[ladtx]

In memory of my fellow Vietnam helicopter pilots who were killed in that war the following were lost on NOV 29. God bless them all.

1967 WO1 Gerald L. Latini (USAR) -- A/123 AVN 23 INF, Age 24, Columbus, Georgia
1967 WO1 Daniel S. Steele (USAR) -- A/123 AVN 23 IN, Age 19, Redmond, Oregon
1969 CW2 Lawrence J. Babyak (USAR) -- B/1/9 CAV 1 CAV, Age 24, Van Nuys, California
1969 WO1 Dennis D. Bogle (USAR) -- 11 GS AVN 1 CAV, Age 21, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1969 CW2 Jack D. Knepp (USAR) -- 11 GS AVN 1 CAV, Age 29, Big Bear City, California
1969 1LT Kenneth B.K. Kozai (USMCR) -- HMM-364, Age 26, Albuquerque, New Mexico
1969 WO1 Kenneth A. Luse (USAR) -- B/1/9 CAV 1 CAV, Age 19, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
1969 1LT Dennis J. Reardon (USMCR) -- HMM-364, Age 24, Cohasset, Massachusetts
1970 CW2 Franklin D. Defenbaugh -- 1 Field Force, Age 37, Superior, Wisconsin

Tribute to 1LT Kenneth B.K. Kozai (USMCR) and 1LT Dennis J. Reardon; KIA Quang Nam, South Vietnam. Ken was killed while flying in the 7th Marines AOR. A fine man, good leader,and a professional in the air, Ken was an inspiration to all who knew him. We met during our time in California before Vietnam in 1968. I enjoyed him then and I enjoyed him in Vietnam. He had a great colorful nylon jacket with lots of stars. I think it said something about Captain America on the jacket. He could always cheer us up with his ready jokes and neat jacket. Tragically, he was killed wearing the jacket. His death saddened many of us. May God bless him.

Dennis was with us only a short time, but enough time to make a profound impression on all of us in HMM-364. We were all First Lieutenants in those days. Seniority was the individual who had a few more days in-county than the next. My tour started in June 69 so I was an old timer by the time Denny got there. We flew together a number of times during his tour in Vietnam. He was a good pilot who inspired confidence and professionalism. He was killed with another good friend, Ken Kozai, in the 7th Marines AOR. The day was cold, overcast, and gray. Dennis and Ken were two people who could make a gray day clear and bright with their personalities. They are missed. May God bless both of them.

Colonel Dave McSorley, USMC (Retired)

IN THE SHADOW OF THE BLADE

SCOUTS OUT!

[lodwick]

[daisyscarlett]

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. Lori, this is wonderful thread. Thank you so much.

I finally went to the doctor late Weds because my flu-like symptoms were not improving. He gave me some meds etc but I was not well enough yesterday to cook (hee hee) but was improved enough to issue instructions to all from the couch on how and what to do...lol...And of course, my appetite was never affected.

I am much better today but not well enough to hit the sales, drats. If I rest today, there is hope for tomorrow...

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and will continue to have a fantabulous weekend.

[Billie]

Good afternoon, ladtx. 1969 again was the hardest hit year on this date with six losses. Thank you again for reminding us to be thankful for heros like this.

[Diver Dave]

Salute!

[JustAmy]

Thank you again for posting this, ladtx. Also thanks for the ping.

God Bless and Comfort the families and friends of these nine young men.
God Bless and Protect our Military and God Bless America.