For those who have gone before us
May they rest in peace
Much of the research for these posts comes from S. G. Williams
and notifications from the 187th AHC Association Board of Directors.]
S. G. Williams – Find a Grave – 187th AHC Virtual Cemetery
To report a recent death or illness
Don Mingle
9/28/2024 – We have learned that Don Mingie, who hosted the 187th AHC reunion in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2014, passed away on September 25 from complications of a stroke. Mingie was a pilot in the 1st Platoon in 1969-70.
May he rest in peace
Jim Pepper
9/26/2024 – We have learned from the VHPA (Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association) magazine that Jeff Pepper passed away on May 28, 2024 in Columbia, Missouri. Pepper served as a pilot in the First Platoon of 187th AHC from January until April of 1970 before he was wounded and evacuated.
Obituary
May he rest in peace.
Thomas Connelly
7/25/2024 – We have learned that Thomas Connelly, 81, of Mehlville, Missouri, who was a 187th AHC original Blackhawk, passed away peacefully on July 21. Connelly, a pilot who achieved the rank of captain, served with the Second Platoon from March to August of 1967 when he was transferred to another unit. He eventually was awarded a Silver Star, Bronze Star, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, and two Purple Hearts for his Vietnam service. He attended many 187th reunions.
Obituary
May he Rest in Peace.
Charles Paul “Chuck” Damerow
2024 – 70 -71 Pilot – UH-1 – Crusader “29”
Obituary
May he rest in peace.
Robert Greenfield
6/27/2024 – I believe we’ve learned of another veteran of the 187th AHC who has passed away. He is Robert Greenfield who our records show served with the 187th in 1971-72. He was platoon leader of the 1st Platoon.
Obituary
May he rest in peace.
Thanks to Robert Keyser for passing this on. Keyser was Robert Greenfield’s roommate in Tay Ninh
John W. Burke
11/20/2021 – We have learned that John Burke of the 187th AHC has passed away. John was the gunner on the ship involved in the following incident as described on our website:
2 Jul 67 – The Blackhawks were involved in a combat assault mission in which they received intense enemy automatic weapons fire. Aircraft Commander Warrant Officer Paul Walker and his co-pilot Warrant Officer John Lindeman were wounded simultaneously in the legs and crew chief SP5 Larry W. Mackey rushed forward and removed the pilot from his seat and flew the aircraft to the medivac facility in Cu Chi. For his bravery and exceptionally outstanding skill which saved the lives of everyone aboard the aircraft, SP5 Mackey was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Obituary
May he rest in peace.
Ned McClish
6/9/2018 – Ned worked in the Orderly Room and replaced Bob Calverley as company clerk. He was with the 187th from August 1968 to August 1969.
Obituary
May he rest in peace.
David Daniel “Tiny” Kresta
2/24/2024 – Kresta was the 187th AHC Armament NCO in 1969-70. He also served on the !87th AHC Association’s Board of Directors as Member-at-Large in 2013 and 2014. He attended many of our reunions and will be missed.