THE BULLWHIP SQUADRON NEWS ______

The official Newsletter of the Bullwhip Squadron Association

Sept 1998 Adjutants Call

The Adjutants Call for this newsletter will be a little different. I believe it is appropriate to remind all troopers of past history, when that history has impacted all of us so much. History is in the making of words and deeds, some by gallant troopers and some by not so gallant “others”. With that in mind, the following letter will serve as the starting point for this article and the reminder of a Gallant Trooper.

Dear Loel,

I have two items that I would like to bring to your attention. One is the last letter I received from Bullwhip-6. I don’t know why I kept it. I guess I was impressed at the statistics or it could easily have been because I admired this guy enough to follow him anywhere after the night I spent in LZ Betty, with several other troopers who survived solely on the strength of John B. Stockton’s intestinal fortitude. The other item is a date correction on SFC (Ret) Lionel Dela Rosa’s article concerning the Chu Pong Massif’s battle with “B” troop personnel. I can assure him that it was not the 20th of March but it was the 30th of March because I still remember the day very well as should John Ghere. I received wounds that day that kept me in Martin Army Hospital for over 22 months and eventually retirement. You guys are doing a super job on the Bullwhip Squadron News letter and Dela Rosa’s story could have been a missed number on the keyboard (and it was. BWS). Enclosed please find a copy of the farewell to the Squadron troops by the illustrious John B. himself. Looking forward to the Squadron Associations Reunion.

Sincerely

Richard C Sistrunk 1505 Buena Vista Dr. Dothan, AL 36303-2003

Always Remember, John B. Stockton Was No “Piss Ant.” ______

Final Letter; To The Troops, From John B. Stockton.

Subject: Farewell 18 December 1965

TO: All Troopers 1/9 Cavalry Squadron 1st Air Cavalry Division

As it will to all of you some day, my time has come to leave our Squadron. I do so with profound regret but with the fondest possible memories a soldier can take with him. We have trained together from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River- - at Fort Benning, Fort Stewart, the Carolinas maneuver area, Fort Bragg, Camp Shelby, Fort Campbell and Fort Knox. Our first year together was a busy one, and in the process we became a capable combat- ready team. We have fought together from the China Sea to the Cambodian border- - in the Suoi Ca valley, along Highway 19, on the Tae and Drang Rivers. In our several skirmishes and in our pitched battles we have demonstrated beyond reasonable argument our combat capability. The facts are there, on the record - - 125 PAVN/VC killed by body count, another 187 estimated killed; 203 PAVN/VC wounded; 64 prisoners captured and 16 VC suspects apprehended; 19 enemy weapons captured. We have fought the Peoples Army of North Vietnam and defeated him. We have fought the main battle force of the Viet Cong and defeated him. I mourn with you our departed comrades. I ask my maker, as you do, to speed the recovery of our wounded, injured and sick troopers. I salute you all. My only request to each one of you is that you continue to serve your Squadron, and thus the Nation, as well in the future as you have in the past. You are especially capable members in a noble profession, defending the cause of freedom in the name of the United States of America. Remember your mission - - Find Them. Fight Them. Prevail.

God bless you all.

John B. Stockton Lt Colonel, Cavalry Commanding

------TAPS

John Schlichter Passed On 3 March, 1997

William Gilboy Passed On February 1998 ------

2

3 From The Commander: provide an update at the soldiers who came into the reunion. Army, did their training and The picture of the colors I have previously joined us, before or during coming ashore in Vietnam is mentioned the Museum’s Vietnam, either with the the only picture of any US Flight Lines computer data 3rd/17th at Fort Benning or the Military unit arriving in base site. Individuals and 1st/9th in Vietnam. They were Vietnam. It was first printed units can place their personal our brothers, through the in Newsweek in 1975. I aviation or unit history into worst of times and the best of wrote to the magazine this data base which then can times. Many did not return requesting a copy of the be viewed/seen on a TV with us to our great nation, picture which they gladly screen by anyone. It’s a great but paid the supreme price sent to me with the proviso way to preserve your for freedom and the that Newsweek retained the personal military history for American way. All were the photo rights. The picture your children and Brotherhood of Bullwhip may not equal the WW II Iwo grandchildren to see. soldiers. We, the Cavalry, Jima flag raising picture – but This 1998 reunion is sure WERE their Army, and for for the Bullwhip Squadron, to be the largest of the 3 many, were family. Their and the 1st Air Cav Vietnam reunions of the BW Sqdn. memory still lives with us. era veterans, it sure is a great By expanding the Many of you have not picture of the First of the membership roles this past seen your brothers for many Ninth leadership, with the spring, the organization has years and the upcoming 98 dog Susy coming across the grown!!! We appreciate all reunion will be a true reunion beach at Qui Nhon on 13 of your support. of Brothers. I look forward September 1965! to seeing all of you at the The article by LTC Bert See y’all in October reunion. If you know of any Chole reminds me to tell you troopers that have yet to be that he is an author of a book DAVID J. ALLEN contacted let the Squadron written about his tour of duty Brigadier General, Association know their with the First of the Ninth in Cavalry, USA Ret, names and addresses. Vietnam. Hopefully, Bert Commanding The Bullwhip Squadron will take some orders from shall forever march forward with honesty and integrity the reunion attendees for his ______book. Of particular interest is with complete belief of God, the forward to the book – it is Duty, Honor, and Country. dedicated to Col John B. Eyes and Ears, of the As ever, your points of Stockton, the Father of Division . contact for normal Squadron Modern Air Cavalry. business remain; The Fort Rucker Aviation CAV Museum has been ______Loel Ewart undergoing a major roof ______repair for the past 6 months Rt. 2 Box 158 and may be closed to normal Ozark, Al. 36360 tours/visits during the BW From The Command Ph# 334-774-0328 Sqdn reunion dates. Sergeant Major However, the museum Or curator has assured me that As this old soldier thinks he will arrange a special tour forward to the future time of Al Defleron for those of you who have the Army and the change in 1145 Holland Rd. never seen this facility. I’ll leadership and missions, I Newton, Al. 36352 can’t help but think of the Ph# 334-692-5685 past and the many young had intentionally avoided youthful fighter pilot You are the best. visiting the wall when it humility, I wondered if I You are CAV. came to town in years past would live to see that bridge NEVER FORGIT! because I did not trust myself again. For reasons I still don't to keep my composure. But understand, I was the only SGM Kennedy after nearly three decades it one of the three of us who Bullwhip 7 was time to try for some did. ______closure on this issue. I told Once in Vietnam, we ______my wife that I preferred to go passed the long, lonely off- alone, if that was all right. duty hours at Dusty's Pub, a From the Chaplain: Truth be known, I nearly lounge that we lieutenants backed out at that. built on the beach of the The Chaplain is away for Standing in front of that South China Sea at Tuy Hoa this newsletter and expects to somber wall, I tried to keep it Airbase. The roof at Dusty's see all of you at the reunion light, reminiscing about how doubled as a sun deck and the in October. things were back then. We walls were nonexistent. The For this issue of the used to joke about our complaint heard most often newsletter we have an article passionate love affair with an around the bar, in the that brings back memories of inanimate flying object--we standard gallows humor of a lost brothers and a tear to the flew F-100s--and we combat squadron, was, "It's a heart. Read and understand. marveled at the thought that lousy war, but it's the only we actually got paid to do it. one we have." (I've cleaned BWS We were not draftees but up the language a bit.) We Still the Noblest college graduates in Vietnam sang mostly raunchy songs Calling by choice, opting for the that never seemed to end-- cramped confines of a jet someone was always writing

fighter cockpit over the new verses--and, as an I visited with three old comfort of corporate antidote to loneliness, fear in friends recently at a park near America. In all my life I've the night and the sadness my town. It seemed like only not been so passionate about over dead friends, we often yesterday that we were all any other work. If that drank too much. Vince together, but actually it had sounds like an exaggeration, joined us at Dusty's Pub been 28 years. There was a then you've never danced the halfway through my tour of crowd at the park that day, wild blue with a supersonic duty, and since he was a like- and it took us a while to angel. minded country kid from connect, but with the aid of a I vividly remember the Montana, we hit it off. He computer we made it. I found Sunday afternoon, in the had a wide grin, slightly Lance at panel 54W, line summer of '68, when we flew stooped shoulders and his 037, Lynn over at panel 51W, out of Travis Air Force Base, own way of walking--he just line 032, and Vince down at California, on a troop threw his feet out and stepped panel 27W, line 103. transport headed for Vietnam. on them. But what he lacked In 1968 we were gung-ho Lynn, Lance and I crowded in military bearing he made young fighter pilots in around the same porthole and up for with the heart of a Vietnam, the cream of the watched the Golden Gate tiger. crop of the U.S. Air Force Bridge disappear below He often flew as my pilot training system, and broken clouds. We had gone wingman, and we now their names are on that through fighter Pilot School volunteered for the night 250-foot-long, half-size together and had done some missions on the Ho Chi Minh model of Washington's serious bonding. In an Trail. One starless night, the Vietnam War Memorial that exceedingly rare moment of longest, saddest night of my moves around the country. I

5 life, we got into a nasty gun only the really big chunks Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" duel with some antiaircraft float to the top. in fortissimo: "The Lord God artillery batteries. I watched I didn't tell them about omnipotent reigneth," and He Vince die in a mushroom- how ostracized Vietnam vets was bringing me home, while shaped fireball that for a still are, that during that same Lance and Lynn and Vince moment turned night into week, one of the nation's will remain as part of the dust day. Lance--a New York boy leading newspapers had run of Southeast Asia until the who took unmerciful grief an article that implied we end of time. from us because he talked Vietnam vets were, to quote I was not the only one like a New Yawker--crashed one syndicated columnist, talking to the wall through into the side of a mountain in "either suckers or psychos, tears. A leather-vested, bare- the central Vietnamese victims or monsters." I didn't chested biker two panels to highlands while attacking a tell them that the Secretary of my left was in even worse target. Lynn, a happy-go- Defense they fought for back shape. I backed about 25 lucky jock from then has now declared that he yards away from the wall and Pennsylvania's Slippery Rock was not a believer in the sat down on the grass under a College with a hound named cause for which he assigned clear blue sky and midday John the Basset, returned to them all to their destiny. I sun that perfectly matched his base on a stormy night in didn't tell them that a draft- the tropical weather of the July after weather aborted his age kid from Arkansas who war zone. The wall, with all mission. Two miles of wet hid out in England to dodge 58,200 names, consumed my runway weren't enough to his duty while they were field of vision. I tried to stop an F-100 landing at 160 fighting and dying is now the wrap my mind around the knots with all its bombs still Commander-in-Chief. And I megatonnage of violence, on board He ran off the end, didn't tell them we lost that carnage and ruined lives that flipped over, and slid through lousy war. I gave them the it represented. Then I thought the minefield at the perimeter same story I've used since the of how Vietnam was only fence, setting off a gruesome Nixon administration: We one small war in the history sound and light show were winning when I left. of the human race. I was At the wall, I told the guys I relived that final day as I overwhelmed with a sense of only about the good parts of stared at the black onyx wall. mankind's wickedness. the last 28 years. Lacy, one The dawn came up like God, Duty, Honor, of our associates from thunder after 268 combat Country Dusty's Pub, became an missions in 360 days in the My heart felt like wax in astronaut, and a few summers valley of the shadow. The the blazing sun and I was on ago I watched from my ground trembled as 33 F- the verge of becoming a backyard, near Tampa, as he 100s roared off the runway, spectacle in the park. I arose blasted off. His voice over across the beach and out over and walked back up to the the radio from space was at the South China Sea, wall to say goodbye and ran least an octave lower than it climbing into the rising sun. my fingers over the engraved was the day I heard him radio On the eastern horizon, a line names-Lance and Lynn and for help while swinging from of towering deep-purple Vince--as if I could his parachute hung in a tree clouds stood shoulder-to- communicate with them in in Laos. shoulder before a brilliant some kind of spiritual Braille. Another Dusty's patron, orange sky that slowly turned I wanted them to know that Rick, is now a two-star powder blue from the top God, duty, honor and general, and I reminded them down. From somewhere on country will always remain what we used to say about that stage, above the whine of the noblest calling. the military promotion spinning turbine blades, I Revisionist history from system--it's like a septic tank, could hear a choir singing elite draft dodgers trying to

6 justify their own actions will would stop to visit and give invitations, but sent addresses never change that. I have support. and names and asked us to been a productive member of send them invitation to join society since the day I left James address is; letters. Some even made Vietnam. I am proud of copies and passed them along what I did there, and I am 1304 15th Avenue SE. to their friends. And for this, especially proud of my Decatur, AL 35601 we thank them. From some I friends--heroes who Phone is 205-855-4599 received mailing lists they voluntarily, enthusiastically had compiled and we worked gave their all. They Chaplain Treude will return from them, finding more demonstrated no greater love with his article with the next members. The lists and the to a nation whose highbrow newsletter. names have been very opinion makers are still productive in locating our trying to disavow them. May He is Your Chaplain troopers. their names, indelibly But our search must still engraved on that memorial Harry K. Treude go on, as we all would like to wall, likewise be found in the ______see all of those out there who Book of Life. ______doesn’t know our Squadron Association exists. It didn’t Author Unknown The Cav Trooper is never just take a few to make this ______alone. The Brotherhood, past Squadron the Great Squadron and present, stands with him.. it was and is. It took all of Now for another matter. LAE us, All of the troopers from We have a trooper that really 1963 to 1973, a decade of needs our help. ______time and troopers. James Conner, a trooper The Vietnam era was ours. of the 1st/9th needs the From the Before us it was the Buffalo Brotherhood. His wife has Sergeant Major: Soldiers, and after us, it was been corresponding with me. the 9th Regiment. He was in a serious auto I would like to start this So please continue to seek accident in 1997 and has article by extending a very out those addresses you may been in and out of VA hardy WELCOME to all of have misplaced. Either tell hospitals, since. Today he is the new members to the them about our Squadron practically an invalid. He is Squadron Association. It was Association or send me the in failing health and he and a very heart warming addresses and I’ll send them his wife need our support. experience to see the many an Invitation to Join . Your James memory is gone from invitations return ready to help is wanted, needed and the old days, and he has join and once again unite welcome. trouble remembering from with old comrades and fellow I have talked to many of day to day. He recently had a troopers. our new and old members by fall and this did not help. We have gone from 70 phone and met quite a few at James is struggling to be members (at the time to vote the Buffalo Reunion on 10 independent but needs help on the reunion site) to 236 at August. The 1st/9th Squadron with day to day activities. the present time with more probably had one of, if not They are in need members joining almost the largest, in attendance in communication and moral daily. This growth would not Buffalo. Some of the unit’s support from our troopers. have been possible without had to combine with others in It would be a calling of the enormous help received order to have enough for the true Brotherhood for anyone from the many troopers who, unit lunches. Usually the 7th who lives close by if they not only returned their Cav of the Vietnam era has

7 the largest unit present, but I ______Decisions made by don’t think so this time. From the someone above you in the st th The 1 /9 had three past Keeper of the Rock: chain-of-command will Squadron Commanders seldom be in your best present. Gen. Shoemaker, Many of the stories in the interest. Gen Smith and Col Booth, newsletter make you The terms Protective and approximately 48 remember the past and old Armor and Helicopter are troopers and wives. friends, and the thought of mutually exclusive. One of the many seeing those friends again. Sometimes, being good highlights of the Reunion Well this article is one with a and lucky still is not enough. was a young active duty little bit of humor. The "Chicken Plates" are not trooper representative from something you order in a th author is Joseph D. the 9 Cav Regiment, Fort Townsend, Senior Systems restaurant. Hood, TX., PFC Barron Engineer with AEgis If everything is as clear as White. PFC White was quite Research Corp in Huntsville, a bell, and everything is an impressive young trooper AL. So Read and laugh. going exactly as planned, of our new modern Army, but you're about to be surprised. had many questions about EVERYTHING I EVER Loud, sudden noises in a our times and how we NEEDED TO KNOW IN helicopter WILL get your operated with aircraft as to LIFE I LEARNED AS A undivided attention. Bradleys, tanks and such. HELICOPTER The BSR (Bang Stare With young troopers like CREWMAN Red) Theory states that the PFC White, I’m sure we’ll be IN VIETNAM. louder the sudden bang in the in good hands as they carry helicopter, the quicker your th on with our 9 Cav. Once you are in the fight, it is eyes will be drawn to the Now from one reunion to way too late to wonder if this gauges. The longer you stare another and ours is just a is a good idea. at the gauges the less time it short time away, it appears to It is a fact that helicopter takes them to move from be a very large one in tail rotors are instinctively green to red. attendance, and we hope a drawn toward trees, stumps, No matter what you do, great one, for one and all. rocks, etc. While it may be the bullet with your name on May all of you who come to possible to ward off this it will get you. So, too, can the reunion have a very save natural event some of the the ones addressed "To journey. time, it cannot, despite the Whom It May Concern". I’m looking forward to best efforts of the crew, If the rear echelon troops seeing you all at the Reunion always be prevented. It's just are really happy, the front and meeting our new what they do. line troops probably do not members. NEVER get into a fight have what they need. without more ammunition If you are wearing body As ever than the other guy. armor, they will probably The engine RPM and the miss that part. L.A. Defleron rotor RPM must BOTH be Happiness is a belt-fed Sergeant Major kept in the GREEN. Failure weapon. ______to heed this commandment Having all your body parts ______can affect the morale of the intact and functioning at the crew. end of the day beats the The only difference between A Cover your Buddy, so he alternative. Horse Cav Trooper and a Air can be around to cover for If you are allergic to lead, Cav Trooper is how we find it is best to avoid a war zone. the enemy. you. lae

8 It is a bad thing to run out all bad ideas. Any the opportunity to fulfill their of airspeed, altitude, and combination of these can be one true mission in life, ideas all at the same time. deadly. simply because someone Hot garrison chow is There is only one rule in forgot this fact. better than hot C-rations war: When you win, you get If you have not been which, in turn, are better than to make up the rules. there and done that . . . you cold C-rations, which are C-4 can make a dull day probably will not better than no food at all. All fun. understand most of these. of these, however, are There is no such thing as a preferable to cold rice balls, fair fight -- only ones where No truer words ever even if they do have the little you win or lose. spoken. pieces of fish in them. If you win the battle you Everybody's a hero ... on are entitled to the spoils. If Thanks Joseph, for an the ground ... in the club ... you lose you don't care. enlightening side. after the fourth drink. Nobody cares what you A free fire zone has did yesterday or what you are Keeper of the Rock nothing to do with going to do tomorrow. Gene Smith economics. What is important is what ______The further you fly into you are doing -- NOW -- to ______the mountains, the louder the solve our problem. strange engine noises Always make sure Our legacy is in the past. become. someone has a P-38. Uh, Our deeds and actions speak Medals are OK, but that's a can opener for those for themselves. Our troopers having your body and all of you who aren't military. have set the standard for all your friends in one piece at Prayer may not help . . . units who come after us and the end of the day is better. but it can't hurt. no trooper since has ever let Flying is better than the Cav down. Being shot hurts. walking. Walking is better Just who are we? than running. Running is "Pucker Factor" is the better than crawling. All of WE ARE THE KEEPER formal name of the equation these, however, are better OF THE FLAME! that states the more hairy the than extraction by a Med- situation is, the more of the Evac, even if it is, WE ARE THE CAV! seat cushion will be sucked technically, a form of flying. up your asshole. It can be If everyone does not come NEVER FORGIT!!! expressed in its mathematical home, none of the rest of us formula of S (suction)+ H can ever fully come home We have had a lot of calls (height above ground) + I either. about the videotapes that (interest in staying alive) + T Do not fear the enemy, for Jerry has for sale. So for all (# of tracers coming your your enemy can only take of you that are interested, this way). Thus the term 'SHIT!' your life. It is far better that article is being reprinted can also be used to denote a you fear the media, for they especially for all of our new situation where high Pucker will steal your HONOR. members. Factor is being encountered. A grunt is the true reason Thousands of Vietnam for the existence of the “For those of you who do Veterans earned medals for helicopter. Every helicopter not know Smoky, we, in the bravery every day. A few flying in Vietnam had one Bullwhip Squadron, have a were even awarded. real purpose: To help the fantastic asset in the person Running out of pedal, fore grunt. It is unfortunate that of Jerry ‘Smoky’ or aft cyclic, or collective are many helicopters never had Schmotolocha. Smokey has

9 done an excellent job of the honor of seeing true Cav Squadron members, it will compiling and editing tapes Troopers in action. give a broad overview of the about the Bullwhip For further information process. Squadron, the 7th Cav and the about ordering these and If this first installment has Air Cav in general. In other tapes, please contact: the effect of triggering addition to these tapes being thought about Wills, and of great interest to us, some Jerry ‘Smoky’ Schmotolocha planning for the future of the proceeds from the sales 23 Congressional Parkway inevitability, I will be will go toward the purchase Livingston, NJ 07039 satisfied. of a horse to be named Phone: (973) 535-3926 As we meet at reunions, at “Bullwhip” and given in various military installations COL Stockton’s memory to In addition to these tapes and functions, and see the the Horse Honor Detachment being interesting and a part of lean young warriors of the at Fort Hood. our heritage, Smoky has gone present Army, I am put in The available tapes are; to much effort to compile and mind of just how young we Tape #1: “The Making of edit them. I feel that as were when we trained at Fort Decisive Weapons” by the fellow troopers, we need to Benning and deployed for BBC. This tape includes a 1 support his efforts. Viet Nam in the Summer of hour, 30 minute interview Even more than that, we ’65. with COL Stockton and CSM need to support the memorial Now, 30+ years later, Kennedy about the Bullwhip effort in COL Stockton’s many of our youngest Squadron and how such memory.” members are in their 50s, traditions as the black hats BWS married with grown families, and saddlebags, were begun. ______and some looking toward The final 30 minutes of the ______retirement. That, and tape is the final program, informal inquiries I’ve aired by the BBC. This is Legal Advice received from our comrades available for $25.00 (with regarding Wills, prompts me $15 of this going to the horse The Legal Advice article to write this column starting fund). in this newsletter will be a with the concept of a Will”. Tape # 2: BG Dave Allen rerun due to the many calls and LTC Chuck Knowlen by our new members asking WHERE THERE’S A discuss the ambush in the Ia for information about Wills WILL Drang Valley (1 hour 10 that our legal expert, Manny If you died without a minutes). This is followed Sedeccea recently wrote. Will, how would it affect by a 50 minute, A & E Here is the article in its those you love - spouse, program about the Air Cav in entirety. children and others who Vietnam. The purchase price BWS is $25.00 (with $15 going to depend upon you for wise the horse fund). “This is the first in a series of planning? If you died with Tape # 3: LTG Hal Moore articles dealing with the need an outdated Will which no talks about the Battle of Ia for a Will, the components longer expresses your Drang Valley from the 7th and information necessary desires because of changes Cav perspective. This is a when drafting a Will, and in your life, such as $20.00 tape (of which $10 finally the court process by changes in marital status, goes to the Ia Drang which the provisions of a grandchildren, etc., how Scholarship Fund). Will are implemented. While would that affect those This is a very worthy these few paragraphs are not, within your family? cause and is for the Squadron by any means, intended to be troopers to see their past and specific legal advice to BW

10 Intestacy also consider who you want especially if a substantial In the event of intestacy to serve as the grardian of the estate is in issue. (which means dying gift you are giving the minor Don’t procrastinate! without a Will), the until they reach the age of Although there are do-it- Probate laws of your State majority. yourself books and self-help A Will tells the Court you guides, this is a technical determine how your wishes area. In preparing a Will, one property will be Your Will is a written must think in terms of what distributed, even though means of directing your State happens if I die tomorrow in you may not be pleased of residence to recognize an accident, as well as, does with the outcome. your wishes. How else can this Will have the foresight Likewise, an outdated Will your state, and through it the and elasticity to could cause the wrong Courts, know your wishes accommodate changes person, such as an ex- unless you make these without a major overhaul? A spouse, to receive a portion specifically known in a good source of information is of your property - even properly prepared legal your local Bar Association document? which usually can provide though this was not your Avoid ambiguities and pamphlets, brochures, and the intent - or even fair. complications names of local Counsel What is your estate? One of the benefits of a whose practices focus on With certain exceptions, properly prepared Will is that Probate/Estate Planning. such as contracts of it gives you the freedom and Because the drafting o a insurance, joint tenancy peace of mind to enjoy your Will puts us in mind of our property, and trust income, family now, secure in the own mortality, we are prone the assets you own when you knowledge that those family to procrastination. Doing so die comprise your estate and and friends who are the can have serious are subject to Court natural objects of your consequences. Don’t put it supervision called probate. bounty, along with those off-now is the best These other forms of institutions, charities, and opportunity to do it! ownership may also be part other individuals you want to Nest time I will discuss of your estate in the broad benefit from your estate are the actual components and sense, but are subject to other properly and specifically elements of a Will. laws for disposition after identified. This avoids legal death. Your Will is the complications later. primary instrument to Modification/Codicil In the last installment of determine how these Once you’ve drafted and resources are to be distributed “Where There is a will” I formalized your Will, you set forth some thoughts on and the timetable for doing so may modify it to reflect after your death. the need, and effect of a changes in you age, lifestyle, thoughtfully prepared Will. A Will can name a and family status by an This issue deals in general Guardian for minors amendment called a Codicil. terms, with the elements Your Will should be But be careful- a Codicil, necessary to create an drafted to include provisions which may appear simple effective Will. There is a to save taxes (if appropriate), (ridin by at a full gallop), caveat: Although many States and conserve your property must be prepared with the have similar statutes, each for those you intend to same formality as the original individual State has its own benefit. If you have minor Will. An improper or Probate Laws identifying children, or want to benefit defective codicil can particular elements required minor children such as engender litigation, for a valid Will in that State. nieces, nephews, or This commentary is simply to grandchildren, you should

11 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 who have used their intestate (no Will) share. and experienced in husband’s name after It is often prudent to identify maintaining books and marriage(s). With names like a child by birth date. This records. In addition, it is William or Robert, the use of extra bit of caution simply useful if an Executor or “Bob” or “Bill” are often a avoids confusion in the successor Executor has had given and not necessary. future. business experience and is “Antler Blue,” “Bullwhip 6" knowledgeable about making and “Fixer” don’t count. Personal investments. Have alternates Residence: This residency Representative/Executor in mind for contingencies designation is important The person(s) named by the when you plan your Will. because it determines the Testator to execute his/her It is therefore extremely State whose law will be wishes as reflected in the important that the Personal applied to the interpretation Will is called the Personal Representative be chosen and execution of the Will’s Representative. There are 3 carefully with special provisions. It is more classes of Personal attention to his/her personal important for active duty Representatives: honesty, strength, loyalty and service personnel who may 1. Executor is a specific ability to faithfully discharge be stationed at someplace person named in the Will (or their duties as set forth by the other than the State they alternate). Will or law. Since the claim for residency. For 2. Administrator CTA Personal Representative may those persons, the local JAG is a person appointed by the serve with or without bond, it office can be of some help Court to carry out the is critical to determine for and may even be able to Testator’s wishes in a Will, if yourself the quality of provide the requirements for the named Executor(s) cannot trust/confidence you have in a specific State. serve. CTA means a will is this person before you make Marital Status: This is attached so the instructions the decision to waive bond. important because of the are both specific and clear. Remember that person will different and often more 3. Administrator is a be in charge of whatever favorable tax consequences person appointed by the Estate you leave. associated with a gift of Court to act in the absence of If the Will’s main property going to a surviving a Will (intestacy). beneficiary is the spouse, spouse. In general, the Personal bond is often waived. Children: Because the law Representatives, whatever However, this is not a hard of most States considers their title, have the same and fast rule. Be careful and children as the “natural powers and mission: discuss this with those whose objects of one’s bounty,” Administer the Estate as judgment you trust. omitting to identify a child in expeditiously as possible to one’s Will does not have the get decedent’s bills paid, the effect commonly called property assets divided and

12 Actual Gifts/Distribution There are jurisdictions This is the tough part: Here which permit informal one must decide who gets handwritten Wills and CAMBODIAN OPERATIONS ST TH what. Keeping in mind the Soldier’s Wills. Those are BY THE 1 SQUADRON 9 Estate represents a lifetime of for specific purposes and not CAVALRY, FIRST CAVALRY labor and all receiving gifts addressed here. DIVISION need not necessarily be Remember, the Official cross border treated equally, this too information supplied here is operations by the Squadron requires serious thought. general and not intended to into Cambodia occurred in This area is as much political take the place of specific May and June 1970 and again as it is legal. Some legal advice tailored to your in February-May 1971. The observations might be needs and the laws of your first of these operations was helpful: State. It is designed to raise issues, which must be part of the much publicized 1. Leaving the bulk or considered in the preparation “Invasion of Cambodia” by United States forces under all of one’s Estate to a of a Will. Your own surviving spouse of a long Counsel, or the State Bar of the direction of President term marriage or alternatively your State, can give you Nixon. to children in equal or more specific information for These were two very unequal shares is not unusual. your state and perhaps a distinct and different referral to Counsel in your operations. The May-June 70 2. Gifts of specific community whose practice incursion was as a part of the property, e.g., jewelry, focuses on Wills, Trusts and First Cavalry Division firearms, collectibles, and Probate. operations under the even real property, can be Next time: Alternatives to command and control of the made by Will. Probate-present gifts, division. The second informal Trusts and Joint operation, February-May 3. The above or 1971 occurred after most of Tenancy. combination of the above is the Division had deployed acceptable if permitted by the back to the United States. Manny Sedeccea individual’s State of The planning for the first residency and defined clearly operation took into and simply enough for the ______consideration the lessons personal Representative to learned by the division since understand, locate and Lost And Found its arrival in Vietnam. The execute. Air Cavalry squadron Signatures: Finally, None this issue. remained under division depending upon the laws of ______control and was not the individual state, the Will ______fragmented. All troops of the must be signed by the Squadron (HHT, A, B, C, D) Testator, usually in the From the Swamp and our normal attachments presence of 2 witnesses of Co. H 75th Rangers and the nd (sometimes 3 to be sure) who A.J. Welch has kindly given 62 Combat Tracker Team must be there at the same his space for this newsletter all participated in the time. This is a formal Will. to another trooper, LTC (Ret) Cambodian operation. In Caution: With the Bert Chole, with a fantastic addition to conducting exception of some article. This article shows the operations into Cambodia the jurisdictions, a notary is not follow-on Cav action in division retained all necessary and often injects Cambodia. responsibility for their note of defect into a Will WE ALL ARE CAV. assigned Areas of Operation document if done improperly. (AO) in Vietnam. The

13 division task organized for pink team from Bravo Troop 157 NVA killed by the Cambodia incursion by and engaged by the scout and helicopter.”1 forming Task Force accompanying gun ship The natural trepidation Shoemaker under the resulting in 5 NVA and one one feels on moving into a command of Brigadier truck Killed By Helicopter new AO, was present General Shoemaker. The (KBH) and the first recorded throughout this first day. As Task Force consisted of HQ, enemy casualties in the the day wore on it was soon 3rd ARVN ABN BDE; HQ, operation. At 0815 the first apparent that the only thing 3rd BDE 1st Cav Div, HQ, combat assault into that had changed was the area 11th ACR and their Cambodia was completed by on the map where the subordinate elements. Five the 1/3 ARVN Abn. into LZ Squadron was operating. The Batteries of artillery, one East. Squadron Standard Operating assault helicopter company, Elements of the 1-9 Procedures (SOP) were an engineer company and one conducted LZ reconnaissance followed and warfare as the MI detachment completed the throughout the Tactical Area Squadron conducted it, was Task Force. of Operations (TAOR). Final in full swing. “Pink Teams” D-Day, 1 May 1970 began selection of LZs was consisting of one AH-1G and at 0410 with the first of six completed at 0930 and the one OH-6A were scouring serials of B52’s conducting three ARVN Airborne the countryside finding, arc light missions in the Area Battalions assumed alert fixing and destroying, within of Operations. At 0600 the posture at Quan Loi. The their capability, as many artillery preparation began first elements of the 3rd Bde. enemy as possible. The and at 0630 a 15,000 pound crossed into Cambodia at “Blues” (Aero-rifle platoon) bomb with a daisy cutter fuse 0945 and the 11th ACR were inserted to fix the was dropped, creating LZ crossed into Cambodia at enemy until a larger force East. Fifteen minutes later 1000. This was followed by could be committed into the another 15,000 pound bomb a 42-ship air assault into area. They were also used to was dropped creating LZ Objective B by the 5th ARVN conduct ground Center. Shortly after first Abn. Bn. Contact was reconnaissance, search light, Forward Air immediately made with a bunker complexes and Controllers started tactical air force of approximately 200 possible cache sites. strikes against preplanned NVA. Fighting throughout The Squadron scout pilots targets. At 0700, artillery the day resulted in 27 NVA discovered one major supply fires were shifted to support KIA and one 1 ARVN soldier area and one major cache the movement of the 3rd Bde. KIA. The 9th ARVN Abn, area. SSG Ron Renouf of the And 11th ACR as they began Bn, and the 3rd ARVN Abn. First Cavalry quarterly movement towards the Bn. completed the ARVN air publication “The First Team” border. When the fires were assaults into Objective A. describes these finds in the shifted, B Troop 1-9 flew The final air assault on day summer 1970 issue as across the border into one was conducted by two follows, “. . . Hunter Killers Cambodia becoming the first companies of 2-7 Cav into st element of the 1 Cavalry LZ X-Ray. 1 st Division to enter Cambodia. At the conclusion of day 1 Cavalry Division Combat The 1-9 (-) consisting of one this entry appears in the After Action Report for the Alpha and Bravo Troop division after action report, began their reconnaissance “1-9 Cav had a field day Cambodia Campaign, (Vietnam: operations in assigned catching small groups of sectors. At 0740 hours 5 NVA trying to evade, 1st Cavalry Division, 18 July NVA soldiers in a 21/2 ton resulting in a record total of truck were observed by a 1970), p. 1-B.

14 of Bravo Troop, 1st of the 9th, see pallets stacked off the captured or destroyed, 266 found a major installation side of the road,” recalled tons of rice captured or soon to be nicknamed “The Frazier. “But the overhead destroyed and a 9 inch stack City.” . . . Warrant Officer jungle canopy was too thick of documents captured.”4 James Cyrus, a LOH pilot to see very far inside. Next “B Troop during this with Bravo troop, discovered day two of the pallets we’d period played a most the complex during a routine seen previously were gone successful role in the allied mission.” and we found truck tracks drive into enemy sanctuaries “We found the building leading to the spot. We in Cambodia. They netted complex almost by accident, followed them and saw three 437 enemy killed by 12 kilometers west and 25 two and one half-ton trucks helicopter, 307 individual north of the Cambodian loaded with troops in weapons captured or border. We were looking for complete NVA field destroyed, 18 packs captured, something in the area, but uniforms. They heard us and 5 bridges and 10 trucks didn’t see anything at first. tried to dismount the trucks destroyed and 3,000 lbs. of Then I spotted one hooch, and hide. We engaged them rice captured or destroyed. well camouflaged. Unless and killed 23 of them and The discovery and first you were at treetop level, it destroyed their trucks.” 3 exploitation of an enormous was almost invisible. I just Delta Company 2nd Battalion, enemy cache site on 4 May, followed the bamboo walks 12th Cavalry conducted an air 1970 highlighted the from hooch to hooch, and assault to exploit this find efficiency of B Troop’s saw the street signs, bridges and was followed the next reconnaissance, later named with walkways and ropes and day by Charlie Company and “The City”.5 what looked like a motor recon platoons of Echo “C Troop, although pool and a lumber yard.” Company. coming into the Cambodian Cyrus said. The 1st Battalion All elements of TF conflict after its sister units, 5th Cavalry was inserted the Shoemaker were returned to was not to be outdone. They next day to remove the Division control at 1431 accounted for 284 enemy equipment from the supply hours, 5 May. killed by helicopter, 2 area.2 The following individual weapons captured, The Cav’s other initial descriptions of the results 100 boxes of fuses destroyed, Cambodian assault, north of achieved by each Troop and 37 – 22” diameter wheels Phuoc Long and Binh Long Company assigned to the destroyed and 4,400 lbs. of Provinces, also had Squadron is taken from rice captured or destroyed. C spectacular results with the Annex K of the Division Troop was also responsible discovery of the “Rock Island After Action Report. for leading ground forces into East” cache. Scout pilot “A Troop during this the cache site later named Charles L. Frazier of Charlie period was credited with 230 “Rock Island East”. A scout Troop, 1st of the 9th, was on a enemy killed by helicopter, helicopter from the troop routine recon 10 miles 13 enemy KIA in actions discovered the cache while northeast of Bu Dop near the against the “Blues”, 152 on a visual reconnaissance 2nd Brigade’s FSB Myron. individual weapons mission.”6 “We saw the road running destroyed, 3 crew served out of a small village. weapons captured, 52,100

Following the road, which rounds of ammunition 4 1st Cavalry Division Combat had been heavily used and After Action Report for the recently by trucks, we could 3 Ibid. Cambodian Campaign, intelligence reports brought (Vietnam: 1st Cavalry Division, 2 SSG Ron Renuf “Cambodia,” back.”3 18 July 1970), pp K2, K4 First Team. Summer 1970, pp 5 Ibid. 3,7. 6 Ibid.

15 “D Troop, . . . During this This was consistent with this formed the Ninth Provisional period, the troop escorted 13 squadron’s remarkable Air Cavalry Brigade, started convoys to Duc Phong and achievements during the to stand down and prepare to Song Be, [made] 27 combat entire time they were in return to the United States, assaults to Loc Ninh and combat in Vietnam. and then were told to stand Song Be as a quick reaction It was fitting that this back up. force, were inserted into incursion into Cambodia The start of the story of Cambodia three times to ended as it began, “At 1728, the second incursion into reinforce the squadron’s the last aircraft of B/1-9 Cambodia begins on 25 Aero-Rifle platoons, picked returned to mark the end of December 1970 at 0830 when up 95 detainees and killed 2 all 1st Cav forces in the Squadron was directed to NVA, captured 2 AK-47’s Cambodia, 25 minutes ahead position a troop at Tay Ninh and one 122MM rocket of the 1800 deadline set by to support ARVN forces. booster.”7 higher headquarters.”11 The combat elements of C/1- “H Co. 75th Rangers, Returning from 9 arrived at Tay Ninh at 1040 during this reporting period, Cambodia, the Squadron hours and by 1400 had conducted 50 missions into resumed their normal established contact with the Cambodia. These resulted in operations in Vietnam’s III enemy. For planning 38 enemy sightings, 15 Corps area. purposes C Troop was to contacts, 9 enemy KIA, 16 The impact of our remain at Tay Ninh for three enemy contributed kills by operations in Cambodia days. The troop remained at helicopter, and numerous lasted for several months as Tay Ninh from 25 December “62nd Combat Trackers . . the level of activity in the III 1970 until 19 May 1971.13 . performed 19 missions Corps area was dramatically The learning experience during this period consisting reduced. By September the Charlie Troop acquired while of tracking to regain contact US troop withdrawals from working with the 18th ARVN with the enemy, Vietnam were in full swing. Division was applied to all reconnaissance, and to track The First Cavalry Division other troops of the squadron missing or lost friendly was picking up more and when the First Cavalry personnel. . . . CCTT 5’s more area and by the end of Division, minus the 3rd. Bde., performance of tracking August 1970 was responsible stood down and the 1-9 down 4 Ranger MIA’s after a for approximately 4536 received the mission of heavy contact with the enemy square miles, from the South supporting ARVN forces in . . . resulted in finding two of China Sea to the Cambodian MR III. the MIA’s.”8 border.12 Between the end of “In the two months prior The 1st Squadron 9th (Air) this first incursion into to the Cambodian operation Cavalry accounted for 985 of Cambodia and the beginning the Squadron, while still part the enemy KIA’s9 out of a 1st of the second incursion into of the 9th Air Cav Bde., Cavalry Division total of Cambodia the Squadron had trained ARVN rifle platoons 2,339 enemy KIA’s,10 or 42% many unique challenges and to perform detailed ground of the division total KIA’s. opportunities to excel. We reconnaissance normally accomplished by the Aero-

7 11 st Rifle (Blue) platoon of the Ibid. 1 Cavalry Division combat Air Cavalry Troop. Use of after action report for the these ARVN platoons 8 Ibid. Cambodian campaign, 9 Ibid (Vietnam: 1st Cavalry Division, (Browns) greatly reduced the 10 1st Cavalry Division Combat 18 July 1970), p. 60-A language problem between After Action Report for the 12 Hilbert Chole, 9th (AIR) the forces accomplishing Cambodian Campaign, CAVALRY BRIGADE (Vietnam: 1st Cavalry Division, (PROVISIONAL), (London: 13 Ibid. p. 109 18 July 1970), pp 1-A, 60-B Minerva Press, 1995), p. 18

16 ground reconnaissance and the controlling and on” concept of Airmobile the reinforcing troops that operational headquarters for operations and their followed. In Cambodia, U.S. all air cavalry units involved reluctance to provide a Ready ground forces were not in the operation. The TF Reaction Force (RRF) allowed on the ground; organization on 22 February whenever the Browns made however, the Brown teams 1971 was as follows: A/1-9, contact on the ground. It were immediately available B/1-9, C/1-9, A/3-17, and took time to work our way to secure downed aircraft or A/2-20 (Blue Max) in direct through this problem and to rescue shot down crews. support.15 Echo Troop 1-9 with some units, we never did General Minh, CG, MR-III, Cav was going to revert to its get it solved. In those cases decided to expand the Brown original designation of D-227 when the ARVN unit team concept to 13 teams. AHB on 24 February and as commander would not The Air Cavalry Troops such did not participate in provide a RRF when the trained the teams in this campaign. Browns had contact, we rappelling from helicopters, On 21 February 1971 the would extract the Browns and helicopter familiarization, squadron was told that the attempt to destroy the enemy rigging downed helicopters following day would find us, with organic weapons, air for extraction, and ground once again, going into strikes and artillery. reconnaissance as well as Cambodia in support of the On 22 February, the first refresher training in booby ARVN forces. This time no day of the operation, A/1-9 traps and marksmanship.”14 American forces would be supported TF 9 in the Snuol We had been working allowed on the ground. If we area, B/1-9 supported TF very close with the ARVN had an aircraft shot down; the 333, C/1-9 was supporting troops throughout the months ARVN Brown platoons the 18th ARVN Division, and of December and January and would secure the aircraft, and A/3-17 was supporting the 3rd the early part of February. evacuate the crew and ARVN Armored Cavalry As the stand down of U.S. aircraft. This also mandated Brigade. During the day we forces progressed there was that we change our method of inserted the Browns twice increased activity by the operating. Normally the and extracted them twice, NVA along the border of squadron had pink teams five aircraft were fired at Cambodia and Vietnam. In operating independently with two of them hit and one response to that increased without a Command and AH-1G from A/3-17 shot activity another incursion Control (C&C) aircraft. This down and later extracted. into Cambodia was planned, incursion into Cambodia Bravo Troop received ground only this time the incursion would require a C&C aircraft to air fire and engaged the would be under the control of on station whenever a troop area. A/2-20 arrived on the ARVN forces with was operating in the TAOR. station in support of this General Minh, CG, MR-III in On board the C&C would be contact and also engaged the charge. the senior troop officer and enemy. At the end of this The Task Organization at an ARVN LNO. The LNO engagement B/1-9 had killed the beginning of the would obtain clearance to fire 25 NVA and A/2-20 had operation was similar to the and to insert the Browns, killed 19 NVA. The start of organization of the 9th Air from the ARVN Commander this second incursion into Cavalry Brigade. The 1-9 in whose AO we were Cambodia proved the NVA Cavalry Headquarters was operating. This worked very was back in strength.16 well but our major problem On 24 February we had 14 After Action Report, Air with the ARVN forces during the Air Cavalry Troop (ACT) th Cavalry Combat Operations in this operation was their of the 11 Armored Cavalry Cambodia, (Vietnam: inexperience with the “pile Headquarters, 1st Squadron 9th 16 Ibid p. 10 Cavalry, 17 June 1971), p.1 15 Ibid.

17 Regiment (ACR) attached to On 10 March at 1411 shore. Fortunately I swam to the squadron and began hours a LOH from A/1-9 the south side of the river working the area near the received heavy 51 Caliber since the north side was full Chup Rubber plantation. On fire crashed and exploded on of NVA. As I pulled myself 25 February an ARVN a riverbank. The Browns up on the bank I moved convoy was ambushed in the were inserted at 1630 hours further into the jungle and B/1-9 AO. Bravo troop and recovered one body (the away from the fight. When I responded and engaged the crew chief) and found two was several hundred yards enemy. The fire was intense additional flight helmets. from them and the adrenaline as they made repeated gun The ARVN Lieutenant in had stopped pumping, I took runs upon the enemy. It was charge of the Browns was stock of what I had. I had my soon apparent the ambushing convinced that the pilot and survival knife, a wrist NVA were in at least observer were either killed or compass and my 38 Caliber company strength. Four captured. I was the Squadron pistol. “That is not much,” I sections of ARA from A/2-20 XO at this time and recalled thinking. But I knew were used throughout this conducted the MIA roughly where I was at when engagement accounting for investigation. As I I was shot down and I knew 27 NVA KIA. At the end of interviewed the two Cobra highway 13 was to the the day Bravo Troop had pilots, both told me there was southeast. I checked my accounted for 130 NVA KIA. no way anyone could survive compass and started in that The following day Bravo that crash. On 13 March at direction. As night Troop returned to the general 1340 hours the Alpha Troop descended I was deep into the area of the previous day’s Operations NCO was jungle. I had moved down contact and regained contact shocked to receive a call some heavily used trails and with the enemy further to the from General Minh past some sites that had south. One Cobra took heavy informing him that Warrant indications of recent use. I ground to air fire and one Office Houser (the LOH found a small stream and got LOH took fire from three 51 pilot, shot down on the 10th) something to drink. As I was caliber positions, one 30 was at his headquarters and getting a drink I heard voices caliber machine gun and would Alpha Troop care to of an approaching force of extremely heavy small arms pick him up? some sort. I moved away fire. The LOH burst into I immediately reopened from the stream and back into flames and crashed. This the investigation and the heavy undergrowth. A turned into a daylong battle interviewed WO Houser three-man NVA unit passed with B/1-9, C/1-9, A/3-17, upon his return from the by the spot I was hiding, as 11th ACT and A/2-20 all hospital. As he recalled what the adrenaline surged through involved in the battle. happened, this incredible me. I lay motionless as they ARVN forces attempting to story came from his lips. passed and decided I had reach the downed aircraft got “I knew we were going to better get some sleep. In the within 200 meters of the crash. I don’t remember the morning I continued moving aircraft but were driven off. crash, but the force of the towards the southeast. It was The crew’s bodies were never crash ripped my seat from the hard going and very hot. I recovered. 234 NVA were aircraft and I went through continued moving all day but KIA as a result of this the windscreen. I came to this time I stayed off the action.17 This day turned out under water and I was still trails. As the second night to be the day with the highest strapped to the seat. I fought descended upon the jungle, I body count during the entire to get out of the seat while wondered if I was ever going operation. thinking I was going to to find highway 13. I felt drown. I swam to the surface very much alone and isolated. 17 Ibid. p. 13 and towards the nearest In the morning I started

18 moving south- east again and people who will be very Combat operations within a few hours found happy to hear you are alive.” continued in full swing as the myself at the edge of On the 26th of March Squadron administrative, Highway 13. I checked both 1971 the stand down maintenance and supply ways before I moved onto the ceremony for the First activities conducted these road. I was elated at first and Cavalry Division (- the 3rd. various moves. The months then realized I was very Bde.) was held at Bien Hoa of April and May saw daily vulnerable in the middle of as the Division cased their contact throughout the the road, and moved to the colors and returned to the Cambodian TAOR. 19 days edge of the road as I United States. On 27 March, after being assigned to the continued moving to the B/1-9 completed their last First Aviation Brigade the south. Within an hour a man day in Cambodia and was Squadron was notified it was on a bicycle appeared as he attached to the Third Brigade. to start stand down rounded a bend in the road. I On 28 March, B/3-17 was operations on 20 May 1971. jumped into the underbrush placed OPCON to the 1-9 On 19 May 1971 the and as the man was opposite Cavalry and started working Squadron and all attached me I stepped into the road in in the Snuol area while A/1-9 and OPCON troops engaged front of him, aiming my was given responsibility to the enemy for the last time pistol at him. I told him, “I conduct operations in the resulting in 14 enemy KIA. know you don’t understand Chup rubber plantation. The totals for this second what I am saying but I need During this entire period incursion into Cambodia your bicycle,” as I motioned we hoped the Squadron were 1307 enemy were killed with my pistol for him to get would stand down and return by the Air Cavalry Troops, off the bike. I got on the bike to Fort Hood as soon as this 330 killed by A/2-20 ARA, and started peddling as fast as operation was completed. 80 enemy killed by air strikes I could. I was sailing down We moved the Alpha Troop and 16 killed by Artillery. the highway when suddenly a rear area from Song Be to The last entry in the S2/S3 jeep came over a slight rise Phuoc Vinh in mid March daily journal for 19 May directly in front of me. and on 27 March started 1971 was this entry. “God”, I thought, “Am I moving the rear areas of “Operations halted at 1912 going to get captured when I HHT, A, C, and D Troops to HRS.”18 am so close to safety?” The our new Squadron area In addition to the enemy Jeep slid to a stop and two located at Di An, while the killed this operation soldiers jumped out. They combat elements of the destroyed; 108 tons of rice, had their weapons at the Squadron laagered at Tay 1,429 structures, 22 trucks, ready position and motioned Ninh. H Co. 75th Rangers 342 bicycles, 54 motorcycles, for me to get in the jeep. I and the platoon from the 62nd. 130 sampans, and 94 couldn’t tell if they were Combat Trackers were weapons destroyed and ARVN or NVA. I was detached from the Squadron. another 27 weapons captured. scared. They didn’t take my We closed on Di An on 4 This operation resulted in pistol and I started to relax April as the last elements of 25 American soldiers KIA, 1 thinking, “They must be the First Cavalry Division MIA and 33 WIA. 95 ARVN’S”. We rolled into a left Phuoc Vinh. On 1 April, Aircraft were hit by ground compound and in a few F/3-4 Air Cavalry was placed fire with 38 of these shot minutes General Minh OPCON to the Squadron. On down. 22 Aircraft were introduced himself and 8 April 1971 the 1-9 Air wanted to know if I was the Cavalry Squadron was pilot that had been shot down assigned to the First Aviation three days ago. I replied yes Brigade. 18 Staff Journal 1-9 base, (Di and he said, “I know some An, Vietnam, 19 May 1971) last page

19 recovered and 16 were ______STAND TALL BE PROUD destroyed.19 ______YOU ARE CAV!

1 Staff Journal 1-9 base, (Di An, Now for something on the Vietnam, 19 May 1971) last lighter side. The Association page 1 has Bullwhip Squadron items After Action Report, Air From the Comptroller: for sell. All the proceeds go Cavalry Combat Operations in into the Squadron fund, so as Cambodia, (Vietnam: Headquarters 1st Squadron 9th It has been very you buy you help the Cavalry, 17 June 1971), p. 33 gratifying to see all of the Bullwhip Squadron 1 After Action Report, Air new members that are now Association. Cavalry Combat Operations in associated with the Squadron No we are not pushing Cambodia, (Vietnam: Association. mugs! Fortunately the mugs Headquarters 1st Squadron 9th As of this date we are at are no longer a major item for Cavalry, 17 June 1971), p. 33 236 members with more us. After this reunion all the coming weekly. We could mugs will be gone! not have done this without However we are selling Brother troopers, history your support. Thanks to all items to build up the is the writing down of stories troopers!!! Squadron fund. and events, which took place. Our members are what All merchandising items I hope to ensure that the makes the Squadron. for sale will be handled by history of our squadron is Throughout this Squadron member, Gene written down and saved for newsletter you have seen the Marcum. our descendants. However, I words, God, Duty, Honor, His address is, 1261 can only write down what is Country. There is a reason Bellwood Rd., Enterprise, told. I will need your help in for this. AL. 36330, the future. If you have any Our Association stands for Phone # (334) 347-7320. story or remembrance of an the standards that made our You can call or write event which happened while country strong. Those that Gene for any of the items we in-country, please contact me we have lived our lives by. have. Gene will either hold so that it can be remembered Those that mean honesty, for the reunion or ship to you (it will also help support this integrity and perseverance. after receiving the money. column). While our country is still When you order, please state going strong, we can see the size. Also add $5 for My address is: fatigue lines beginning to shipping. A.J. Welch show within our society. The items we have for sell 1505 Tally Ho Ct. Our elected officials in the are; Kokomo, IN 46902-4446 highest office of this country T- Shirts with the 1/9 e-mail (plain) have broken faith with the logo on the front. We have [email protected] American citizens. these, (Our thanks to Guy (with attachments) It will take all of us Beardsley). Price $10 plus [email protected] pulling together to help this shipping. country regain it’s rightful White ball caps with the Hope to see all y’all at the place in this world, as an Squadron guidion insignia, reunion in October. honorable country lead by $10. honorable people. It means White polo shirts (golf), A.J. Welch standing up for what you with Squadron guidion Unit Historian believe, for what is right, not insignia, $23. what is politically correct. Three statues (96 reunion), $25 each.

20 Wind breaker jackets, dues payment at registration. did was right. lined, in colors, with Remember, it’s only $15 per We stay in touch with Squadron guidion insignia, year and that includes the each other through the $25. newsletter. newsletter. We had mentioned that we This will be your last We have many Troopers had hopes of having an OH- newsletter for 1998, so out there have found their 13S scout helicopter here for this is also a reminder that home again with others who the reunion. Unfortunately 1999 dues are due in understand, just by the rebuild of the helicopter January, so don’t forget, membership in the is taking longer than AND DON’T Association and the expected so it will not be at PROCRASTINATE! Newsletter. our reunion. However it will be at the 1999 1st Cav Div You can make payment The Cavalry, reunion at Fort hood Texas. for annual dues (and Always In Front! We are in need of photos donations) by checks, made of the cockpit/dash area so payable to the Bullwhip all troopers search your files. Squadron Association. Now for an accounting of Call me if you fine one. You can send your annual funds since the last The Association has gone dues for 99 to me, Loel newsletter. You will notice all out to find those troopers Ewart, Rt. 2, Box 158, that our balance has almost who do not know of the Ozark, AL. 36360. doubled and the horse fund is Association. Over 1300 My phone number is healthy. Invitation to Join letters were home, (334) 774-0328, sent out to those who carried office, (334) 983-3828. BWS Deposit $4,984.25 on, and sustained, the Cav e-mail, [email protected] Reunion Deposit $5,962.00 tradition after COL Membership runs from Ending balance $10,946.25 Stockton’s command. January to December. We have been very If your name is not on The reunion bills will be pleased with the turnout of the list and you believe you approximately $7,500 total. new members and hope to have paid your dues, please see many of you at the call me for resolution. Horse Fund $3,000.00 October reunion. Our leader, COL John B. Reluctantly, The BW Stockton, remains with us in We are well on the way to Association Counsel spirit and will always hold our goal of $3500 for the decided that the May 98 that special place of honor Horse Fund. letter would be the last sent within the Association. Yes, we are solidly in the to non members. So if The 1st/9th Air Cav black, thanks to all of you you are receiving this Squadron, starting with that paid your dues. newsletter you are a Bullwhip 6 and continuing ______member in good standing! with all other Squadron We do ask you to check Commanders, is known Troopers, a fellow your name against the through out Army Aviation Brother, Wayne Phillips, is in membership list in this as a “Can Do” outfit. No job the hospital, recovering from newsletter. If your name is to tough, a unit you can count heart surgery. All our best misspelled, please drop me a on, a unit that gets the job wishes and prayers go to him line or call and correct the done. for a speedy recovery. misspelling so I can correct Take pride, in your past. our records. Our battles were not in vain While attending the and our Brotherhood remains The reunion is Reunion, we will accept 1999 strong knowing that what we picking up steam! We

21 now have 80 troopers These four indicators Borsos, J.R. registered plus guest, for mark a trooper for life. Bowen, Joseph S. 120+ total for the Bray, David banquet. More ALWAYS CAV! Burke, Paul lae Burnett, Clark reservations are coming Bush, Patrick in every day. Byrd, William Honesty and Integrity, the There are only 10 Campbell, Harold mark of a Cav Trooper. BWS rooms available, Castner, Fredrick The following list of out of 90, at the Holiday Chole, Hilbert Association members is as of Inn, Ozark, AL. Conner, James August 30, 1998. So register quick if Copeland, Larry you want a room. ______Copson III, Charles Coshey, Donald Bullwhip Squadron Cote, Zenith One final call. Cox, Leonard

There is still time to Association Members Cox, Robert register for the Crispino, Joseph J. Honored Halls Danielson, Ted reunion. If you have Dean, John lost your registration COL J .B. Stockton (Deceased) Defleron, Al forms, call either “D” Glenn Shumake (Deceased) Dehart, Bruce Earl D. Thompson (Deceased) or me. We will send a Denning, Richard John Schlichter (Deceased) Depassio, Anthony replacement set to William Gilboy (Deceased) DeSloover, David you ASAP. Dettmer, Marion Dockter, Aurthur This reunion will be the Association Members Doslop, Joseph biggest yet, with many new Dula, Jones members attending for the Abernathy, George Dunning, David first time. Alexander, R.B. Dupree,Ronald Don’t hesitate until it’s to Allen, David Dupriest, Samuel late. At worst case we will Arthur, Edward Eller, Jack take reservations at the door Auuskiewiez, Richard Erway, Douglas on the 9th of October. Avelar, Jose A. Etchison, Craig BE THERE! Bachman, Jim Ewart, Loel Ballard, Stephen Fisher, Gordon Until the next News letter Banks, Larry Flanagan, John Barnett, Barney Franco, Warren Loel Ewart Barrett, James Frazer, William Comptroller Beadle, Thomas Frazier, Chuck ______Beardsley, Guy Galloway, Joe ______Bedsole, Kenneth Garrett, Robert Berggren, Gerald Gee, James A Cav Trooper is known Black, James Ghere, John by only four indicators; Blankenburg, Mitch Gilboy, William Blankenship, Nelson Gillette, William What you say and how you Blouin, David Glance, Jesse say it. Bluestone, Bill Goldsberry, James What you do and how you Bogdue, Mike Grett, Stanley do it.

22 Greer, James Lewis, Kenneth Reid, James Grube, Dick Lewis, Rhett Retterer, John Hara-Eull, Micheal Lindholm, Dale Rochat, Louis Harris III, Lucious Lobaugh, Carl Rose, Harold Herra, James MacLeod, Richard Rosher, Galen Hartley, Thomas Madigan, Douglas Russell, John Herron, Richard Magarrell, Robert Schellenberg,Woodrow Hilton, Mark H. Maher, James Schmotolocha, Jerry Hlywa, Nicholas Marcum, Eugene Hobbs, Earl Marshall, Richard Holland, Les Matlock, Milton Craig Schultz, Edward Hubler, Irvin Matthews, Allan Scott, Kenneth Hugele, John Marrone, Jack Sedacca, Emanuel Hughes, Billy Massey, Gary Shanklin, David Hulsey, James McAlpine, Barry Shoemaker, Robert Hunter, Jerry McAnally, Loren V. Sistrunk, Richard James, Jesse McGowan, Deirdre (Sabine) Smith, Ben L. Johnson, Bruce McIlwain, Blake Smith, James Johnson, Monte McNinch, Jerry Smith, Rayburn Jones Jr., Walker Mellgard, Nils Smith, Ronald Jorgenson, Kregg Metcalf, Marvin Snow, Peter Judson, Robert Mills, Willis Soltes, Charles Kelbus, Joseph Moore, Hal Stanfield, Neil Kellams, Robert Moseley, Joe Steine, Joel Kelly, Michael Moser, Frank Stewart, Frank Kenerson, Ron Mundy Jr., G.G. Stockton, Margret Kennedy, Lawrence Murtha, Paul Stockton, Rita Kilcrease, Jack Nielsen, John Stone, Gordon King, Thomas Oliver, John Stoverink, Robert Kink, Julie Olson, Kenneth Sundt, Richard Knowlen, Charles Neil, Michael Swain, Robert Knowles, Patrick Orifici, Anthony Tadlock, Robert Kortus Sr., David Owens, Ronald Tasker, Larry Kowalski, Henry Partridge, Robert Tassin, Paul Kramer, John Parnell, James Terry, Michael Kraus, Larry Park, George (Garry Noonan) Krohlow, Kenton Peterson, Robert Thaxton, Robert Kuster, Robert Pettit, Richard Thomas, James Hank Labak, Robert M Pickett, Malcolm Thomas, James M Lahey, John Poe, Robert Thompson, Robert. Laidlaw, William Polisky, Simon Timmons, Dick Landor, Jaime Poos, Robert Titchenell, Wallace D. Lanegan, Terrence Potts, William Treude, Harry Lange, Herman Powell, John W. Trombley, Thomas Larson, Edward Pratt, James Tucker, Douglas Larensen, John Pressman, James Turner, Barrie Lassiter, Norman Price, David Tyrrell, Paul La Vigne SR., Barry Pumphrey, A. T. Valaer, John Leger, Joseph Rankin, Garth Vines, Otis Leonard, Thomas Rawl, Joseph Wallace, John

23 Wamboldt, Richard get in touch with any of Troopers, not of the Bullwhip Washington, James them, just call for the era, who have busted their Washington, Royall address. butts over the years Weatherspoon, Freddie attempting to keep a good Weems, Neil THIS IS YOUR showing at the Division Welch, A. J. NEWSLETTER, HELP US reunions. Of course it’s worth Wells, Marshall MAKE IT THE BEST! mentioning that one of the Westfall, Ronald ______best reunions was held at the Wilkins, Donald ______Ironworks in Columbus, GA Williams, Billie in ’90 and that was co-

Williams, Franklin ordinated by our Bullwhipper Eyes Wide Open!! Williamson, John Felix Helms, retired Wingate, Charles (Chuck) CAVALRY Command Sgt Major and Wood, Doug scout observer. Mention Wright, Larry of squadron historians is York, John Jr. Letters To The Editors also made, from time to Young, Charles time; but I wonder how Zemke, Phillip We have had an many of the squadron are Zion, Robert outpouring of letters since the aware of the many things that last newsletter and we are have been written by the You have answered the printing as many as possible. squadron alumni over the Squadrons call. A very I have attempted to take a years? sincere “thank you” and a good sampling of letters for SFC Lionel De La Rosa very warm Welcome to all printing so please don’t take was welcomed in the past of our new members. offence if your letter is not newsletter with a mention of The mark of a here the battle of 30 March 66 professional is upon you. If you want a letter to go (Not 20, Lionel). No mention You make the Bullwhip specifically in the news letter was made that he sold his Squadron Association a just say so in you letter. story of that battle and his success! All letters are interesting experience there in to Soldier Thanks guys for the and have the long reach of a of Fortune Magazine. great donations and Cav Trooper. Matthew Brennan, who joining!!! Some of the notes and was at Div Arty at the letters require a little editing. Bullwhip time, then came Please do not take offense, over to the 1/9th as an F/O

and keep those letters and ended up spending 4 Again, we ask you to help coming. tours, which culminated in a us find more troopers who ______battlefield commission. Matt will become members and left the army, got a PHD at help grow and keep the The first letter is from Harvard, then wrote Association strong! There RunningBear, Dave Bray. In “Brennan’s War”, the story are still many troopers out th his letter he reminisces about of his four tours with the 9 . there waiting for first contact. the past and Cav troopers. How well I remember ______standing in the middle of

Dear Loel, Tower Books at 11 p.m. with We have a current address tears rolling down my cheeks on all present members and I am glad to see the Squadron when I read his introduction we also have the last known opening up to the entire to “BRENNAN’S WAR” addresses for about another family. It’s past time. There where he described seeing the 1100 troopers who are not have been a lot of 9th Cav Bravo Blues for the first time. members. So if you want to

24 The scene described was one At the Ironworks reunion, was a come later type guy, I had seen and I knew for Jack Oliver, Jim who has a well earned chest sure that my memories were Roseborough, Doc Hoc, full of medals from his multi- true and I was not insane. Mitch Blankenburg, Berry tour scout work. (Super Scout He followed that with a Turner, Steve Yarnell, and is in Hunter-Killer Squadron collection, edited by him, but others of us were sitting at a too.) written by members of the table talking. Steve handed Another contributor to squadron. “Headhunters” me his camera and asked if I Hunter-Killer Squadron was which did well in both would ask as 1st LT with Lou Rochet, a mild mannered paperback and the original wings standing nearby to take type, who calmly describes hardcover. Diedre Sabine our picture. In the middle of flipping through the air sent my good friend John’s the table was a copy of UPSIDE DOWN in his loach letters in and so many other Headhunters. I went over and and watching his finger get squadron members added asked the pilot if he would blown off by bullet coming their bits and pieces. Years mind taking our photo. Then up through the bubble; just ago, when I was writing the I started to introduce him to before he leveled the skids column for the 1/9th “Flying the men at the table; but he and went splat. Point” in the Saber, I got a stopped me. “You don’t have I have written and sold call from one of the squadron to introduce me, Mr. Bray. I four pieces to S.O.F.; the last members who wrote of his know who each of you are. they bought in 1990, was buddy on another scout You guys are the bumped by Desert Storm; but chopper being burned to Headhunters; a legend in the was the best. It dealt with the death when a WP went off Army. heroism of the guys who inside it. That Buddy had Matt Brennan also wrote fought that 30 March battle (I written one of the stories in Easy Pickings at Chu Lai, didn’t). Headhunters (or Hunter about the Cav’s move north I’m sure I’ve missed a Killer Squadron, Matt’s next (after my time) for S.O.F. whole bunch. Oh, yeah. I did collection from the 1/9th). “Acceptable Loss”, by “Duck Season in the An Lao, Somehow I had told the one Kreg P.J. Jorganson, is 1/9th for “Military Magazine” and the other was alive. I forget stuff and he’s doing others, people might like to see the which one called who; but his who’s titles are not handy video “Taxi’s to Conflict” words to me were, “when he right now to where I’m which shows some of the came on the phone, I could writing and considered Hospital battle. A couple of not talk; only sit there and among the best out of ‘Nam. scout ships too. (Not me. cry.” (Read the d_____d “Tour of Duty”, the TV They were too high). book if you want more). series was written by B My apologies to the Matt wrote a total of three Troop Bullwhip clerk, authors I’ve missed; it isn’t books on the 1/9th and made Charlie Smith, and featured intentional. See you all in seme-celebrities of a bunch his buddy Jay “Doc Hoc” October. of us who contributed to his Hoccenberry as a hippy (sic) collection. If anyone out medic. Your Brother, there has not read Steve Phillip Chinnery, a Yarnell’s story (the first one) famous British aviation RunningBear, Dave Bray in “Hunter Killer Sqadron” writer, put out a big coffee P.O. Box 261 about the Hospital battle, or table book “The Helicopter Tyronza, AR 72386 Joe Salamone’s story of the War in Vietnam.” He quoted 30 March 66 battle in which me in there a couple of times There’s the story. His Skip Blanton died beside and later in the book, did a address is above, so troopers, him, you haven’t read large feature on “Super write. nothing! Scout” Larry Brown, who BWS

25 application and sent to fellow Ron, we are here with The next letter comes from Ron B Troopers from my crews open arms, for any of those Kenerson, a trooper that hasn’t who I’ve been in contact troopers when they are ready been defeated. with. to join Most of these guys were BWS Dear Bullwhip SQDN and crewchiefs, and doorgunners, Al “D” Defleron, and members of my slingcrew, and flightline The next letter comes from This letter is to thank you for crews. All of them are true Robert Kellams, with a the phone call May 20, 1998, and true 1/9th combat air cav remembering of what it was where you told my wife and I troopers of 1969, Vietnam. like in Nam. that we received None are joiners. Most memberships in the Bullwhip have only made contact with Squadron. me and no one else, including Dear Loel, It is an honor, and we are each other, just out of respect proud you think of us as they had for me, in Vietnam, Please find enclosed my worthy. and how I treated each and ’98 dues. I have put off I got the Bullwhip every one of them, including several years to writing this newsletter, and found it very the one’s who didn’t make it letter since first joining the 1st interesting. back home alive. Team Division Association. I’m looking forward to It will take an act of God Some 34 years ago, I getting that T-Shirt you have to get any of them to join an traveled to Ft. Benning, GA for me, and the new printed association, because many by train from Aberdeen Certificates to the Bullwhip are just now coming to terms Proving Grounds, MD. I was Sqdn. with the whole Vietnam assigned to A Troop, 3/17, 11 Please convey our thanks thing. Air Assault Div as an to the members of the I get therapy, from Aircraft Armament Bullwhip Board which you helping those who ask for my Repairman. I was 17 years and Loel went before in order help, as I have always old going on 18. to get approval on giving us considered them my guys, Sometime in early 1965 membership. my responsibility, my some of us were put on alert Can any member of the obligation, regarding their for possible deployment to Bullwhip Squadron make welfare. the Dominican Republic, but contact with Commander I hope in coming years, I a short time later we were put Allen, or SGT. Major can make you all glad you on stand down. Shortly after Kennedy? made a special membership this incident the 11th AA was Do you have a invite to me, by contributing disbanded and awarded the membership DIRECTORY something positive to the colors of the 1st Cavalry like the VHCM has which Bullwhip Squadron and it’s Division in a very lists names and addresses and members. Thanks. momentous ceremony. phone numbers and E-Mail Shortly afterwards an addresses of current members Ron Kenerson advance party was deployed who’d like to make contact Box 685 to the Vietnam to establish with other air cav troopers Hayfork, CA 96041-0685 the base camp at An Khe. from the Bullwhip During this timeframe Maj association? There you are troopers, Radcliff, who if I remember My E-Mail address is- another one found. Ron is right was the Squadron XO [email protected] (all looking forward to hearing and thus the base camp was small letters). from any of you. named Camp Radcliff in his I made copies of our memory. (Ed. Note: Maj Bullwhip membership

26 Radcliff was the first Cav have mentioned, especially understand the meaning of casualty in Vietnam.) those who were with A Troop the word, “Camaraderie”, or Around 1965 found the 1/9. Looking forward to the saying like “Esprit de Corps”, rest of the division being next newsletter. etc. loaded onto aircraft carriers I guess you could have and other forms of Robert Kellams called me a “Closet” veteran, transportation bound for 819 N. Third Ave. as for the past 20 (oh My Vietnam. Evansville, IN 47710-1903 Lord!) years. I really didn’t I along with another 5-6 want to get involved in thousand (It felt like it) Well Ron, you have found anything related to the soldiers was assigned to the someone very close that Vietnam War. As a matter of USS Darby for deployment. remembers all you talked fact there were and still about. I remember sometimes today, that I feel I hope I have jogged some Maldanano and Robert ashamed of my service over memories because I have Kellams, and all the other there. I am now after, at first wondered for years if anyone items you mentioned. I was reluctantly joining this remembered The Red the pilot on A Troop’s organization of fine men and Scorpions, as well as Cpt Maintenance slick. I was the another organization, as I Red. The Red Scorpions were Maintenance Warrant of A spent 3 and ½ months with the UH1B Gunships of 1/9 A Troop at that time, and later the 2/28th Inf. “C” CO. Troop. Cpt Red was the cdr., went on to be a Commission “Black Lions” in Lai Khe! 1st I think his name was Allen Officer. And yes, Cpt Red Infantry Division before (last name). This was in ’65, was Cpt Allen, Now Brig. moving North to An Khe most officers and several Gen. Allen, Retired, and with the Cav. crewchiefs had handlebar Commander of the Bullwhip I feel now so much a mustaches. The helicopter Squadron Association. sense of loss, but a sense of had RED SCORPIONS You can write either me or having to help this country painted on the nose. Anyone Gen. Allen c/o the Bullwhip again and I think remember? Squadron Association. organizations such as we Anyone remember You are not alone. have here are the key. The “Maggie”? Anyone Well troopers, Robert is way we were back then, is remember how she died? waiting for you to write. somehow lost in the years Anyone remember a crew and it is a shame to loose the chief named Maldanodo? He Loel cutting edge we once had. crewed “A” Troops Maint. ______I go to some Vets Slick and I was doorgunner. meetings and I swear, Anyone remember a I believe this letter has sometimes I wonder with weapons modification that special words for all of us. what goes on at these was designed by Col The letter is from a new meetings, how we could win Stockton? We called it the member who has spoken anything let alone a war. JOHNNY 7, it was twin pods from the heart. I feel we should once of six 2.75 rockets with a again look within ourselves single M60 mounted on top – M r. Loel Ewart and do whatever we can do to mounted on a H-13? preserve the US Military’s In closing, I express my Being a new member to place in US History, in our sorrow in Col Stockton’s the squadron, I would like to schools and with our passing. He will be missed. thank you all for accepting all politicians. Now the benefits Looking forward to of us Troopers from the 1/9. are being chopped down in hearing from anyone who Back in Vietnam, at the Congress just like we remembers me or the others I age of 19, one really doesn’t watched in horror as our

27 comrades were chopped Yes we do have items for Looking forward to down on the field of battle. sale with the BWS logo, as working with you. Did we pull in and say, you will see in this “Oh well, what the hell”? I newsletter. Rollin’ in Hot! think not. We gritted our Well troopers, it’s time to teeth, hunkered down and write. You have his address. A.J. Welch gave our enemies more s—t ______1505 Tally Ho Ct. than they could ever dream Kokomo, IN 46902-4446 possible. The next letter comes

I am writing to my from another new trooper The next letter comes from congressman and a few other who will become a part of another trooper, Ted Danielsen politicians on items I feel our staff in writing columns. discontent with about the Welcome aboard A.J. ! We Dear Troopers: way veterans are treated, and look forward to working with I owe this to you guys who I you. The BWS looks It is with deep remorse think have re-kindled in me forward to receiving, reading that I learned of the passing the will to win. and printing your articles. of Colonel Stockton, for I cannot attend this year’s ______though he was tough on all, reunion, as I have business he loved soldiers and was commitments, and I promised Loel, Happy Easter! true to his alma maters motto, my wife of thirty years, (11 “Duty, Honor, Country”. He October is our anniversary “D” mentioned that we was a soldier’s soldier and as date,) we would go away should be contacting each I read the names of the together, other. First, here’s my soldiers that he admired in I would like to donate application and money for your last newsletter, it something for the reunion to the Bullwhip Squadron occurred to me that he joins make it a little “extra” special Association membership. them in many of our hearts. for the people who are in I have an idea for the Therefore, it is with great attendance. column I was asked to write pride that I am considered to Loel, I would also like to for the newsletter. It’s on the be associated with the true know if I can get mugs, or startup of An Loc and it was authors and practitioners of other memorabilia with the written by my former air cavalry. I don’t know 1/9 Bullwhip Association roommate Ron Timberlake what your association dues logo to wear or use. (Saber 20). It was the first air are but I am enclosing a Thank you for taking the contact of that time, and once th check which I think will time to listen to this and I again the 9 led the way. cover the dues apologize is I have rambled a I will transfer the story to If there is any left, please bit, but it felt good to write disk and send it to you. In the donate it to whatever project some of what is bothering me future, if we can establish E- the association deems fit. down. mail contact, I can send you As of now, I am planning the column faster. Also, Bert to attend the reunion at Fort Patrick J. Bush Chole and I are sharing the th Rucker in October. We are in 5195 Long Dr. duties of the 9 Cavalry the process of building a Bethlehem, PA 18020 Historian. Between us, we home at Surfside Beach (not could alternate columns and on the beach, of course) and Well Pat, here is your get more stories and that is about the time we letter and it is not rambling. perspectives for the should be moving into the Your words were spoken newsletter. If that’s new digs. with meaning and conviction. agreeable, I will call Bert and Please note the address ask him. change and I will let you

28 know when it changes to the E & F Troops differed beach. Gene Lassiter (Bravo guns, from the other Troops Jan ‘66 to June ’66) because we didn’t have blues I look forward to seeing you 438 North Church Street as part of our TO&E. We at the reunion. Spartanburg, SC 29303 usually employed heavy fire teams (2 cobras 1 LOH). Respectfully, Gene, you were not on the I left Vietnam Feb. 2, list for 98 because you had 1971 and E&F Troops was Ted Danielsen paid dues for only 97. Even still flying missions. I know 361 Wilson St. with being behind on dues, from talking to other Cav Batesburg, SC 29006 the newsletter was sent to Troopers that E&F Troops you. We are happy you are eventually were reverted Ted, no truer words were now, up to date, as a member. back to Gun Companies to ever spoken. We look The only item on for support the 1st Cav’s AHB’S forward to seeing you at the Sunday is the once back in the States. reunion. Memorial Ceremony at So my question is: When 09:00. We hope you can you refer to F Troop in your Yes Ted, you did send make it and look forward to invitation do you mean my more that the yearly dues, seeing you there. unit? If not please give me however you will be happy the straight poop! that the extra was put in the Thanks again for the Bullwhip Horse fund. A This next letter is from a new invitation. fitting place. trooper Michael O’Neal with BWS a perplexing question. If you ain’t Cav, you ain’t s-- -t! Dear Fellow Air Cav The next letter comes Troopers, D227 Feb.-Oct. 1970 th from Gene Lassiter of the D229 & F Trp 1/9 Cav. Bravo Guns. Thanks for sending me an Nov. 1970-Jan. 1971 application to join the Loel, Bullwhip Squadron Michael E. O’Neil Association. I’ll most P.O Box 733 Bonita, CA 91908-0733 For the last two issues I have definitely join. Enclosed are Email [email protected] not found my name among my dues of $15.00. those who have paid dues. I I’ve got a question for Michael, welcome to the sent a check for $25, #3722, you…you extend the Association. The answer to dated 7/30/97. That has been invitation to join to all your question is that returned cleared. “Bullwhip Troopers who served in the membership is open to all Squadron” is handwritten on 1/9 and F Troop in troopers in A Troop, B Troop the back of the check. Vietnam. It was my C Troop, D Troop, E Troop, Enclosed is my ‘98 dues. understanding that 1/9 F Troop, and the Dog Please add me to the list. consisted of A Troop, B Handler Detachment attached My son is being married Troop, C Troop, (and) D to us. All who served in in Atlanta on Oct 10, 1998 so Troop. Vietnam with the 1st/9th and I will not make the reunion. During Oct. 1970, D Co th the offshoots after the If there’s much going on on 227 AHB became E Troop th Squadron ceased to function Sunday, the 11th, we may be (Prov.) 1/9 Cav. During th as a full Squadron. Yes, you able to drive down. Nov. 1970, D Co 229 AHB th are one of us, and we are Blessings to all the became F Troop (Prov.) 1/9 Troopers, Cav.

29 proud to have you as a Dear Al, Enlisted in the U.S.A.F., member. December 1950 and trained Enclosed is my check for as an Aircraft mechanic and BWS annual dues – a long time became an Aircraft coming. Just another case of maintenance technical your procrastination. instructor. This next letter is from I am now in my tenth November 1951, joined Gen. Robert Shoemaker, to week of a sixteen week the 3499 Mobile training Gen. Allen. chemo protocol treatment. At Wing. Spent 5 years with F86 the end of that time a cat-scan D Mobile training Dear Dave: will determine what comes detachments. Re-enlisted in next. The good Lord willing, September 1955 as a I appreciate your I will see you in October at technical instructor with the leadership of the Bullwhip Rucker. B52 special at Chanute AFB, Squadron. In my book John Please send me one mug. Illinois. We trained S.A.C. Stockton was a genius – a If there is any $ left please Bomber Maintenance one of a kind, non-standard put it in the Horse Fund for personnel. commander who put his mark John B. In 1959, I was selected as not only on the First of the technical instructor with the Ninth, but the whole Army. I John P. Valaer new Field Training Det worry that today’s Army may 151 Country Club Rd (415C). At Carswell A.F.B., not find room for the Shalimar, FL 32579-1636 Texas, where I taught B58 Stockton’s who can innovate maintenance the next six and drive developments. I John, we wish you well, years. At Carswell A.F.B., hope I’m wrong. and pray for a steady road to Texas, I completed civilian full recovery. We look flight training and spent Best wishes. forward to seeing you at the many hours off duty with the reunion. The mug is on it’s Aero Club as flight and Sincerely, way. ground instructor. BWS During the Vietnam War, GEN Robert M. Shoemaker I made an in-service transfer RR 4, Box 4510-K to the U.S. Army as 062B Belton, TX 76513-9804 The next letter is from M.O.S., and trained at Fort Robert Tadlock, and shows a Wolters, Texas and Fort Sir, very long career to his Rucker, Ala. Due to 15 years country. in Aircraft maintenance Your words are well training, I was returned to taken. All in the Bullwhip (Dear Fellow Troopers) Maintenance school; first to Squadron Association agree, Aircraft Maintenance officers wholehardly, with you. This is who I BE. school, then as O.I.C. of Thank You, for the kind Aircraft Hydraulic words. Robert G. Tadlock - Born Committee at Fort Eustis, BWS April 5, 1929. On our VA. southern Illinois farm, we In 1966, ordered to 1st raised grain, cattle, and hogs, Cavalry Div. R.V.N. Served This letter is from a and maintained a stable of with D. Co. 15 TC BN at trooper who can use our stud horses. I always wanted Camp Radcliff, R.V.N. as the support as he battles yet to fly, I soloed in 1947. Q.C. O.I.C. Supported the 1/9 another war. Flying has been a life time CAV Regiment. Next love affair. assignment R.V.N. with the

30 R E A L C A V Hg Hg (HQ) I have a cup that says, requested? If so contact COL Troop 1/9 CAV as assistant “When I left R.V.N. we were Lange direct. maintenance officer, with lots winning” – I was proud to be ______of flying to the L.Z.’s along a part of the REAL CAV 1st the coastal plain. In 1968, Team! That’s all the letters for this returned to Fort Eustis, VA. Sign me up for one year. Newsletter. Send your letters As training officer and night to, “The Bullwhip Squadron O.I.C. of H I and E. Branch. Robert G. Tadlock Editors” c/o Loel Ewart, for In 1970, back to R.V.N. as 892 Elder Road the next edition. O.I.C. of a retrograde unit at Newport News, VA ______Saigon Heliport #3. In 1970, ______participated in Well Robert, you are now Vietnamization – turning the a member. Welcome aboard! God, Duty, Honor, War over to the Vietnamese. Country. Just four Returned to Fort Rucker, words; words to build Alabama for Advanced The Association received your life on. Aviation Warrant Officer the following note from Col LAE Career Course and retired (Ret) Lange. I believe it from the U.S. Army as R.A. expresses the sentiments of CWO-3, June 30, 1972. all BullWhip Association From The Editors Awards include, Bronze Members:

Star Medal, Air Medals, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, As you can see the In MEMORY of Colonel Newsletter continues to change, numerous service and John B. Stockton, USA-Ret: hopefully for the better, as your campaign medals, and the a great officer and fine leader good suggestions come in. Master Aircraft Crewman in the United States Army, This is not a one person, Badge. whom this Artilleryman was operation and volunteers are Second career was with honored to know for most of desperately needed to write Newport News Shipbuilding his career. articles. (NNS) as a nuclear-power Any article is appreciated, on plant inspector for 21 years. COL Herman W. W. Lange any subject, past, present, NNS builds the Navy’s (USA-Ret) military or civilian, funny, or newest fast attack 9000 Belvoir Woods sober, as long as it is in good keeping of the Association’s Submarines, the 688 Class. Parkway #302 ideals. During the past 21 years, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 So if you would like to write helped educate 2 children. an article, contact Loel Ewart. Completed my college p.s. Should any Bullwhips His address and phone number education, worked with the have some memory of the are in the newsletter. Civil Air Patrol, the Coast Regional Forces and Popular Also, if you write a letter to Guard Auxiliary and the Forces of South Vietnam, the Editors and do not want it Virginia Def Force as a good or bad, please let me printed, just say so and we will volunteer pilot. I will be fully know so I may add this honor your desires. retired November 30, 1993 information to a documentary and have volunteered for file. I will eventually put this We need help with the several worthwhile programs at MHI, Carlisle. Newsletter, Picture. to keep me busy. We have 2 children and 2 grandchildren, Thank You COL Lange. If you have a photo that you Mary Lou and I celebrated Well troopers, can anyone would like to see in the our 44th wedding anniversary help out with the information Association newsletter, send it August, 1993. in to the Editors for printing. If you have a before and after

31 photo (young guy/mature (old) guy) we will print. If you have Squadron membership a special picture, send in a copy, certificates, will be sent to you and we will print. In fact we in the near future. We are due will print all photos received for to receive them form the printer the Newsletter. shortly,, so be patient with us ______just a little while longer. ______That’s all for this newsletter. May the good Lord be kind to Now that our membership you and yours until we meet has grown, this newsletter is again. rather lengthily. The reason for this is two fold. The Editors (1) With all the new members we had a lot of good articles and Special Note! letters to the editor. (2) Many troopers had never Bring your photos, slides, received a newsletter, so we videos, and scrapbooks to James and Patsy added for their benefit. the reunion. Conner

Future newsletters will be only about 20 pages long. So NEWSLETTER PHOTO enjoy all the articles.

A Cav Trooper and his Lady We are in hopes of Still A Cav Trooper Bert and Eileen Chole increasing our membership above the present numbers, with your help. So if you know of 1st Cav Division anyone who is not a member Reunion 1998 please drop us a note with the name and address, and we will sent them a personal invitation to join the Squadron Association. ______

Several of the articles are reprinted from the last newsletter. We felt that they were important for the new members to read and understand where we are going as an Association. We hope this has not inconvenienced any of our Troopers. ______

The newsletter is your newsletter and we hope you enjoy the history, the tidbits, and the camaraderie and Brotherhood found here. ______

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AL “D” DeFleron and Larry Banks

Cav Troopers through and through.

A Cav Brother, ALWAYS! Lae

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