189TH ASAULT HELICOPTER COMPANY

HISTORY

PREFACE

The history of the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company for the years 1966  Through 1971 has been written so that the officers and enlisted men of the 189^th can be recognized for their outstanding work, esprit de corps, and dedication to their country during their tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam.

 PURPOSE

The purpose of this history is to outline the events that occurred in the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company during the calendar years 1966 through 1971.  It is intended to give as accurate and factual account as possible of the fine officers and enlisted men, its equipment, as well as a concise picture of the combat operations in-which the unit participated.  Many accounts were researched through the National Archives, Texas State University, the VHPA, and information collected from members of the unit. This history in not complete, it is a work in progress, but it as accurate as can be from the information gathered.  The more feedback we get the more accurate the history.  This history is a collection of actions that took place in the 189th Assault Helicopter Company both on and off the battlefield.

 COMMAND AND CONTROL

The unit history would be incomplete if the officers and men of the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company failed to pay tribute to their commanders who played the major role in developing and maintaining the unit's high standard of professionalism, esprit de corps and noted combat effectiveness.

through their professional competence, thorough knowledge, exceptional leadership and loyalty to their men, they succeeded in building a foundation that formed one of the finest fighting units in the Republic of Vietnam and in the United States Army.

Even today the men of the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company would like to express their appreciation for their outstanding leadership, personal concern and invaluable guidance they provided while serving as Company Commanders.

The following were Company Commanders of the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS

Captain Victor Hamilton                                         1 Nov 66 - 1 Dec 66

Major Robert T Bagley                                           1 Dec 66 - 21 Dec 66

Major John J Webster                                            21 Dec 66 - 1 Jul 67

Major Bobby L Sanders                                          1 Jul 67 - 2 Jan 68

Major Neil I Leva                                                     2 Jan 68 - 15 Apr 68

Major William W Fraker                                          15 Apr 68 - 3 Oct 68

Major Robert N Morrison                                         3 Oct 68 - 22 Apr 69

Major Richard L Lincoln                                         22 Apr 69 - 28 Sep 69

Major John P Ratliff                                                28 Sep 69 - 6 Mar 70

Major George A Morgan                                         6 Mar 70 - 11 Nov 70

 Respectfully

Brothers Forever

The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS

Organization of the 189^th AHC

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 - 1967

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.

1 November 1966: Captain Victor Hamilton, Infantry, commanded and organized 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 began.

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 since the unit was to deploy with full organic equipment. Each day began with physical training capped with an increasingly longer run around post. When the morning Colorado temperature dropped below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, physical training was suspended.

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 with 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 (2) 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 Kelly 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. Mixer

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 and, in preparation for deployment, the unit began a series of field exercises the first week of 1967. Although 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-sized Air Mobile Operation was conducted and three (3) more followed prior to the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion of unit training.

31 January 1967 - 6 February 1967: During this time, the gun platoon conducted its weapons training, gunnery trained in 7.62 systems and all gunnery personnel were qualified in the XM-21 and XM-23 systems.

7-9 February 1967: The unit was in the field for the first time where emphasis on operation of a tactical landing area, security of the area, operational reaction time, resupply, medical evacuation, and section and platoon-sized Air Mobile Operations with armed escort took place.

14-16 February 1967: During these field operations, further emphasis was placed on last week's operation; however, reducing mission reaction time was stressed.

20 February 1967: The 189^th was in the field for a five-(5) day exercise and provided aviation support to the 2/llth Infantry in its Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) cycle with emphasis on platoon and company-sized operations, resupply, medical evacuation and a night move all in preparation for the forthcoming Army Training Test (ATT) cycle. The unit was observed throughout the operation by ranking personnel who seemed pleased with the unit's progress, and, 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 in the hot jungle of Vietnam.

During the same period, the Gun Platoon participated in the firing of the 2.75 Rocket Systems 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.

After completion of the ATT, the 189^th Aviation Company (AML) began preparations for its 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 was assigned to the troops with Major Albert Kraph and 1LT Stephen Schmidt supervising as Movements Officers. Every CONEX had to have specific markings and a manifest detailing its contents. This was complicated somewhat by the unit,s 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. On the morning of the 18^th, they were flying low level skimming above the desert at about 50 feet when 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 with the last copter reporting 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 the C Models was completed upon arrival, 18 March 1967 at Sharp Army Depot, Stockton, California.

28 March 1967: Additional movement instructions were received, and 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 party were partially finalized, and the number in the party was limited to five Officers 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 and departed from 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 redesignated 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 1 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 Starlifters. while enroute to Pleiku AFB, Vietnam. Intermediate stops were made at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and Yokoda, Japan were made. The sweltering heat of Pleiku was indeed a change from the cold mountain air and recent snow of Colorado..

With May being late in the dry season, the unit had a few days to move into Camp Holloway to set up tents before the monsoon season. 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's location was a bare piece of ground alongside the runway as a permanent bivouac area. Because the assigned area lay outside of the Battalion's perimeter, the first order of business was to extend barbed wire to encompass the unit's new home. Tents were erected and sandbagged by officers and enlisted personnel who 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 to gain some experience flying in a combat environment.

The remainder of the body arrived at the new location on the 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: The unit's helicopters arrived at the Port of Vung Tau, a coastal city in II Corps and was 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 that no side arms be openly displayed while out on the town. Being new in the country, most of the 189^th troops elected to go out armed, but concealed, rather than surrender their 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 in full company formation flight from Vung Tau up the coast to Cam Ranh Bay, Qui 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.

Today, the first ten (10) aircraft arrived followed by eleven (11) more H models and six (6) UH-IC's the next day. Two (2) more H models arrived on the 24^th. The remaining two (2) UH-IC's were scheduled to arrive 25 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 (need photo) crashed in the ocean and aircraft caught fire while on a courier and resupply 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 washed ashore, and he was pronounced dead from drowning.

1 June 1967: The first DEROS took place in the 189^th and, 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 which was 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 and this area became known as the ARSENAL.

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

The Maintenance Platoon also adopted their unique patch and call sign of CARETAKER. Its patch depicted the powerful Condor on top of a mountain keeping vigil over its young one which, in this case, was a UH-1H helicopter. The patch implies the care of the Condor even though it can be one of the fiercest fighters in the sky.

15 June 1967: The 189^th AHC became operational, 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 Infantry Division.   Mission assignments consisted of C&C, resupply, 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 its 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 and 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 ridge lines running steeply to the sea. It 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 unpredictable winds,

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 eight to ten foot grass covers the ground. Where adequate drainage is provided, this area will support four vegetable crops yearly.

The principal cities of these regions are Pan Thieu, Pan Rang, Ha Rang, and Sui Hen are on the coastal plain; Dalt in the mountains, and Ban Me Thu et, Pleiku and Kontum in the plateaus. The major routes of this area are:

Route #1 Saigon          Dan Nan (coastal route)

Route #11 Dalt             Pan Rang

Route #14 Saigon        Ban Me Thule to Pleiku to Kontum

Route #19 Pleiku         Sui Nhon

Route #20 Saigon        Dalt

Route #21                      Ban Me Thule to Ha Rang

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 Pan Rang and Ha Rang

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 in a rainy season for the plateaus and mountain regions 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 region is 92 inches; 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 90 plus during the dry season. Winds are normally gusty at 10 to 15 knots with velocity increasing with altitude. In the Kontum, Pleiku area, surface winds of 25 to 45 knots were common in the fall

For the most part, flying conditions due to weather and terrain were 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 or better known to the Americans as Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole lies west of the Cateeka Tea Plantation and was very near to the Cambodian border.

Single ship hover hole landing zones (LZ'S) as well as the use of McGuire rigs 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.

27 May 1967: UH-IH, 66-1065 crashed in the ocean and aircraft caught fire while on a courier and resupply 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 washed ashore, and he was pronounced dead from drowning.

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 where one (1) small arms round hit the aircraft in its tail section. 

Aircraft was flown by WO Tom Mealy

 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, and 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 served as team leader of a fire team which 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 Distinguished Flying Cross (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.

                                                                         Cpt Lynn Hooper 2005               CPT Bowling

31 July 1967: While in support of the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDER 529 crashed and burned approximately ten (10) miles southwest of Camp Holloway. Killed in the accident were 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 an attack which lasted until early afternoon. 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, the ARVN 42d Regt and two (2) ARVN airborne battalions moved in 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 the vicinity of Buon Ho. They inserted 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 no incidents and negative contact.

10 August 1967: GHOSTRIDER 169 (need photo) was completely destroyed by fire at Hensel AAF. There were no injuries as all crew members were out of the aircraft at the time. Aircraft 169 was shut down while being loaded with CS grenades which were dropped causing several to ignite catching the aircraft on fire.

11 August 1967: AVENGER 552 (need photo) 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 not seriously wounded and the aircraft continued to fly.

13 August 1967: Two (2) 189^th gunships 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: The 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Francis Marion moving 267 pax in 81 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

The 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 and, luckily, the ground unit was no longer in enemy contact.

18 August 1967: The 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 (need photo) made a forced landing approximately ten (10) miles west of Camp Holloway with minor damage sustained but 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(need photo)  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.

The 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, and 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. CPT. Lynn C. Hooper was awarded the DFC for his actions.

3 Sept 1967: MAJ. Eugene Malcoff 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 (need photo) made a forced landing due to engine failure. There were no injuries even though the aircraft sustained major damage.

5 September 1967: CPT. Lynn Hooper was awarded the DFC 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 were 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 due to the weather, and much 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 60's.

14 September 1967: The 189^th conducted multiple troop 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 with enemy contact 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 (need photo) received automatic weapons fire from four (4) individuals who were attempting to hide 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 Prairie fire 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 (need photo) 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 (20) kilometers south of Mang Buk. All crew members 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: The 189^th supported Operation Prairie fire, 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. 10 October 1967 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 four (4) hits in the left side while in support of a SF mission in Laos. One crew member was WIA.

5 October 1967: At approximately 0820, the 189^th was notified the gunner on GHOSTRIDER 759 (need photo)put two (2) rounds through the top of the ship. Nobody was hurt, but the ship had to be brought back and checked out for further damage. Also, GHOSTRIDER 153 (need photo) piloted by WO Jones, was hovering over the dense jungle making a pick up by ladder when 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 (need photo), 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 to 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 (need photo) 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. (need photo) 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 of which the majority was allocated to the 1^st Brigade at Dak To.

15 October 1967: Reports pertaining to Operation MacArthur were published showing the buildup 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 (Prairie Fire) the aircraft used in this operation was assigned a primary mission of resupply and liaison. In addition, the unit 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 (need photo) 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 sized 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) crew member 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 and minor shrapnel wounds to his arms and legs.

30 October 1967: Omega Operations terminated with all GHOSTRIDERS returning to Camp Holloway. Many pilots were looking forward to continuing 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, resupply and gunship support throughout the entire battle.

3 November 1967: AVENGER 552 (need photo) while on a CA the aircraft was hit in the cockpit by automatic weapons fire. One (1) crew member 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 ? 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 (need photo) 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 (need photo) 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-sized 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 lose 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 suffered a broken leg, WO Weaks 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 who 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. Captain 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 downed crew could be completed. WO members 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 crew members were rescued. Cpt. Lynn Hooper received Distinguished Flying Cross 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 so 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, and they did not have to wait long. Charles decided he was going to make sure everyone was awake, so he sent 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 while 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 hitting the ASP setting it on fire resulting in a complete loss of the ASP. Again, everyone retired to the bunkers and again the AVENGERS took to the air. The ASP burned fiercely until 0130 hours and an occasional round exploded throughout the night in very close proximity of the bunkers. Charlie continued to send his greetings several times during the night. In addition to isolated thunderstorms over the airfield during the night, unreported weather was 1141 tons of various types of ammunition falling everywhere.. 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 and their objective appeared to be an attempt to inflict as many US casualties as possible rather than attempting to over-run Dak To itself.

19 November 1967: The 2^nd Bn 503^rd Inf of the 173^rd Abn Bgde numbering less than 500 men were given the mission of securing Hill 875, estimated to have been defended by a company of NVA main-force troops fresh off the Ho Chi Minh Trail. What followed was one of the fiercest battles of the entire VN War which would later be categorized as one of the Border Battles of 1967. The 189^th AHC supported the operation with slicks and guns during the entire battle ending on 23 November.

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 which was mortared on 27 November.

26 November 1967: A covert and clandestine operation was to take place in Laos which included 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 to have the wounded evacuated. It was just before dusk when the flight got to the LZ and, during the approach, the first aircraft GHOSTRIDER 628 (need photo) took twelve (12) hits (mostly through 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. (Enclosure 1 Letter from CWO Boyd Clines describing the nights action.)

27 November 1967: A 5^th SF unit from FOB-2was in constant contact deep in enemy territory west of Dak To and they called for an emergency extraction of an 80-man force that had been inserted the previous day. Their situation was getting critical as GHOSTRIDER 6 (MAJ Sanders) and AVENGER 6 (CPT Hooper) arrived over the position with eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships. CPT Hooper immediately led his fire-teams on devastating runs over the enemy positions where the enemy was so close 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 were the crew chiefs and gunners on the guns and slicks who placed heavy and accurate fire on the enemy which protected the flank of the attacking gunships 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, WO Webster, 1LT Lindsey, WO Butler, Ochotsky and others were awarded the Air Medal with V device. (See Enclosure 2 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 injuries 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 its 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: The 189^th AVENGER gunships supporting a CIDG team received credit for nine (9) NVA killed by air.

6 December 1967: The 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 mortar attack causing extensive damage to GHOSTRIDER 156.  No injuries were suffered, however, the aircraft could not be flown.

14 December 1967: GHOSTRIDER 159 (need photo) 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 the tail boom, and the aircraft was flown to Dak To for repair.

17-19 December 1967: Normal missions resumed.

20 December 1967: At 1530 hours, 189^th GHOSTRIDER 154 (need photo) 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 along with two (2) passengers: LTC Glen Belnap and SGM Herbert Roberts Jr. 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 so that 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 (need photo) had been involved in an accident at Polei Klang trying to hover between two (2) 281^st AHC aircraft where INTRUDER 748 and 039, AVENGER 697 meshed blades with 748 and 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 the crew out from the wreckage and moved them to safety. He returned to the stricken aircraft and successfully shut off the engine preventing a fire. During the entire action, he was drenched with fuel and, had a fire occurred, death or grievous injury was certain. 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 in 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 resupply mission for the 3/8^th Inf a tail rotor strike was suspected when 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 to no avail.

23 December 1967: 189^th Operations was informed that GHOSTRIDER 153 (need photo) 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, and many toasts 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: At approximately 1300 hours, the 189^th received a call that GHOSTRIDER 153 (need photo), piloted by (AC) 1LT Lindsey, was down two (2) miles west of Dak To airfield. Neither crew nor aircraft suffered any damage, and 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 and 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 Year's 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 to go. Thus closing out the end of 1967.

Looking back on the different missions during the year showed a few problems encountered in the first months in support of the 4^th Inf Div and the 5^th SFG. The 189^th recognized them even though the 4^th and 5^th appreciated how the unit performed for them. The coming year would be spent in support of the same missions and operations which were expected to be performed much smoother.

1968

January 1968: The New Year ushered in a new lifestyle for the officers 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 making it inadvisable to sleep above ground. Most nights as many as 50 mortar rounds 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.

2 January 1968: Change of Command from MAJ Bobby Sanders to MAJ Neil Leva CO, MAJ William Fraker is XO.

8 January 1968: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft 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: The 189^th inserted A and C companies 1/8^th Inf and  4^th Inf Div into a hostile LZ that was prepped with artillery for twelve (12) minutes and 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 and 4^th Inf Div in support of Operation MacArthur, utilizing eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships that flew 42 sorties inserting 254 troops west of Dak To. Although heavy automatic weapons fire was received, there were no negative hits or injuries. They also did a final extraction of 2/503^rd Abn, 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum airlifting 252 troops in 40 sorties. One (1) GHOSTRIDER slick crashed resulting in major damage to the aircraft, but no injuries to the crew.

11 January 1968: The 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 Receiving major damage to the aircraft but 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 lifting 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 lifting 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, but the crew was not injured and 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 prepped by artillery for 15 minutes prior to the seven (7) slicks and three (3) gunships entering the area. Only sporadic small arms fire was received during the insertion.

14 January 1968: The 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 lifting 256 pax in 43 sorties. Aircraft encountered no incidents.

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

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

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

24 January 1968: The 189^th conducted a CA and extraction for the 1/503^rd, 173^rd Abn Bge, vicinity of Dak To where 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 and, 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 spent every off-duty hour digging bunkers so they could sleep underground. The AVENGERS had hot-spot duty on the first night of TET and was 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 were 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, I saw 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 the 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. Crew members 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 was 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) gunships 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, gunships 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 northwest 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) gunships 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: Two (2) 82mm mortar tubes of an unknown manned force attacked Camp Holloway at 0140 hours. The duration of the attack was about thirty (30) minutes during which time 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- minute 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. Two hundred fifty (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 Shoship s 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: The 189^th continued to support missions in defense of Dak To and Kontum during the TET Offensive.

6 February 1968: 18 rounds of 122mm rocket fire and 30 to 40 rounds of 82mm mortar outside the Camp Holloway cantonment area attacked HAAF. 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 an 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 pickup. 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 3).

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) crew member 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) crew member 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 and 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 an 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 face mask. 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) crew member 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) crew member 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 an 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 and no one 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 as 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) crew member 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 you 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 were 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 and, 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.

13 June 1968:  Sergeant Donald L Torres was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V Device.  For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force.  Sergeant Torres distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as crew chief on a helicopter engaged in the evacuation of a ground unit in contact with the enemy west of Dak To.  As the ship approached the landing zone, it received heavy automatic weapons fire.  Air strikes by Air Force aircraft failed to decrease the concentration of fire directed at the approaching helicopters.  Sergeant Torres accompanied his ship s approach by placing accurate machine gun fire on the enemy positions.  He continued to brave the incessant hostile fire to direct the loading of the aircraft and assisted the aircraft commander by guiding his movements into and out of the landing zone.  

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 Fraker s 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.

13 July 1968:  1^st LT Uwe Lindner was flight lead for a flight of four aircraft of the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company supporting the 5^th Special Forces Group in an operation west of Dak To.  The unit had been called upon to make an emergency extraction of a 12 man reconnaissance team whose position had been compromised and were evading a superior enemy force that was in hot pursuit.  This mission was being controlled by a FAC on the scene that knew of the teams position and was to guide the group in.  Overhead, Air Force A1E Sky raiders were there to provide air cover if necessary and helicopter gunships of the 189^th AHC flew cover and provided close support for the slicks.  The FAC preceded the flight and established an orbit over the general area of the team.  The team was spotted and the FAC started drawing enemy fire.  The A1E Sky raiders were called in and the fleeing team took cover while the Air Force brought in their ordinance on the enemy positions.  The team in its hasty withdrawal had become separated and several landing zones were necessary.  As soon as the Sky raiders withdrew, the gunships set up a protective orbit and the first ship came in for the pickup.  The landing zone was located in dense jungle and was a very confined area.  Landings were made to the ground in the most delicate of maneuvers for helicopters.  The surrounding jungle was so dense that the helicopters had to literally out their way to the ground, clearing very small foliage and cutting down the tall grass in the LZ.  In all, three separate pickups were successfully completed in different locations and all of the dispersed team members were recovered.  This was accomplished with no significant damage to the ships involved and no injuries to any of the rescued men.  Due to the highest order of determination and skill of the pilots and crews of the aircraft was this emergency terminated in the face of a superior enemy force and the most taxing of flying conditions.    Sergeant Donald Torres, Crew Chief awarded the Army Commendation Medal with V Device. 

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 allowing the ground personnel to board their ships. They directed and aided the crew members 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 to fire onto enemy positions, affording the patrol the necessary cover to board the aircraft. With the entire patrol on board, 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 aid 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 who 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 an approach to drop a fire extinguisher and at 60 feet off the ground, the aircraft was hit by another B-40 rocket in the tail boom. (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 since the rocket hit the aircraft just aft of the fuel cell. He was pulled out of the ship by WO Gillis. McGarity 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 in the left calf, right foot, ankle and injury to the right eye and was transferred to Japan 24 September. WO Gillis broke his wrist and was 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 his face and arms and he was evacuated to Japan on 23 September. All crew members were submitted for Silver Stars and DFC's. Kenneth McGarity, Specialist Four was awarded Air Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) with V Device; Robert E Taylor, Specialist Four (Enclosure 4 is a detailed report of the mission from XO, CPT Murray). (Enclosure 8 is a statement by Colonel Richard I. Wiles)

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 pre-flighted 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.

3 October 1968: Major Robert N Morrison assumed command of the 189^th AHC.

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 machine guns. 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 HEADHUNTERS 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, crewmembers 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 its 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 and 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 outnumbered. 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 taking numerous hits in the aircraft and two (2) crew members wounded, he continued to over fly 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 was pretty much a quiet time for everyone who all wanted to be home with family and friends. 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 evening s 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 crew members, 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.

1969

The GHOSTRIDERS enjoyed an interesting year in their tactical endeavors in the II Corps Area. During the months of May and June in 1969, the battles of Ban Het and Dak To were the most significant of military engagements which unified the company in a common goal. Due to this close support, the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS reverently recollect the company s efforts in those enduring weeks which caused morale to soar. Summer was fairly inactive due to the monsoons; however, the GHOSTRIDERS availed themselves to the tasks at hand. The 189^th flew to the south, Ban Me Thuot, where they supported the 4^th Division. In October the GHOSTRIDERS highlighted their missions with a search and rescue operation in the Dak Pek area for two (2) missing BIRD DOGS which, in addition, produced the location of many hidden enemy positions. Although the aviators and crew members were never found alive, both crash sites were eventually discovered: one in October 1969 and the other during the operation in January 1970. Bu Prang ended the year in a formidable fashion and this little outpost became the center of attraction for quite some time along with another outpost, LZ Katie, which was contested many times. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS made many significant contributions in the defense of those two outposts.

The year had been plagued with maintenance challenges, particularly EDP shortages, which created numerous aircraft availability headaches. However, the GHOSTRIDERS prevailed and were looking forward to VIETNAMIZATION.

The mission of the 189^th AHC pretty much remained the same to provide tactical air movement of combat troops in air mobile operations, to provide tactical air movement of combat supplies and equipment within the combat zone and to provide combat assault support to combat troops.

During the past year and holidays, the morale of the members of the 189^th AHC appeared to be low due to the fact that they were away from their homes and families. However, the advent of the official opening of the new swimming pool raised the company s spirits quite a bit. In addition, monthly company parties served to release a lot of the strain of working seven days a week. The most important morale factor is the continuous flow of mail, and this service has been truly outstanding. In all, the morale and Esprit De Corps has been excellent.

The 189^th AHC provided support to the 3^rd Bge, 4^th Inf Div, II Corps HQ, 23^rd ARVN Div, 5^th SFG and other FWMAF within the II Corps Tactical Zone.

The 189^th continued support of Command and Control South out of Kontum. At the time they were highly classified missions and therefore, no exact location of unit actions could be given. Today we can say that almost all of the operations took place in Laos and Cambodia. The mission itself was a true test of the ability and courage of the members of the 189^th as they met the most intense enemy action ever experienced by an assault helicopter company, on a continuing basis. However, due to the courage and the skill required to accomplish the mission, it could easily be said that this was a continuation of the courage and tenacity displayed from the time they entered the country. The GHOSTRIDERS successfully completed the missions with minimal loss of aircraft or life and grew together in the brotherhood of combat.

6 January 1969: There was another accidental shooting, name unknown, who was clearing his 38-caliber pistol, pulled the trigger, causing one (1) round to discharge. The round passed through a mattress, ricocheted off the floor and struck the victim in the right hip. The wound was not fatal.

17 January 1969: 17 January 1969:  CPT Liner (AC) and CPT Stratiff (P) flying a GHOSTRIDER unarmed helicopter were on stand-by, working out of Dak To with the "KING BEE," CH-34 helicopters of VNAF. They were scrambled to insert a platoon into Laos.  CPT Nguyen Quy An, KING BEE led and his 2 (two) helicopters were to insert the bulk of the platoon while CPT Liner and CPT Stratiff were to insert the remaining six (6) men. CPT An and his crew, LT Vu Tung, (P) and WO Nguyen Quang Hien, (CE) led the flight into the LZ. As they approached the lip of the bomb crater, they came under fire and notified the rest of the flight of its location. After the CH-34 made its departure, the GHOSTRIDER aircraft was on short final to the LZ making the insertion without incident, and as they began to fly out, they were informed not to break right of the LZ because of recent enemy movement and vehicular traffic. The aircraft broke left and were struck by what was later determined to be an enemy 37mm round. It struck the fuel cell cutting hydraulic fluid lines which caught fire. Within seconds of being hit a "KING BEE" helicopter made a high-speed dive to aid the burning slick. It was CPT An who guided the burning aircraft to a possible landing area about 5 km to the northwest and was vectoring the gunships toward the GHOSTRIDER aircraft. As the slick came upon the proposed LZ, CPT An saw that the stumps and trees would not allow even a reasonably safe landing. CPT An maneuvered his ship to prevent the slick from landing and informed CPT Liner that flat land was on the other side of the ridge line  The situation was getting critical because the slick was losing fuel.  The LZ was sighted and as CPT Liner landed,  CPT An was making his approach.  The burning aircraft landed and the crew had to fight their way through 15-foot elephant grass. CPT An (CE)and WO Hien were cutting their way toward the crew when they met and helped get all of the crew safely aboard. CPT Nguyen Quy An was awarded the American DFC for his heroic actions in support of the American helicopter crew.

21 January 1969: The 52^nd CAB was reorganized under the provisions of USARPAC GO 771, dated 22 Nov 1968. All Battalion units were affected. The 189^th was re-designated the 189^th Aviation Company (Airmobile) MTOE 1-077G. Commanding Officer was MAJ Robert N Morrison.

22 January 1969: 1LT Speer (AC) and WO Gillis (P) distinguished themselves while serving as pilots on an AVENGER gunship supporting medevacs on a mission for a battalion that was in heavy contact 40 km NW Pleiku. Their aircraft made firing passes to cover the unarmed DUSTOFF aircraft continually placing a deadly hail of suppressive fire on the enemy s position. Their aircraft came under heavy caliber automatic weapons fire, but they still continued their devastating fire to protect the helpless ships. As the last medevac lifted off, the LZ came under enemy mortar fire. Their calm professionalism not only contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission but also served to highly inspire their crew. Both pilots were awarded the Air Medal with V device.

24 January 1969: GHOSTRIDER 161 had an incident at Pleiku that caused major damage. The aircraft was piloted by WO Walden (AC) and 1LT Cochran. No one was injured in the accident.

1 February 1969: The 189^th again received orders to support the 5^th SFG with four (4) slicks and two (2) gunships on a daily basis. The primary role of this mission was LRRP insertions in Laos, Cambodia and around the Pleiku, Kontum area. This mission was advantageous to the 189^th by increasing and improving their skills of LRRP insertions and extractions, while learning to use McGuire rigs and rope ladders to pull teams from the dense jungle.

14 February 1969: Hill 1438 and Cu Grok was the site of a SOG MSS (Mission Support Site) radio relay/signal intercept station. The GHOSTRIDERS would resupply the site with rations and ammunition. It was known by radio call sign as SLEDGEHAMMER or HEAVYDROP. Built on the peak of a sheer mountain and barely measuring 150 feet long by 50 feet wide, it came under heavy enemy attack and was successfully defended by four (4) US personnel with 25 Montagnards of the SOG Hatchet Force. The site enabled LRRP teams in Cambodia to communicate with the SOG FOB-2 in Kontum. AVENGER gunships were called out to give fire support to the site but the battle was over when they arrived.

28 February 1969: GHOSTRDIDER 758 from the 1^st Air Lift Platoon was shot down on a CA for Operation Opera. SP4 Cranney was (CE). Aircraft was a total loss.

1 March 1969: Elements of the 3^rd Bn 14^th Inf 4^th Inf Div were attacked at LZ Swinger (YA837-965) in Kontum Province. AVENGER gunships were alerted to support the FSB and to place rocket and mini-gun fire on enemy positions. The fight resulted in one (1) US KIA and the NVA lost thirty (30) KIA.

3 March 1969: An AVENGER fire team was kept busy when it smashed rocket positions in the Pleiku area. The hectic day began when the gunships made an early morning touchdown to take on fuel. Before the two (2) gunships could begin refueling, a 122mm rocket landed 50 meters from the aircraft. The gunships made an immediate takeoff and had the rocket launching position in sight. The first ship commanded by WO Greenlaw (AC) and WO Grayneck (P) roared in pounding the launch site with rockets and minigun fire. The second gunship flown by WO Lambright (AC) and 1LT Weller (P) finished the job by pouring more rockets and minigun fire onto the enemy position. The gunships proceeded to Camp Holloway to rearm and refuel. As the two (2) aircraft prepared to land, the post again began to receive 122mm rockets. The AVENGERS remained airborne and moved on the target with little armament remaining and kept the enemy rocket team occupied long enough for another AVENGER fire team to relieve them. The lead ship flown by CPT Stempky (AC) and WO Smith (P) plus wingman 1LT Speer (AC) and WO Zirschky (P) took over the attack while the first team flew to Hensel AAF to rearm and refuel. The original AVENGER fire team returned to aid the second team in the attack. The enemy rocket position was destroyed.

During the period of 1 March 15 April 1969, the company supported the 173^rd Abn Bge at An Khe. This was an overnight (RON) mission to patrol highway 19 from Qui Nhon to Pleiku, providing air cover for all convoys. The remaining unit s aircraft were in general support of the 52^nd CAB.

15 to 30 April 1969: The 189^th supported the 24^th Special Tactical Zone at Kontum with a daily commitment of four (4) slicks and two (2) gunships. The 24^th STZ was an ARVN unit with only the essential number of U.S. advisors. This was another first for the GHOSTRIDERS as the primary function was to help educate the Vietnamese in the utilization of aviation assets. A liaison officer from the 189^th was moved to Kontum to work directly with the ARVN B-3 Air Officer. This time was very trying for the members of the 189^th as the ARVN s continuously mis-utilized our aircraft. But, due to long hours of discussion and miles of patience on the crew s part, the mission was highly successful. As it turned out, this training period proved even more useful than anyone had hoped because the 189^th was to continue support of the 24^th STZ all through the siege of Dak To and Ben Het.

1 March 1969: The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS made an insertion of the 3^rd Bn 12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div which was attacked by enemy small arms fire. The result was one (1) US KIA, and thirty (30) NVA KIA. No injuries to the aircraft crew were received.

9 March 1969: Successful strikes by AVENGER gunships spelled disaster for four (4) enemy sampans. The AVENGER gunships were en route to Kontum AAF after inserting a LRRP team into Laos. Spotting an O-1 BIRDDOG observation airplane from the 219^th Aviation Co. circling the area and not wanting to return with unexpended ammunition, the gunships inquired about targets. The BIRDDOG CPT David N Clark told the aviators of four (4) sampans under the trees on a river SW of Kontum. He laid down a spotter rocket and immediately LT Daily (AC) and LT Speer (P) rolled in on their first run and sank two (2) boats with rocket and mini-guns. The mountainous region posed a tactical challenge but wingman WO Berry (AC) and WO Lambright (P) lived up to the challenge. They ascended high above the ridge line, rolled their gunship over into a steep dive and plunged onto the target. They peppered the area with automatic weapons fire and completed the destruction of the other two (2) sampans with rockets.

22 April 1969: MAJ Richard L. Lincoln assumed command of the 189^th AHC from departing MAJ Robert N. Morrison. The change of command ceremony was held at Battalion Headquarters of the 52^nd CAB, at Camp Holloway. In honor of the departing GHOSTRIDER 6, members of the 189^th performed an impressive eighteen (18)-ship fly by at the conclusion of the ceremony.

April 1969: The AVENGER gun platoon moved a fire team to Camp Radcliff at An Khe. The mission of the AVENGERS was to provide aerial cover and fire support for vehicle convoys between An Khe Pass to the Mang Yang Pass, west of An Khe, along Hwy QL19. (See Enclosure 7 for additional information about this mission).

1 May 31 July 1969: The 189^th continued supporting the 24^th Special Tactical Zone at Dak To. The daily commitment was six (6) slicks and two (2) gunships. Many insertions and extractions in the 24^th STZ AO were conducted by the 189^th. A liaison officer and his assistant were provided to the 24^th STZ to aid in the planning and execution of air operations. In addition, a maintenance team and armament crew was provided to assist in making the operational time of the assigned aircraft more effective. This operation was the largest of its kind ever conducted by an Assault Helicopter Company in the II Corps area. The 189^th virtually ran the air operations at Dak To through its liaison officers and designated air mission commander.

There were days of long hours and intense enemy fire. Even the usual waiting for missions at Dak To airstrip became a tense situation because Dak To began receiving an average of fifty (50) rounds of incoming rockets, mortars, and recoilless rifle fire daily. The landing zones of all the combat assaults were fiery hells as they were continuously pounded by enemy mortar fire and at times by enemy artillery fire from positions across the border. Regardless of the enemy s massive force and death dealing capabilities, the GHOSTRIDERS, in support of the 24^th STZ, provided AVENGER gunships. Their effectiveness resulted in an estimated 150 KBA s. GHOSTRIDER slicks were provided and flew on insertions and extractions, medevacs, and carried thousands of pounds of cargo. Due to the length of the campaign and the numerous combat assaults performed, it would be almost impossible to list them all. The following is a list of the most significant events during the operations:

7 May 1969: Emergency extraction of two (2) ARVN companies from FSB 29 while under intense enemy fire resulting in one (1) GHOSTRIDER slick lost due to combat damage, but with negative casualties. The remaining five (5) GHOSTRIDER slicks received combat damage and one (1) AVENGER gunship received heavy damage with one (1) crew member WIA 1LT Speer was awarded the DFC 2^nd Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroism.

8 May 1969: At YB 8215 and YB 8418, an AVENGER fire team in support of 24^th STZ, expended all rockets and ammo on a confirmed enemy location in preparation for a troop assault resulting in ten (10) KBA.

9 May 1969: 1LT Speer was (AC) on an AVENGER gunship when an enemy 122mm rocket exploded 100 meters from the aircraft. He scrambled his gunship in the midst of the enemy rockets and mortars and, once airborne, joined in the search for the rocket position. The team leader began receiving intense 50 caliber fire from a bunker. 1LT Speer, seeing the numerous tracers fired at his team leader fired rockets and managed to provide enough suppressive fire for the lead ship to break outbound. He repeated the attack on the second rocket site and continued the assault until his ship was completely out of ammunition. He then returned to Dak To to rearm and refuel. 1LT James D. Speer was awarded the DFC 1^st Oak Leaf Cluster.

11 May 1969: AVENGER gunships expended all 40mm grenades, rockets and mini-gun ammo when friendly troops made contact in vicinity of FOB-16 with the following results: 52 NVA KIA. The Kontum airfield was attacked with 82mm mortars, 122mm rockets and RPG-7 rounds. Four (4) UH-1H and two (2) UH-1C aircraft were destroyed along with one (1) maintenance hangar and the billets area was also hit with 82mm mortars. The AVENGERS were called out when friendly forces made contact with the enemy. The AVENGERS located the enemy and expended all aircraft ammo on their position until contact was broken. Fifty (50) NVA KIA were contributed to both the aircraft and ground forces.

12 May 1969: Camp Holloway received 23 82mm mortar rounds and five (5) 122mm rockets. Results were negative casualties friendlies but four (4) UH-1H aircraft and one (1) UH-1C gunship had light damage.

13-14 May 1969: Four (4) AVENGER gunships went in support of the 24^th STZ after they came under heavy enemy fire at YB801112 and YB835265. AVENGER 245 took hits in the right side of the aircraft while giving suppressive fire support, one (1) crew member was WIA and the aircraft flight controls were damaged. The AVENGERS expended all ammo on board forcing the enemy to break contact, and they were credited with twenty (20) NVA KIA.

17 May 1969: Again the AVENGERS were called in to support the 24^th STZ when they came under enemy small weapons fire from a dug-in enemy position. The enemy position was located at FSB 13 and suppressed resulting in 2 NVA KIA.

18 May 1969: AVENGER gunships supporting the 24^th STZ engaged a suspected enemy position in the vicinity of Dak Seang resulting in two (2) enemy KIA.

20 May1969: Avenger 508 was shot down over Dak To. (AC)  WO T. O. Gillis was injured with a broken back, left hand, left ankle and right thigh.  He also suffered a severe head wound.  He was sent to Japan for stabilization and then stateside. WO Grayneck was on wing. (CE) SP4 John M Randall and WO Benjamin Wayne Haire (P) were KIA from the incident. The gunner (G) was also injured and medeivaced out.  

22 May 1969: The 189^th supported the 24^th STZ on a CA in an area directly south of Dak To. Five (5) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships were attempting to insert 760 ARVN troops near a NVA regiment. The lead aircraft entered the LZ and inserted Pathfinders and, upon departure, the aircraft received heavy enemy fire. WO Douglas F Moore (AC) was hit in the head by small arms weapons fire and killed departing the hot LZ. The insertion was temporarily discontinued until the stranded squad was located. They were surrounded and needed immediate extraction. SP4 Powers (CE) and SP4 Whitehurst (G) immediately placed suppressive fire upon the enemy position while simultaneously clearing and directing the aircraft into the area. They were instrumental in changing the tide of battle and assisted in the completion of the mission. Four (4) GHOSTRIDER aircraft were heavily damaged. SP4 Terry D Powers and SP4 Terry L Whitehurst were awarded the Air Medal with V Device for their heroism. (See Enclosure 4, Statement from Mission Commander).

25 May 1969: A CA took place at Dak To when six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships of the 189^th inserted 1,254 ARVN troops into three (3) different LZ locations. Due to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire that was concentrated on the LZ s part of the assault, it was conducted as a night operation. One (1) GHOSTRIDER aircraft with fire from the door gunners was credited with two (2) NVA KIA..

26 May 1969: At 0300 hours, a tactical emergency was declared. Eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships from the 189^th departed Camp Holloway for Dak To. The troops that had been inserted on the afternoon of 25 May were in heavy contact and the 24^th STZ wanted the remainder extracted. Due to darkness, marginal weather and enemy fire, the extraction took six (6) hours to complete. The results were: five (5) aircraft damaged, one (1) crew chief wounded, and approximately 350 ARVN soldiers medevaced to Kontum

28 May 1969: GHOSTRIDER 6, while operating as the C&C ship, was resupplying the 24^th STZ near Dak To and received small arms and automatic weapons fire from a suspected enemy location. SP4 Powers (CE) and SP4 Whitehurst (P) immediately engaged the position with M-60 machine gun fire resulting in four (4) NVA KIA. Both crew members were awarded the Air Medal with a V Device for heroism.

30 May 1969: The AVENGERS were called out in support of the 24^th STZ, who were in heavy contact with an unknown enemy force. The gunships swiftly identified the enemy s position and placed intensive rocket and minigun fire on their location. The body count was ten (10) NVA KIA.

10 June 1969: A UH-1H helicopter from the 604^th Maint Co (CARETAKERS) flown by WO Locke (AC) 1LT Belliveau (P) with crew members PFC Kelly (CE) and SP4 Magna (G) was on a routine flight when a loud noise was heard from the aft area of the aircraft. WO Locke was slow to react to the engine failure which resulted in a loss of altitude. When he recovered, he entered auto-rotation with 90 knots forward airspeed. He was following a river and, because of heavy foliage on both sides, he decided to go into the river. WO Locke saw a sandbar to the right and maneuvered the aircraft to it. After the crew evacuated the ship the (AC) and (P) returned to the aircraft to use the radios, a fire was noticed on the right side of the engine and it was extinguished by WO Locke. A CH-54 aircraft evacuated the entire crew a few minutes later.

12 June 1969: Camp Holloway received 82mm mortar rounds which landed in the 604^th Maint area. Results: one (1) Maintenance hangar and two (2) vans had light damage and two (2) US WIA.

13 June 1969: AVENGER gunships in support of 24^th STZ fired on confirmed enemy locations resulting in 19 KBA.

21 June 1969: A CA took place three (3) miles southeast of Ben Het. Eight (8) slicks and two (2) gunships of the 189^th inserted 800 ARVN troops while receiving small arms and mortar fire in the LZ resulting in two (2) aircraft damaged and negative injuries.

28 June 1969: Five (5) slicks and two (2) gunships of the 189^th extracted 1,100 ARVN troops from heavy contact nine (9) miles west of Dak To. This resulted in one (1) slick receiving 96 holes from mortar rounds in the LZ and two (2) other aircraft received combat damage. There were no injuries.

7 July 1969: The siege of Dak To and Ben Het ceased as the NVA began pulling back across the border. The 189^th continued to support the 24^th STZ on their clean-up campaign but very little enemy contact was made as the NVA retreated.

3 August 1969: 189^th aircraft bunker #64 received six (6) rounds of small arms fire. Fire was not returned. Movement was also reported in front of the same bunker and M-79 fire was placed in the area with negative results. There were no friendly casualties and enemy casualties were unknown.

6 August 1969: A tactical emergency was declared by the 4^th Inf Div when one (1) of the company s seized elements was located at LZ St. George. The company came under heavy ground attack. Five (5) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGER gunships were launched for emergency medevacs and reinforcements.

9 August 1969: The 189^th received a new mission for four (4) AVENGER gunships and two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks to RON at Ban Me Thuot. The mission requirements were for escort and fire support of the 23^rd ARVN Division. The remainders of the unit s aircraft were in support of the 52^nd CAB.

11 August 1969: The 189^th guards reported possible movement in front of bunker #64. The 52^nd Security Detachment fired mortar illumination rounds and the bunker expended small arms fire. The bunker lost site of the individuals and the area was checked with the starlight scope and the Firefly aircraft with negative sightings. A check of the defensive wire found it had been tampered with at bunker #57.

12 August 1969: 189^th aircraft bunker #57 on the northeast side of the perimeter received small arm weapons fire, illumination was used and M-79 fire was returned. The 170^th on the west side of the perimeter reported ten (10) troops 150 meters to their front but when illumination was employed they turned and ran. Camp Holloway received fifteen (15) 82mm mortar rounds. AVENGER gunships and a GHOSTRIDER flare ship were launched in support of the base.

20 August 1969: Four (4) GHOSTRIDERS slicks supporting the 5^th SFG inserted 110 ARVN troops 20 miles south of Duc Co. These same aircraft conducted a second combat assault in the vicinity of Tan Can, inserting 250 ARVN troops into an LZ at YB 96215. Negative enemy contact was reported during these operations.

24 August 1969: AVENGER gunships supporting the 4^th Inf Div engaged an unknown sized enemy force after friendlies were fired upon in heavy contact west of Dak To. The AVENGERS were credited with nine (9) NVA KBA.

9 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 066 piloted by WO Bird was backing out of a revetment and had a tail rotor strike with the revetment behind him.

10 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 774, while in support of the 5^th SFG, experienced a complete tail rotor failure. WO Veal (AC) and 1LT Hawthorne (P) departed FSB Meredith en route to Bam Me Thout with SP5 Powers (CE) SP4 Main (G) and five (5) US troops on board when it crashed in the vicinity of Plei Mei. The aircraft crashed into the trees and was a total loss but everyone on board received only minor injuries.

13 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 272 flown by CPT Fitzgerald (AC) was on takeoff from a fresh cut LZ in dense jungle. As the aircraft started to swing nose right, CPT Fitzgerald applied all left pedal but that was not enough. He then set the aircraft down and felt a blade strike. With six (6) pax on board, he was able to put two (2) off the aircraft and departed without a problem. The helicopter had incident damage to both main rotor blades.

14 September 1969: WO Marsh (AC) of GHOSTRIDER 316 was flying the II Corps General s ship and had mechanical catastrophic failure after dropping off the General en route to Camp Holloway. GHOSTRIDER 316 was returning to Camp Holloway at noon on a lunch break from its daily mission of supporting the II Corps Commander missions but was to resume after lunch. The aircraft was flying north to south on the west end of Pleiku AFB at low level below the air force traffic which was normal routine transit for all helicopters passing Pleiku AFB going to Camp Holloway. The aircraft crashed while flying low and fast and all on board were KIA. The cause of the accident was undetermined, but hydraulic failure was suspected. Lost were (AC) WO Larry G Marsh, (P) WO Gary R Mason, (CE) SP5 Gale S Pritchard and (G) SP4 Thomas E Champagne.

14 September 1969: WO Rhodes served as (AC) of a GHOSTRIDER slick on a CA south of Dak Seang when a night tactical emergency developed. After landing on the initial assault, he returned to deposit his second load of troops and his aircraft received automatic weapons fire. Directing his crew, PFC Loshe (CE) and SP4 Hogenmiller (G) immediately returned fire with their machine guns and pinpointed the enemy position for the AVENGERS to place suppressive fire upon the enemy. WO Rhodes departed the area and returned to the LZ for the last sortie in total darkness and falling rain. Despite the gunship cover, his aircraft received fierce enemy resistance. He dropped his troops and departed the area. Because of their action during the battle, WO David B. Rhodes, PFC Patrick E. Loshe and SP4 Thomas A.  Hogenmiller were awarded the Air Medal with V Device for heroism.

27 September 1969: WO Rhodes was (P) of a GHOSTRIDER aircraft on an emergency extraction of a patrol that was surrounded by a large enemy force and had four (4) of the eight (8) men wounded. After braving extremely heavy fire and making two (2) attempts to reach the patrol, his ship was forced to withdraw to take his wounded CE for medical attention. Returning to the area, a third (3) attempt was made but he was forced off by enemy fire again. WO Rhodes aircraft made another attempt to make it into the area and, this time, was successful. The aircraft was shot up leaving the LZ, crashed and immediately became engulfed in flames. WO Rhodes freed the AC from his safety harness, helped him out of the burning wreckage and led him to a rescue helicopter despite the fact that he was under heavy enemy weapons fire at the time. Because of his heroism, WO David B Rhodes was awarded the Air Medal with V Device.

28 September 1969: Major John P Ratliff assumed command of the 189^th AHC.

28 September 1969: Six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and four (4) AVENGER gunships were utilized to insert 125 ARVN troops during a combat assault approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Dak Pek,. Due to the intense hostile fire received by the aircraft and the heavy ground contact made by the ARVN soldiers, a tactical emergency was declared. 1LT Jeffery (AC) of GHOSTRIDER 560 made an approach into the LZ surrounded by trees and had a main rotor blade strike. The remainder of the ARVN Battalion was not inserted. The weather deteriorated and darkness fell early forcing all aircraft to remain overnight at Dak Pek. Results of the operation were that three (3) aircraft received combat damage but there were no negative casualties.

29 September 1969: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft received weapons fire and one (1) RPG-7 air burst round while going into a LZ in Laos resulting in four (4) hits to the aircraft and one (1) US WIA. Gunners fired on the enemy position with unknown results.

2 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER 263 while at hover in a LZ was asked by the CE WO Ray (AC) to move the ship three (3) feet to the right to clear the tail rotor. WO Ray moved the ship one (1) foot and the main rotor struck a tree branch.

10 18 October 1969: The 52^nd CAB participated in an extensive search for two (2) missing O-1 aircraft belonging to the 219^th Avn Co. Many Battalion aircraft which also took part in the search. On 13 October the wreckage of one of the O-1s was found and later recovered. There were no signs of the aircraft occupants and the other O-1 was never sighted, however, the search continued in conjunction with normal missions. Pathfinder teams from the 52^nd CAB were extremely valuable in company size lifts. During the search for the two (2) missing O-1 aircraft, Pathfinders were used to the fullest extent possible both in the aerial search and the initial insertion into the O-1 wreckage sight.

11 October 1969: Two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships conducted a search and rescue for two (2) 0-1 BIRDDOG aircraft believed down in the vicinity of Dak Pek. This mission continued until 18 October 1969 when two (2) more slicks were assigned. On 17 October 1969, one (1) aircraft received heavy automatic weapons fire resulting in light damage.

13 October 1969: A GHOSTRIDER slick supporting the 17^th CAG on a search and rescue mission in the vicinity of Plei Jerang received ground fire resulting in one (1) hit to the aircraft. The gunners fired on the area and five (5) VC were KBA.

16 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER slicks were again supporting the 17^th CAG on another search and rescue in the area of Dak Pek. They received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire with four (4) hits to the aircraft. The crew placed accurate machine gun fire on the enemy position resulting in one (1) enemy KBA.

19 October 1969: A major movement of elements of the 4^th Inf Div began. From this date to 22 October 1969, a battalion-sized element of US troops was moved from the Oasis to LZ Punch Bowl and other LZ s in the vicinity. They encountered no enemy contact

21 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER 094 made a rapid descent into a bomb crater LZ, lost RPM and power and before settling into the LZ had a main rotor blade strike on a 20 foot stump. The aircraft came to rest on its right side which resulted in fatal injuries to SP4 John E Cook (CE) and passenger SP4 Dale E Thompson, both KIA. Two (2) other passengers suffered minor injuries.

1 November 1969 to 31 December 1969: The 189^th continued supporting the 4^th Inf Div with an average daily commitment of seven (7) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships. The mission requirements were for resupply, combat troop movement, and admin and logistical support. Initially, this mission proved to be one that required the men of the 189^th to reach deep into their bag of skills and tricks. The terrain that the 4^th Inf Div was working in was the mountainous area due west of the Oasis. This mountain line has peaks reaching up to 6,000 feet and its slopes are covered by dense jungle with 150-foot trees. The first combat assaults into the area had to be inserted into hover holes made by the dropping of 10,000- pound bombs in the vicinity of the desired area of operations. The holes made by these bombs were barely large enough for a helicopter to fit into much less descend and ascend vertically the required 150-200 feet through the dense jungle to drop off troops and supplies. In addition to the tight LZ s, the crews were faced with low power problems due to gusting winds that are so common in the area. The combination of these conditions confronted every aviator with possibly the greatest challenge of his career. Regardless of the conditions, the GHOSTRIDERS completed all assigned missions for the 4^th Inf Div in their usual outstanding manner. The following is a list of the most significant missions flown for the 4^th Inf Div during the period:

2 November 1969: Administrative move of 975 US troops from LZ Oasis to LZ Punch Bowl conducted by six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships.

4 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 395 took minor hits from automatic weapons fire.

7 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 295 was hit in tail boom coming out of LZ.

8 November 1969: The 189^th performed a CA of 350 US troops from LZ Punch Bowl to an LZ in the vicinity of Kontum. The lead GHOSTRIDER slick received fire while descending into the LZ while AVENGER gunships engaged the enemy and suppressed the fire as the insertion continued. Later the AVENGERS were credited with nine (9) VC KBA.

10 November 1969: AVENGER 528 piloted by WO McCormick was shutting down in a revetment at low rpm when one (1) main rotor blade struck an angle iron supporting the revetment.

12 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 079 received seven (7) rounds of small arms fire through the fuselage and shrapnel holes in the tail boom while attempting to land in an LZ.

17 November 1969: AVENGER 244 flown by WO Joe Wilson (AC) with WO Chuck Yingst (P) was providing air cover on a mission for Command and Control South when it received heavy ground weapons fire. During extraction of a team that had been inserted the day before about 60 miles into Cambodia, the gunship team was directed into the area by a FAC on his first mission who, because of his lack of knowledge of the gunship team tactics, had the team fly directly over the enemy placements. Avenger 244, flying as wing ship, was hit by anti-aircraft fire which immediately killed the gunner, PFC Burchard, and caused great damage to the engine and transmission of the helicopter.  The aircraft was shot down and PFC Mark W Burchard (G) was KIA, SP4 Richard Dimond was (CE).  WO Wilson was able to land the aircraft w/o power into a clearing which was later determined to actually be within the base camp of the 66^th NVA Regiment. Although still receiving fire, CE Diamond exited the aircraft with his machinegun and placed himself between the enemy and WO Wilson returning fire while Wilson continued to transmit  the condition of the crew and his intentions for escape and for destroying classified information. WO Wilson then pulled Burchard s body from the aircraft to carry it and directed his remaining crew away from the aircraft. Because of the heavy fire from the enemy, WO Wilson waved off the landing of a slick. The slick landed a while later and WO Wilson and a Special Forces medic then returned to the downed gunship to destroy it with a termite grenade. After placing the grenade, Wilson and the medic returned to the slick and were evacuated. The aircraft was not destroyed as enemy was observed removing the grenade from the engine deck before it ignited.    

21 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 094 departed to New Plei Djereng. They moved to the IOC pad to pick up a load of five (5) American troops with packs. WO Ray was in contact with his higher, requesting orders, as they were passed their normal release time. He was told to return to home base. WO Ray informed the ground commander that he had been told to return to home base. The ground commander said there were more troops to be moved. WO Ray said that it could be done and began his approach to the LZ. WO Ray and his crew made a number of sorties into the LZ. There had been no unusual problems encountered going in the hover hole. The LZ was cut by a 5,000 pound bomb and had 50-60 foot stumps in it. They had been landing into a 45-degree up slope. The unit on the ground should have cleared the stumps since the aircraft that landed in the LZ just prior to WO Ray was observed experiencing some difficulties. The weather was overcast with light rain and the wind was calm. WO Ray's approach into the LZ was normal until a rapid descent was noted where his tail rotor struck a 50 -foot stump, followed by a main rotor strike. The aircraft landed on its left side. CWO Blanchard shut off all systems except the throttle, as it was jammed. WO Ray, CWO Blanchard and SP5 Ulmschnider were able to exit the aircraft unaided. The Gunner SP4 John E Cook was thrown clear of the aircraft and KIA.

28 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 511 received minor damage to blades and fuselage while departing the LZ due to small arms fire.

29 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER slicks received automatic weapons fire and one (1) RPG air burst while performing an extraction of the 173d Abn Bge in the vicinity of Polei Kleng resulting in four (4) hits in the aircraft and one (1) US WIA.

Concurrently, while supporting the 4^th Inf Div the 189^th again received a top priority mission of supporting Command and Control South (CCS). This mission began on 1 November 1969 and continued through the end of the year. Due to its classified condition, no coordinated or exact information could be released about any of the missions flown in support of CCS. Today, we know that almost all missions were inserted in Laos and Cambodia. However, unclassified subjects can be discussed to give an idea of the intense enemy activity that the 189^th was confronted with in their performance of the assigned missions. The missions were to insert LRRP teams into suspected enemy held locations and then extract them at a later date. If the teams got into trouble, they would be extracted early, thus making the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS prime targets.

8 December 1969: GHOSTRIDER 409 received damage to the tail boom due to heavy small arms fire while attempting to land in the primary LZ. The aircraft when exiting the primary LZ received small arms fire causing damage to radios and chin bubble. The LZ was changed to the secondary LZ.

15 December 1969: The 189th conducted a CA using six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships inserting 500 US from BR 685585 to BR 681596. One (1) GHOSTRIDER received heavy small arms fire resulting in nine (9) hits to the aircraft but there were no casualties.

19 December 1969: One (1) AVENGER lost hydraulics due to heavy small arms fire while covering an extraction for CCS. The AVENGER gunship made it back to Dak To without further damage.

25 December 1969: The GHOSTRIDERS were sent out to various FSBs of the 4th Inf Div and 5^th SFG to give them a turkey meal for the Christmas holiday. What a great change from the norm and everyone seemed to appreciate it.

31 December 1969: With the year rapidly closing, many of the AVENGERS and GHOSTRIDERS decided to meet at the club to celebrate what they had been through and what was coming in the New Year. All had a good time and champagne was available. The next day of flying was not fun as we all had a round of hangovers.

This Command and Control South mission was to continue into the New Year. These extracts from the mission records were an example of the type of flying the 189^th performed for CCS. The 189^th accomplished their missions with such professionalism that they earned the reputation in the II Corps area that they would go anywhere and do anything.

1970

1 January 1970: The New Year was brought in with the usual machine gun fire, shouting and drinking too much beer and whiskey. But being aviators and men of substance they took to the air, if it was not for the vomiting and blood shot eyes no one would have noticed. By the end of the day they were back to normal.

26 January 1970: WO Cornell (AC) flying GHOSTRIDER 420 was attempting to extract a LRRP team that was in heavy enemy contact and were forced into a unsuitably LZ for pickup. WO Cornell entered the LZ and was maneuvering as close to the team as possible when the aircraft had a main rotor blade strike causing incident damage.

26 January 1970: CWO Meister was performing the duty of (AC) with the 334 AHC, 12^th CAG in AH-1G 274 in support of the 3rd Mobile Strike Force located at Rang Rang, approximately 35 miles Northeast of Bien Hoa, the aircraft crashed for undetermined reasons. The landing area was hot from enemy weapons fire so the helicopter was destroyed in place before an investigation could be conducted. The pilot was unable to explain the crash because he had no communications with the AC before the crash. CW2 Bernard E Meister died in Japan 19 days later on 14 February 1970. He was a former member of the 189^th AHC.

4 February 1970: GHOSTRIDER 560 returned from a mission and SP4 Sawyer (CE) asked WO High (AC) and WO Callister (P) to park the aircraft in the 189^th wash rack. As 560 approached the wash rack, the crew noted that GHOSTRIDER 462 was sitting in such a position that both the wash rack and the adjoining revetment were inaccessible to another aircraft. WO High set 560 down and called 189th operations which sent out WO Dobson and WO Renfroe to move 462. SP4 Sawyer and SP4 Kelley (G) went over to 462 and assisted in moving the aircraft into the adjoining revetment. After 462 were in the revetment and engine was rolled back to flight idle, Sawyer and Kelly returned to 560. WO High then brought 560 up light on its skids and pushed the cyclic forward to ground taxi into the wash rack. WO High stated that the cyclic was binding. As the aircraft moved forward, SP4 Sawyer informed WO High that they were getting close to the main rotor blades of 462 on the left. SP4 Kelly informed WO High that he had sufficient room on the right and cleared him to move right. WO High reduced collective to stop his forward movement and the main rotor blades of both aircraft meshed. WO High stated that when he had reduced collective, the cyclic held itself fast in the forward position.

5 February 1970: GHOSTRIDER 670 was hovering in a LZ and WO Raiford (AC) lost pedal control and settled into high stumps and brush. Both main rotor and tail rotor blades had incident damage.

26 February 1970: WO Dowd was the instructor pilot (IP) on GHOSTRIDER 356 and was giving WO Veal a check ride and doing auto-rotations. WO Veal was apparently having difficulty accomplishing a successful auto-rotation. The aircraft was on decent with an extremely tail-low attitude, the tail stinger and tail rotor impacted the lane causing the aircraft to bounce and come to rest on the western portion of the auto-rotation lane. Upon impact, the tail rotor and 90 degree gear-box was separated from the aircraft. The tail rotor drive shaft was completely twisted apart. Maj Morgan was a passenger on the aircraft. No one was injured.

2 March 1970: WO Dobson (P) was flying seven (7) troops to a friendly location, the landing zone was a hover hole surrounded by 40 ft. trees. He made his approach to a three (3) foot hover due to stumps in the area. The troops dismounted and five (5) others boarded the aircraft for evacuation. CWO Albers (AC) took over proceeding with his take-off when SP4 Hudson (CE) told him twice to move the tail of the aircraft to the left, which he did. Finally, both SP4 Hudson and SP4 Harris yelled correcting themselves. Hudson yelled I mean right, but it was too late as the tail rotor struck a tree. The aircraft spun to the right. CWO Albers closed the throttle and pulled pitch in order to keep the blades from striking the ground and to give the ground troops more time to get off the aircraft. The aircraft made two (2) revolutions while receiving numerous blade strikes. There was no fire.

3 March 1970: While landing, GHOSTRIDER 670 piloted by WO Callister (AC) was hovering at ten (10) feet when main rotor blades hit a tree causing minor incident damage.

6 March 1970: Major George A Morgan assumed command of the 189^th AHC.

6 March 1970: CARETAKER 353 was parked on its helipad when incoming 60mm mortar rounds and 122mm rockets got too close damaging the engine, tail rotor, flight controls and communication systems. The hangar and avionics shop took direct hits. SP4 Charles Whatley was killed on the ground during the mortar attack. SP4 Easley was wounded and ended up being medeivaced.

15 March 1970: The crew of GHOSTRIDER 047 was WO Deuschle (AC), WO Riovo (P), SP4 Gault (CE) and SP4 Icovitti. They were on take-off to do a resupply mission in a remote LZ. The aircraft reached the LZ, circled and made its approach but upon termination the aircraft began to turn to the right. The WO Deuschle applied full left pedal, but the aircraft continued to turn to the right. The tail rotor hit the surrounding trees, severing the 90 degree gear-box and tail rotor. The tail rotor struck the tail boom and the aircraft settled upright 180 degrees from the approach axis.

1 April 1970: The SF Camp at Dak Seang came under siege by an estimated three (3) Regiments of the NVA. During the siege, the 189^th AHC flew a total of 1381 sorties, resulting in an estimated 114 KIA.

1 April 1970: The 119th unit history states that laxity no longer persisted as the enemy, comprised of NVA main force units, swept down from the north and set siege to Dak Seang, Dak Pek, Dak To, and Kontum. An estimated force of three regiments had encircled Dak Seang. The 189th AHC did most of the support for the 2d ARVN Rangers, the MIKE Strike Force, and the CIDG; but concentrations of automatic 37mm and .51 cal fire brought ships down one after another. Air strike after air strike, the enemy continued to bring down helicopters. During the first 16 days of the siege, the Gators stood idle flying missions for the 4th Inf Div. As the situation increased at Dak Seang, almost being over run twice, the Gators were mustered to assist further actions against the enemy. The Crocs were at Pleiku in case further contact was encountered. Thus far there had been four (4) Hueys, one (1) F-100, two (2) C-47As, one (1) A10-2, and two (2) Gunships shot down from enemy fire. A few of the Gators were still supporting the 4th Inf Div around the Hard times area and some saw action.

1 April to 12 April 1970: SF SFC Wade, in his book Assault on Dak Pek, provided a second- hand account of the NVA attack on Dak Seang. What follows is an edited version of his account. Aircraft from the 52^nd CAB did the majority of lifts and insertions described by SFC Wade. At first light, the NVA 28th Infantry augmented by artillery started a daylight attack on Dak Seang. The initial bombardment was with mortars and RRs which destroyed several buildings and part of the camp's commo. The first NVA assault was beaten back when they got to the wire. Luckily not all of the camp's commo was out. The C-detachment at Pleiku sent in reinforcements right away by airlifting a company from Plateau Gi outside the wire, but they got surrounded before they could move into the camp. This force spent the entire night pinned down and almost got overrun themselves. The reinforcements moved into the camp on the 2nd after the USAF napalmed a path for them. The NVA were not discouraged and made two (2) more daylight assaults that day. There were reports that the NVA were dug in about 30 meters from the perimeter wire. B-52s were used on suspected enemy base locations. The 4th Inf Div had built a FSB equipped with 155's on the large mountain near the camp. When they withdrew, the NVA occupied the site and were directing their fire support from it. After several napalm sorties on the site, the plan was to insert part of a SOG Hatchet force to secure an LZ to be used for a Mike Force. According to Wade's account, a Jolly Green Giant carried the Hatchet force troops and followed the last napalm strike. Just as it flared to land, it was hit by an RPG-7 and blew up killing all on board. //Editor's Note: The VHPA KIA and HELICOPTER databases do not show any losses that correlate to this account. Their only non-Army helicopter loss in early April was a Jolly Green Giant on the 15^th in Kontum Province while attempting to rescue the crew of a downed Army Huey.// Wade's account states that emergency medeivaced and resupply missions were flown into Dak Seang and American wounded were replaced with members from other SF teams. A Mike Force was inserted some distance from the camp as a means of flanking the NVA, but the NVA sent a force to engage it. The NVA did not seem to be intimidated by the air support as they continued to send infantry and sappers against the camp even during the day. After a few days, the pressure on the camp lessened as the NVA seemed to turn their attention to the surrounded Mike Force. When Dak Pek was attacked on the 12th, Wade does not provide any more details about the action around Dak Seang. The source for this information was Assault on Dak Pek by Leigh Wade.

1 April to 12 April 1970: SF SFC Wade, in his book Assault on Dak Pek, provided a second- hand account of the NVA attack on Dak Seang. What follows is an edited version of his account. Aircraft from the 52^nd CAB did the majority of lifts and insertions described by SFC Wade. At first light, the NVA 28th Infantry augmented by artillery started a daylight attack on Dak Seang. The initial bombardment was with mortars and RRs which destroyed several buildings and part of the camp's commo. The first NVA assault was beaten back when they got to the wire. Luckily not all of the camp's commo was out. The C-detachment at Pleiku sent in reinforcements right away by airlifting a company from Plateau Gi outside the wire, but they got surrounded before they could move into the camp. This force spent the entire night pinned down and almost got overrun themselves. The reinforcements moved into the camp on the 2nd after the USAF napalmed a path for them. The NVA were not discouraged and made two (2) more daylight assaults that day. There were reports that the NVA were dug in about 30 meters from the perimeter wire. B-52s were used on suspected enemy base locations. The 4th Inf Div had built a FSB equipped with 155's on the large mountain near the camp. When they withdrew, the NVA occupied the site and were directing their fire support from it. After several napalm sorties on the site, the plan was to insert part of a SOG Hatchet force to secure an LZ to be used for a Mike Force. According to Wade's account, a Jolly Green Giant carried the Hatchet force troops and followed the last napalm strike. Just as it flared to land, it was hit by an RPG-7 and blew up killing all on board. //Editor's Note: The VHPA KIA and HELICOPTER databases do not show any losses that correlate to this account. Their only non-Army helicopter loss in early April was a Jolly Green Giant on the 15^th in Kontum Province while attempting to rescue the crew of a downed Army Huey.// Wade's account states that emergency medevac and resupply missions were flown into Dak Seang and American wounded were replaced with members from other SF teams. A Mike Force was inserted some distance from the camp as a means of flanking the NVA, but the NVA sent a force to engage it. The NVA did not seem to be intimidated by the air support as they continued to send infantry and sappers against the camp even during the day. After a few days, the pressure on the camp lessened as the NVA seemed to turn their attention to the surrounded Mike Force. When Dak Pek was attacked on the 12th, Wade does not provide any more details about the action around Dak Seang. The source for this information was Assault on Dak Pek by Leigh Wade.

2 April to 2 May 1970: The 189^th AHC primarily supported the 4^th Inf Div with some support being provided II ARVN Corps and CORDS. Major support was provided to the 24^th Special Tactical Zone during the battle of Dak Seang and Dak Pek.

3 April 1970: These men distinguished themselves by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as pilots and crew-members on GHOSTRIDER aircraft during insertions three (3) kilometers SE of the besieged Dak Seang SF Camp. Approaching the LZ, the ships came under a barrage of enemy automatic weapons, rocket, hand grenade and small arms fire. Undaunted, they continued their approach and landed, allowing the troops on the aircraft to join the battle. Again and again they landed in the area with badly needed reinforcements taking intense enemy fire. Due to their high regard for the mission, the lives of the ground troops and complete disregard for their own safety, the area was secured. The following were awarded the Air Medal with V Device, (First Award) SP5 Gilbert R Gonzalez, SP4 David B Pickens, SP4 Luis E Rivera (Second Award) WO Patrick C Buchan, WO Brian D Cope, WO Ward W Dunning, and WO James H Riovo SP4 Richard W Matthes, PFC Albert D Sena, (Third Award) SP4 Phillip H Kelley, SP4 Stephen J Sawyer, (Forth Award) Richard C Pryze, for heroism.

4 April 1970: Serving aboard GHOSTRIDER aircraft as medeivaced helicopters just three (3) miles SE of Dak Seang, the allied forces were completely surrounded and had been under continuous attack throughout the night. The GHOSTRIDERS were assigned the reinforcement mission. Each time they flew into the area, their ships were subject to enemy fire, but their highly accurate effective fire made the mission more successful. In the midst of enemy fire, these men displayed great courage in aiding the wounded men aboard their aircraft. The following were awarded the Air Medal with V Device (First Award) SP4 Kenneth L Howard, SP4 Edward J Icovitti, SP4 Gordon S Roberts, PFC Earl R Phillips, SP4 David G Heckendorn, SP4 Johnny W Smith, SP5 James E Gault, SP5 Larry D McGaha, (Second Award) SP4 Robert W Gray, SP4 Luis E Rivera, SP5 Gilbert R Gonzalez, PFC Albert D Sena, SP4 Hohn L Harris for heroism.

6 April 1970: CARETAKER 962 was parked in the 604^th Maintenance area and was damaged on the left side by a satchel charge thrown by a VC that penetrated the fence line.

10 April 1970: CPT Karig (P) brought the aircraft to a hover and moved forward off the pol pad. He was forced to set the aircraft down between the pol pads because the aircraft was losing rpm s. Operating rpm was considered acceptable at 6400, and he hovered left for about 30 feet and again he was forced to set the aircraft down. This time the ship was put down in a low spot, but the other crew members WO Hatton (AC), SP4 Smith (CE), and PFC Ament (G) were not cognizant of the aircraft s position. CPT Karig then proceeded forward in a low hover along a path where the ground raised about one (1) foot. As he approached the psp runway, the rpm began to bleed off and the left skid struck the edge of the psp causing the aircraft to roll over. No crew members were injured.

15 April 1970: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft was on a sniffer mission at Dak Seang, WO Wilkinson (AC), PFC Lee (CE) and Sp4 Holt (G), as they departed the dirt strip at the camp, spider holes started to open up and they began seeing NVA coming out of holes and heading toward the CIDG Camp at Dak Seang. As the GHOSTRIDER left the AO they were called back to FSB Ben Het. Shortly after arrival they were called back to Dak Seang to extract some Australian soldiers that were wounded. They requested a blivet of water and some whiskey. The water and whiskey was delivered but the wounded Aussie refused to leave. The aircraft did not receive any enemy fire going in or out of the LZ.

16 April 1970: SP4 Ralph E Reed was flying back from Kontum when an armor piercing round went through his machine gun mount and into his groin, bouncing off his back plate and back through his body lodging in his front armor plate.

18 April 1970: Kameron (Kim) Brooks GHOSTRIDER 25 recalls an adventure he had on his way back from Qui Nhon. It s not too smart but worth reading. (Enclosure 7)

25 April 1970: The battle on Hill 833 near Dak Seang was a major battle. AVENGER 158 was supporting the troops on the ground when they came under heavy enemy ground fire. All crew members including WO Pierce (AC), CPT Mc Kibben (P), SP4 Smith (CE), and PFC Adkins (G) were placing effective fire on the enemy positions when the aircraft lost power and crashed in the dense jungle killing all on board and destroying the aircraft. A GHOSTRIDER slick was on approach with troops on board and the citation given to the gunner for valor reads, in part, While on final approach, PFC Lee's aircraft was riddled by a hail of enemy fire. With the intense volume of suppressive fire from PFC Lee, the pilots were able to continue the approach. Because two (2) aircraft had been shot down in the LZ by heavy automatic weapons fire, the small area was almost inaccessible. PFC Lee was forced to hang out of the aircraft in order to keep the approach into the hostile area until the mission was completed. It was his third (3) day as a gunner.

27 April 1970: GHOSTRIDER 282 was flying with WO Dowd (IP) at the controls when the 90 -degree gear box and tail rotor failed and separated from the aircraft. Part of the assembly struck an indigenous female on the ground and she was injured (extent of injuries was unknown). The aircraft landed without further damage and no injury to the crew and passengers. Suspect components were submitted for tear-down and inspection.

28 April 1970: GHOSTRIDER 865 piloted by WO Brooks (AC) was on approach and started to lose power so the crew started throwing supplies off aircraft causing center of gravity variations that caused the main rotor blades to strike a tree and was charged as incident damage.

Motor vehicle shortages have become a problem. Recent messages from the 1^st Logistic Command indicated that assistance should be rendered in the month of May on ton and 2 1/2 ton vehicles. The 189^th received none, zip, Eada.

3 May to 29 May 1970: The 189^th AHC provided support to the 4^th Inf Div for massive operations into Cambodia during this period. Not all operations are recorded but many were fought. During the remainder of the quarter, general support was given to the 5^th SFG, II Corps and the 52^nd CAB.

6 May 1970: The 189^th CO Maj Morgan, flying as Mission Commander, directed the initial insertion of three (3) Battalions of US Infantry into Cambodia. The operation was a highly successful one consisting of one hundred plus aircraft.

9 May 1970: GHOSTRIDER 079 was shot down carrying a combat camera crew returning to Pleiku from Du Co. Nine (9) personnel lost their lives in the crash. WO John D Mc Cluskey 1LT Colin P Hurd (P), SP4 Johnny L Fulton (CE), and PFC David J Corpus (G), the aircraft crew and the camera crew were Christopher J Childs III, SP5 Douglas John Itri, SP4 Ronald Sidney Young, PFC Raymond Louis Paradis.