{"id":4898,"date":"2024-06-15T15:34:37","date_gmt":"2024-06-15T22:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/187thahc.net\/wp\/?p=4898"},"modified":"2024-10-25T14:36:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T19:36:36","slug":"units-we-supported","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898","title":{"rendered":"Messages From Those We Served"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Post Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Messages-to-the-187th-AHC-from-the-%E2%80%9CGrunts%E2%80%9D-we-proudly-supported\" >Messages to the 187th AHC from the &#8220;Grunts&#8221; we proudly supported<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Mark-Cheresh-%E2%80%93-Company-A127-Infantry-Wolfhounds-25th-Inf-Div\" >Mark Cheresh\u00a0&#8211;\u00a0Company A,1\/27 Infantry Wolfhounds, 25th Inf Div<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#John-Gilbertson-%E2%80%93-4th-Battalion-9th-Infantry-Division\" >John Gilbertson\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a04th Battalion. 9th Infantry Division<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Jim-Mason-%E2%80%93-A-Team-324-of-the-5th-Special-Forces\" >Jim Mason\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0 A Team 324 of the 5th Special Forces<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Shannon-Tilton-Son-of-a-Manchu\" >Shannon Tilton (Son of a Manchu)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Chuck-Boyle\" >Chuck Boyle<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Rich-Parris\" >Rich Parris<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Andrew-Alday-Subject-Subject-A-Grunts-farewell-to-a-Crusader\" >Andrew Alday &lt;alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil&gt; Subject\u00a0Subject A Grunt&#8217;s farewell to a Crusader<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#M-C-Toyer-Bravo322gtenet-22nd-Infantry-Regiment-Society\" >M C Toyer\u00a0\u00a0Bravo322@gte.net 22nd Infantry Regiment Society<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Lawrence-Nuckolls\" >Lawrence Nuckolls<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#BL8aolcom\" >BL8@aol.com<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Andrew-Alday-%E2%80%9CA%E2%80%9D-co-3rd22nd-Inf-Reg-25th-Infantry-Division-III-Corps-Vietnam-68-69\" >Andrew Alday &lt;alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil&gt; &#8220;A&#8221; co., 3rd\/22nd Inf. Reg., 25th Infantry Division III Corps,\u00a0 Vietnam, &#8217;68 &amp; &#8217;69<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Rich-Owen-Co-B-227th-Wolfhounds\" >Rich Owen Co B 2\/27th Wolfhounds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Herb-Artola-ghartolaerolscom-%E2%80%9CDeeds-Not-Words%E2%80%9D-22nd-Infantry-Regiment-Society\" >Herb Artola \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0ghartola@erols.com \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 &#8220;Deeds Not Words&#8221; 22nd Infantry Regiment Society<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Larry-Mitchell-Co-B-49th-Inf\" >Larry Mitchell, Co B 4\/9th Inf.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Merrill-K-Sellers-%E2%80%9CD%E2%80%9D-Co127-Wolfhounds\" >Merrill K. Sellers &#8220;D&#8221; Co.,1\/27 Wolfhounds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Frank-McGann-Bravo-Company-3rd-of-the-22nd-Infantry\" >Frank McGann Bravo Company 3rd of the 22nd Infantry<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/?p=4898\/#Alan-McKean-River-Division-594Advanced-Tactical-Support-Base-Ben-Keo-1969\" >Alan McKean River Division 594\/Advanced Tactical Support Base Ben Keo, 1969<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class='__iawmlf-post-loop-links' style='display:none;' data-iawmlf-post-links='[{&quot;id&quot;:174,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/187th.net\\\/wall\\\/viet-vet-medal.jpg&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20251204230149\\\/http:\\\/\\\/187th.net\\\/wall\\\/viet-vet-medal.jpg&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-05 03:34:31&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-11 21:21:20&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-15 02:40:38&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-23 22:25:30&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-01 22:33:24&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-14 03:25:31&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-03 19:39:43&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-25 05:10:22&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-09 18:39:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-14 15:19:59&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-24 20:01:02&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-06 21:54:33&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-06 21:54:33&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:175,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/187th.net\\\/wall\\\/peacetime-vet-medal.jpg&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20251204230150\\\/http:\\\/\\\/187th.net\\\/wall\\\/peacetime-vet-medal.jpg&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-05 03:34:31&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-11 21:21:20&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-15 02:40:38&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-23 22:25:30&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-01 22:33:24&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-14 03:25:31&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-03 19:39:43&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-25 05:10:24&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-09 18:39:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-14 15:19:59&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-24 20:01:06&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-06 21:54:32&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-10 19:31:10&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-04-10 19:31:10&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:206},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:176,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.geocities.com\\\/apcho_2000&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20091019041327\\\/http:\\\/\\\/geocities.com\\\/apcho_2000\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-04 23:01:45&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:429},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-15 02:52:47&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-23 22:31:04&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-14 03:28:12&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-25 05:10:50&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-09 20:50:56&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:51&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:51&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:177,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.22ndinfantry.org&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20250926101148\\\/https:\\\/\\\/22ndinfantry.org\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-04 23:01:49&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:503},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-15 05:42:57&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-12-23 22:31:06&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-01-14 04:09:36&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-02-25 05:11:10&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-09 20:53:53&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:55&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2026-03-21 04:04:55&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;}]'><\/div>\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><a href=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/wall\/viet-vet-medal.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/wall\/viet-vet-medal.jpg\" alt=\"Proud to be a Vietnam Vet\" width=\"120\" height=\"224\" \/><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CombatInfantryBadge_525x300.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1149 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CombatInfantryBadge_525x300-300x171.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CombatInfantryBadge_525x300-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/187thahc.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/CombatInfantryBadge_525x300.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/td>\r\n<td><a href=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/wall\/peacetime-vet-medal.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/wall\/peacetime-vet-medal.jpg\" alt=\"Proud to be n American Vet\" width=\"120\" height=\"224\" \/><\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"3\">The badge in the center above is the Combat Infantryman&#8217;s Badge,\u00a0 better known as a CIB.\u00a0 When you see a man wearing this badge you are looking at a man who has proven himself in combat and has seen more than anyone wants to see in his lifetime.\u00a0 Take this man&#8217;s hand and shake it while you thank him from the bottom of your heart for the sacrifices he has made for you and this country.\u00a0\u00a0Freedom didn&#8217;t just happen.\u00a0 The President and all the the politicians did not win and do not insure the freedom&#8217;s we enjoy in this country.\u00a0 It is the man who who has earned this badge and all the members of the military of the United States that insure our freedom.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Many thanks and honors to our brothers who served on the ground, in the jungles, and in the swamps.We hope we were always there when you needed us.We proudly salute all the grunts from all services who gave so very much to their country<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Messages-to-the-187th-AHC-from-the-%E2%80%9CGrunts%E2%80%9D-we-proudly-supported\"><\/span><strong>Messages to the 187th AHC from the &#8220;Grunts&#8221; we proudly supported<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>5\/21\/2017<br \/>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mark-Cheresh-%E2%80%93-Company-A127-Infantry-Wolfhounds-25th-Inf-Div\"><\/span><a href=\"mailto:mfccheresh@yahoo.com\">Mark Cheresh\u00a0<\/a>&#8211;\u00a0Company A,1\/27 Infantry Wolfhounds, 25th Inf Div<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/27th.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"91\" height=\"112\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">May 21, 2017<br \/>Subject: Helicopter Crash of Nov. 27, &#8217;68<br \/>To the 187th AHC Board:<br \/>My name is Mark Cheresh. I served as a Light-Weapons Infantryman (11Bulletstopper) with Company A, 1\/27 Wolfhounds, 25th Division out of two Fire Support Bases South of Dau Tieng (Mahone I and Mahone II, along Hwy 14).\u00a0 You&#8217;ll remember that this entire area (known as The Trapezoid) was extremely hostile and totally VC-controlled.\u00a0 Geographically, we were at the very North end of the Boi Loi Woods yet close to the Ho Bo Woods, Iron Triangle and The Michelin Plantation.\u00a0 I arrived in mid-October of &#8217;68.\u00a0 Our Company area was next to the East gate at Dau Tieng in The Michelin (of course, we were rarely there except for a brief Stand Down periodically).\u00a0 We rode Eagle Flights on a regular basis&#8230;the only time I felt cool air.<br \/>Here&#8217;s my reason for writing you:\u00a0 An incident that occurred on November 27, &#8217;68 has haunted me for decades.\u00a0 My unit witnessed the Flare Ship crash as we sat in a paddy awaiting your slicks to arrive to ferry us back across the river to Mahone I.\u00a0 There are 6 other Wolfhound Brothers whom I&#8217;m still in close contact with that were there that night and can attest to the event&#8230;an event that as we watched take place was as surreal as anyone could imagine.\u00a0 We are still struck by how quickly the Huey went down.\u00a0 We saw the entire event so please know that those final images are deeply etched in our memories.<br \/>I don&#8217;t want to go into a long screed here for fear of opening wounds.\u00a0 I know that these were your brethren&#8230; I, in turn, have the same sacred feelings for the GIs whom I was with in combat when they died.\u00a0 I read all of the posts left as &#8220;remembrances&#8221; by the &#8220;187th&#8221; for Allen Eugene Duneman and his crewmen.\u00a0 It appears that all were revered and remembered fondly.\u00a0 My highest regards an deepest thanks go to Medics and Helicopter Pilots&#8230;I witnessed bravery, gallantry and fortitude that is absolutely ineffable.<br \/>If you are interested in making contact with Infantrymen whom were there and witness the crash, please feel free to contact me.\u00a0 The saddest aspect of that day was that we sat in that rice paddy for many hours awaiting the slicks.\u00a0 By the time you could finally fulfill the mission, it was dark and now required &#8220;flares&#8221;.\u00a0 After reading the accounts of the pilots flying over 15 hours that day, I NOW understand (for the first time) why you couldn&#8217;t get to us.\u00a0 I feel guilty revealing this to you, but as the hours rolled by and we continued to be stranded, our anger grew.\u00a0 We had NO idea regarding what your day had held.\u00a0 Please forgive me.<br \/>With regards,<br \/>Mark Cheresh<br \/>==================<br \/>Date: May 22, 2017<br \/>Subject: re: Helicopter Crash of Nov. 27, &#8217;68<br \/>Mark,<br \/>Thank you for your inquiry.\u00a0 Your letter is the first for me from a soldier that we supported.<br \/>It&#8217;s amazing the connections that are made after so many, many years. We came home from &#8220;Over There&#8221; to a public, and even our old friends, that could care less about our experiences.<br \/>Your inquiry into Allen Duneman and crew&#8217;s fateful day in Nov 1968 caught my attention as he was a good friend and I was in operations the night his ship went down. Events of that night can be found detailed in the following stories:http:\/\/www.187thahc.net\/Stories\/Trialbyfirestory.htm<br \/>and<br \/>http:\/\/www.187thahc.net\/Stories\/trilogy.htmAgain, thank you for your side of that story and I hope we see you at our reunion this year.Best regards,<br \/>Ian Dawson<br \/>================<br \/>Begin forwarded message:<br \/>From: Mark Cheresh<br \/>Ian&#8230;<br \/>Thank you so much for reaching-out to me.\u00a0 As I write this, all I picture is the Huey dropping like a rock&#8230;the fact that it happened very quickly would be the only redeemable aspect of that event&#8230;&#8230;we all stood in that paddy awaiting the slicks as the tragedy occurred an I was incredulous as the episode unfolded.\u00a0 I told Jim Gaffney earlier this evening that we jumped on the FIRST Huey we could and overloaded it to the hilt.\u00a0 I could be wrong, but I seem to remember a buzzer going off and red lights flashing. No one wanted to be left in the paddy (we had waited for many hours for an Eagle Flight to take us back to Mahone I&#8230;just across the Saigon River)&#8230;especially in light of what had just taken place.\u00a0 I remember that the &#8220;Flare Ship&#8221; had dropped one flare without incident but not two (Jim verified my recollection).\u00a0 Very soon, the slick was engulfed and going down.<br \/>Our two Fire Support Bases&#8230;Mahone I and Mahone II were located South of Dau Tieng down &#8220;Highway&#8221; 14 (a dirt road).\u00a0 Both were in horrible areas, but Mahone I still scares me when I think of its locale&#8230;between the villages of Ben Chua on the South and Thanh An to the North (ALL V.C.).\u00a0 We worked The Trapezoid, Boi Loi Woods, Ho Bo Woods, the North end of The Iron Triangle and (NVA) in the Michelin Plantation (of course).\u00a0 All areas were &#8220;Numbah 10, G.I.&#8221;.\u00a0 As an Infantryman in III Corps, I can tell you without equivocation that I have NO good memories about my time on-line.\u00a0 For this So. California surfer, it was absolute torture (as it was for all of us!).\u00a0 Truthfully, I don&#8217;t know how any of us prevailed.\u00a0 I (literally) thought I was in hell (wrote my Parents about this perception).<br \/>After our RTO had been hit for the third time, I inherited the PRC-25.\u00a0 I&#8217;m convinced that humping it saved my life&#8230; I no longer had to walk rotational point\u00a0 (I was at least in the middle of our platoon with our Lieutenant).\u00a0 At the time the flare ship went down we were no more than a quarter-mile away from the crash site- a very sad day for ALL concerned.\u00a0 As my knowledge grows regarding what your pilots and crew had been through that particular day, I remain in awe when I think of their courage and dedication to their assignments.\u00a0 I&#8217;m stunned.<br \/>I am fully planning on attending your reunion in Las Vegas this Veterans&#8217; Day.<br \/>I would be honored to be in your company.<br \/>Sincerely,<br \/>Mark Cheresh<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>6\/13\/2000<br \/>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"John-Gilbertson-%E2%80%93-4th-Battalion-9th-Infantry-Division\"><\/span><a href=\"mailto:jgilbertson@qmwcom.com\">John Gilbertson<\/a>\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a04th Battalion. 9th Infantry Division<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/9thInf.png\" width=\"89\" height=\"95\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\"><strong>I was with the 4\/9th in 69 &amp; 70.\u00a0 We frequently flew on your birds going in and out of base camps for bush patrols. I remember how sweet it was to get up and feel the cool air after a PZ. Thanks for the rides and smokes when we were\u00a0 out of cigarettes, and especially the M-60 fire on a hot PZ.<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><span style=\"color: revert; font-size: revert; font-weight: revert; font-family: inherit;\"><strong>Ken Blakely &#8211; D Company 2\/12, 25th Infantry Division<\/strong><\/span> &#8211; 6\/11\/2000<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/12thInfRegt.png\" width=\"100\" height=\"101\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Dear Rat 38 and Heroes of the airI was a medic D Co. 2\/12th. 25th Div. Dec 67 to Dec 68. You guys flew support for us and took us places via slicks that would have been better unvisited. You always came back for us and I thank you for that especially when there were others near who did not welcome you as we did.. Your men would fly me and a casualty in to a hospital and then fly me back in the hot LZ we left. I am grateful. We grunts are in your debt.I have always wished to meet someone who flew support, and had that wish come true when a few years ago I met Bob &#8220;Frenchy&#8221; Gibeault.\u00a0\u00a0 I was deeply moved and honored. He had been wounded in a village south of Cu Chi while or near the time we were fighting a week battle east of Cu Chi in Tan Hoa. Frenchy was a gunner on your ships and had many insights on battles we were in. This past weekend I had the most memorable event happen. Frenchy came to visit this old medic once again but the highlight was when Jack Lindeman, a pilot in the 187th, who had flown support at Loc Ninh a nasty battle for us, came to my home to meet with Frenchy. The stories, the history from another perspective, the heroics of these men have moved me more than I can express. You\u00a0 men and brothers were not given adequate recognition or the highest medals you deserved in this old medics opinion. To have both a pilot and gunner in my humble home in No. Calif. was an honor I will never forget. I have heard and read many of your stories and feel I know many of you I have never met. I would like to meet and thank each of you . I pray you are all well and have recovered to some extent from your sacrifice. I feel a kinship to the men in the air in the respect that when the S&#8212; hit the fan we had to remain exposed. A very uncomfortable feeling I might add. God Bless you all, HEROES beyond description.Just an old Doc<br \/>Ken Blakely<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Date 06\/11\/2000<br \/>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Jim-Mason-%E2%80%93-A-Team-324-of-the-5th-Special-Forces\"><\/span>Jim Mason\u00a0 &#8211;\u00a0 A Team 324 of the 5th Special Forces<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/5SF.png\" width=\"81\" height=\"100\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I was with A Team 324 of the 5th Special Forces on top of Nui Ba Den for a total of five months during my year in Vietnam.\u00a0 As any pilot who landed up there will tell you, it was no easy task. The winds were treacherous, and there were helicopter parts all over the sides of the mountain as proof of the difficulty.<br \/><br \/>During my stay on top of the mountain one particularly dreary time was during the monsoon season.\u00a0 A cloud formed around the top of the mountain during the daytime, which I guess was caused by the warm solid granite mountain coming into contact with the cool moist air.\u00a0 The fog was so thick that no choppers could get in to re-supply us with food.Several times I had lied to the people on the ground below, telling them that it was clear up on top &#8211; just looks foggy from down below. The few choppers I was able to coax into trying had come up and flown around in circles for a while in the fog and left. I was standing on top of the mountain in the fog and it sounded like the chopper was everywhere.<br \/><br \/>We had a few tons of rice and whatever we could catch, and had mongoose and rice, baboon and rice, and puppy soup.\u00a0 When the fog finally cleared a Huey from the 187th came in with an unexpected passenger about 4:30 one afternoon.\u00a0 When we asked the pilot to make a run to our B Team in Tay Ninh for food, he told us it was too late, that he wanted to be back at his base by 5.\u00a0 We offered to give him a carbine, and when he said he had one, we offered him an AK-47.\u00a0 He agreed and we gave him the radio frequency and call sign and away he went.<br \/><br \/>I called the B Team down in Tay Ninh and told them he was coming, and 20 minutes later we saw him approaching.\u00a0\u00a0 I called him on the radio and asked if he wanted smoke and he said &#8220;I don&#8217;t need your help &#8211; just get out of the way.&#8221;\u00a0 When someone told me that I had a nice large boulder to hide behind and that&#8217;s where I went.\u00a0 When the chopper got closer I could see they had stuffed the Huey to the gills with cases and cases of beer and cokes and canned goods.\u00a0 One Vietnamese woman was squatting on top of all the cases of canned goods, and she held a string leash and had the string tied around 4 live chickens<br \/><br \/>.As the chopper approached the wind was in the pilots face and was gusting to about 50 mph.\u00a0 The pilot was fighting the wind to bring it straight in when suddenly the wind died completely. Then a few seconds later the wind blew even stronger from the side. The result was that the pilot flew into the mountain and before he could adjust for the side wind, the chopper was thrown over on its side.\u00a0 The blades contacted the ground and it ripped up the blades, then tore the transmission out of the top of the chopper, which flew about 500 feet up into the air.\u00a0When the body of the chopper landed on the ground it landed on the down slope on the side of the LZ, and began rolling down the slope.\u00a0 We had three strands of barbed wire around the outer perimeter of the camp, and it was about 20 yards in between each strand.\u00a0 When the chopper began rolling down the slope I ran over to the edge of the pad with our Captain, and when the chopper rolled over the first strand the Captain said &#8220;That&#8217;s ONE.&#8221; <br \/><br \/>About the same time the woman jumped out of the chopper with her chickens flapping their wings and clucking, and the cases of cans were coming out and busting up and cans were flying everywhere along the slope.\u00a0 Many of the Vietnamese CDG (national guard &#8211; of which there were about 125 up on the mountain with their families) went running down the slope picking up cans and stuffing them into their fatigues. They looked like Harpo Marx characters in a bizarre shoplifting scene, and were jabbering away in Vietnamese and scrambling to stuff all they could into their pants.\u00a0 About this time the chopper reached the second strand and rolled over it and the Captain said &#8220;That&#8217;s TWO.&#8221; It was then I realized they were rolling toward the last strand and after that it was a 3,000 foot drop down the side of the mountain. I said out loud &#8220;Come on STOP, STOP, STOP ROLLING!&#8221;<br \/><br \/>One of the door gunners who was getting thrown around was screaming when the chopper rolled up on the third strand and then finally came to a stop.\u00a0 The door gunner who was screaming had his leg outside the chopper and the tail was on his leg.\u00a0 One of the Vietnamese lifted it up and he stopped screaming.\u00a0 The crew was a bit shaken up, but there were no injuries.\u00a0 The pilot pulled the radios out of the chopper and when he came walking up the hill the Captain handed him the AK-47 and said &#8220;Thanks.&#8221; The pilot (1st Lt.) just looked at him and then went walking away muttering to himself.\u00a0 A few minutes later he came back and asked to use my radio.<br \/><br \/>One thing the flight crews dreaded more than landing on NBD was the thought of having to spend the night up there! 30 minutes later another Huey flew in and picked up the crew, and also picked up the wrecked Huey under it and flew away toward Tay Ninh.\u00a0 As far as we could see there were parts falling off the wrecked Huey.\u00a0In the event the pilot or any of the crew is reading this &#8211; thank you again guys! You really have no idea how important the re-supply was to us &#8211; saluting you!<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shannon-Tilton-Son-of-a-Manchu\"><\/span>Shannon Tilton<br \/>(Son of a Manchu)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n&#8211; 2\/27\/2000<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/9thInf.png\" width=\"89\" height=\"95\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Mr. Pat Dougan,<br \/><br \/>On behalf of my father SSG James Tilton, Co A, 4\/9th, 1st platoon, I would like to extend our thanks to you and your unit, for the support you gave to the Manchus in Vietnam.\u00a0 My father arrived in Vietnam in Sept of 68 and left in Sept of 69, and has on several occasions praised the AHC for their support of the ground units.\u00a0 I have several pictures that he took in vietnam, some of which are of the Cobra gunships in the Manchu AO.\u00a0 Again thank you and welcome home.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Date: 12\/11\/99<br \/>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Chuck-Boyle\"><\/span>Chuck Boyle<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<br \/>Note:\u00a0 Chuck was the Commander of Charlie Company 3\/22 Inf. at Dau Tieng, in 67-68 and is the author of\u00a0&#8220;Absolution&#8221;\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.geocities.com\/apcho_2000\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">http:\/\/www.geocities.com\/apcho_2000\/<\/a><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I&#8217;m Chuck Boyle.\u00a0 I&#8217;m a good friend of Frenchy Gibeault and he sent me the reunion pictures. I&#8217;ve checked every one of them and you guys really had a great reunion. I just wanted to say how much we &#8220;grunts&#8221; appreciate you guys and everything you did for us in Vietnam. I was in the 3rd Bn, 22nd Inf at Dau Tieng, in 67-68. I&#8217;ll never forget you guys! Thanks!<br \/><br \/>Chuck<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>Date: 23 Oct 99<br \/>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rich-Parris\"><\/span>Rich Parris<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:richp@foothill.net\">richp@foothill.net<br \/><\/a>Ref: &#8220;Thanks from a Manchu&#8221;<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/9thInf.png\" width=\"89\" height=\"95\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\"><strong>I visited your website for the first time today, and after reading the stories, looking at the pictures and remembering the horrors, I just need to add my thanks to the list from grateful grunts you supported. I am a Manchu (Delta, HHC and Charlie companies, 4th Bn, 9th Infantry) from July, 1967 to July, 1968.<br \/><br \/>I still have my Rat Pack insignia and treasure it as I do the CIB. Blackhawks, Crusaders and Rat Pack soldiers are as much brothers of mine as the grunts with whom I served. You NEVER failed to be there for us. You risked it all without hesitation every day and if you weren&#8217;t putting us in or pulling us out of a paddy somewhere, you were kicking Charlie&#8217;s butt to keep him off of us or ignoring potential disaster by turning a gunship into a dustoff (I had that pleasure once).<br \/><br \/>Few of you guys ever had the experience of knowing just what a beautiful sound the whup-whup-whup of approaching Huey rotor blades made when we were out of ammo, bleeding or just ready to leave the area. Let me assure you there was no more beautiful music on the face of this earth. Most of the time, that music was made for us by members of the 187th AHC. God bless all of you. None of us will ever forget the sacrifices you made for the guys on the ground.<br \/><br \/>Rich Parris<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong><strong>Date: 14 May 00<br \/><\/strong><\/strong>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Andrew-Alday-Subject-Subject-A-Grunts-farewell-to-a-Crusader\"><\/span>Andrew Alday &lt;alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil&gt;<br \/>Subject:\u00a0Subject: A Grunt&#8217;s farewell to a Crusader<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Hi Mike,<br \/>Read with a great sense of loss about the passing of a valiant &#8220;Crusader&#8221; today. I did not know or remember Ron Timberlake, but having had the honor to have flown with many of the &#8220;Crusaders&#8221; during my tour-of-duty in Vietnam in 1968 &amp; &#8217;69, any and every &#8220;Crusader&#8221; and member of the &#8220;Rat Pack&#8221; will always have a place of remembrance and gratitude in this &#8220;Grunts&#8221; heart. May you all , family and friends of Ron, know that he will always be held in high esteem and honor by not only me, but also the members of the 22nd Infantry Regiment who also had the honor to have been associated with him as a Brother-in-Arms. Farewell &#8220;Crusader&#8221; from a &#8220;Regular&#8221;.<br \/><br \/>In Brotherhood,<br \/>Andrew Alday,<br \/>&#8220;Alpha&#8221; co., 3rd Bn.\/22nd Infantry Reg.,<br \/>25th Infantry Division, Vietnam, &#8217;68 &amp; &#8217;69.<br \/>&#8221; DEEDS NOT WORDS &#8220;<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"M-C-Toyer-Bravo322gtenet-22nd-Infantry-Regiment-Society\"><\/span>M C Toyer\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:Bravo322@gte.net\">Bravo322@gte.net<\/a><br \/>22nd Infantry Regiment Society<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td>\u00a0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I served in Bravo Company 3rd Battalion 22nd Infantry in 1970, and logged many a klick in your birds.\u00a0 When on the ground, and in trouble, we always looked skyward for help, not for the sight of God, but toward the sound of whirling blades, which we instinctively knew was our immediate salvation, whether it be re-supply, extraction, or just a better overall view of the situation.\u00a0 We salute you all !<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lawrence-Nuckolls\"><\/span>Lawrence Nuckolls<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong>Date: Sunday, January 17, 1999<br \/>Subject: Thanks<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">My name is Larry Nuckolls. I served with C Co. 3\/22 and B Co. 2\/22 from<br \/>Nov 69 to Nov 70. and just found your site. Just wanted to say a big<br \/>THANK YOU, for always being there in &#8216;Nam and Cambodia. You guys were<br \/>truly heroes to the folks on the ground !Larry; &#8211;\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:LarryN1121@aol.com\">LarryN1121@aol.com<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"BL8aolcom\"><\/span>BL8@aol.com<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong>Date: Sun, 31 Aug 1997 03:08:58 -0400 (EDT)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/25IDpatch.png\" width=\"73\" height=\"100\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Subject: Thanx from a grunt<br \/><br \/>I was an FO with the 25th, 1st Bd. You guys put me in and took me out, dusted me off and provided fire support. Thanx for savin&#8217; my and my brother&#8217;s asses.Callsign Blueboy<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong><strong>Date: Tue, 10 Jun 1997 14:24:47 +0000<br \/><\/strong><\/strong>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Andrew-Alday-%E2%80%9CA%E2%80%9D-co-3rd22nd-Inf-Reg-25th-Infantry-Division-III-Corps-Vietnam-68-69\"><\/span>Andrew Alday &lt;<a href=\"mailto:alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil\">alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil<\/a>&gt;<br \/>&#8220;A&#8221; co., 3rd\/22nd Inf. Reg., 25th Infantry Division III Corps,\u00a0<br \/>Vietnam, &#8217;68 &amp; &#8217;69<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong>Subject: A Grateful Grunt!<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Hey 187th &#8220;Crusaders&#8221;,<br \/>I was looking at your 187th website and realized how really grateful this &#8216;ol &#8220;grunt&#8221; was for all the truly fine support we always received from the &#8220;lift&#8221; platoons and &#8220;gun&#8221; platoon, the &#8220;Rack Pack&#8221;, of the 187th Assault Helicopter Company! God bless you all! From a &#8220;Grunt&#8221; who remembers&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230;<br \/><br \/>In Comradeship,<br \/>Andrew Alday<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td><strong>ANDREW ALDAY<br \/>&#8220;A&#8221; CO., 3RD\/22ND INF. REG.,<br \/>25TH INFANTRY DIVISION &#8217;68 &amp; &#8217;69<br \/>Call Sign: &#8220;POINTMAN&#8217;<br \/>E-mail address: alday@ulua.mhpcc.af.mil<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT A MEMBER OF AN AVIATION UNIT, I FLEW ENOUGH TO HAVE EARNED AN AIR MEDAL. THE 187TH A.H.C. &#8220;CRUSADERS&#8221; AND &#8220;RAT PACK&#8221; WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN THIS &#8220;GRUNTS&#8221; HEART! THANK YOU ALL FOR THE MANY MANY TIMES THAT YOU CAME TO SAVE OUR ASSES AND TO ALSO BRING US JOY WITH MAIL AND HOT &#8220;CHOW&#8221;! GOD BLESS YOU ALL FROM A &#8220;GRUNT&#8221; WHO WILL NEVER EVER FORGET!<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rich-Owen-Co-B-227th-Wolfhounds\"><\/span>Rich Owen<br \/>Co B 2\/27th Wolfhounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong>1968<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/27th.png\" width=\"91\" height=\"112\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I am very grateful to be able to send you my sincere appreciation for being there for us grunts. I wanted to do this for a long time, and thanks to the WEB I can do it now<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Herb-Artola-ghartolaerolscom-%E2%80%9CDeeds-Not-Words%E2%80%9D-22nd-Infantry-Regiment-Society\"><\/span>Herb Artola \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:ghartola@erols.com\">ghartola@erols.com<\/a><br \/>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 &#8220;Deeds Not Words&#8221;<br \/>22nd Infantry Regiment Society<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Great web site, great unit! Thanks for all the support you gave the 25th Infantry Division. I had the privilege of seeing both sides, ground and air, in Nam, CONUS, and Korea. In Nam, I had the honor to serve as a rifle, support, and recon platoon leader in the 3d Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 25th Division in 70-71 (Dau Tieng and Xuan Luc). After flight school, I flew slicks with the 60th Aviation Co (Assault Helicopter), 17th Aviation Group, II Corps in 72-73 (Cam Ranh to Qui Nhon).\u00a0 After the ceasefire, I left on one of the last &#8220;freedom birds&#8221; out of country.\u00a0 Most of the passengers were aviators &#8212; pilots, crewmembers, maintenance.<br \/><br \/>Appreciate your link to our Regimental site. The 22nd Infantry Regiment Society is seeking all former &#8220;Regulars,&#8221; offering camaraderie, fellowship, a quarterly newsletter, biannual reunions, and a Web Page at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">http:\/\/www.22ndinfantry.org<\/a>.<br \/><br \/>God Bless.\u00a0\u00a0<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Larry-Mitchell-Co-B-49th-Inf\"><\/span>Larry Mitchell,<br \/>Co B 4\/9th Inf.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/9thInf.png\" width=\"89\" height=\"95\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">This is an incredible site by an incredible group. I read about 2 incidents on your unit operations page that I remember pretty well. The Rat Pack support on 12\/22\/67 at Bo Tuc and the Blackhawks at an LZ on 1\/5\/68 were both with the 4\/9th Inf. of the 25th Division. I think we were always getting you guys into some kind of trouble. At Bo Tuc we hastily dug in along a road that night after a convoy had been stopped by a mine. The gun ships made a big difference with the Bn basically split apart.On Jan 5, the helicopters were hit by 51 caliber machine guns while bringing in the second lift of Manchu Bravo to an LZ that we came to call &#8220;The Hourglass&#8221; because of its shape. The crew chief of one ship was killed and trapped inside the burning wreckage. The crew was pretty happy to see the Manchus get to them first. If they felt indebted, they did not have long to wait to return the favor.\u00a0 The pickup was delayed that afternoon because Manchu Delta was having problems of their own and needed helicopters. Eventually two lifts of Bravo got out successfully and were dropped off at at FSB Burt where the Manchus had relieved the 2\/22 Inf. after their famous battle of Jan 1.\u00a0 The 1st platoon with a few members of the 2nd platoon came under severe attack at the LZ before they could be lifted out. There were numerous air strikes and artillery missions required to get the situation under control. It was almost dark when the Blackhawks were able to get back in and extract these guys &#8211; 9 standing, 7 KIA and 16 WIA.\u00a0 We heard that Blackhawk crews volunteered for the mission.\u00a0 Needless to say, it was profoundly appreciated by Manchu Bravo.\u00a0 I would be interested in hearing from crew members or others who remember this event. In any case, you guys were the best.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Merrill-K-Sellers-%E2%80%9CD%E2%80%9D-Co127-Wolfhounds\"><\/span>Merrill K. Sellers<br \/>&#8220;D&#8221; Co.,1\/27 Wolfhounds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<strong>,<br \/>May 68 &#8211; May 69.<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/27th.png\" width=\"91\" height=\"112\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I served with &#8220;D&#8221; Co.,1\/27 Wolfhounds, May 68 &#8211; May 69.\u00a0 We Flew with the Crusaders, the Bears, the Hornets, and maybe others I can&#8217;t recall.\u00a0 Many a time a tear would appear in my eyes at the end of a long, crappy day, when I was anxious to be extracted from a particular area.\u00a0 To be waiting there in our groups of 6 or so, hoping to hear the &#8220;wop&#8221; of those main rotor blades, knowing your birds were on &#8220;final&#8221; was quite the answer to my prayers.\u00a0 We never new if we&#8217;d be going back for some hot chow and bunker line guard duty (every 3rd hour awake) or staying out there because the pickup was &#8220;hot&#8221; at the time you guys &#8220;flaired&#8221; your blades.\u00a0 We worked the Ho Bo Woods, Boi Loi Woods, Iron Triangle, Michelin area (Dau Tieng) (never did get to jump in that nice pool they had there). And of course, the Nui Mtns (Tay Ninh). \u00a0 We even had some time into Cambodia.\u00a0\u00a0Thanks again for being there for this grunt.<br \/>Always proud, always will Be!<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frank-McGann-Bravo-Company-3rd-of-the-22nd-Infantry\"><\/span>Frank McGann<br \/>Bravo Company 3rd of the 22nd Infantry<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/grunts\/22_Inf.png\" width=\"90\" height=\"116\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">I just came across your web page.\u00a0 In particular, I appreciated the story about FSB Burt.I was on the ground there that night and I was not aware that any helicopters got in that night.\u00a0 I often wondered where all the ammo, (especially the beehive rounds) came from.\u00a0 Now I know &#8212; thanks for the story and THANKS for the deliveries.\u00a0 If it hadn&#8217;t been for the beehive rounds, I&#8217;m pretty sure I wouldn&#8217;t be typing this right now.<br \/><br \/>By the way, that battle (Soui Cut) was &#8220;memorialized&#8221; in the last battle scene in the movie &#8220;Platoon&#8221;.\u00a0 Oliver Stone was also there that night as a grunt with Bravo Company 3rd of the 22nd Infantry.\u00a0 He was hit and eventually medevac&#8217;d. \u00a0 I think he caught the morning stage though.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\">\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Alan-McKean-River-Division-594Advanced-Tactical-Support-Base-Ben-Keo-1969\"><\/span>Alan McKean<br \/>River Division 594\/Advanced Tactical Support Base Ben Keo, 1969<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/187th.net\/Navy-Logo.png\" width=\"124\" height=\"124\" \/><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td colspan=\"2\">Good afternoon\u2026.. <br \/><br \/>A day or two ago I was searching for a site from another Assault company and came across the 187th\u2019s. I was in the U.S. Navy with River Division 594 at the Advanced Tactical Support Base, Ben Keo, about 15 miles south of the Tay Ninh Base camp. Anyway, I noticed that Amy Comer had posted a poem and story about her uncle, Harold Comer. I was on watch in the base tower when his Huey went into the Vam Co Dong river with all aboard on that day. I sent her an email at the Virtual Wall site, then another to an email address that is now defunct. The Wall posting was dated 2002, so I don\u2019t know if she ever checks it or not. Regardless, if you or someone in the 187th organization is still in touch with her, please let her know that I posted that email to her, and if she has any questions that she can feel free to contract me if she wishes. It might help answer some questions that she\u2019s had over the years. BTW \u2013 I can speak for all of us at Ben Keo when I say thank you to the 187th for sending out a Huey during the many times that we were hit. Because we were so isolated, we received virtually everything from the Army, and our gray Navy pickup truck was well-known on the base \u2013 particularly in supply, the mess, and the ammo dump. I can\u2019t remember your call sign, but we always knew that it was the 187th that came in. Great web site\u2026keep up the good work, especially for an outfit that was truly great and always went above and beyond<strong>.<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The badge in the center above is the Combat Infantryman&#8217;s Badge,\u00a0 better known as a CIB.\u00a0 When you see a man wearing this badge you are looking at a man who has proven himself in combat and has seen more than anyone wants to see in his lifetime.\u00a0 Take this man&#8217;s hand and shake it&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","iawp_total_views":32,"footnotes":""},"categories":[114,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-orderly-room"],"modified_by":"Webmaster","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4898"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4898\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/187thahc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}