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Back to to HISTORY REPORTS page
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Daniel George Dawson Captain |
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DAWSON, DANIEL GEORGE
Name: Daniel George Dawson
Rank/Branch: O2/US Army
Unit: 145th Aviation Battalion
Date of Birth: 23 July 1938 (San Luis Obispo CA)
Home City of Record: Ft. Bragg CA
Date of Loss: 06 November 1964
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 105912N 1064917E (XT921449)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 2
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: O1F
REFNO: 0043
Other Personnel In Incident: ARVN observer (missing, name unknown)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 October 1990 from one or more
of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources,
correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.
Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: ACFT OVERDUE - T/O 1420L -J
FATHER LOST AT SEA 1957, BROTHER CAPTURED LOOKING FOR HIM -----
SYNOPSIS: The O1 "Bird Dog" was used extensively in the early years of the
war in Vietnam by forward air controllers and provided low, close visual
reconnaissance and target marking which enabled armed aircraft or ground
troops to close in on a target. The Bird Dog was feared by the enemy,
because he knew that opening fire would expose his location and invite
attack by fighter planes controlled by the slowly circling Bird Dog. The
Vietnamese became bold, however, when they felt their position was
compromised and attacked the little Bird Dog with a vengeance in order to
lessen the accuracy of the impending air strike.
On November 6, 1964, 1Lt. Daniel G. Dawson was the pilot of an O1F Bird Dog
aircraft flying a visual reconnaissance mission over Bien Hoa Province,
South Vietnam. His observer on the mission was an ARVN 2nd Lieutenant, whose
name is unknown.
The aircraft was not heard from after takeoff. Although search efforts were
made, they failed to turn up either the crashed aircraft or its crew. It is
not known whether or not Dawson and his observer survived. The estimated
location of the loss is listed as near the city of Bien Hoa.
Daniel G. Dawson was maintained in a status of missing in action, but was
ultimately declared dead, based on no specific information to indicate that
he was still alive.
In 1973, when agreements were signed ending American involvement in the
Vietnam War, 591 American prisoners were released. Dawson was not among
them. He is one of nearly 2500 Americans who did not return from Vietnam.
By 1989, over 10,000 reports have been received relating Americans missing,
prisoner or unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, and many experts are
convinced that hundreds of these missing men are still alive.
Whether Daniel Dawson survived to be captured is not known. It is certain,
however, that we have a moral and legal obligation to those who are alive to
bring them home.
Daniel G. Dawson was promoted to the rank of Captain during the period he
was maintained missing.
[note: Vietnam Helicopter Pilot's Association, October '94 describes
incident as "Official description: Died while missing not as a result of
hostile action, fixed wing air casualty - pilot."
In all probability we will never know Dan’s fate. Did he die from hostile action or was it a crash? I can tell you that many 118th pilots transported Dan’s civilian brother Don and his French Vietnamese Interpreter/reporter into the bush in War Zone D west of Cu Chi in search of any information on his brother. Usually a week or more before pickup and often longer. I am certain they were not treated with kindness by the enemy but they continued their search for many months.
Following this information on Dan will be a info page on Don.
John Robert Urban
Warrant Officer
PERSONAL DATA
Home of Record: Helena, Montana
Date of birth: Sunday, 10/07/1934
MILITARY DATA
Service: Army (Reserve)
Grade at loss: W1
Rank: Warrant Officer
ID No: W2151981
MOS: 062B Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor
LenSvc: Between 10 and 11 years
Unit: 68TH AVN CO, 145TH AVN BN, USARV
CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: Not recorded
Cas Date: Tuesday, 02/09/1965
Age at Loss: 30
Remains: Body recovered
Location: Province not reported, South Vietnam
Type: Hostile, died outright
Reason: Air loss or crash over land - Helicopter - Pilot
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
WO Urban was part of a multi-battalion combat assault just north of Vung Tau call Binh Gia. Elite VN rangers were airlifted into the drop zones and in short time they were completely annihilated. Three 68th (UTT) ships were hit by ground fire and WO Urban was killed due to enemy fire. A 118th ship crashed in the LZ.
Horace Cleveland Collins
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 88 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Jacksonville, FL |
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Date of birth: |
03/25/1945 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
E4 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Specialist Four |
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ID No: |
14830346 |
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MOS/RATING: |
11E10: Armor Crewman |
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Length Service: |
01 |
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Unit: |
C CO, 1ST BN, 5TH INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
Not Recorded |
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Incident Date: |
02/10/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
02/10/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
19 |
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Location: |
Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/11/2015 |
From Diary of Ralph Orlando
SP4 Collins was the door gunner on a 118th Bandit gunship flown by pilots WO Melvin Koon and WO Bill Pettibone. The 118th was on a combat assault in the Song Be area. The ship had a double mechanical failure losing the engine and tail rotor an almost unservivable condition. These very experienced pilots were able to somehow get the aircraft on the ground but without directional control the aircraft came to rest on its side trapping Collins who died from his injuries, All others on board survived the crash.
John William Irving Jr
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 111 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
San Jose, CA |
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Date of birth: |
11/21/1935 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
O2 |
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Rank/Rate: |
First Lieutenant |
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ID No: |
O99472 |
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MOS/RATING: |
71542: Infantry Unit Commander (Airborne Qual) |
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Length Service: |
08 |
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Unit: |
C CO, 1ST BN, 14TH INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
02/19/1965 |
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Incident Date: |
05/08/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
05/08/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
29 |
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Location: |
Province not reported, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/25/2015 |
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From written diary of WO Ralph Orlando.
This afternoon we had a training flight with troops at Trung Lap. In Viet Nam there is no such thing as a training flight and I guess a few people learned this today. As the troops loaded up in a supposed secure area they got sniper fire. Lt. Irving, the gunner platoon leader, was shot in the chest and died shortly afterwards.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
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Edward Roger Piper Chief Warrant Officer |
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The database page for Edward Roger Piper
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05 Oct 1999 He gave the best he had to give in his short life. He lives in the hearts and memories of his home town cousins. He will always be remembered for his unselfish devotion to his family. A memorial initiated by Byron and Ed's other cousins would love to hear from anyone who knew him. |
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A Note from The Virtual Wall On 28 May 1965 two UH-1B Hueys from the 118th Assault Helicopter Company collided near Bien Hoa. Of the eleven men aboard, only one survived - Sergeant S. C. Kartak from UH-1B tail number 63-08594. The dead were
118th AHC aircrewmen
118TH AHC aircrewmen
Passengers (all from SD-5891, HQ, MACV Advisors)
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WO Piper and Lt. Childers were landing at Bien Hoa when
Lt. Fillers and WO Pfoust were taking off from the III Corps soccer field.
The two aircraft collided and exploded bursting into a ball of flames. The
crew chief in Lt. Fillers aircraft was thrown out and his life was saved.
10 men were not as fortunate.
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Phillip Don Childers First Lieutenant |
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© Copyright 1997-2014 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) |
Last update 04/19/2014 |
Some information © Copyright by The Coffelt Group 2003-2015. Used with permission.
Foster F Triggs
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 127 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
East Bernard, TX |
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Date of birth: |
11/30/1942 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
E3 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Private First Class |
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ID No: |
18690095 |
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MOS/RATING: |
-----: Not Recorded |
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Length Service: |
01 |
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Unit: |
118TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
09/30/1964 |
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Incident Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
22 |
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Location: |
Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/10/2015 |
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
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George Howard Frazee, Jr Sergeant |
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The database page for George Howard Frazee, Jr
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15 Aug 2007 REMEMBERED by |
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A Note from The Virtual Wall On 28 May 1965 two UH-1B Hueys from the 118th Assault Helicopter Company collided near Bien Hoa. Of the eleven men aboard, only one survived - Sergeant S. C. Kartak from UH-1B tail number 63-08594. The dead were
118th AHC aircrewmen
118TH AHC aircrewmen
Passengers (all from SD-5891, HQ, MACV Advisors)
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The point-of-contact for this memorial is |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 15 Aug 2007
Last updated 11/13/2007
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
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Donald Jay Fillers Captain |
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The database page for Donald Jay Fillers
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19 Nov 2001 "And they who for their country
die A memorial from his niece, |
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A Note from The Virtual Wall On 28 May 1965 two UH-1B Hueys from the 118th Assault Helicopter Company collided near Bien Hoa. Of the eleven men aboard, only one survived - Sergeant S. C. Kartak from UH-1B tail number 63-08594. The dead were
118th AHC aircrewmen
118TH AHC aircrewmen
Passengers (all from SD-5891, HQ, MACV Advisors)
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The point-of-contact for this memorial is |
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Top of Form Bottom of Form |
With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 11/27/2004
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Myron Mc Clelland Pfoutz Warrant Officer |
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William Joseph Oakley Private First Class |
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© Copyright 1997-2014 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) |
Last update 04/19/2014 |
Some information © Copyright by The Coffelt Group 2003-2015. Used with permission.
James Joseph Masotti
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 125 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Troy, NY |
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Date of birth: |
03/19/1938 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
O3 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Captain |
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ID No: |
O99347 |
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MOS/RATING: |
1542: Infantry Unit Commander |
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Length Service: |
04 |
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Unit: |
SD-5891, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
11/28/1964 |
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Incident Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
27 |
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Location: |
Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Noncrew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/10/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
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Millard Russell Valerius
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 127 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Grand Rapids, MI |
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Date of birth: |
11/02/1928 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
O3 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Captain |
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ID No: |
O79626 |
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MOS/RATING: |
1542: Infantry Unit Commander |
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Length Service: |
18 |
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Unit: |
SD-5891, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
10/27/1964 |
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Incident Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
36 |
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Location: |
Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Noncrew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/10/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
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Ronald John Warren
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 1E Line 127 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
St Louis, MO |
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Date of birth: |
09/09/1935 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
E6 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Staff Sergeant |
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ID No: |
27551544 |
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MOS/RATING: |
---- |
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Length Service: |
12 |
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Unit: |
SD-5891, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
02/09/1965 |
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Incident Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
05/28/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
29 |
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Location: |
Bien Hoa Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Noncrew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/10/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
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HALL, WALTER LOUIS
Name: Walter Louis Hall
Rank/Branch: O2/US Army
Unit: 118th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Birth: 25 February 1940 (Bangor ME)
Home City of Record: Old Town ME
Loss Date: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1B
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Joseph J. Compa; Robert L. Curlee; Craig L. Hagen;
Bruce G.Johnson; Fred M. Owens; Donald R. Saegaert (all missing)
Source: Compiled from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S.
Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published
sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK in 1998.
REMARKS: J010 ON GND SED ALL DED - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special
Forces Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other
duties, assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity
to warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily
mortared, and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and
most of the CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was
sent in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was
aboard a UH1B helicopter from the 188th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter
L. Hall. The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J.
Compa, crew chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV
Special Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt.
Bruce G. Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing
zone, the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded
into some parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who
stated that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and
other two advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was
very bad - not to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under
heavy fire, and two mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his
vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was
resecured (on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson
seen. Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on
that day, but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time.
Villagers also stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7
Americans and had buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies
of five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of
these helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the
last two letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in
the film, lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took
possession of the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily
accounted for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured.
Mounting evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in
Southeast Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held
unjustly, we owe him our best effort to bring him home.
SAEGAERT, DONALD RUSSELL
Name: Donald Russell Saegaert
Rank/Branch: W1/US Army
Unit: 118th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Birth: 03 May 1940 (Hartford CT)
Home City of Record: Berlin CT
Date of Loss: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1B
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Joseph J. Compa; Robert L. Curlee; Craig L.
Hagen; Walter L. Hall; Bruce G.Johnson; Fred M. Owens (all missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1991 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence
with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W.
NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: J010 ON GND SED ALL DED - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special
Forces Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other
duties, assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity
to warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily
mortared, and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and
most of the CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was
sent in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was
aboard a UH1B helicopter from the 188th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter
L. Hall. The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J.
Compa, crew chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV
Special Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt.
Bruce G. Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing
zone, the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded
into some parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who
stated that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and
other two advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was
very bad - not to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under
heavy fire, and two mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his
vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was
resecured (on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson
seen. Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on
that day, but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time.
Villagers also stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7
Americans and had buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies
of five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of
these helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the
last two letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in
the film, lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took
possession of the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily
accounted for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured.
Mounting evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in
Southeast Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held
unjustly, we owe him our best effort to bring him home.
[ssrep6.txt 02/09/93]
APPENDIX 1
South Vietnam Walter L. Hall
Bruce G. Johnson
Fred M. Owen
Robert L. Curlee
Donald R. Saegaert
Joseph J. Compa, Jr.
Craig L. Hagen
(0096)
On June 10, 1965, those involved in this loss incident were on
board a UH-1B helicopter on a combat operation into a landing zone
six kilometers from the town of Dong Xoai, Phuoc Long Province.
Their helicopter was hit by ground fire and crashed. Captain
Johnson, an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army's 5th Infantry
Division, reported to another helicopter in the area that the
aircraft's crew and all others on board were dead and his position
was receiving incoming enemy mortar fire. There was no further
transmission from Captain Johnson after the end of the mortar fire.
A later search of the area failed to produce any sign of the seven
servicemen.
In late 1965, a Viet Cong produced film was captured which appeared
to depict a portion of the battle at Dong Xoai. The film appeared
to show the dead bodies of Sergeant First Class Owen and First
Lieutenant Hall. Information was later received from another
source that the seven U.S. were killed in this incident, four found
in the helicopter and three others at the airstrip. Intelligence
reports of unidentified U.S. POWs sightings several months before
this incident occurred were received later and were placed in the
file of these servicemen. One report associated with the capture
of an American at the battle of Binh Gia was placed in Captain
Johnson's file, but may have correlated to the capture of another
Captain several months earlier.
Captain Johnson was initially reported missing. Returning U.S.
POWs were unable to provide information about his precise fate or
the fate of the others. Captain Johnson was declared dead/body not
recovered in February 1978.
COMPA, JOSEPH JAMES JR.
Name: Joseph James Compa, Jr.
Rank/Branch: E6/US Army
Unit: 118th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Birth: 13 January 1931 (Beaver Falls PA)
Home City of Record: East Liverpool OH
Date of Loss: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1B
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Robert L. Curlee; Craig L. Hagen; Walter L.
Hall; Bruce G. Johnson; Fred M. Owens; Donald R. Saegaert (all missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1991 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence
with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W.
NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: J010 ON GND SED ALL DED - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special Forces
Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other duties,
assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity to
warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily mortared,
and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and most of the
CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was sent
in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was aboard a
UH1B helicopter from the 188th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter L. Hall.
The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J. Compa, crew
chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV Special
Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt. Bruce G.
Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing zone,
the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded into some
parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who stated
that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and other two
advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was very bad - not
to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under heavy fire, and two
mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was resecured
(on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson seen.
Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on that day,
but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time. Villagers also
stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7 Americans and had
buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies of
five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of these
helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the last two
letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in the film,
lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took possession of
the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily accounted
for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured. Mounting
evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in Southeast
Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held unjustly, we owe
him our best effort to bring him home.
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Craig Louis Hagen Sergeant |
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The database page for Craig Louis Hagen
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03 Feb 2008 I didn't know my father, I was only 20 months old when he was lost. I know he loved me, and I know he especially loved playing with me in the ocean in Hawaii. I hope to some day have the opportunity to know him through others. Anyone who can help can reach me via e-mail at hagen300@msn.com Thank you. Sandi Hagen
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A Note from The Virtual Wall A Special Forces camp was established at Dong Xoai, a district capital in Phuoc Long Province, in late May 1965. Dong Xoai lay astride a Viet Cong supply route from Cambodia into War Zone D. At about 11 PM on the night of 9 June, the SVN forces around Dong Xoai were attacked by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. Beginning about 11:30 PM the camp came under heavy mortar and ground attack and was overrun. South Vietnamese and US advisory relief forces were alerted. The first to arrive was an advisory team airlifted from Tan Son Nhut air base near Saigon. The team was aboard a UH-1B helicopter (serial 63-08557) from the 118th Aviation Company. US personnel included
After the UH-1B landed it came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and started a climbing turn. It then went into uncontrolled flight and crashed, skidded into parked vehicles, and burst into flames. Captain Johnson, an advisor to the South Vietnamese Army's 5th Infantry Division, reported to another helicopter in the area that the UH-1B's crew and all others on board were dead and his position was receiving incoming enemy mortar fire. There was no further transmission from Captain Johnson after the end of the mortar fire. A later search of the area failed to produce any sign of the seven servicemen. Villagers stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7 Americans and had buried them. Although the other six men could be classed as Killed in Action based on Captain Johnson's verbal report, Johnson himself was carried as Missing in Action. On 27 Feb 1978, the Secretary of the Army issued a Presumptive Finding of Death for Bruce Johnson, who had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel while in MIA status. As of 08 Feb 2008 the remains of the seven Americans have not been repatriated. Sergeant Hagen's Letter of Condolences file at the LBJ Library contains the notation that he was on a temporary duty assignment as a door gunner with the 118th Avn Co; his permanent duty station was the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii.
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 03 Feb 2008
Last updated 02/09/2008
OWENS, FRED MONROE
Name: Fred Monroe Owens
Rank/Branch: E7/US Army
Unit: MACV SD 5891
Date of Birth: 03 December 1933 (Commerce OK)
Home City of Record: Picher OK
Date of Loss: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1B
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Joseph J. Compa; Robert L. Curlee; Craig L. Hagen;
Walter L. Hall; Bruce G. Johnson; Donald R. Saegaert (all missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1991 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence
with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.
REMARKS: J010 ON GND SED ALL DED - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special
Forces Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other
duties, assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity
to warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily
mortared, and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and
most of the CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was
sent in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was
aboard a UH1B helicopter from the 188th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter
L. Hall. The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J.
Compa, crew chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV
Special Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt.
Bruce G. Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing
zone, the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded
into some parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who
stated that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and
other two advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was
very bad - not to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under
heavy fire, and two mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his
vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was
resecured (on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson
seen. Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on
that day, but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time.
Villagers also stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7
Americans and had buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies
of five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of
these helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the
last two letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in
the film, lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took
possession of the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily
accounted for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured.
Mounting evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in
Southeast Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held
unjustly, we owe him our best effort to bring him home.
CURLEE, ROBERT LEE JR.
Name: Robert Lee Curlee, Jr.
Rank/Branch: E6/US Army
Unit: 118th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade
Date of Birth: 26 September 1930
Home City of Record: Monroe NC
Date of Loss: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1B
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Joseph J. Compa; Craig L. Hagen; Walter L.
Hall; Bruce G.Johnson; Fred M. Owens; Donald R. Saegaert (all missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1991 from one or more of
the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence
with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W.
NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: J010 ON GND SED ALL DED - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special
Forces Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other
duties, assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity
to warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily
mortared, and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and
most of the CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was
sent in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was
aboard a UH1B helicopter from the 188th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter
L. Hall. The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J.
Compa, crew chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV
Special Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt.
Bruce G. Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing
zone, the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded
into some parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who
stated that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and
other two advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was
very bad - not to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under
heavy fire, and two mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his
vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was
resecured (on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson
seen. Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on
that day, but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time.
Villagers also stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7
Americans and had buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies
of five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of
these helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the
last two letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in
the film, lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took
possession of the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily
accounted for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured.
Mounting evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in
Southeast Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held
unjustly, we owe him our best effort to bring him home.
JOHNSON, BRUCE GARDNER
Name: Bruce Gardner Johnson
Rank/Branch: O3/US Army
Unit: MACV SD 5891
Date of Birth: 15 July 1937
Home City of Record: Harbor Beach MI (family in Salina KS)
Date of Loss: 10 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113521N 1065309E (YT056817)
Status (in 1973): Missing in Action
Category: 1
Acft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground
Refno: 0096
Other Personnel In Incident: Joseph J. Compa; Robert L. Curlee; Craig L.
Hagen; Walter L. Hall; Fred M. Owens; Donald R. Saegaert (all missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1991 from
one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources,
correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.
Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: ON GND - SED 6 DED - UNDR FIRE - J
SYNOPSIS: On May 25, 1965, Special Forces Detachment A-342 was airlanded at
Dong Xoai, a district capital of Phuoc Long Province, through which the Viet
Cong supply lifeline from Cambodia into War Zone D tracked. The Special
Forces Detachment, together with Navy Seabees, built a camp and among other
duties, assumed the MACV subsector role for Don Luan district.
Intermittent Viet Cong mortar rounds lobbed into the new camp, and were
considered only the usual harassment, but sightings of large VC formations
nearing the town increased.
At 2310 hours on the night of June 9, CIDG teams around the camp's perimeter
were silenced by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments. There was no opportunity
to warn the camp, and only a few survived. At 2330, the camp was heavily
mortared, and came under a heavy ground assault. The camp was overrun, and
most of the CIDG and LLDB withdrew.
At the camp, 2Lt. Charles Q. Williams, seriously wounded, was directing the
defense of the compound with singular valor and would later be awarded the
Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Dong Xoai.
Before South Vietnamese relief forces could arrive, a team of advisors was
sent in from Than Son Nhut, where MACV was headquartered. The team was
aboard a UH1B helicopter from the 118th Aviation Company flown by Lt. Walter
L. Hall. The crew consisted of Sgt. Craig L. Hagen, gunner; SSgt. Joseph J.
Compa, crew chief; and WO Donald Saegaert, co-pilot. The advisors from MACV
Special Detachment 5891 were SSgt. Robert L. Curlee, the medic; and Capt.
Bruce G. Johnson and SFC Fred M. Owens, advisors.
When the helicopter was disembarking troops on a plantation landing zone, it
came under heavy mortar and small arms fire. The helicopter took off and
started a climbing turn. Upon clearing some buildings left of the landing
zone, the helicopter went into uncontrolled flight and in crashing, skidded
into some parked vehicles and burst into flames.
A circling pilot immediately established radio contact with Johnson, who
stated that he was standing by the downed helicopter, and that the crew and
other two advisors with him were dead. He reported that the situation was
very bad - not to send anyone else in. Johnson stated that he was under
heavy fire, and two mortar shells were subsequently seen to land in his
vicinity.
A subsequent search of the crash site was conducted when the area was
resecured (on June 15), but no American remains were found, nor was Johnson
seen. Villagers in the area reported that an American had been captured on
that day, but no verifiable information has surfaced since that time.
Villagers also stated that the Viet Cong had carried away the bodies of 7
Americans and had buried them.
A captured Viet Cong film entitled "Dong Xoai in Flames" pictured the bodies
of five or six Americans as well as several crashed helicopters. One of
these helicopters bore the serial number 38557. The name tag "Owens" and the
last two letters of another name tag, "ll" (possibly Hall's) are shown in
the film, lending some more credence to the report that the Viet Cong took
possession of the aircraft and that all aboard were killed.
There is no real reason to suspect that any of the seven men aboard the UH1B
shot down at Dong Xoai are, indeed, alive. But there is no question that the
communists know the fate of these men. All of these men can be easily
accounted for. It appears that Johnson, at least, may have been captured.
Mounting evidence indicates that Americans are still being held prisoner in
Southeast Asia today. As long as even one American remains alive, held
unjustly, we owe him our best effort to bring him home.
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Marvin Glen Shields Construction Mechanic 3rd Class |
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The database page for Marvin Glen Shields
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01 Sep 1998 He died as he lived, for his friends My dad is CM3 Marvin Glenn Shields. He was born 30 December 1939 in Port Townsend, WA. After graduating from high school in 1958, he worked in the gold mines of Hyder, Alaska. He joined the Navy as a Seabee in 1962. After being stationed in Glynco, GA; Okinawa; and Port Hueneme, CA, he was sent to Vietnam in February 1965. While in Vietnam he was attached to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) , 1st Special Forces. My father was mortally wounded during an ambush at Dong Xoai and died 10 June 1965. For their actions during that battle 2LT Charles Q. Williams and my father were awarded the Medal of Honor. The original memorial to my Dad is Barb |
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10 Feb 2008 Marvin Shields killed in Viet Nam - Jefferson County felt the tragic impact of war on a remote battlefront last Thursday when word was received that Marvin Glenn Shields 25, of Discovery Bay had been killed in action in Viet Nam. Shields died at Dong Xoai, ? miles south of Saigon. There one of the bloodiest engagements of the war erupted Wednesday night. He had been attached to a Navy SeaBee unit constructing an airstrip there- and was one of a 9-man Seabee squad located in a headquarters building, along with an 11 - man Army special forces team, when Dong Xoai [ a district capital] was overrun by 1,5000 VietCong troops. The battle for Dong Xoai ended temporarily on Friday when the routed Viet-Cong left district headquarters in ruins, with the dead including some 150 civilian men, women and children. American casualties, heaviest of the war, included 6 dead, 13 wounded and 13 missing. Shield's wife, the former Joan Murray, and his mother, Mrs. Victoria Casselberry, of Discovery Bay were notified of his death by the, Navy, Thursday. He is also survived by a year old daughter Barbara. A 1958 graduate of Port Townsend High School, Shields was one of the first employees on the Mineral Basin in Mining Development at Hyder, Alaska, when the locally organized project was initiated there by Walt Moa of Discovery Bay. He worked at Mineral Basin during the summer before graduating from school and returned there as a full time construction worker in 1958. He was called into the Navy early in 1962, and was due to be discharged in January. He held the rate of CM3 and was attached to the SeaBee Battalion STAT, 1104th detachment, on the battlefront in Viet-Nam Port Townsend Leader, Port Townsend WA 17 Jun 1965
Marvin Shields laid to rest at Gardiner - The Gardiner Community Church was full to overflowing last Saturday afternoon for the funeral of Marvin Glenn Shields. Rev. John Thomson presided at the first half of the service while the second half was under the auspices of the Jefferson Masonic Lodge No. 107, Gael Stuart was the soloist, accompanied on the electric organ by Elizabeth Ammeter. Marvin was buried in the most beautiful spot of the Gardiner Cemetery which overlooks Discovery Bay. An honor guard of Marines fired a volley over the grave followed by the sounding of taps by the Navy. The American flag which draped the casket was folded by two of the Navy men and presented to Marvin's widow Joan by Melville Williams, USN, who had accompanied Marvin's body from San Francisco. Melville, who is from Discovery Bay, was a very close friend of both Joan and Marvin. The Rev. Mr. Thomson read a letter during the service which had been received only the day before by Joan. It was from Marvin's commanding officer. In it were cited many of Marvin's heroic deeds and expressions of esteem as voiced by his associates in Viet Nam and also how well he was regarded by the natives. Many beautiful floral pieces from family and friends were arranged at the church. Port Townsend Leader, Port Townsend WA;
Honor Medal Is Awarded WASHINGTON (AP) The name of Marvin Glen Shields, a Seabee,
was enrolled Tuesday alongside those of the nation's great heroes. Bremerton Sun, Bremerton WA. 14 Sep 1966
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Notes from The Virtual Wall "While they were primarily builders and instructors, Seabee Team members were sometimes directly involved in battle. Perhaps the most famous such battle occurred in June 1965 at Dong Xoai, 55 miles northeast of Saigon. When Viet Cong troops overran a Special Forces Camp containing 400 South Vietnamese and allied Asian troops, 11 men of a U.S. Army Special Forces team and nine men of Seabee Team 1104, seven of the Seabees were wounded and two killed. One of the dead was Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields, USN, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry in carrying a critically wounded man to safety and in destroying a Viet Cong machine gun emplacement at the cost of his life. Not only was Marvin Shields the first Seabee to win the nation's highest award, but he was also the first Navy man to be so decorated for action in Vietnam." From the Naval Historical Center's The Special Forces camp at Dong Xoai, a district capital in Phuoc Long Province, was established in late May 1965. In addition to the Army Special Forces personnel, a Navy SeaBee team was provided to assist in construction of the compound. Since Dong Xoai lay astride a Viet Cong supply route from Cambodia into War Zone D enemy commanders had good reason to destroy the encampment before it was finished. At about 11 PM on the night of 9 June, the South Vietnamese forces around Dong Xoai were attacked by the 762nd and 763rd VC Regiments and beginning about 11:30 PM the camp itself came under heavy mortar and ground attack.
Since the earthen berm and defensive positions around the compound had not been completed, the VC had little difficulty in penetrating the perimeter and overrunning much of the camp. Bitter fighting continued through the night, with the defenders pushed back further into the camp. Air and artillery support was used to prevent the VC forces from massing for a final assault, and at dawn on 10 June the defenders were still holding out. Elements of the 1st Bn, 7th ARVN Regiment were inserted into two landing zones at about 0800, but the VC had anticipated the move and both LZs were very well defended. One helicopter with 7 Americans aboard was destroyed, and the ARVN units which did make it onto the ground were rapidly destroyed as well. Although further landings were held in abeyance, helicopters from the 118th Aviation Company did manage to pull out a dozen or so survivors from the camp proper. In the afternoon, after heavy air strikes, the 52nd ARVN Ranger Battalion was inserted a short distance from the camp and by sundown had fought their way not only into the camp but into Dong Xoai city itself. Additional ARVN forces were brought in on 11 June, but by then the majority of the surviving VC forces had withdrawn into the jungles north of the camp area. The final US casualty at Dong Xoai was an Air Force pilot, Captain Thomas Holland, who was shot down on 12 June while making a rocket attack on a VC position. Captain Holland was able to eject but his parachute tangled in a tree, leaving him dangling above the ground. An Army Huey landed about 200 meters away and two crewmen ran toward Holland's position, arriving just in time to see the VC shoot Captain Holland; they made it back to their helo barely ahead of pursuing VC. Two Medals of Honor, at least one Distnguished Service Cross, one Air Force Cross, and a number of Silver Stars and lesser awards for valor were won at Dong Xoai, but nineteen US servicemen died in the fighting:
The President of the United States MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to MARVIN GLEN SHIELDS for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Although wounded when the compound of Detachment A342, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, came under intense fire from an estimated reinforced Viet Cong regiment employing machineguns, heavy weapons and small arms, Shields continued to resupply his fellow Americans who needed ammunition and to return the enemy fire for a period of approximately 3 hours, at which time the Viet Cong launched a massive attack at close range with flame-throwers, hand grenades and small-arms fire. Wounded a second time during this attack, Shields nevertheless assisted in carrying a more critically wounded man to safety, and then resumed firing at the enemy for 4 more hours. When the commander asked for a volunteer to accompany him in an attempt to knock out an enemy machinegun emplacement which was endangering the lives of all personnel in the compound because of the accuracy of its fire, Shields unhesitatingly volunteered for this extremely hazardous mission. Proceeding toward their objective with a 3.5-inch rocket launcher, they succeeded in destroying the enemy machinegun emplacement, thus undoubtedly saving the lives of many of their fellow servicemen in the compound. Shields was mortally wounded by hostile fire while returning to his defensive position. His heroic initiative and great personal valor in the face of intense enemy fire sustain and enhance the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 01 Sep 1998
Last updated 08/10/2009
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William Clifton Hoover Petty Officer Second Class |
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PO2 WILLIAM CLIFTON HOOVER |
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© Copyright 1997-2014 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) |
Last update 11/25/2014 |
Some information © Copyright by The Coffelt Group 2003-2015. Used with permission.
Edward Eugene Krukowski
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 6 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Syracuse, NY |
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Date of birth: |
11/06/1940 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
O2 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Captain |
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Note: |
Posthumous Promotion as indicated |
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ID No: |
O96025 |
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MOS/RATING: |
91542: Infantry Officer |
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Length Service: |
03 |
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Unit: |
ADV 5TH ARVN DIV, ADV TEAM 70, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
09/26/1964 |
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Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
24 |
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Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Identified: |
06/12/1965 |
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Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
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Casualty Reason: |
Ground casualty |
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Casualty Detail: |
Multiple fragmentation wounds |
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Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
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Edward Eugene Krukowski Captain |
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CPT EDWARD EUGENE KRUKOWSKI |
Ronald Earl Blake
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 3 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Johnston, RI |
|
Date of birth: |
08/14/1940 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E4 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Specialist Four |
|
ID No: |
51478742 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
05B20: Radio Operator |
|
Length Service: |
01 |
|
Unit: |
ADV 5TH ARVN DIV, ADV TEAM 70, HQ, MACV ADVISORS, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
04/07/1964 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
24 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Ground casualty |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Multiple fragmentation wounds |
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Data accessed: |
7/28/2015 |
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Page template 09/10/2014
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Raymond Clarence Galbraith Chief Warrant Officer |
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© Copyright 1997-2015 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) |
Last update 03/21/2015 |
Some information © Copyright by The Coffelt Group 2003-2015. Used with permission.
Zoltan Alajos Kovacs
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 6 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
|
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Home of Record |
Berkeley, CA |
|
Date of birth: |
10/26/1936 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
W1 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Warrant Officer |
|
ID No: |
W3152164 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
062B: Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor |
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Length Service: |
06 |
|
Unit: |
A CO, 82ND AVN BN, ARMY AVN GROUP (PROV), US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
01/13/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
28 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Identified: |
07/06/1965 |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/10/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
William Robert Batchelder
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 6 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Springvale, ME |
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Date of birth: |
10/21/1945 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E3 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Private First Class |
|
ID No: |
11441190 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
67N20: UH-1 Helicopter Repairer |
|
Length Service: |
00 |
|
Unit: |
A CO, 82ND AVN BN, ARMY AVN GROUP (PROV), US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
03/05/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
19 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Identified: |
06/18/1965 |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/28/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
Walter Ray Gray
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 3 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
|
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Home of Record |
Big Clifty, KY |
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Date of birth: |
07/23/1946 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E3 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Private First Class |
|
ID No: |
15695871 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
13B20: Cannon Crewmember |
|
Length Service: |
01 |
|
Unit: |
C BTRY, 7TH BN, 11TH ARTILLERY, 25TH INF DIV, USARPAC |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
05/18/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
18 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Identified: |
07/06/1965 |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
Bobby Russell
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 6 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
|
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Home of Record |
Cleveland, OH |
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Date of birth: |
12/25/1937 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E6 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Sergeant First Class |
|
Note: |
Posthumous Promotion as indicated |
|
ID No: |
19619524 |
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MOS/RATING: |
11B4S: Infantryman (Special Forces Qual) |
|
Length Service: |
06 |
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Unit: |
DET A-342 (DONG XOAI), 5TH SF GROUP, US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
02/15/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
27 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Ground casualty |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Multiple fragmentation wounds |
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Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
Donald Clay Dedmon
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 4 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Chicago, IL |
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Date of birth: |
08/30/1934 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E6 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Staff Sergeant |
|
ID No: |
16502635 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
11C4S: Indirect Fire Infantryman (Special Forces Qual) |
|
Length Service: |
12 |
|
Unit: |
DET A-342 (DONG XOAI), 5TH SF GROUP, US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
02/23/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
30 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Ground casualty |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Multiple fragmentation wounds |
|
Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
Charles Owen Jenkins Jr
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 5 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Utahville, PA |
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Date of birth: |
01/14/1941 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E5 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Sergeant |
|
ID No: |
13657473 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
11B4S: Infantryman (Special Forces Qual) |
|
Length Service: |
06 |
|
Unit: |
DET A-342 (DONG XOAI), 5TH SF GROUP, US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
02/23/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/10/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
24 |
|
Location: |
Phuoc Long Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Identified: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died while missing |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Ground casualty |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Multiple fragmentation wounds |
|
Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
HOLLAND, LAWRENCE THOMAS
Name: Lawrence Thomas Holland
Rank/Branch: O4/US Air Force
Unit: Unknown (per Air Force)
Date of Birth: 15 May 1934
Home City of Record: Alhambra CA
Date of Loss: 12 June 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 113431N 1065341E (YT088795)
Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered
Category: 1
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: F100D
Refno: 0097
Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 April 1990 with the assistance
of one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency
sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources,
interviews. Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 1998.
REMARKS: EJECTED - KILLED IN SHOOTOUT
SYNOPSIS: The North American F100 "Super Sabre" first saw action in
Southeast Asia in northwest Laos in May 1962. F100 operations in Vietnam
began in 1965, and took part in Operation Flaming Dart, the first U.S. Air
Force strike against North Vietnam in February of that year. Further
deployments of the aircraft to the area left just five F100 squadrons in the
United States.
Various modifications were made to the aircraft affectionately called "Hun"
or "Lead Sled" by its pilots and mechanics over the early years, gradually
improving night bombing capability, firing systems and target-marking
systems. The single seat models D and F were good at top cover and low
attack, and could carry a heavy load of munitions.
Major Lawrence T. Holland was the pilot of an F100D dispatched on a tactical
mission over South Vietnam. His aircraft was the lead in a flight of two
F100's. After making passes on a target near Don Luan in Phuoc Long
Province, Maj. Holland radioed his aircraft had been hit by hostile fire. A
parachute was observed to land in 100 foot trees.
A rescue helicopter landed in the nearest clearing and the helicopter crew
proceeded on foot into the woods. They were fired upon by Viet Cong and they
saw the enemy drag the limp body of Maj. Holland into a ditch. The
helicopter crew were unable to rescue Maj. Holland.
In late August, 1971, the Department of the Air Force received information
which they believed sufficient to determine that Holland had died at the
time of the incident. It was determined Holland had been shot and killed by
Viet Cong soldiers after he opened fire on them. Maj. Holland was reportedly
buried in the immediate vicinity of the incident. At this time, his status
was changed to Killed in Action/Body Not Recovered.
Holland is one of many who were almost in the grasp of rescue teams when
they were last seen. Holland appears to have been dead at that time, but
many others were alive. Some of the Americans who remain missing were
actually photographed in captivity, only to disappear.
Since the war ended, nearly 10,000 reports have been received relating to
Americans missing in Southeast Asia. Some authorities have reluctantly
concluded that hundreds of Americans are still alive in captivity today. It
would not appear that Lawrence T. Holland is one of them. But if there is
even one American still alive, this government, which sent him, has a moral
and legal obligation to bring him home.
PERSONAL NOTES: Now 50 years later I vividly remember this day and the rescue attempt of Maj. Holland. After a day of flying with Maj. Stewart with the mission of removing ARVN bodies from the areas surrounding the Dong Xoai battle field we thought we finally had a mini rest break at Phouc Vinh.
Not even long enough on the ground to refuel we heard on the radios of an Air Force F-100 which was just shot down over the Phu Reign Plantation and the pilot had bailed out into the dense vegetation.
Immediately, the Major said let’s go. So Maj. Stewart, Lt. Scott, Bill Quatse and I got airborne and readied for a rescue. I can not recall if smoke was used to pinpoint the pilot position or just the remaining wing man who pointed it out to us but somehow we got a location and set the helicopter down in a confined area a few hundred yards away. All the time knowing that this area is where the VC had retreated to after the battle just days before.
The Major and Lt. Scott jumped out and disappeared into the tree line. Before leaving the Major said something like wait 5 minutes and if we are not back then leave us since fuel was a big concern. Quatse and I waited with only minimal fire coming at us from the tree line. Its hard to believe that the helicopter engine noise did not draw a major force.
Finally the Major and Lieutenant were seen running back and dove into the running bird. They said Go the pilot was dead and we could not help him. So almost a vertical takeoff over very tall rubber trees. Now the enemy became more apparent as we took off with much fire coming at us.
We arrived at Phouc Vinh on fumes and after an inspection found many bullet holes. The aircraft was deemed unflyable at that point.
For 47 years I never knew the Air Force pilots name. With the advent of the computer and KIA/MIA websites I was able to enter a date and location and that’s when his name was first seen. The Major never mentioned a word to me about it.
I did find out almost 50 years later from the Major in an email to me that he was going to court martial me for disobeying his order of not leaving them after a :05 minutes wait. In his second breath he thanked me for all the years he had with his family and how thankful he was that I did not leave them. I can not imagine living with myself if I had left them to die.
Billy Gene Hammer
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 9 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Enterprise, AL |
|
Date of birth: |
04/27/1936 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
W2 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Chief Warrant Officer |
|
ID No: |
W3200574 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
062B: Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor |
|
Length Service: |
12 |
|
Unit: |
A CO, 82ND AVN BN, ARMY AVN GROUP (PROV), US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
11/28/1964 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
29 |
|
Location: |
Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Pilot |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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|
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Michael Layten Wildes
|
ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 10 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Callahan, FL |
|
Date of birth: |
09/02/1944 |
|
This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
W1 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Warrant Officer |
|
ID No: |
W3152308 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
062B: Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor |
|
Length Service: |
02 |
|
Unit: |
A CO, 82ND AVN BN, ARMY AVN GROUP (PROV), US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
03/19/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
20 |
|
Location: |
Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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Donald Lee Baker
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 9 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Energy, IL |
|
Date of birth: |
08/09/1941 |
|
This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E5 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Specialist Five |
|
ID No: |
17559097 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
-----: Not Recorded |
|
Length Service: |
04 |
|
Unit: |
A CO, 82ND AVN BN, ARMY AVN GROUP (PROV), US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM, MACV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
11/30/1964 |
|
Incident Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
06/12/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
23 |
|
Location: |
Gia Dinh Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Non-hostile, died of other causes |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/27/2015 |
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Carl Joseph Mangold
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 71 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Castroville, TX |
|
Date of birth: |
02/21/1940 |
|
This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
O2 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
First Lieutenant |
|
ID No: |
O5413124 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
1981: Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander |
|
Length Service: |
03 |
|
Unit: |
197TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, 12TH AVN GROUP, USARV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
11/30/1964 |
|
Incident Date: |
09/01/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
09/01/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
25 |
|
Location: |
Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Pilot |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/12/2015 |
Lt. Mangold and his crew of 3 were KIA near Ben Cat. They got too low and probably a heavy caliber machine gun got them. The aircraft blew up in flight.
Douglas Lee Foley
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 72 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Ridgeway, VA |
|
Date of birth: |
07/15/1935 |
|
This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
|
|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
O1 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Second Lieutenant |
|
ID No: |
O5406455 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
1981: Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander |
|
Length Service: |
12 |
|
Unit: |
118TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, 12TH AVN GROUP, USARV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
06/30/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
09/02/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
09/02/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
30 |
|
Location: |
Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Pilot |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/12/2015 |
|
|
|
THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
WO Tooloose and Lt. Foley flying Red Bird 1enroute to An Ahn Tay for combat assault had mechanical trouble and dropped out of the formation and began descending. Shortly later a radio report the aircraft was hit and falling apart falling to the ground. There had been report of a 37mm canon in the area and only something that big could destroy an aircraft in flight like this.
The entire crew of 4 was KIA.
This one made a total of 4 first platoon ships gone in 2 weeks.
Dale Leroy Tooloose
|
ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 73 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
St Louis, MO |
|
Date of birth: |
12/07/1934 |
|
This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
|
|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
W1 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Warrant Officer |
|
ID No: |
W3151979 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
062B: Helicopter Pilot, Utility and Light Cargo Single Rotor |
|
Length Service: |
10 |
|
Unit: |
118TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, 12TH AVN GROUP, USARV |
|
CASUALTY DATA: |
|
|
Start Tour: |
04/10/1965 |
|
Incident Date: |
09/02/1965 |
|
Casualty Date: |
09/02/1965 |
|
Age at Loss: |
30 |
|
Location: |
Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam |
|
Remains: |
Body recovered |
|
Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
|
Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
|
Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
|
Data accessed: |
7/12/2015 |
|
|
|
THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
WO Tooloose and Lt. Foley flying Red Bird 1enroute to An Ahn Tay for combat assault had mechanical trouble and dropped out of the formation and began descending. Shortly later a radio report the aircraft was hit and falling apart falling to the ground. There had been report of a 37mm canon in the area and only something that big could destroy an aircraft in flight like this.
The entire crew of 4 was KIA.
This one made a total of 4 first platoon ships gone in 2 weeks.
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George Allen Zelinko Private First Class |
|
|
|
George Allen Zelinko
|
ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 73 |
|
PERSONAL DATA: |
|
|
Home of Record |
Chicago, IL |
|
Date of birth: |
07/16/1942 |
|
|
|
|
MILITARY DATA: |
|
|
Service: |
Army of the United States |
|
Grade at loss: |
E3 |
|
Rank/Rate: |
Private First Class |
|
ID No: |
55797249 |
|
MOS/RATING: |
76G20: Signal Supply And Parts Specialist |
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Length Service: |
00 |
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Unit: |
118TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, 12TH AVN GROUP, USARV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
06/27/1965 |
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Incident Date: |
09/02/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
09/02/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
23 |
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Location: |
Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/24/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
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David Eugene Gill Corporal |
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David Eugene Gill
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ON THE WALL: |
Panel 2E Line 73 |
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PERSONAL DATA: |
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Home of Record |
Evansville, IN |
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Date of birth: |
10/28/1941 |
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This page Copyright© 1997-2013 www.VirtualWall.org |
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MILITARY DATA: |
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Service: |
Army of the United States |
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Grade at loss: |
E4 |
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Rank/Rate: |
Corporal |
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ID No: |
16686763 |
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MOS/RATING: |
11B4F: Infantryman (Flight Qual) |
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Length Service: |
04 |
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Unit: |
(ATT 118TH AHC), A CO, 1ST BN, 14TH INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV, USARV |
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CASUALTY DATA: |
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Start Tour: |
06/07/1965 |
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Incident Date: |
09/02/1965 |
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Casualty Date: |
09/02/1965 |
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Age at Loss: |
23 |
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Location: |
Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam |
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Remains: |
Body recovered |
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Casualty Type: |
Hostile, died outright |
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Casualty Reason: |
Helicopter - Crew |
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Casualty Detail: |
Air loss or crash over land |
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Data accessed: |
7/24/2015 |
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THE VIRTUAL WALL ® www.VirtualWall.org
Page template 09/10/2014
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Vann Dwain Sherrill Chief Warrant Officer |
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CWO VANN DWAIN SHERRILL |
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© Copyright 1997-2015 www.VirtualWall.org, Ltd ®(TM) |
Last update 03/21/2015 |
Some information © Copyright by The Coffelt Group 2003-2015. Used with permission.
DAWSON, DONALD
DECEASED
Name: Donald Dawson
Branch/Rank: CIVILIAN
Unit:
Date of Birth:
Home City of Record:
Date of Loss: 01 April 1965
Country of Loss: South Vietnam
Loss Coordinates:
Status (in 1973):
Category:
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground
Missions:
Other Personnel in Incident:
Refno:
Source: Compiled by P.O.W. NETWORK from one or more of the following: raw
data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA
families, published sources, interviews and CACCF = Combined Action
Combat Casualty File.
REMARKS: 08/24/65 RELEASED
CAPTURED SEARCHING FOR BROTHER, Daniel George Dawson -SIGHTED WRECKAGE
Donald Dawson died of cancer in August 2003.
Official documents claim Don was captured 11 April 1965 and released in August 1965.
Before his capture 118th helicopter crew transported Don and his female French Vietnamese companion into the bush. Over a period of many months they received rides from the 118th.
Just picking them up and dropping them off was hairy for the pilots so I can’t begin to imagine what their time on the ground was like for them.
The section that follows is a reprint from the June/July VFW magazine titled "REMEMBER DONG XOAI". The reprint was made possible with text only. All of the pictures could not be copied. For full magazine article refer to the VFW website.
‘REMEMBER DONG XOAI!’
By Richard Fournier
On June 10, 1965, Americans engaged in their deadliest battle of the early advisory phase of the Vietnam War. Sustaining 19 KIA, a handful of Green Berets and Seabees aided by helicopter crews made an epic 14-hour last stand at this besieged Special Forces camp.
"I am using my last battery for the radio and there is no more ammunition; we are all wounded, some of the more serious are holding grenades with the safety pins already pulled. The VC are attacking in human waves. The last wave has been defeated, but we are expecting the next wave now."
This urgent message relayed most likely by Staff Sgt. Harold Crowe from the Dong Xoai Special Forces Camp underscored just how dire the straights were for survivors of a full-scale
enemy attack on June 10, 1965.
The camp was located more than 3 miles north of Dong Xoai, district capital of Phuoc Long province in War Zone D. The nearest big city was Bien Hoa, 44 miles to the south. The camp and capital lay astride a Viet Cong (VC) supply route from Cambodia at the intersection
of a crossroads. The VC wanted to undermine the strategic hamlet concept and destroy a large Army of South Vietnam (ARVN) force. Dong Xoai made the perfect target.
BREACHING THE PERIMETER
Defending the camp were 11 Green Berets of Detachment A-342, 5th Special Forces (SF) Group, and nine Seabees of Team 1104, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11. The Seabees were there to construct a runway. The SF team had just arrived May 25. Some 435 Cambodians and South Vietnamese formed the indigenous force guarding the unfinished perimeter.
At 11:30 p.m. on June 9 the opening barrage began with 400 rounds of 60mm mortar fire. Two SF members were KIA by mortar fragments in the early hours of the 10th. SF Sgt. Donald Dedmon continued to fire his recoilless rifle even after being severely wounded by a grenade until his ammo ran out. While attempting to secure more ammo, he was mortally wounded. Dedmon was awarded a posthumous Silver Star.
VC demolitions and flamethrower teams made up the vanguard of 1,500 men of the 762nd and 763rd VC regiments attacking the camp. An SF sergeant recalled: "The VC would mass, come over the walls with grenades and flamethrowers, then reassemble, mass and come at us again. … Just before each assault they’d start yelling and screaming like crazy people. Once they got inside, there was a lot of confusion."
Within three hours, at 2:30 a.m., the communists had breached the wall, forcing the defenders back to the district headquarters building. SF Spec. 4 Don McLaughlin (later evacuated to the 3rd Field Hospital) told MACV Daily News Briefs: "We were trying to fight them off, but they came swarming over the walls. There were eight of us along one wall, and we were trying to fight them off. We moved back into one of the houses in the compound; the windows were open, and we were hitting the VC with everything we had."
As the fighting raged, acts of courage were commonplace. SF 2nd Lt. Charles Q. Williams, wounded five times, exhibited incredible bravery. One of the Americans on scene observed that Williams "was the calmest man there. He constantly exposed himself to enemy fire without any regard for his own life." Pinned down by a VC machine gun, he fired a 3.5-inch rocket launcher while Seabee Marvin G. Shields loaded it.
"Shields exposed himself to heavy enemy fire many times to aid the wounded and resupply others with ammunition," said a witness, "even after he had been shot in the face." He carried a critically wounded man to safety and was wounded three times. Shields’ final act of valor was helping take out that machine gun. On the way back to supposed safety, he was mortally wounded and died aboard a helicopter.
A round fired by Shields and Williams had taken out the VC machine gun, slowing the attack and perhaps ultimately sparing the survivors a fatal fate.
Both Williams and Shields were awarded the Medal of Honor. Three more Green Berets eventually received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC). Sgt. 1st Class Dallas W. Johnson, though suffering painful shrapnel wounds, killed a VC, evacuated a fellow soldier and personally
carried another to relative safety. Sgt. 1st Class James T. Taylor, Jr., a medic, saved the life of his commander. While wounded, he treated the other wounded and fought off attackers all day. Pfc. Michael J. Hand also received the DSC (his actions are not publicly recorded).
Meanwhile, a MACV adviser outside the camp and attached to the 1st Bn., 7th ARVN Regt., went down with its entire helicopter lift after it was wiped out in a rubber field. One other American adviser also perished alongside South Vietnamese troops.
TO THE RESCUE
When the call went out for assistance, among the first to arrive were three members of MACV Special Detachment 5891. Airlifted from Tan Son Nhut Airfield by the 118th Assault Helicopter
Company, their UH-1B (Blue Tail 1, 2nd Flight Platoon) was quickly targeted.
"[It] had a mortar round explode just outside the cockpit causing it to roll over immediately on its side," wrote James "Pete" Booth in Returning Fire In the Beginning. "A split second later, it exploded in a ball of fire. The entire [four-man] crew was killed [as well as two advisers]."
But one of the advisers apparently got off the helicopter when it landed and survived long enough to make a final radio transmission to a circling helicopter pilot. Capt. Bruce Johnson told the pilot his position was taking mortar fire and then the radio went silent.
None of the remains of the men from Blue Tail 1 were ever recovered or even located. Rumor had it that the VC may have placed their bodies in a well. Their true fate, however, remains unknown.
Tragically, another helicopter was shot down by .51-caliber machine-gun fire at the soccer field. The UH-1D from A Co., 82nd Avn. Bn., was hit on descent at about 500 feet, exploded and burned. All four crewmen were killed. Detached from the 82nd Airborne Division (then serving on the Dominican Republic), the "Cowboys" were based at Vung Tau.
Both A Company and the 118th ("Thunderbirds") were assigned to the 145th Aviation Battalion. It consisted of eight aviation companies and 18 detachments. Pilots and crew from the 145th soon demonstrated flying abilities and aeronautical feats that would become the stuff of legend.
Shortly after noon, the VC captured the district command building, forcing American survivors into the two howitzer pits.
Maj. Harvey E. Stewart, CO of the 118th and a Korean War veteran, led three unarmed rescue helicopters to their position. Capt. William F. Fraker, a UH-1B gunship pilot with the 197th
Armed Helicopter Company, escorted the rescue aircraft. Stewart evacuated most of the Americans. But when two were left behind, Fraker swooped down and picked one up, escaping in a hail of VC gunfire. Both Fraker and Stewart received the Distinguished Service Cross.
For the aviators of Stewart’s company, June 10 was a powerful motivator. For years, the battle cry of the 118th was "Remember Dong Xoai!"
The 145th continued to perform rescues and medical evacuations of South Vietnamese troops under withering fire through June 11 and beyond. All told, unit aircraft flew 2,700 sorties and airlifted or repositioned 3,500 allied troops. That amazing feat earned the 145th the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation.
On June 13, Special Forces A-Team 311 arrived to rebuild the camp outside of Dong Xoai. Little known is the fact that Dong Xoai almost became America’s first major battle in Vietnam. Because the situation was so dire for the ARVN, Gen. William Westmoreland, commander of U.S forces, decided to commit GIs to combat there.
Some 738 men of the 1st Bn., 503rd Inf., 173rd Abn. Bde., along with elements of the 3rd Bn., 319th Field Artillery, were flown to Phuoc Vinh. They waited there for five days before returning to base on June 18. By then, the VC had withdrawn from Dong Xoai. But it was, according to MACV, "a tactical and psychological victory for the VC."
COUNTING CASUALTIES
Indeed, the communists had inflicted at least 416 KIA on the ARVN in the vicinity of Dong Xoai. To boot, 150 civilians were massacred, many when the VC torched the town with flamethrowers.
Back at the SF compound, the score was decidedly different. Some 134 VC bodies were counted in and around the camp. But that tally was not without a high price. Forty-three of the allied Cambodians and South Vietnamese perished along the perimeter.
Of the 20 Americans based there, six were KIA (four Green Berets and two Seabees) and 14 WIA. Then there were the five MACV advisers and eight helicopter crewmen KIA. A fighter pilot killed brought the final toll to 19.
Maj. Lawrence T. Holland, of the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron, led a fight of F-100s over Dong Xoai on June 12. Swooping in at a low level, he destroyed a VC gun position but was shot down. Ejecting in time, he became entangled in his parachute and, while dangling from a tree, was shot by VC. Holland was awarded a posthumous Air Force Cross.
MEMORIES NEVER FADE
Fifty years later, the experiences during those days still weigh heavily on the minds of the participants. Jack Grasmeder, then the operations officer of the 118th, along with Ron Hill, few
the lead helicopter on all the assaults on Dong Xoai, including the rescue flight into the compound. He recalls how "everyone in the rescue displayed incredible courage. It is only appropriate that they be remembered today with respect and honor."
Freddy Holder was the crew chief of Blue Tail 1. "On the morning of June 10, Platoon Sgt. Joe Compa said to me, ‘Holder, you play sergeant today. I’m going flying.’ Sgt. Compa took my fight that day and was killed in my place. Their bodies [crew and advisers] have yet to be recovered and returned home," Holder said in March 2015.
In 1995, Holder and Jim Shield obtained a model H Huey
helicopter from Fort Rucker, Ala., to serve as a memorial. Today, it stands
in tribute to the seven men lost on Blue Tail 1. It is located on
the grounds of VFW Post 4252 in Hernando, Fla.
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