hostile positions in Pleiku Province. During the insertion GHOSTRIDER 175 experienced complete loss of anti-torque control and began a turn to the right. Aircraft would not streamline and continued right turns, completing five (5) revolutions. The (AC) entered autorotation, and it settled into a small clearing. The accident was caused when the number two (2) tail rotor drive shaft hanger bearing failed.

22 November 1968: An AVENGER gunship received four (4) hits from heavy automatic weapons fire in Laos. One (1) crewmember was WIA, the aircraft continued to fly.

4 December 1968: A 189^th AVENGER fire team supporting a CIDG team received credit for nine (9) NVA killed by air.

13 December 1968: AVENGER gunships destroyed four (4) sampans on the Ya Krong Bolah River.

16 December 1968: GHOSTRIDER 153 was being flown by (AC) 1LT Ahneman and (P) WO Swanson, crew members were (CE) SP4 Ledbetter and (G) Weeks with six (6) passengers on board. The aircraft was at a one (1) foot hover over a cement pad prior to landing, the aircraft started a turn to the right. With full left pedal applied the aircraft continued to turn to the right. The (AC) performed a autorotation to get the aircraft on the ground then hit the pad, bounced into the air and rolled over coming to rest on it's left side. A small fire was started and quickly extinguished by the ground crew. After all crew and passengers were clear of the wreckage, the (CE) returned to the aircraft to turn off all switches to kill the engine. The crew suffered minor injuries the passengers were unhurt. It was determined that the flex coupling in the tail rotor drive shaft failed.

18 December 1968: AVENGER 234 was on a CA making a gun run on a enemy position when it received one (1) round of small arms fire through the windshield into the cockpit. No crewmembers were injured.

19 December 1968: 1LT Speer served as pilot on an AVENGER gunship in support of a friendly force that was completely surrounded and out numbered. 1LT Speer put deadly and accurate minigun fire within thirty (30) meters of the friendly positions, although receiving heavy enemy fire on each firing pass and took numerous hits in the aircraft and two (2) of the crew were wounded, he continued to overfly enemy weapons positions and thereby drew fire away from the beleaguered force and permitted them to escape from their extremely perilous situation. 1LT James D Speer was awarded the DFC for his heroic actions on the mission.

24 December 1968: The 57^th AHC, 170^th AHC and the 189^th AHC air assaulted two (2) Battalions into VC Valley, forty (40) km ESE of Pleiku.

25 December 1968: A few missions were flown out to FSB's to give the grunts a decent meal for Christmas. The Chaplain went along with the turkey and mashed potatoes, to bring a little bit of peace into their lives even if it was only for a short while. Christmas day did pretty much a quiet time for everyone want to be home with family. Commanders tried to do their best, but they were too ugly to fill the gap.

31 December 1968: With the year coming to an end everyone was sitting around trying to figure out how to bring in the New Year. It was decided that because there were no fireworks, they would have to improvise. Just as they were finalizing the evenings entertainment the 52^nd CAG Commander put out the word that no weapons firing would take place at mid-night. What a bummer! The bunkers were manned mostly by helicopter crewmembers, which meant that each bunker had two (2) machine guns. As mid-night drew closer trigger fingers got itchier. At mid-night the entire bunker complex opened up with machine gun fire. The AVENGERS were watching the show when one (1) of the pilots set off a pen flare. Everyone was engrossed in the fireworks and did not notice the Bn Commander standing twenty (20) feet from the hooch. With so much stuff going on he just shook his head and let things happen. Great show. Beer was raised to bring in the New Year because it was bubbly and champagne was not available.

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