The Bullwhip Squadron News ______

THE BULLWHIP SQUADRON NEWS ______

The official Newsletter of the Bullwhip Squadron Association

December 1997 Adjutants Call

Each of you will have a special memory of BULLWHIP 6, memories of his strong will or his special brand of compassion. Let me share a thought or two from the viewpoint of a Horse Holder. John B. truly admired many, many members of his beloved Command. Many more than I will note here. First on the list must be his own Sgt. Major, Lawrence E. Kennedy. Hap Rose, Joe Steine, Bob Zion, and Chuck Knowlen are just some of you , who held a special place of honor on what I perceived as JBS, “List of People He Admired”. Many say that, John B marched to a Different Drummer. Some of you may know that John B’s father worked for Patton during WW II. It was said that Patton marched, also, to that, Different Drummer. JBS is in good company. JBS was a stickler for details, not just on the battlefield but in the office as well. An office, that had a coffee table and a flag, rather than a desk. I used to fold letters signed by the Boss with three very sharp sections. JBS would say that I was breaking the back of the paper. He would tell me to fold the letter gently. He also said, “Grube, you can’t even spell Columbus”. JBS was his own best proofreader. JBS asked people to do things somewhat out of the ordinary. You may recall that he told Bob Zion to have a flagpole on his desk by morning. A range flagpole with three hundred pounds of cement, and, at least that much mud, was sent through the office window and placed on the desk, or coffee table -- or the time he told Joe Steine to contact the President of the Carter Ink Company, and ask them to provide enough OD markers to darken our white name tapes. John told Joe to tell the President that we wanted them at, no cost to the United States Government. As I recall, Joe offered to pay for the markers if he did not have to send the letter. Some of you will remember when JBS told his driver to take his dog to the Ft. Benning Vet to get a shot that would prevent the dog from becoming pregnant. John added, “no, you can’t get one for your girl”. As I close my thoughts of BULLWHIP 6, let all of us send to Rita out thoughts. Rita was the true love of JBS. I have received a note from Gordon Fisher, in Bakersfield, CA. He offers the use of an extra bedroom to any Trooper who is traveling through southern California. His home telephone number is 805-834-7653. Gene Lassiter also sent me a note from South Carolina. He sent a photo of John Ghere and his bird, fitted with Napalm tanks. Gene says that the U.S. Air Force caught John and made him stop. Maybe John will fill you in on the details of his Special Mission. In my next report I will let you know what toys John Ghere has added to his list. One last word, keep me informed of items you want to see in Adj. Call. My address is, 2521 - 15th Street, Columbus, GA 31906 Phone number - (706) 323-9030

Always Remember, Our Leader Was No “Piss Ant.”

Dick Grube Adjutant

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TAPS

COLONEL JOHN B. STOCKTON Passed On 04:45 hours, 7 August, 1997

JBS, YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY YOUR TROOPERS

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LONG LIVE THE MENORY OF JBS

The Bull Whip Squadron is special because of Bullwhip 6’s devotion both to duty and to the Squadron. His beliefs, training, and incite in the fundamentals of combat and Air Cavalry were directly responsible for many of us returning home alive, from VietNam. The methods and tactics JBS perfected during the Fort Benning, Air Assault days were right and correct for combat action in VietNam. They served the Squadron well, not only during JBS’s command of the Squadron, but for also, all the following Commanders. The tactics perfected by John B, has been taught to Air Cav units through out the Army. The best way to stay alive in combat is to perform the mission correctly, to be the best.

This is His legacy

Colonel John B. Stockton, ride with the wind, saber held high, troopers by column, and forever know that we are with you in spirit. May you always have fair weather, spirited horses, and Cav Troopers by your side.

You are once again a Cav Commander, Commander of all the Cav Troopers who have gone before.

This is not the end, but just the beginning

COL JOHN B. STOCKTON

The Father of Modern Air Cavalry

CAV TROOPER EXTRAORDINARY

FORWARD

Colonel John B. Stockton passed away at 04:45 hours on the 7th of August 1997. His last words to his wife, Rita, were “I’m ready if you are.” With these words, a great soldier and man left his friends and loved ones. Rita called me that morning to give me the sad news and to inform me of the Colonel’s wishes for cremation and to have his ashes scattered at sea. No military burial, no laying at wake with all that entails. In short, he wanted to make his passing as easy as possible for his loved ones. So it was at 18:30 hours on 13 August 1997, that we gathered at South Beach Marina, Miami Beach, aboard the 68 foot yacht, Pizzaz. On hand for the final farewell were Rita and her three daughters, Annelies, Katinka, and Marionne; me and my wife, Susan, Mark Dekema who arranged for the yacht, and Capt. Nick Reeves. We headed to sea at 19:30 hours, out by the fishing grounds that John and Rita has cruised so many times. A few minutes prior to sunset, Capt. Reeves turned the Pizzaz into the wind, slowed to idle and we prepared the ashes to finalize the Colonel’s wishes. From the aft swim platform, Annelies spread the ashes while Rita, Marionne, and Katinka threw an evergreen and white rose wreath into the sea. Each of us followed the wreath with orchids and watched all float away into the distance. We followed with a toast of the Colonel’s favorite Genever gin, and a few last words; mostly we were immersed in our own private thoughts of the man as we each knew him. After a quick downing of the gin, we threw the glasses into the sea, with a full one just for John. Looking to the west, we saw a huge thunderhead, black as coal and rimmed in reds and pinks by the setting sun. It was a fitting send-off, depicting the storminess and beauty of the man and his life. Capt. Reeves turned the ship back to Miami Beach as we held a small wake amid speculation of which topless beach John might visit first—Cannes, the Riveria, or just stay around South Beach, Miami. Many of us would have liked to have, had, the traditional closing to say goodbye to the Colonel; but as mentioned, this “ceremony” was his wish. As you know, although he appeared to be at ease with the public accolades, he was in fact a very private man who shunned the spot light for 30 years after his retirement. It took a lot of us many years to get him to agree to a reunion, to let us show our love and respect. So let us be happy that we had that much of him while we could and now respect his privacy again and say goodbye in our own ways and time.

COL John B. Stockton, go with the Grace of God.

Nick Hlywa August 17, 1997

4 ------From The Commander: meteorite flashed across the served in the 9th Cav in sky- BW 6 was on his way to Vietnam, and don’t worry, With the notification of Valhalla, the Hall of Heroes. I’ll stay as the Bullwhip COL John’s death in And I was at peace again. Squadron Commander as Montreal of 7 August, this ______long as you want me. editorial staff and I attempted Please let me know how to notify, by telephone, as With the passing of John you feel about this proposal. many troopers throughout the B. Stockton, I have been ______country as possible. Because asked to consider the of the very personal nature of possibility of opening the Next Reunion Update this action, we believed that BW direct notification by Squadron membership to all Although we have done telephone, instead of a troopers, who served in the some preliminary work Newsletter, was the most 9th Cavalry Squadron in concerning a possible 1998 appropriate. Although Phil Vietnam, who served after reunion in Emory, MS., CSM and Liz Zemke were not at December 1965 through Kennedy and I talked about home in Fresno, CA., I left 1971. this on 24 October. the message on their BW 6 told me on several The only local motel will answering machine and occasions that with his death, shortly close and the local within the hour, Los called I could do anything that the airfield will only have 2 me in Main to say they were Squadron recommended. flights a day. at Ft. Hood for the 50th The 9th Cav had a BW 7 said that in light of reunion. That’s how the 1st tremendous reputation in those 2 developments, we Cav Reunion attendees got Vietnam, which has been should re-look the reunion the news. John would have documented in films and site. For example, the nearest been pleased as to how fast books. BW 6, of course, laid motel is 36 miles away in that bit of intelligence got to down the foundation of the Tupelo. BW 7 also restated the right people! organization, which survived that he is still BW 7 and will We all have our personal intact long after his continue to support our memories of COL John B. departure. newsletters and any future Stockton; however, those are There are many troopers reunions. private and need not be from the 9th Cav Vietnam era With the 1999 1st Cav shared at this time- but he did who do not have a unit Reunion scheduled for Fort have an influence over all of affiliation and are not part of Hood, which includes the us. He will forever be a “family”. These troopers presentation of the horse, remembered by all the feel a very close kinship with Bullwhip, our choices are; troopers of the Bullwhip the First Team, and their Squadron. hearts and beliefs are as ours. (1) BW Sqdn reunion in I shall always remember These troopers would like 1998, at a place to be sitting on my dock at our to be a member of our BW determined. lakeside cottage in Maine, Squadron Family. They rank (2) Or a reunion in 2000. looking up at the clear from Squadron Commanders heavens and all the brilliant to radio operators. Some of I intend to be at the Ft. stars that late evening of 7 those leaders retired as 2, 3, Hood reunion to represent the August. I was deep into my And 4 Star generals. Squadron- and I believe own thoughts when a lone, Personally, I believe that many of you troopers would plaintiff loon call, pierced the it is time to open our rolls to like to attend the BW horse soundness- and then a single all of those troopers who presentation in August 99.

5 That would mean that along with the horse, some of you wouldn’t, or Bullwhip. Loel Ewart - couldn’t, attend a BW Sqdn By the way, COL Welch Rt. 2 Box 158 reunion in the fall of 1999. (Ret) was the Gun Platoon Ozark, Al. 36360 Pappy Kuster (who by the leader in B Troop I 1971 Ph# 334-774-0328 way is moving from hot when it was renamed to F Atlanta to North Dakota next Troop, as the Squadron Or month to fish and hunt) told returned to Fort Hood, TX. Al Defleron - me today (26 Oct) that at 76 This is an effort I fully 1145 Holland Rd. years of age, he may not be support, Newton , Al. around in 2000. Give me Read the Letters to the Ph# 334-692-5685 your thoughts prior to our Editor for a full briefing on March newsletter release and the horse, “Bullwhip”, and You are the best. Stand Tall, I’ll let you know when and it place of honor in the 1st Be Proud. where. Cav Horse Platoon. SGM Kennedy It does appear that fall, Bullwhip 7 1998 (October timeframe), DAVID J. ALLEN ______would be the best year and Brigadier General, ______time, to have the reunion. Cavalry, USA Ret, ______Commanding From the Chaplain: ______In the “Letters to the ______As all of us were, I was Editor” you will find several shocked and dismayed to letters about a Bullwhip horse From The Command learn of the loss of our leader. fund, from COL (Ret) Peter Sergeant Major You probably were Booth, honorary COL of the wondering who you did not 9th Cav Regiment. A very short note for this receive any word from me at His letters outlines the Newsletter; The passing of the time. A word of process of gathering COL John B. Stockton is the explanation is in order. My donations to support an end of an era and the start of daughter received word of his acquisition of a horse to be a new one. death on my answering named in honor of Bullwhip Only time will tell if the machine. She sent an e-mail 6. new age Army will learn message to me is Quito, When I discussed this from the past, or will the Ecuador, where I was visiting with Rita (John’s wife), she New Army Commanders Missionary friends. I had no was very pleased and forget, the lessons learned, way of contacting anyone in immediately donated $200! and taught by the BullWhip the Squadron. When I got I’ve contacted COL A. J. Squadron, under BW 6. back to Miami, I tried to call Welch and we have agreed This is a very personal Rita Stockton, but I couldn’t that our BW Squadron could time for me, for I have lost, find a White Pages phone solicit contributions from our both a commander and a very book, so I called her when I members, hold the moneys, close personal friend. I shall got back home. I offered my and then send in one big forever hold his memory condolences, and told her that dollar amount. We will also close. I was sure I was expressing maintain a complete list of The Bullwhip Squadron the feelings of all of us. She BW Sqdrn donors so that the shall march forward with asked me to thank everyone manes can be placed on a sabers held high. for their concern. Rita said plaque, which will be she plans to be at the next st As ever, your points of presented at the 1 cav contact for normal Squadron reunion. That will be another Reunion in August 1999, business remain; reason to be there.

6 When I got the news it never let on. As his Chaplain Squadron, the 7th Cav and the was hard for me to realize. I I got to know that side of Air Cav in general. In had no one from the him, I guess, better than addition to these tapes being Squadron I could talk to anyone. of great interest to us, some about our loss. My friends In future columns I will of the proceeds from the sales that I was visiting, share some of those things he will go toward the purchase sympathized with me, but did which were not for glory of a horse to be named they could not begin to or acclaim. He was just “Bullwhip” and given in understand my loss. I just being John Stockton. COL Stockton’s memory to knew that John Stockton This will have to do for the detachment at Fort Hood. would always be around as now. In future articles, Lord The available tapes are; long as I was. He will always willing, I will share more of Tape #1: “The Making of be with us in our memories. my recollections of a great Decisive Weapons” by the We all have remembrances of man. BBC. This tape includes a 1 BW 6. Whenever we get Remember, plan to be at hour, 30 minute interview together we will always share the next Reunion. Don’t be with COL Stockton and CSM these memories. Without the going off on vacations or Kennedy about the Bullwhip leadership and additional visiting long lost relatives. Squadron and how such training we received under We are family. We all traditions as the black hats his guidance, many of us here must attend the next Reunion. and saddlebags, were begun. today, may not have made it Till we meet at the The final 30 minutes of the back from Nam. He was not reunion, I remain, tape is the final program, a Commander who sent men aired by the BBC. This is into battle. He led them. Your Chaplain available for $25.00 (with We are family. Harry K. Treude $15 of this going to the horse When we went on the ______fund). additional training trips (that ______Tape # 2: BG Dave Allen no other unit in Division did), and LTC Chuck Knowlen The Colonel instructed me to From the discuss the ambush in the Ia visit as many of the wives of Sergeant Major: Drang Valley (1 hour 10 the men, as possible to let minutes). This is followed them know that they would As ever by a 50 minute, A & E not be forgotten when we program about the Air Cav in went to Nam. The officer’s L..A. Defleron Vietnam. The purchase price wives I saw at a gathering Sergeant Major is $25.00 (with $15 going to they had for a coffee. I ______the horse fund). visited with the Enlisted ______Tape # 3: LTG Hal Moore men’s wives, individually. I talks about the Battle of Ia th did not get to visit all of them From the Drang Valley from the 7 in the time allotted. Cav perspective. This is a Keeper of the Rock: I could go recounting $20.00 tape (of which $10 many things he did that only goes to the Ia Drang For those of you who are the Chaplain knew about. In Scholarship Fund). not aware, we, in the later columns I will tell you For further information Bullwhip Squadron, have about some of these acts, that about ordering these and quite an asset in the person of showed another side of him. other tapes, please contact: Jerry “Smoky” He was not only a fearless Jerry “Smoky” Schmotolocha. Smokey has soldier, he was surrogate Schmotolocha done an excellent job of father to all the troops, he 23 Congressional Parkway compiling and editing tapes loved each one of us, but he Livingston, NJ 07039 about the Bullwhip

7 Phone: (201) 994-0738 who have used their intestate (no Will) share. In addition to these tapes husband’s name after It is often prudent to identify being interesting and a part of marriage(s). With names like a child by birth date. This our heritage, Smoky has gone William or Robert, the use of extra bit of caution simply to much effort to compile and “Bob” or “Bill” are often a avoids confusion in the edit them. I feel that as given and not necessary. future. fellow troopers, we need to “Antler Blue,” “Bullwhip 6" support his efforts. Even and “Fixer” don’t count. Personal more than that, we need to Residence: This residency Representative/Executor support the memorial effort designation is important The person(s) named by the in COL Stockton’s memory. because it determines the Testator to execute his/her State whose law will be wishes as reflected in the Keeper of the Rock applied to the interpretation Will is called the Personal Gene Smith and execution of the Will’s Representative. There are 3 ______provisions. It is more classes of Personal ______important for active duty Representatives: service personnel who may 1. Executor is a specific Legal Advice be stationed at someplace person named in the Will (or other than the State they alternate). claim for residency. For 2. Administrator CTA WHERE THERE’S A those persons, the local JAG WILL is a person appointed by the office can be of some help Court to carry out the and may even be able to Testator’s wishes in a Will, if In the last installment of provide the requirements for the named Executor(s) cannot “Where There is a will” I a specific State. serve. CTA means a will is set forth some thoughts on Marital Status: This is attached so the instructions the need, and effect of a important because of the are both specific and clear. thoughtfully prepared Will. different and often more 3. Administrator is a This issue deals in general favorable tax consequences person appointed by the terms, with the elements associated with a gift of Court to act in the absence of necessary to create an property going to a surviving a Will (intestacy). effective Will. There is a spouse. In general, the Personal caveat: Although many States Children: Because the law Representatives, whatever have similar statutes, each of most States considers their title, have the same individual State has its own children as the “natural powers and mission: Probate Laws identifying objects of one’s bounty,” Administer the Estate as particular elements required omitting to identify a child in expeditiously as possible to for a valid Will in that State. one’s Will does not have the get decedent’s bills paid, the This commentary is simply to effect commonly called property assets divided and alert you to matters, which “disinheritance.” On the distributed, and close the must be considered in contrary, failing to refer to a Estate. preparing a Will. child in a Will can trigger a Persons often named as Name: Here we need full concept of “pretermitted Executor include a spouse, names, including any other heir” in which failure to refer adult children, other relatives, names by which the person to a natural child is treated as family friends, business creating the Will is generally an oversight. That child associates or an institution. known. This is done through would then take the amount In determining who should the use of AKA (also known or share s/he would’ve act as an Executor, you as) designation. This is often received if there was not a should select someone of more concern to women Will. This is called an responsible, well-organized

8 and experienced in 1. Leaving the bulk or all of considered in the preparation maintaining books and one’s Estate to a surviving of a Will. Your own records. In addition, it is spouse of a long term Counsel, or the State Bar of useful if an Executor or marriage or alternatively to your State, can give you successor Executor has had children in equal or unequal more specific information for business experience and is shares is not unusual. your state and perhaps a knowledgeable about making 2. Gifts of specific referral to Counsel in your investments. Have alternates property, e.g., jewelry, community whose practice in mind for contingencies firearms, collectibles, and focuses on Wills, Trusts and when you plan your Will. even real property, can be Probate. It is therefore extremely made by Will. Next time: Alternatives to important that the Personal 3. The above or Probate-present gifts, Representative be chosen combination of the above is informal Trusts and Joint carefully with special acceptable if permitted by the Tenancy. attention to his/her personal individual’s State of honesty, strength, loyalty and residency and defined clearly Manny Sedacca ability to faithfully discharge and simply enough for the Legal their duties as set forth by the personal Representative to ______Will or law. Since the understand, locate and ______Personal Representative may execute. serve with or without bond, it It’s war. is critical to determine for Signatures: Finally, It’s not if you win or loose. yourself the quality of depending upon the laws of You must win. trust/confidence you have in the individual state, the Will There is no alternative. this person before you make must be signed by the the decision to waive bond. Testator, usually in the LAE Remember that person will presence of 2 witnesses ______be in charge of whatever (sometimes 3 to be sure) who ______Estate you leave. must be there at the same If the Will’s main time. This is a formal Will. From the Comptroller: beneficiary is the spouse, Caution: With the bond is often waived. exception of some Another year is almost However, this is not a hard jurisdictions, a notary is not over. Christmas is just and fast rule. Be careful and necessary and often injects around the corner and for discuss this with those whose note of defect into a Will many of you cold weather is judgment you trust. document if done improperly. a fact of life. There are jurisdictions Our country is going Actual Gifts/Distribution which permit informal through one of the longest This is the tough part: handwritten Wills and sustained periods of good Here one must decide who Soldier’s Wills. Those are times in history. Inflation is gets what. Keeping in mind for specific purposes and not low, unemployment is low, the Estate represents a addressed here. wages are up, and most lifetime of labor and all Remember, the people are reasonable happy. receiving gifts need not information supplied here is With this in mind, it’s necessarily be treated general and not intended to time to think about 1998 and equally, this too requires take the place of specific what the future holds for the serious thought. This area is legal advice tailored to your Bullwhip Squadron as much political as it is needs and the laws of your Association. legal. Some observations State. It is designed to raise COL John B. Stockton might be helpful: issues, which must be was strong in his belief that

9 this Association was good your dues during the month back into the Squadron fund. medicine for all the 3/17th of January. If you are in mind for more, and 1/9th troopers that served Please make payment for call or write either Al proudly under his command. annual dues (and donations) Defleron or myself. The cost He believed that as soon by checks, made payable to will be $10 per mug and we as the Association became the Bullwhip Squadron will pay the postage. solvent that the dues should Association. The 1st/9th Squadron and be reduced to a level that You can send your annual especially the “Bullwhip everyone could join who dues for 98 to me, Loel Squadron” is known through wanted to. Ewart, Rt. 2, Box 158, out Army Aviation and Therefore, as to John B’s Ozark, AL. 36360. supported units as a “Can wishes, the Association dues My phone number is Do” outfit. No job to tough, are being reduced to $15.00 home, (334) 774-0328, a unit you can count on, the per year. This is $5.00 dues office, (334) 598-3030. only unit you want covering and $10.00 for the newsletter. Membership runs from you overhead, a unit that gets With the reduction of January to December. the job done. dues, the Association can The present membership Take pride, in your past only send the Newsletter to is over 70 troopers. Lets go and know that WE led the dues paying members. So as for a giant leap for double way. WE were the teachers COL Stockton would say, it’s that number for membership for the future. Our time to mount and get under in 98. Brotherhood remains strong. way. In other words, Our leader, COL John B. Our newsletter is how we Stockton, is still with us in stay in touch with each other. IT”S DUES PAYING TIME! spirit and will always hold Read the letters to the that special place of honor editors. There are troopers Troopers, now it is only within the Association. out there that have found $15 for the year, so dig in the To all of you who ordered their home again, just by the wallet or checkbook and send golf shirts, hats, and mugs Association and the in your dues. Dues are due, since our last newsletter, a Newsletter. starting January 1. Those of very hardy, THANK YOU. We are the Bullwhip you that prepaid $25 for 1998 This has helped make the Squadron. Take pride, sit tall will receive dues credit. The Squadron fund solvent. in the saddle, You are CAV. additional $10 will be Don’t stop now! We still returned to you if you request have an abundance of The Cavalry, always in it. If we do not hear from mugs. front, always the eyes and you, the $10 will be placed in By now everyone who ears of the Division. the Horse Fund. (Read on ordered items should have about the Horse Fund) received them. Any one who The Cavalry Never Sleeps! With the reduction of dues, is due any item and has not the Association can afford to received it, please call either Now for an accounting of send the newsletters only to Al or myself for resolution. funds from the last dues paying members. So The staff appreciates your newsletter: starting with the next patience and understanding. newsletter, only “paid” You can still help us Total Deposit $ 990.00 members and honorary eliminate our backlog of Expenses - $ 125.00 members, will be mailed the mugs and put money back Ending balance $ 2831.51 Bullwhip Squadron into the Squadron fund by Yes, we are solidly in the Association newsletter. So ordering more mugs. These black, thanks to all of you come on troopers, get with are paid for, so any moneys who paid your dues and gave the program and send in received for the mugs will go donations in 1997, which are

10 shown in the Total Deposit. for 1998. Don’t let the Jones “Rex” Dula Without dues being paid, we Association down. Check James Goldberry would be in the red and your names and insure the Barrie Turner ** without a newsletter. spelling is correct. Call Loel Billie Williams ** The total deposit also Ewart and correct the spelling Richard Marshall includes approximately $300 if necessary. This is to insure Paul Bechberger for the Horse Fund. the BW Certificates are Frank Moser Until the next News letter spelled correctly. Michael Kelley Mike Bogdue Loel Ewart Bullwhip Squadron Ken Bedsole ** Comptroller John York, Jr.

______Association Members Phillip Zemke ______Robert Zion ** Honored Halls Eugene Marcum Douglas Tucker **

Lost and Found COL J .B. Stockton (Deceased) Richard Pettit Glenn Shumake ** (Deceased) James Conner The following item was James Gee in the last newsletter, but is Members Paul Tassin deemed important and to be Donald Coshey continued this issue. Margaret Stockton *** Guy Beardsley ** Gen David Allen Nicholas Hlywa LTG Hal Moore and Joe Jim Bachman William Gillette Galloway are developing a Ralph Redfoot Joe Galloway scholarship fund for the Harold “Hap” Rose Rayburn Smith children of Ia Drang veterans Jim Sinclair Frances Hiser who were listed as KIA or Bob Stoverink John Niamtee ** WIA. This does not include Loel Ewart ** Jim Bochman the hospital battle. Al DeFleron *** Ralph Redfoot According to our files dated 6 David Dunning Harold Rose Nov 65, concerning the Bruce Dehart Jim Sinclair ambush only, the 1/9 had 2 David Shanklin Bob Stoverink KIA and 10 WIA. We know Robert Garrett Thomas King by name the 2 KIA’s but do Charles Knowlen Jerry Schmotolocha ** not know the WIA’s. If William Laidlaw Jerry Hunter anyone has further John Nielsen ** Royall Washington information on the WIA’s, Robert Thaxton ** *** New Members please let us know ASAP George Park LTG Harold Moore ## ** prior to 15 May 1997. Harry Treude Jim Borsos Stanley Grett James Herra ** Troopers, this is a big one. David Bray ** James Reid ** Lets everyone help out LTG Joel Steine Gordon Fisher ** Moore with names if Dick Timmons Edward Larson possible. Send any names Mitch BlankenBurg ** Richard Pettit and addresses you have in to Charles Wilke Larry Banks the editors and we will Thomas Leonard Larry Wright *** forward to LTG Moore. John Oliver Bill Hughes The following list of Marion Dettmer Association members is as of, Nelson Blankenship ## After their name December 97. Look closely James Barrett indicates Honorary member. and insure your name is there Jack Kilcrease

11 ** After their name, also And play with helicopters. are desperately needed to gave a donation to the LAE write articles. Bullwhip Squadron Association account. Any article is appreciated, *** After their name, Newsletter Picture on any subject, past, present, gave a donation for the Horse military or civilian, funny, or fund. More on the Horse sober, as long as it is in good Fund in “letters to the keeping of the Association’s Editors”. ideals. Thanks guys for the great So if you would like to donations!!! write an article, contact Loel Help us get more Ewart. His address and members and keep the phone number are on page 6. Association strong! We are Also, if you write a letter at 75+ known members, and to the Editors and do not there are still many more out want it printed, just say so there waiting for us to contact and we will honor your them. desires. Several troopers The following items are contacted us about paying now found in each issue. The their dues at the reunion and lost and found column, the, were not on the list of James H. Conner, 1304 15th Letters to the Editor column, members. We have added Ave. S.E., Decatur, Alabama and the newsletter Picture. their names to the member’s 35601 We need help with the list. Newsletter, Picture. We have a current address If you have a photo that on all present members and As all you troopers you would like to see in the we also have the last known remember from the last Association newsletter, send addresses for about another newsletter, James went it in to the Editors for 125 troopers who are not through a bit of hell with an printing. If you have a before members. So if you want to accident that impacted his and after photo (young get in touch with any of memory. He, with our help, guy/mature guy) we will them, just call for the is improving. print. If you have a special address. Keep those letters going to picture, send in a copy, and him. we will print. In fact we will ______print all photos received for THIS IS YOUR ______the Newsletter. NEWSLETTER, We are in hopes of From The Editors increasing our membership HELP US MAKE IT above the present numbers, THE BEST! with your help. So if you As you can see the know of anyone who is not a Newsletter continues to member please drop us a note change, hopefully for the with the name and address, better, as your good and we will sent them a suggestions come in personal invitation to join the Only time will tell if boys Squadron Association. grow into men. This is not a one person, We have been asked about Boys put away their toys operation and volunteers getting copies of past and become men. newsletters. We have a

12 limited number of past Association, need members. I wonder what the trustees newsletters so if you desire Become one of us. would have done if BW 6 one, send a self addressed Remember, had passed away prior to the large envelope with 64 cents 1 August meeting. worth of stamps on it, for If You Ain’t Cav, each newsletter, and we will You Ain’t!! Needless to say, I’ll send you the newsletter you The Editors resubmit the packet in June are missing. However, you ______2001. must be able to tell us what ______David Allen newsletter you need, or describe what is in it. Letters To The Editors Contact Loel if there are July 02, 1997 any questions. Dear General Allen ______Some of our letters go all the way back to just before On behalf of the Chairman Starting with this the last newsletter, and of the Hall of Fame board of newsletter, we intend to print arrived to late to make the Trustees, Major general a newsletter three times a July Newsletter, but all are George W. Putnam, Jr., Ret., year. interesting and has the long and the President of the If the Association reach of a Cav Trooper. Army Aviation Association members would like to stay Some of the notes and of America (AAAA), Major at a quarterly printing, the letters require a little dressing General John D. Robinson, members must support the up so the language is fit for Ret., I would like to quarterly with articles and sensitive ears. Please do not acknowledge the receipt of letters. take offense, and keep your Hall of Fame Let us know how you feel, those letters coming. nomination of COL John B. quarterly or three times a Stockton, Ret. year. ------The Trustees plan to meet ______in August 1997 to select the The first two letters are slate of candidates whose The newsletter is your reported for your names, photographs, and newsletter and we hope you information. biographical sketches will be enjoy the history, the tidbits, COL Stockton was not included in the Hall of Fame and the camaraderie and aware of my action in Ballot. This ballot will be Brotherhood found here. submitting his name in mailed in the fall to an ______nomination for the Aviation electorate of AAAA members Hall of Fame—he would who have two or mores years Due to the passing of out have disowned me! of consecutive AAAA Squadron Commander, the I realized that it would be membership. Bullwhip Squadron a most difficult task to get his The elected candidates membership certificates, will nomination through the will be inducted into the Hall be sent to you, hopefully, AAAA board of directors, of Fame at the AAAA with the next newsletter. but if it did clear that hurdle, Annual convention, April 1 – We are sending this the BW Squadron troopers 4, 1998, in Charlotte, North newsletter to everyone we would support the effort to Carolina. have addresses for. get him elected. Thank you for your However, as stated earlier, However, the trustees, still interest in this program, and future newsletters will only harboring old personal for taking the time to prepare be sent to dues paying dislikes of John, turned him and submit a nomination. members. We, as an down on 1 August.

13 Sincerely Regiment, concerning the acclamation. Cost estimated horse “Bullwhip”. to be $2000. William R. Harris This is a very important Jim Smith then discussed Acting Executive Director letter and idea. So read and the idea with Bob Cooper Army Aviation Association support the concept. who assisted him in ------establishing the 1st Cav September 18,1997 SUB: 9th Cav donations to Division Horse Platoon. Dear General Allen: Horse Platoon, 1st Cav Div. They improved the idea with the recommendation that we The Board of Trustees of Dear Dave, buy a higher quality horse the Army Aviation Hall of ($3,500) that would be the Fame met and considered Jim Smith informed me Platoon Leaders horse. I nominations of fifty three that he had discussed this believe that to be a very good well qualified candidates for subject with you by and appropriate idea. As you induction during 1998. Of telephone. However, I know, John B. would never these, eighteen were selected wanted to follow up with a ride in the pack. for presentation to our voting letter informing you, and all Our proposal is to present constituency in the upcoming who were members of the “Bullwhip” publicly at the ballot. I regret to inform you 1st/9th Cavalry during it’s 1999, 1st Cavalry Division that your nominee was not “Bullwhip” era, of our reunion at Ft. Hood…at the selected. decision, and to request your Friday retreat ceremony Thank you for your efforts support. where the Horse Platoon of behalf of your candidate. Early morning on 8 performs. It will be You may wish to consider re- August, as the 1st Cavalry presented as a 9th Cavalry submitting your nomination Division reunion was kicking donation of “Bullwhip” in for the next cycle of Hall of off, we were informed of the perpetuity. We will discuss Fame Induction’s in 2001. untimely passing of Col. John and coordinate a proper If you have any questions B. Stockton. As you might ceremony with the C/S and about the process or would imagine, there was CG, 1st Cavalry Division and like any original materials considerable emotion among others concerned. returned, please contact Bill the members of 1st/9th and I request your support for Harris, Acting Executive many, many other members the project. I believe Director, AAAA, at 1-8000- of the full spectrum of units members of the Bullwhip era 7222-2769, ext. 123. of the 1st Cavalry Division. will be eager and willing to For the remainder of the day support it financially. I Sincerely and night, a number of would appreciate it very people were thinking about much if you would take the George W. Putnam, Jr. ways to honor John B’s name lead in soliciting and Major General, USA (ret.) and legacy. encouraging donations from Chairman The next morning, COL the Bullwhip group, which Board of Trustees A.J. Welch came to me and you are so capably leading. recommended that the 9th Cav Donations will be ______donate a horse to the 1st collected by: Cavalry Division Horse Platoon…with the proviso COL A. J. Welch Our next letter is a very that it be named “Bullwhip” 1501 Tally Ho Court special letter written to in John B’s honor. A Kokomo, IN 46902 General Dave Allen from approved and we put it to a James W. Booth, Honorary voice vote at the 9th Cav Perhaps you want to Colonel, 9th Cavalry luncheon. It carried by collect and present in one

14 lump sum from the will collect and donate as a print by Don Stivers “Bullwhip Sqdn”. That’s Squadron donation. featuring Medal of Honor probably the best way, but ______winner, Sgt. Emanuel Stance your call. (from Charleston, SC), one of I believe we need to The next letter is also the many brave and dedicated collect and provide the funds from COL James Booth and Buffalo Soldiers who are part to the Horse Platoon account addresses the 9th Calvary of our heritage. by approximately early Regiment Museum. Bob Nevins pledged a January 1999. This would pistol captured from a North provide time for them to To: Distinguished Members Vietnamese officer acquire and train the horse of the 9th Cavalry Regiment (deceased) by “B” troop and prior to the August reunion. presented to him by the We will provide extensive Subj: Edward Hatch troop. Many others pledged publicity for the program on Regimental Room, 9th a wide variety of items the internet and in the Cavalry regiment (helmets, photographs, etc.). “Flying Point” 9th Cavalry I request that all of you article in the Saber. At the 1st Cav Reunion at who served so valiantly in I appreciate your support Killeen, TX this year, LTC our Regiment donate or loan and cooperation. If you wish Fred Rudesheim, Commander items for display in the 9th to discuss with me, please of the 1st/9th Cavalry, Cavalry Hatch Room. We give me a call at (706) 444- formally opened the Edward can bring it alive with items 5228, my Georgia home Hatch Regimental Room that illustrate our history and telephone number. I will be located in the Battalion make it the showplace of there throughout the fall Headquarters. It is named the Regimental rooms in the 1st season. Then perhaps back to Edward Hatch Room Cavalry Division and U.S. Florida in January commemorating the memory Army. I know the material to (telephone: 813-593-9869). of the officer who organized do it is out there in your the 9th Cavalry in 1866 and hands and hundreds of our Best Regards, was the first Commander of troopers. If you know others the Regiment, serving in that who have memorabilia they James W. Booth capacity for 23 years. may consider donating, Honorary Colonel At our 9th Cavalry please encourage them to do 9th Cavalry Regiment luncheon the next day, LTC so. Rudesheim asked for the Please mail your items to: donation or loan of memorabilia from former Commander Well troopers, now we members of the Regiment to 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry will have a horse named display in the Hatch Room. Attn: S-1 after BW 6, in the 1st Cav On the spot he received Bldg. 31010 Div. Horse Platoon. It will pledges of Vietnam war 1st Cavalry Division be the Platoon Leader’s memorabilia from many Fort Hood, TX 76544 horse. We will be taking members of the “Real Cav”. donations for the Bullwhip I sent him an SKS P.S. I had a small brass Squadron so if you would captured by Saber Blues in plaque with my name care to donate to this October 69 and later included with each of my worthy cause please sent to presented to me. Display in donations so as to identify the Loel Ewart. Make checks our Regimental Room is, in donor. You may wish to do payable to; Bullwhip Sqdn my view, the proper home for the same to simplify the Assoc.--Horse Fund. We this rife. Additionally, I Adjutant’s record keeping. shipped a limited edition

15 P.S.S. Mailing weapons is a problem, but I sent the SKS ------The next letter is from John R certified priority mail. The Nielsen, 329 Lindholm Rd., U.S. Postal Service accepted Hurleyville, NY 12747-5009 it after I explained that it was Dear Loel and other Editors: destined for the 9th Cavalry Holy Horse- What a great Museum. Thanks for including me newsletter!! This is J. R. on the mailing list for the Nielsen- I served proudly Both COL Rudesheim and Bullwhip Squadron with such brave and I appreciate your support. Newsletter. Enclosed is a honorable men in A Troop My highest respect to you donation for the Squadron 1st/9th as David Allen, Robert all, Fund. I passed on the Garrett, Larry Wright, Pat COL James W. Booth Newsletter to Jim (J. R.) Haley (KIA). I first flew HCOR Borsos- a 1/9th Blue Platoon with Bill Laidlaw as a rifle 9th Cavalry Regiment Machine Gunner “67 – 68”. (Blue) pilot, then when Bob ______His story starts of page 141 Garrett went home, I took his of Brennan’s book, position as Trp Commander’s The next two letters are “Headhunters”. J. R. lives pilot. from LT. GEN. Harold G. here. I gave him a 1/9th Cav I also flew weapons a few Moore, U.S. Army retired. Brotherhood baseball cap times.- I can still hear which someone gave me a “Red’s” chunker! Dear Dave while back. After flying with Cpt His address is; Laidlaw a short time, he gave Thank you for your letter, J. R. Borsos me my own ship –37, the Postmarked 9/24. P.O. Box 1248 only D model with an L-9 I am pleased to be able to Crested Butte, CO 81224 engine. I loved that machine- help the Bullwhip Squadron Soon learned to nurse every maintain it’s Brotherhood. There are three 1st Cav once of power out of her. Shortly after arriving at Vietnam Vets here. In I used to sling load the the 1st cavalry Reunion on 7 addition to J. R. and me., commo mule when A troop August, a grief stricken and Jerry Heal, who was a re-deployed. Flying lift was stunned 1st shift, 1st/9th Sergeant in the 2nd/12th Cav so gratifying because in my cavalry veteran told me of in 67-68. We and our wives own way, when extracting John Stockton’s passing. got together on a recent my beloved riflemen, I felt That sad grim news cast a Sunday afternoon at Jerry’s like I was getting them out of cloud over that reunion for place for a cookout, popped a harms way. God, I loved we 65-66 Vietnam 1st Cav couple of cold ones, and told those guys! Vets. war stories (some of which After RVN, I went to To those of us who knew were true). Germany- Air Cav. Served him well, his enterprises and In closing, I much admire with Bob Garrett, Scotty his officers and men, John what you 1st/9th Cav Vietnam Clark, Dave Smith, Joe Stockton was a 1st Cav icon. Vets are doing to keep your waters- all 9th Cav aviators. We shall remember him Brotherhood alive. Those airmen not with 1st/9th and his legacy to the Cavalry Drive On! were with 1st Cav Div, 227th, until we all go out of the 229th, or Medevac.- What a game. Hal Moore wonderful tour of duty! LZ X-Ray We flew (patrolled) the Nov. 65 east-west German border. All the best Most times when we went Hal Moore ______out, the Russians would fly

16 with us. We in our beat up Loel find $25 for dues and politics into it, remember that Hueys, and them in their some $ for the fund. we had to have the NC HIN-D’s and Hounds (twin So sorry about Captain GOVS approval and the fiftys). They wanted us bad- Kidd. I remember the name whole process started way of course that didn’t stop our well. I bet I met him at our before the election. obscene hand gestures- what Club on the Hill.. That’s The logistics of it are fun! where I met Lt. Joe Waters. interesting, however, in that We needed that Your last words in the we had to move the birds and excitement, but what was newsletter “If You Ain’t the tractors 300 miles one more exciting was the Cav, You Ain’t” is so true. way, to get there. So there aviators at Happy Hour at the Check out the enclosed we were, going about 60 mph “O” Club. I have never seen photo. Now you know where up I-85 in a convoy. That such a positive “up” group of I’m at! As far as the puppy, cobra weighs about three tons people, real CAV people. we Cav people have hearts the way it sets. The trailer it CSM Kennedy is so too. rides on had not had a real correct when he writes: “to Fraternally Yours test before the trip. And just some of us- the Cav is the about every TV camera in only Army we know”. J. R. Nielsen NC was on us. The first My time in the Army was lesson we learned was to put four years of pure adventure. His photo was in the April the longest wheel base tow Excluding the horrors of war newsletter, so dig out your truck hauling the heaviest (comes with the job), I never old newsletter to see the load. After that switch, we had a bad day in the Army. photo. moved right along and even Flying at night, fog, bugs, OK troopers, you have his had a lunch break. being terrified, sweating, no address, write! The people in charge of showers, eating c-rations, no ______the parade averaged about lovely ladies,-- no big thing. twelve or fourteen years old. Damn, we were tough The next letter is from Dave Most could not understand people! Shanklin, 1612 Mill Creek why, historically, horses in Enough of this rambling. Road, Mebane, NC 27302. parades are always at the CSM Kennedy, I will be at back end. Anyway, while I the next reunion and as Comptroller: think I was the only pilot ordered to “find just one”. I who went over on the Boxer will do my best to locate Here are my dues for this (to RVN), there were several Joseph C. Waters. Joe was year. You might be Cav Vets there. And the an aviator with C Troop, 65- interested to know that the crowd and the other pilots 66. Bullwhip Squadron was knew it. Maybe Gene Smith represented in the January As we passed the remembers him. I also server Presidential Inauguration by, President, I got a salute from with Joe in Germany. Last at least, one member. Those Clinton and a salute and a known address- Phoenix, AZ. who saw the parade on c- “thumbs up” from Gore. He Help me, if you can. I think span probably saw the North really was pointing at the he retired as a Major. Carolina Chapter of Vietnam guns on the Huey I was on. Originally from Robertsdale, Helicopter Pilots Association Going on the trip was sort of AL. pass almost at the very end of like the first trip to Nam and Loel Ewart and red Dula! the thing. We had one getting back home. I’ve heard those names so Loach, one Snake, one You are happy you went often I feel I know you, but I Charley, and one D Huey. and would be happy not to don’t think we have met- All propelled by John Deere have to go again! Next reunion. tractors. Before you read any

17 Fixer 8 Mike Thrive on attention and let Dave Shanklin people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple Troopers, you have growl will do. Dave’s address so write! On hot days, drink lots of ______water and lie under a shady tree. That’s all the letters for When you’re happy, dance this Newsletter. Send your around and wag your entire letters to, “The Bullwhip body. Squadron Editors” c/o Loel No matter how often you’re Ewart, for the next edition. scolded, don’t buy into the ______guilt thing and pout…run right back and make friends. We always wonder where the Delight in the simple joy of a best teachers come from. long walk. This poem is an example of a ______teacher, Par Excellence. ______

To close out this edition of the BW Sqdn Newsletter, it is THINGS WE CAN LEARN only appropriate to pay FROM A DOG homage to another unsung hero, that is always in the Never pass up the background, and that every opportunity to go for a pilot depends on. The joyride. Aircraft Mechanic (in this Allow the experience of fresh case, helicopter mechanic). air and the wind in your face Without them, no one would to be pure ecstasy. be flying. When loved ones come home, always run to greet Until the next newsletter, them. may all things go your way. When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience. Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory. Take naps and stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you fine it. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.