[ladtx]

In memory of my fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in that war the following were lost on NOV 5. God bless them all.

1969 WO1 Ken A. McCartney -- A/227 AHB 1 CAV, Age 25, Corpus Christi, Texas
1969 WO1 Gerould M. Rumble III -- A/227 AHB 1 CAV, Age 24, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
1970 WO1 Gordon B. Sears -- 176 AHC, Age 20, Los Molinos, California
1972 CW2 William L. Miller III -- D/17 CAV, Age 23, Detroit, Michigan

In memory of WO1 Gordon B. Sears: KIA, Quang Ngai, South Vietnam. Your my HERO "California"
Gordon and I first met when we jumped off the bus at basic training - Fort Polk, La. A pack of grouchy Drill Sgt's barking at our heels. We bonded, had adjacent bunks, were both platoon leaders and coached and coaxed each other on in the tough times with the ultimate goal of making it to Flt School. We both went on to Ft. Wolters Tx and Graduated after soloing. I always called him "California".I was "Oregon" to him. We laughed, struggled thru academics/flt training together and reached our goal finally becoming Army Aviators. We were seperated after our graduation from Primary Helicopter School, but did keep in touch at Ft. Rucker, Al. We last saw each other during our last day's at Flt School prior to us both shipping over to RVN. I didn't learn of his death until I had been home from Vietnam for a yr. or so. We were young, in our early 20's .indestructable and were going to live forever! 32 yrs later, my wife and I have been blessed with 3 children and a grand daughter. Eventhough I am getting old I still think back on our times in Flt School. You DID GOOD "California" and I'll never forget you."Oregon" WilliaM Dean -- Basic Training/Flight School classmate

Unit patch of the 176th Assault Helicopter Company "Minutemen"

A 176th Minuteman enroute to the fight.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLADE

SCOUTS OUT!

[lodwick]

Good morning there - thanks for the story about your friend, and the other young warriors who gave all. RIP

[Billie]

To Gordon and the others lost on this day in 1969, 1970, and 1972.....Thank you for all you did for our country. God Bless your families.

Thank you, lad, for sharing your personal story this morning. We can never say "Thank you" enough.

[lodwick]

It's always fun to visit your homepage - good job there.

[Diver Dave]

Your fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots gave their all for God, Country and Old Glory.

Salute!

We honor these men today by exercising our duty to vote.

[JustAmy]

Thank you, ladtx.
Four today ..... how sad. God Bless and Comfort their families.
I cried as I read the memorial to "California" from "Oregon". This personal information and memories remind us that these are not just names, but real people with family and friends left behind to mourn their loss. We will never forget.
Remember all Veterans on Veteran's Day, November 11th.
God Bless America. God Bless our Military!
Remember to vote!!