by Michael Peake (last update 1 Jan2022- bap)
see photos on this page of: AH-1G - OH-23G - OH-6A - UH-1C - UH-1D - UH-1H
Also see Centaur Aircraft Tail Number pages:
AH-1G - OH-23G - OH-6A - UH-1C - UH-1D - UH-1H - Other
See more Aircraft Information links at the History Site Map
AH-1G #67-15540 "Crazy Bruce" - Centaur 40 Bruce Powell states "I went to Vung Tau and picked up the first Cobra (540) to arrive for the Division on 30 May. I test flew it after it was unloaded and assemled from the Corpus Christi Bay ship. I flew 1.3 hours that day. Damn near wrecked the thing trying to do all those test pilot maneuvers." Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing AH-1G 67-15540 named "Crazy Bruce" D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1968-69, with SP5 Warren H. Waite crew chief, CPT Bruce A. Powell Aircraft Commander and CW2 Clay Maxwell copilot. MASNfor 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15540 converted to AH-1F. This aircraft ended up in Hawaii.
AH-1G #67-15540 "Crazy Bruce" with four XM159 rocket pods which would hold 19 2.75 inch rockets each for a total of 76. Some called it 76 Trombones.
AH-1G #67-15546 - D Troop/F Troop. "Mississippi Queen." Jim Hoag Crew Chief has several photos of 546 in his Slide Show. See Photos JH-02 to JH12. MASN for 1966 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15546 had been converted to AH-1S and noted on display at Ozark Military Museum, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
AH-1G #67-15554 D Troop. Centaur 63 CW2 Craig L. Peterson, Slick Pilot D Troop 1968-69, provides photograph of AH-1G 67-15554 Cobra Revetment Crash January 1969
AH-1G #67-15567 “The Henchman II.”This is Gary Schmidt's second Cobra named Henchman II at Chu Chi. Henchman I was a combat loss. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing 567 named “The Henchman II,” D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1970-71, with SP4 Gary M. Schmidt crew chief and Charles Sullivan Aircraft Commander. see the model We have no Charles Sullivan listed. Could it be Marty? MASNfor 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15567 converted to TAH-1F, then redesignated AH-1F.
AH-1G #67-15567 “The Henchman II. A door gunner 11B (M60 gunner) with the 25th Inf Bn, 4th/23rd, the "Tomahawks", during the Cambodian Incursion took this photo of a Centaur Aircraft that was supporting them during a firefight. During the fight he had to land to clear a jammed gun.
AH-1G #67-15652 - F Troop. SP5 Linford E "Lin" Riniker, Armament Repairman F Troop 1972, provides photograph of AH-1G 67-15652 sitting in revetment at Long Binh. It isnot listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. MASNfor 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15652 converted to AH-1F.
AH-1G #67-15652 - F Troop. SP5 Linford E "Lin" Riniker, Armament Repairman F Troop 1972, provides photograph of AH-1G 67-15652 sitting in revetment at Long Binh. It isnot listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. MASNfor 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15652 converted to AH-1F.
AH-1G #67-15827. “The Henchman" D troop 3/4 Cav 1970. Piloted by CW2 Thomas Olssen and maintained by Gary Schmidt, Crew Chief, who also did the artwork. Accumulated 2.324 flight hours from Jan 69 to Feb 72, including a one year stint (Jan 69 to Feb 70) with D Troop. shot down and auto-rotated into a rice paddy near Tay Ninh during the Cambodian campaign. The crew survived..” Gary Schmidt
AH-1G #67-15827 "The Henchman" undergoing maintenance in a hanger.
AH-1G #67-15551 - D Troop. 08/18/1968 Accident case number: 680818051: Total Operational Loss caused by Accident. At approximately 0215 hours, the aircraft departed Cu Chi as the lead aircraft of a two gunship light fire team. The trail aircraft was a UH-1C. Approximately 20 kilometers from Tay Ninh City, the aircraft commander made radio contact with the supported unit and received grid coordinates, call signs and radio frequencies which he was to use during the mission. From the time of the aircraft's departure from Cu Chi base camp, the crew members state, the weather was marginal with a ceiling of approximately 1000 feet. They also state the cloud ceiling lowered approximately one half the distance to the objective area, forcing them to 700 - 800 feet of altitude. After receiving the coordinates, frequencies and call signs, the aircraft commander turned the controls of the aircraft over to CPT Moose Marcinkowski, so he could plot the coordinates on his map and then change radio frequencies. After making one change in directional heading to avoid impacting artillery, CPT Marcinkowski states he set the aircraft on a heading 270 degrees and placed the distance lights of Tay Ninh City at his 12 o'clock position. Both pilots state that during this time they were flying through a light rain. After several minutes of working with his maps in the rear seat of the aircraft, the aircraft commander replaced his maps in the cockpit and started changing radio frequencies to the designated frequencies. It was at this time he noticed the altimeter of the aircraft was reading between 100 and 200 feet of altitude. Realizing the terrain near Tay Ninh City was approximately 100 feet of elevation, CW2 Tom Meeks reacted instantly by assuming control of the aircraft, notifying CPT Marcinkowski, that he had control of the aircraft at the same time he took control, and immediately executing a cyclic climb. During these few seconds, the aircraft struck the large rubber trees of the rubber plantation in a nose high attitude. Continuing to execute a climb out, the aircraft continued to drag in the dense tree tops in a nose high attitude for a short period and then ascended a few feet above the trees. At this time the aircraft commander attempted to continue to fly the aircraft and gain altitude by increasing collective pitch. The crewmembers stated the aircraft began to shudder and shake violently with pitch application and to lose operating RPM. Again reacting instantly, the aircraft commander executed a cyclic flare and reduced collective pitch, zeroing out forward airspeed and allowing the aircraft to settle into the trees in a tail low attitude. The settling impact of the aircraft was partially cushioned by the dense tree top canopy of the rubber trees. During the initial impact of the aircraft into the trees and the subsequent flight path through the tree tops, CPT Marcinkowski, the pilot, suffered corneal abrasions of both eyes, causing by the shattered canopy, minor cuts to the face and a bruised leg. Hear the story MASNfor 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15551 converted to AH-1F.
AH-1G #67-15551 - see photo above. Hear the story from Tom Meeks
AH-1G #67-15776 - D&F Troop - WO1 Wayne Hooper: "Robert Love was the black crew chiefs name, a small slender fellow. Upon meeting him we went out to the aircraft #776 for a mutual inspection. When he opened the engine cowling there was it looked to me like hay, yes hay, the stuff cows and horses eat laying in the bottom of the engine compartment. To say I was shocked would be an understatement and I said to him "Just knowing the next time I look in there that won't be there." I walked away saying I'll be back in about an hour you be here. After finishing a thorough preflight together, I looked at him and said get in we are going for a ride. Returning to the corral, let's just say point made. We went over the ship again together again, and I let him know that other rides could be in his future. He was a nice guy, soft spoken and there were no other issues. A side note about 776 was it was capable of carrying 1800 pounds of fuel with a full load of ordinance. It is now a static display marking the entrance to Ft. Irwin California. Having gone thru a transformation it is nearly unrecognizable. What once was a clear nose bubble is now some bulky looking cowling. The cockpit bubble has been replaced with the later version that is squared off with a metal frame. The wings support a weapon system that I am clueless to know what it might be. The turret system is I don't remember. Its back to being nameless and worst of all the shark teeth are gone. Oh you can still tell it is a Cobra, but it sure don't look like one of ours. I don't think it was ever hit by enemy fire, but it looks like its been to hell and back. It just don't look like the clean lean killing machine it once was. Oh well by the way you can still read the tail number it is what it is Ol' #776."
History Notes: SP4 Daniel M. Coles, Cobra Crew Chief D Troop and F Troop 1970-71, served as crew chief for AH-1G 67-15776. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing AH-1G 67-15776 named “Betty Boobs,” D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1970-71, with SP4 Daniel M. Coles crew chief and (Centaur 51) CW2 Bruce W. Sikkema Aircraft Commander with a second listing showing AH-1G 67-15776 named "The Undertaker" and no year provided. My Page shows CW2 Bruce W. Sikkema, Centaur 51, was pilot of AH-1G Cobra #67-15776 during his tour from December 1969 to June 1971. MASN for 1967 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 67-15776 now on static display outside Fort Irwin, California.
AH-1G #67-15776 "Betty Boobs". Piloted by CW2 Bruce Sikkema and maintained by SP4 Dan Coles Crew Chief. Was later renamed "The Undertaker".
AH-1G #67-15776 "The Undertaker". Piloted by CW2 Bruce Sikkema and maintained by SP4 Dan Coles Crew Chief. Artwork by Gary Schmidt. Previously known as "Betty Boobs after Sikkema's wife. Survived Vietnam from December 1968 to December 1971, compliant 2.173 flight hours, serving in D Troop from Dec 1968 to May 1971
AH-1G #67-15820 Ohio Express in hangar for maintenance. Jack Nemeyer Photo.
AH-1G #68-15012 - #1 Du Me Mi -"#1 Du Me Mi." Flown by CW2 Ken Mick (aircraft commander), Hue-Phu Bai, late 1972. The advent of the shoulder-launched, heat-seeking SA-7 “Strela” SAM posed such a threat to all helicopters in 1972 that U. S. forces hastily initiated a series of modifications to increase the survivability of their aircraft in South Vietnam. With the AH-1, these “mods” took the form of a “toilet bowl” exhaust and auxiliary scoops on the engine intakes in order to match the heat signature generated by the engine from the SA-7. By mid-1972 priority was given to retrofitting “Strela” suppression kits to all combat helicopters. The garishly decorated AH-1 68-15012 was among the first Cobras to receive the suppression kit [Vietnam Helicopters and Their Crews, Jonathan Bernstein and Gordon Rottman, Osprey Publishing LTD (2007), page 90-91]. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing AH-1G 68-15012 "#1 Du Me Mi," F Troop, 4th Cavalry, 1972, with CW2 Ken Mick Aircraft Commander. MASNfor 1968 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 68-15012 converted to AH-1S.
AH-1G #68-15110 "Centaur Max" at Lia Khe 1971. F Troop 1971 Lai Khe Vietnam Yearbook shows images AH-1G Cobra #68-15110. You might see the Blue Max symbol behind the Centaur logo. CPT Don Borey says "We got the aircraft from the Blue Max ( I think they were the 334th ARA), When F Troop got alerted to move north in Jun or Jul 1971, we turned in our high time ships and were given some helicopters that had more time on them before major inspections. 110 was one of the cobras we received. My crew chief SP5 Keith Nicol and I painted the shark teeth on the nose. He painted the Centaur on the doghouse but he couldn't get any OD paint to cover up the Blue Max that the 334th painted. We referred to 110 as "Centaur Max". We ended up not going North and stayed in Lai Khe until Jan 1972 when we moved back to Long Binh.". MASNfor 1968 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 68-15110 converted to AH-1F, noted in storage at Fort Drum, New York May 21, 2001. Has left Fort Drum and is now preserved at American Legion Post #1376, New Hartford, New York.
AH-1G #68-15110 is now a static display at the New Hartford New York American Legion Post. It is pictured on their webpage. CPT Don Borey
AH-1G #68-15126 "Rosemary's Baby" - D Troop/F Troop. Went to NASA.“Rosemary's Baby.” SP4 Gary M. Schmidt, AH-1G Cobra crew chief D & F Troops 1970-71, provides photograph of AH-1G #68-15125 "Rosemary's Baby" in caption but photograph clearly shows Tail Number 126. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows AH-1G 68-15126 named “Rosemary's Baby.” MASNfor 1968 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 68-15126 converted to AH-1S.
AH-1G #68-15135 (photo: SP5 Don Vaughan (left), CPT Lee Cranney. and CPT Don Phillips)
“The Kansas Killer” - 1LT John L. Taylor, Cobra Pilot D Troop and F Troop 1970-71, provides image of AH-1G 68-15135 “The Kansas Killer" (image 115 of 148 in his album), belonging to Captain Rudy Parris, undergoing maintenance by crew chief Don Vaughan with Captains Cranny and Phillips.
Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing AH-1G 68-15135 named “The Kansas Killer,” D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1970-71 with SGT. Don Vaughn crew chief, CPT Rudy Parris Aircraft Commander (Mr. Brennan also states AH-1G 68-15135 was named California Dreamin', D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1970-71 with SGT. Don Vaughan crew chief, CPT Rudy Parris Aircraft Commander). MASN for 1967 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 16135 assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. Named “California Dreaming” [right side]; “Kansas Killer” [on left side of pylon]; Assigned to A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division September 1969-February 1970; Shot down February 24, 1970, Quang Tri Province, RVN. The aircraft was flying interference for Dustoff when it received heavy automatic weapons fire, crashed and burned.
AH-1G #68-15135 John Brennan states it was named California Dreamin', D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1970-71 with SGT Don Vaughan crew chief, CPT Rudy Parris Aircraft Commander). Aircraft ended up in Hawaii.
AH-1G #68-15189 "Wretched Mildred" ended up with NASA.
AH-1G #68-15197 "Viva Santana" CW2 Charles "Chuck" O'Connell
AH-1G #68-15201 "RC II" sitting in revetment at Lai Kai 1971
AH-1G #68-15201 - Troops examining the brand new aircraft on its arrival in the unit earlier in 1971. The RCI name was painted on later.
AH-1G #68-17040 “Kentucky Woman” in revetment late 1969 brandishing XM159 19-shot 2.75 inch rocket pods mounted outboard, two M18A1 7.62mm minigun pods mounted inboard and the M28A1 turret in hybrid configuration of right hand minigun and left hand 40mm grenade launcher.Jack Nemeyer
AH-1G #68-17040 “Kentucky Woman” on display at American Legion Post 65 in Statesville, North Carolina.
see video.
MASNfor 1968 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 68-17040 converted to AH-1F now on display at American Legion Post #65, Statesville, North Carolina
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Final restoration of Kentucky Woman July 2022
AH-!G 68-17107 "Lady Godiva" our first Cobra with the 20mm Cannon M35 Armament System installed. Was with Centaurs from March 1970 to February 1971.
AH-!G 68-17107 "Lady Godiva" back seat console showing the 20mm Control Panel in front of the cyclic. In addition to 20mm major component installations, Sandy McLeod notes that they also had to attach a strap next to the front seater’s canopy handle. Vibration on that 20mm side of the aircraft when firing would cause the handle to shake loose and possibly canopy would open during firing run. Thus during missions would have to put strap overthe handle.
AH-1G Tail number not known “Flying Dutchman” F Troop Lai Khe 1971 Yearbook (Supply section)-
AH-1G 69-16439 F Troop. Originally flown by DFC-winner CW2 Dave Tela, A/3/17 Cav, Di An, AH-1G 69-16439 is yet another 20mm cannon-modified Cobra that saw extensive combat in Cambodia in May-June 1970. It was reassigned to C/2/17 Cav in June 1971 and then F/4 Cav in early 1972, before finally return into the U. S. after the cease-fire. Configured as a "super scout," 69-16439 carried three XM-158 seven-shot pods along with the 20mm cannon. After assignment to F Troop to become the second 20mm armed Centaur Cobra, armorers replaced the right side inboard seven-shot pod with a 19-shot M-200 rocket pod and configured the nose turret, that previously held twin miniguns, with "B," or Hybrid, configuration of right hand minigun and left hand 40mm grenade launcher.
Someone mentioned that Richard Parrish had the aircraft in 1971-72 and turned it over to Paul Martindale some time in 1972. MASN for 1969 shows: Bell AH-1G Cobra 69-16439 converted to AH-1F. Noted in storage at Fort Drum, New York, May 21, 2001.
OH-23G #62-03803 - CPT Gary Brown standing beside 803 Scout armed with M2M60C Skid Guns in 1966. is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft.
OH-23G #62-03818 - D Troop. Harlan Cooper, Crew Chief and Maintenance Sergeant. SP5 Dwain Adkins, Gunship Crew Chief D Troop 1964-67, provides photograph of Maintenance Sergeant and crew chief SP5 Harlan Cooper standing beside tailboom of OH-23G 62-03818. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows OH-23 62-03818 was utilized by LTC Glen Otis as command-and-control aircraft at Tan Son Nhut during Tet.
OH-23G #62-03828 - D Troop. Mackie Webb's photo of 828 in the Maintenance Hangar. It doesn't appear in the MASN listing but the range of serial numbers runs from 62-3756 to 62-3831. Not in VHPA listing
OH-23G #63-12860 1LT Leland "Smokey" Burgess, (Deceased) Centaur 10 and Scout platoon leader D Troop 1967-68, provides photograph showing 860 in flight. Sergeant Jack W. Lorensen, (Deceased) Light Scout Crew Chief D Troop 1965-66, served as crew chief
OH-23G #63-12860 Sergeant Jack W. Lorensen, (Deceased) Light Scout Crew Chief D Troop 1965-66, served as crew chief for OH-23G 63-12860 during his tour.
OH-23G #63-12860 SGT Jack W. Lorensen, (Deceased) Light Scout Crew Chief D Troop 1965-66, served as crew chief for OH-23G 63-12860 during his tour.
OH-23G #63-12860 with left skid mounted M2 weapon (M-600) Mackie Webb pilot
OH-6A - LOH "Cayuse" or "Loach"
OH-6A #66-67931 "Hard Core" SP5 Charlie Meyer D Troop 1968, on the right, served as crew chief during his tour of duty and gave the aircraft its name. "Hard Core."
OH-6A #66-67931 "Hard Core" - Winged Sabres: The Air Cavalry in Vietnam, Lawrence H. Johnson III, Stackpole Books (1990), page 126, shows image of OH-6A LOH (Loach) #66-07931 "Hard Core" with caption "Centaur Aeroscout, in 1968 An OH-6A of D-3/4 Cavalry awaits another mission in its revetment. The troop "Centaur" recognition device can be seen just below the United States Army marking. This particular aircraft has been equipped with a flexible ammunition feed chute for the observer's M60 machine gun. C. M. RICE PHOTO."
OH-6A #66-67931 "Hard Core" - SP5 Charlie Meyer, Loach Crew Chief D Troop 1968, served as crew chief during his tour of duty and gave the aircraft its name. "Hard Core."
OH-6A #66-67931 1LT Joe Owen Scout Section Ldr standing over new LOH minigun with cowling and CPT Bruce Powell Gun Platoon Ldr kneeling. Probably at Dau Tieng
OH-6A #66-14384 "Paper Tiger" - SP5 James R. "Jim" Walt, Light Scout Observer D Troop 1969, provides image of SP4 Larry "Iggy" Kellum, Loach Crew Chief D Troop 1968-69, standing beside his aircraft
OH-6A #66-14395 - Centaur 63 CW2 Craig L. Peterson, Slick Pilot D Troop 1968-69, provides photograph of OH-6A 66-14395 as a brand-new aircraft. (who is guy in photo?)
OH-6A #66-14399 - SGT Michael L. "Mike" Rice, Door Gunner Heavy Scouts D Troop 1968, shown sitting in left seat of OH-6A 66-14399 in 1968 showing the left side mounted Minigun.
OH-6A #66-17795 - "Wargasm" Photograph provided by Carl W. Betsill shows left-side view of OH-6A Loach 66-17795 sitting in revetment with"Wargasm" painted in white lower fuselage and "Kill or Be Killed" on left cargo door. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art listing shows OH-6A 66-17795 “Wargasm,”assigned to F Troop, 1972.
OH-6A #66-17795 - Curt Knapp, former pilot of OH-6A #795 for 101st ABN states aircraft “arrived at LZ Sally on Sunday, May 19 and was probably assigned to us on paper a few days before that.” He provides history of the Loach as arriving Palomas, Arizona test facility March 22, 1968; Available for test flight March 26, 1968; Commenced test flight following day; Company final flight testing April 9, 1968; Army acceptance April 12, 1968: and License submitted April 17, 1968.
OH-6A #67-16092 - CPT Terry H. Young, Scout Platoon Leader F Troop 1972-73, provides image of SGT Joseph M. "Mike' Beck, Scout Platoon Sergeant and Crew Chief, standing beside OH-6A 67-16092 in Scout revetment at Tân Mŷ.
OH-6A #67-16092 - Second Terry H. Young photo of same aircraft with a different paint scheme undergoing preflight in a Tân Mŷ scout revetment by CPT Frederick Dale Ledfors, Scout Pilot F Troop 1972-73, and CPT James H. "Jim" Elder, Executive Officer and Loach Pilot F Troop 1972.
OH-6A #67-16152 - 1LT Marty Jenkins standing by 152.
OH-6A #67-16197 "Borrowed Time" - CW2 Robert "Bob" Jones standing next to 197
OH-6A #69-16019 "Borrowed Time" D Troop/F Troop. "Borrowed Time." Darkhorse Museum in CA. This is the second LOH named that. photo by Lloyd Goldsmith (40)
OH-6A #69-16019 "Borrowed Time" D Troop/F Troop. Photo found on a modeler's website. Shows a Minigun door gun. Not common.
OH-6A #67-16217 "Cheap Thrills" - D Troop. Destroyed. " Daniel L. "Dan" Mcintyre Photo Album shows Image #5 OH-6A LOH (Loach) 67-16217 "Cheap Thrills".MASN shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 67-16217 assigned to C Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Ruthless Riders July 1970; Combat damage July 30, 1970 South Vietnam by small arms fire and crashed. Recovered and repaired.
OH-6A #67-16387 “Linda Sue" - Centaur 14 1LT Marty Jenkins, Loach Scout Pilot Troop D 1969, provides photograph of OH-6A 67-16387 preparing for take off with caption "Unknown crew-Aircraft 387." Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 67-16387 named “Linda Sue,” D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry 1969, with CW2 John Michael Hohman Aircraft Commander and WO1 Thomas Earl Hays.
OH-6A #67-16515 - F Troop. SP4 Randy Baisden, Light Scout Platoon Sergeant F Troop 1971-72, provides photograph of OH-6A 67-16515 in-flight coming back from up north to refuel and rearm.
OH-6A (no number available) Love Generation D Trp 3/4 Cav 1969 Jim Kreill Photo Album #42
OH-6A #69-16032 "Bol Shoi." Named by Harlan Sparrow. Sparrow's slideshow image HS-23 shows OH-6A 16032 "Bol Shoi" fully visible sitting in revetment with the caption "This was the loach I flew the most and named it after the Russian ballet. Why the Russian named ballet?, just to be different" Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 69-16032 named “Screaming OD Zonker” is probably incorrect (discrepancy with OH-6A 69-16043 entry). MASN for 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-16032 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Accident November 17, 1971, South Vietnam.
OH-6A #68-17154 "Sweet Carolin" - CW2 Harlan Gray Sparrow's Slide Show Image HS-24 shows OH-6A LOH (Loach) #68-17154 "Sweet Carolin" identified as "Another one of our Loaches" during his tour as Scout Pilot with F Troop 1971-72. MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17154 Assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division June 1969-February 1971. Named “Pepe Le Pew.” Registered as N6187C to United States Border Patrol Air Operations, El Paso, Texas May 19, 1993; cancelled July 8, 2008. On June 15, 1999 the aircraft crashed during the landing approach at Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was destroyed and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. "Michael B (?) crashed this one once.
OH-6A #69-16043: "The Screaming OD Zonker" Carl Betsill entry in the Timeline for July 1971 cites communication with SP4 Dave Sullivan, former crew chief of OH-6A Loach #69-16032 "Bol Shoi," who identifies the Loach “The Screaming ‘OD’ Zonker” as OH-6A #69-16043, shot down in the Mushroom with the loss of CWO Edward Mortimer and the wounding of Glenn Nicholas on July 5, 1971 (discrepancy with OH-6A 69-16032 entry). CW2 Harlan Gray Sparrow's slide show Image HS-22 showing "The Screaming OD Zonker" with the number 160 visible (of the 69-16043) and captioned "One of the Loaches I used to fly."MASNfor 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-16043 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Accident July 5, 1971, South Vietnam.
OH-6A #67-16563 - photo by Lloyd Goldsmith (22). Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 67-16563 named “For Love of Freedom.” OH-6A LOH (Loach) 67-16563 "For the Love of Freedom" is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft.
OH-6A #67-16563 "For the Love of Freedom." Centaur 54 CW2 Robert "Bob" Jones, Cobra pilot F Troop 1971-72, provides photograph of OH-6A 67-16563 flying above the clouds with top of Nui Ba Din, Mountain Of The Black Virgin, in the background. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 67-16563 named “For Love of Freedom.” OH-6A LOH (Loach) 67-16563 "For the Love of Freedom" is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft.
OH-6A #67-16666 "Bad News" - SGT Tim Fegette was crew chief of Bad News in 1968. He provides photograph showing him in revetment with 7.62 minigun mounted in right side cargo door.
OH-6A 68-17149 "Iron Butterfly." - SP4 Gary M. Schmidt, AH-1G Cobra crew chief D & F Troops 1970-71, provides photographs of troops examining the wreck OH-6A 68-17149 "Iron Butterfly." In Memoriam shows 1LT Mark Jackson, age 21.4 years old, resident of Vero Beach, Florida, was killed in action piloting OH-6A 68-17149 "Iron Butterfly" near Tay Ninh 28 October 1969 after taking hits from small arms/automatic weapons and crashing, resulting in serious injuries to Crew Chief SP4 S. Snoddy and Door Gunner PFC R. Rhodes.
OH-6A #68-17149 "Iron Butterfly see above photo
OH-6A #68-17150 SGT Tim Fegette, Scout Crew Chief D Troop 1968-69, provides photograph showing 1LT Gerald A. "Jerry" Odom standing beside the right cargo door of OH-6A 68-17150 with mounted 7.62 minigun.
OH-6A #68-17154 “Pepe Le Pew” - SP4 Daniel L. "Dan" McIntyre, Service Platoon Aircraft Mechanic D Troop/F Troop 1970-71, provides photograph of “Pepe Le Pew” in the hangar during August 1970. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 68-17154 named “Pepe Le Pew.”Later on it became "Sweet Carolin" MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17154 Assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division June 1969-February 1971. Named “Pepe Le Pew.” Registered as N6187C to United States Border Patrol Air Operations, El Paso, Texas May 19, 1993; cancelled July 8, 2008. On June 15, 1999 the aircraft crashed during the landing approach at Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was destroyed and the commercial pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries.
OH-6A #68-17154 - CW2 Harlan Gray Sparrow's Slide Show Image HS-24 shows OH-6A LOH (Loach) #68-17154 "Sweet Carolin" identified as "Another one of our Loaches" during his tour as Scout Pilot with F Troop 1971-72. Earlier was called Pepe Le Pew.
OH-6A #67-16035 named “Super Egg” - D Troop. Tim Fegette indicates Loach #035 was named “Super Egg.” Ed Marble was crew chief. The a/c flew 900 hrs and took only one bullet. It was behind engine in upper tail boom area. It was said to be in a bad place? It was sent to Corpus Christi Texas. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 67-16035 named “Super Egg” D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 1968-69 Jim Walt photo #18. MASNfor 1967 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 67-16035 transferred to Heli Tech, Panama City, Florida.
OH-6A #68-17175 "King Rat." The F Troop 4th U. S. (Air) Cav 1971 Lai Khe Vietnam Yearbook shows the same aircraft named "For the Love of Freedom."
CW3 Andrew John "Andy" Elliott , Loach Pilot D Troop 1970, (killed in action) crashed this one once. Came back to NG. Centaur 14 CW2 Gary A. Jones, Loach Pilot D Troop 1969, provides My Page photograph showing him sitting right seat in OH-6A 68-17175 "King Rat." Crew chief for “King Rat” was SP5 Stephen J. "Steve" Snoddy. According to photographs of Stanley Allen and Gary Jones in D Troop 69-70, OH-6A Loach #68-17175 was named "King Rat." The F Troop 4th U. S. (Air) Cav 1971 Lai Khe Vietnam Yearbook shows the same aircraft named "For the Love of Freedom." MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17175 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Assigned to E Battery, 82nd Artillery, 1st Cavalry. Damaged April 21, 1971 on a reconnaissance mission in Cambodia when it was hit by automatic weapons fire. Assigned to A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Silver Spurs. Accident September 15, 1971 Hua Nghia Province, RVN. Modified as MH-6B multi-mission (scout and light attack) helicopters for assignment to the Army's Special Forces. Assigned to the US Army National Guard–Oklahoma, 45th Infantry Brigade. Registered as N5185B for United States Border Patrol Air Operations, El Paso, Texas, August 12, 1992, later to Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC. Transferred to AMARC January 7, 2011; departed August 23, 2011 to US Department of Agriculture, Cedar City, Utah. Registered to US Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Services Wildlife Services (USDA/APHIS/WS), Cedar City, Utah, May 3, 2011; current.
OH-6A #68-17177 - SP4 Jim Kreil, OH-6A crew chief D Troop 1969, provides photographs of OH-6A68-17177 and states "Three days before I left, was being used for a C&C mission. A Bouncing Betty mine hit the ship. It was sent back for a warped airframe."
OH-6A #68-17177 - SP4 Jim Kreil, OH-6A crew chief D Troop 1969, provides photographs of OH-6A68-17177
OH-6A #68-17180 "Blind Faith" - Centaur 54 CW2 Robert "Bob" Jones, Cobra pilot F Troop 1971-72, provides photograph showing troops checking out CW2 Thomas Broadbent's battle-damaged aircraft.
OH-6A #68-17180 "Blind Faith" - photo by Lloyd Goldsmith (21)
OH-6A #68-17204 "Luv Bug" - Centaur 52 & 13 CW2 Thomas M. "Sam" Dooling, AH-1G Cobra/OH-6A Loach pilot D Troop 1969-70, provides photograph of OH-6A 68-17204 "Luv Bug" in hangar "getting repaired." Came back to NG. MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17204 assigned to US Army National Guard-Pennsylvania. On display at Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum, Fort Indiantown Gap, Muir AAF, Pennsylvania October 2007.
OH-6A #68-17217 "Cheap Thrills" - SP4 Daniel L. "Dan" McIntyre, Service Platoon Aircraft Mechanic D Troop/F Troop 1970-71, provides photograph of OH-6A 68-17217 "Cheap Thrills" MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17217 assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Named "Cheap Thrills." Assigned to 165th Transportation Company (Aircraft Direct Support). Assigned to B Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Ruthless Riders February 1971-June 1972. Assigned to H Troop, 17th Cavalry Regiment. Registered as N294GS to Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg, South Carolina March 18, 1998; current.
OH-6A #68-17241 - D Troop. 1LT John L. Taylor, Cobra Pilot D Troop and F Troop 1970-71, provides image of 1LT Thomas H “Tom” Habbick, D Troop revetment at Camp Frenzel-Jones. My Page for 1LT Thomas H “Tom” Habbick, Loach Scout Pilot D Troop and F Troop 1970-71, shows same image with caption "1LT Tom Habbick with his LOH Scout aircraft." - OH-6A 68-17241 is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. MASNfor 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17241 Registration N40863 assigned (not taken up); Registered N691PD to Kansas City Police Department, Kansas City, Missouri November 7, 1994; reregistered October 23, 2012; Registered N331AB to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham, Alabama October 23, 2012; reregistered October 21, 2013; Registered N369LE to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham, Alabama October 21, 2013.
OH-6A #68-17332 - CPT Terry H. Young, Scout Platoon Leader F Troop 1972-73, provides photograph of Centaur 13 CW2 Thomas J. "Tom" Noss, OH-6 Scout Pilot F Troop 1971-72, at controls of running OH-6A 68-17332 while Centaur 12 1LT Peter Holmberg, Light Scout Pilot F Troop 1972, speaks with two unidentified enlisted men. MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17332 assigned to Division Artillery of the 23rd Infantry Division at Chu Lai, South Vietnam. Damaged October 11, 1970, Duc Pho, RVN. Damaged July 1971 and shipped to USA for repair. Assigned to 388th Transportation Company (Aircraft Direct Support). Assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic], Tân Mŷ, South Vietnam. Damaged December 21, 1972. The aircraft was flying at 150 feet with an airspeed of 80 knots. The pilot noticed a change in engine noise signifying engine failure, and the engine out warning lit as the helicopter began an autorotation. The helicopter made a hard landing on a narrow dirt road and sustained some damage on touchdown. Shipped to USA for repair February 1973. Stored. Assigned US Army National Guard–Oklahoma March 1974. Assigned to Task Force 160. Transferred to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Assigned to 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), Night Stalkers. Modified as MH-6B multi-mission (scout and light attack) helicopters for assignment to the Army's Special Forces. Modified as MH-6C. Last flight January 9, 1998 and SOC (Struck Off Charge). Converted 2006 into A/MH-6 “Little Bird” Light Assault/Attack Configurable (LASAR) Combat Mission Simulator (CMS) at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.
OH-6A #68-17337 "Proud Mary." - CW2 Rog Johnson [age 20] was flying an OH-6A when he was shot down near Bear Cat in III Corps. His crew members were SGT Mike Petty and SP4 Fred Vigil. They were assigned to D Trp 3/4 Cav, 25 Inf at the time. He was part of a Hunter-Killer team that day. I was aircraft commander of the Cobra in that team. He had spotted an active base camp through a high canopy. In the process of turning around over the camp for another look, he was shot down. Our Blues platoon later determined both he and SGT Petty survived the crash through the canopy. After exiting the burning helicopter, they were shot at close range by Viet Cong. SP4 Vigil died in the crash.""From Hugh "Sandy" McLeod, Centaur 46, D/3/4 CAV 25 INF, Oct 1998. In Memoriam shows gunner/observer Sergeant Michael H. Petty, 21, and "Proud Mary" crew chief Fredrick A. "Fred" Vigil, age 21, were killed in action January 22, 1971. Centaur 18 CW2 Edward W. "Ed" Wolfe, Loach Scout Pilot D Troop and F Troop 1970-71, provides twin image of himself including standing next to OH-6A 68-17337 "Proud Mary" on flight line January 1971 prior to the fatal mission. 68-17337 "Proud Mary" is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 68-17337 named “Proud Mary.” MASN for 1968 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 68-17337 assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry. Shot down January 22, 1971, Laos. The aircraft was shot down near Bear Cat in III Corps. The aircraft was part of a Hunter-Killer team that day. The pilot had spotted an active base camp through a high canopy. In the process of turning around over the camp for another look, he was shot down. Both the pilot and observer survived the crash through the canopy. After exiting the burning helicopter, they were shot at close range by the Viet Cong.
OH-6A #69-15988 SGT Milan Lavoy Lee and unidentified gunner standing beside OH-6A Cayuse 69-15988. MASN for 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-15988 bailed to Hughes Aircraft, Culver City, California. Assigned to C Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment Ruthless Riders October 1971-June 1972. Assigned to H Troop, 10th Cavalry Regiment. Registered as N306SD to the Harrison County Sheriff Department, Marshall, Texas, March 17, 1997; sale reported January 13, 2011, cancelled August 22, 2013.
OH-6A #69-16003 "For God Country & Body Count" - D Troop/F Troop. SP5 Ron Brochu, OH-6 Crew Chief and Scout Platoon NCO F Troop 1971-72, provides My Page photograph showing him standing outside right cargo door of OH-6A 69-16003 "For God Country & Body Count," Centaur 15 1LT Steven C. Suiter, Scout Pilot F Troop 1971-72, at the controls and SP4 Harry Rogers, Observation/Gunner and Scout Crew Chief F Troop 1972, preparing to mount up left side of aircraft for departure. MASN for 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-16003 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Named "For God Country & Body Count." Accident May 1, 1972 South Vietnam.
OH-6A #69-16003 "For God Country & Body Count" photo by Lloyd Goldsmith (19)
OH-6A #69-16032 "Bol Shoi." - Named by Harlan Sparrow. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing OH-6A 69-16032 named “Screaming OD Zonker” (discrepancy with OH-6A 69-16043 entry). MASN for 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-16032 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Accident November 17, 1971, South Vietnam.
OH-6A #69-16043 "The Screaming ‘OD’ Zonker” - Shot down 5 Jul 1971 ( was it shot down again 17 Nov 71?) . CW2 Edward Lewis "Louie" Mortimer, Jr., age 21, was piloting OH-6A LOH (Loach) #69-16043 on a reconnaissance mission in the area along the Saigon River called the Mushroom when the aircraft was downed by extensive enemy fire resulting in CW2 Mortimer taking a round through his leg, which severed an artery, and crew chief SP4 Glenn Randy Nicholas having his back broke in the crash. Despite his severe injuries, Specialist Nicholas extracted the injured pilot from the aircraft and directed Cobra gunships against enemy targets. Although both men were recovered by rescue aircraft, Ed Mortimer died enroute to the hospital from loss of blood. SP4 Randy Nicholas later received the Silver Star for his heroic actions in trying to save CW2 Mortimer. see story. MASNfor 1969 shows: Hughes OH-6A Cayuse 69-16043 assigned to F Troop, 4th Cavalry Armored Division [sic]. Accident July 5, 1971, South Vietnam.
UH-1C/B #65-09444 - SP5 Dwain Adkins, Gunship Crew Chief D Troop 1964-67, provides photograph of right side of UH-1C/B 65-09444 Heavy Scout Gunship mounting the half of the XM16 armament system consisting of four 7.62 M60C machine guns and two 2.75-inch 7-shot rocket pods. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows UH-1C 65-09444 Heavy Scout Gunship.
UH-1C #65-09444 - My Page shows Robert F. "Bob" Taylor, the second crew chief of UH-1C Huey Gunship #65-09444. MASN for 1965 shows: Bell UH-1C/B Iroquois 65-09444 converted to UH-1M.
UH-1C #66-00520 "The Beast." - Robert F. "Bob" Taylor, crew chief of UH-1C Huey Gunship #65-09444, indicates that UH-1C Huey Gunship #66-00520 got the nickname "The Beast" because she had the strongest engine of all the C models. It was a replacement and was crewed by Paul Turner Gunner and SP5 Earl W. Goodall Crew Chief
Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows UH-1C 66-00520 Heavy Weapons “Hog.” 15 August 68 Accident with crew Aircraft Commander Tonny B. Wolfe and Pilot CW2 Michael J. Galloway. On 15 August 68, 2310 hours, the aircraft commander and pilot terminated their mission by refueling then intending to return to the maintenance area. The aircraft still had a basic load of 3,000 rounds of door gun ammo 6,000 rounds of mini-gun ammo, and 14 rockets, all evenly distributed. After taking on 1040 pounds of fuel, calling for clearance to depart POL, WO Galloway attempted to lift the aircraft to a hover. At this time, the aircraft initiated a steady smooth movement to the right rear. WO Gallaway made a cyclic correction to no avail, at which time the aircraft commander WO1 Wolfe, responded with full forward left cyclic which had no effect. The collective was then bottomed as the main rotor struck the ground to the right of the aircraft. The aircraft rocked back and forth several times to its left front spreading the skids, ripping the aft portion of the tail section from the aircraft, and separating the transmission. No injuries were sustained during the accident. MASN for 1966 shows: Bell UH-1C Iroquois 66-00520 converted to UH-1M.
UH-1C #66-00612 - D Troop. SP5 Warren H. Waite, Jr, Service Platoon Mechanic D Troop 1968-69, provides four images showing the destruction of Heavy Scout UH-1C 66-00612 sitting in a hangar. UH-1C 66-00612 is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. (http://centaursinvietnam.org/PhotoAlbums/iPhotoWaiteWarren.html, Photo Album Images #11, #12, #13 and #14.) MASN for 1966 shows: Bell UH-1C Iroquois 66-00612 written off January 12, 1968.
UH-1C #65-09461 "The Infamous."- Jeffery "Jeff" "Doc" Halliday Slide Show Image JH-140 shows UH-1C Huey Gunship 461 "The Infamous" owned by Pat Eastes." UH-1C 65-09461 is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows UH-1C 65-09461 Heavy Scout Gunship.
UH-1C #65-09462 - SP5 Paul C. Davidson was Door Gunner on 462 D Troop 1966-69. Paul died March 28, 2013.
UH-1C #65-09462 - SP5 Thomas "TJ" Lange was crew chief of 462 Jan 1967 to May 1968.
UH-1B/C 65-09464 “Poncho Villa” - D Troop. Heavy Scout Gunship.Aircraft Commander CPT Carl William Burns, Pilot CPT Lewis L. "Lew" Barger (Centaur 21): Tail rotor failed during gun run. Autorotation was started to rice paddy. At pitch pull, aircraft spun to right, hit hard, bounced and spun 3 complete turns, shedding main rotor and transmission. Aircraft had been fired upon and evacuation ship was hit during pickup of the crew. Video interview "The Demise of Poncho Villa" by Carl Burns and Lewis Barger. SP5 Reynald Villarreal, nickname “El Centauro Del Norte”, named the aircraft after Poncho Villa. PV2 John D. “Jack” Cumbie served as door gunner. "Once a Centaur, always a Centaur" MASN for 1965 shows: Bell UH-1C/B Iroquois 65-09464 written off July 12, 1966.
UH-1C #65-09468 W01 Mark Vedder Schmidt My Page photograph shows Gun Pilot PIC Mark Schmidt with the newbe copilot 1LT Rick Williams, Gun Pilot D Troop 1967-68, posing in the Centaur Corral for the camera with UH-1C 65-09468 prior to takeoff. Upgraded from a B model. MASN for 1965 shows: Bell UH-1C Iroquois 65-09468 3/4th ACV, D Troop shot down by an explosive weapon (RPG or grenade launcher) in SVN December 27, 1967. 4 KIA.
UH-1C #66-00513 SGT Norman W. "Norm" Clark, Door Gunner D Troop 1967-68, provides My Page Twin Photographs showing 24 pod rocket system on each side of his UH-1C 66-00513 "Heavy Hog"in 1967. MASN for 1966 shows: Bell UH-1C Iroquois 66-00513 converted to UH-1M; Transferred to Lexington, NE Transportation Museum.
UH-1C #66-00513 - Terry Vaughan My Page shows image of him working on Doug Olsen's UH-1C Huey "Hog" #66-00513. MASN for 1966 shows: Bell UH-1C Iroquois 66-00513 converted to UH-1M; Transferred to Lexington, NE Transportation Museum.
UH-1D #65-09661 D Troop. In Memoriam Page shows Corporal James "Jimmy" Price Spencer, age 26, was serving as door gunner on UH-1D Huey #65-09661, when killed in action by small arms fire January 24, 1967 during his third Vietnam tour. Major Myron E. "Mike" Squires was aircraft commander and SP5 James L. "Reb" Pyburn was the crew chief. Major Myron E. "Mike" Squires My Page shows photograph of the Major posing for the camera beside his aircraft UH-1D 65-09661 in the Centaur Corral. MASNfor 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D Iroquois 65-09661 converted to UH-1H. Transferred to Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (AMARC) as XA0548 October 10, 1995. Registration N773GR reserved July 9, 2004, taken up November 15, 2004.
UH-1D #65-09661 D Troop. PFC Roger D. Wilcox My Page shows served as door gunner on UH-1D 65–09661 during his tour in 1967. MASNfor 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D Iroquois 65-09661 converted to UH-1H. Transferred to Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (AMARC) as XA0548 October 10, 1995. Registration N773GR reserved July 9, 2004, taken up November 15, 2004.
UH-1D #65-09661 D Troop. My Page Photograph of SP4 Salvatore Tornello, Slick Door Gunner 1967-68, shows him sitting behind twin M60s mounted right side on UH-1D 65-09661 with Crew Chief SP5 Paul T. "PJ" Jones next to him and SP5 Michael J. Reed laying on top above them. MASNfor 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D Iroquois 65-09661 converted to UH-1H. Transferred to Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (AMARC) as XA0548 October 10, 1995. Registration N773GR reserved July 9, 2004, taken up November 15, 2004.
UH-1D #65-09661 D Troop. Mike Vaughn photo 12 of 23 shows the experiment they did with dropping 81mm mortars with bomb fuses from a Huey (names? how did it go?) MASNfor 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D Iroquois 65-09661 converted to UH-1H. Transferred to Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center, Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona (AMARC) as XA0548 October 10, 1995. Registration N773GR reserved July 9, 2004, taken up November 15, 2004.
UH-1D 65-09662 CPT Gary L. Hatfield, Slick Pilot D Troop 1965-66, provides photograph of him sitting in the left seat of UH-1D 65-09662 in 1966. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows UH-1D 65-09662 Accident 4 August 68. No crew identified. The aircraft had been on a mission for about one hour and returned to Cu Chi to discharge their passengers. The pilot received clearance from the tower and started to apply power for takeoff. As the aircraft became light on its skids, it slid on the PSP pad to the right rear. As the aircraft reached the edge of the pad, the right rear skid shoe caught on a raised portion of the PSP. The rear cross was forced up through the main body of the helicopter. The aircraft started to settle to the right rear so the pilot applied full left forward cyclic to prevent a rotor strike. The gunner, who was not strapped in, was thrown from the aircraft but was not injured. A fuel bladder was ruptured and fuel was leaking from the aircraft. The pilot shut the aircraft down and the crew got clear of the ship. The crash truck arrived and applied foam to the danger area. MASN for 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D Iroquois 65-09662 converted to UH-1H. Transferred to USMC as 659662 then to civil registry as N395M.
UH-1D #159 (no full number) - Daniel L. "Dan" Mcintyre Photo Album Image #32 shows UH-1D #159 "Ethel's Ambulance" in D Troop hanger at Cu Chi 1970. "Ethel's Ambulance" is not listed on the VHPA chart of identified Centaur aircraft.
UH-1D/H #67-9494 D Troop. Purchase Date: 1168; Begin in Unit: 6812; Begin Hours: 0; Finish in Unit: 7010; Finish Hours: 2048;Total Hours: 2048; Remarks: My Page entry shows that Sergeant Calvin Williams was crew chief for UH-1H Huey “Slick” #67-19494. Military Aircraft Serial Numbers—1908 to Present for 1967 shows: Bell UH-1H Iroquois 67-19494 converted to UH-1V [served with California Air National Guard]. Currently undergoing restoration at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California, in preparation for static display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See War Story by Jack Nemeyer.
UH-1D/H #66-16286 F Troop. SP4 James Brian "Stretch" Harrison, F Troop 1972-73 door gunner, provides photograph of his aircraft UH-1D/H 66-16286 at Firebase T-Bone shortly before unit stand down and Stretch is certain aircraft was turned over to the South Vietnamese Air Force. Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database shows UH-1H 68-16286, in service with C Troop, 16th Air Cavalry, Can Tho, South Vietnam, when a non-injury accident resulted in a Loss to Inventory April 11, 1972.
MASN for 1966 provides no listing for Bell UH-1H Iroquois 66-16286 but does show that 140 UH-1D aircraft with tail numbers ranging from 66-16000 to 66-16306 were converted to UH-1H. Conversion of UH-1D to UH-1H model was accomplished at unit level by the installation of the more powerful Lycoming T53-L-13 engine of 1,400 shp and repositioning the the pitot tube from the nose to the roof. MASN 1968 shows: Bell UH-1H Iroquois 68-16286 was written off April 11, 1972.
UH-1H 68-16217. SP5 Jack M. Nemeyer, crew chief UH-1H 68-16224 “Pinball Wizard” D Troop 1969-70, and provides photograph of UH-1H 68-16217 on the ground at Dau Tieng with three other Hueys.
UH-1H #68-16224 “Pinball Wizard” - SP5 Jack M. Nemeyer, crew chief UH-1H 68-16224 D Troop 1969-70. There are two other photos, in flight and on the ground in Nemeyers Photo Album. Dale Dow’s Centaur Aircraft 66-73 Excel Database #2 shows UH-1H 68-16224 named “Pinball Wizard.” MASN for 1968 shows: Bell UH-1H Iroquois 68-16224 transferred to Argentine Army as AE-435. Destroyed March 26, 2002 when hangar at Curuzu Cuatia City was flattened by a tornado.
UH-1H #68-16237 D Troop/F Troop. SP5 Jack M. Nemeyer, crew chief of “Pinball Wizard” D Troop 69-70, provides photograph of UH-1H 68-16237 in flight near Nui Ba Den, Mountain Of The Black Virgin. Centaur 17 CW2 Robert R. "Bob" Forringer, LOH Scout Pilot D Troop 1969-70, provides image of UH-1H 68-16237 in a flight formation of three "Slicks."
UH-1H #68-16237 - Centaur 17 CW2 Robert R. "Bob" Forringer, LOH Scout Pilot D Troop 1969-70, provides image of UH-1H 68-16237 in a flight formation of three "Slicks."
UH-1H #68-16358 "35 Pig" - WO1 Bruce Hinds, UH-1H pilot F Troop 1972-73, provides front view photograph with CW2 Steven G. Deaton (right), UH-1 Pilot F Troop 1971-72, and unidnetified crew chief. My Page for Centaur 27 1LT J. Dan Keirsey, UH-1H pilot F Troop 1972-73, shows him standing in front of Huey "35 Pig" parked in revetment at Tân Mŷ. Author John Brennan, Vietnam Aircraft Nose Art, provides listing showing UH-1H 68-16358 “35 Pig,” F Troop, 4th Cavalry 1972, with 1LT J. Dan Keirsey Aircraft Commander and SP4 Neal Edmond Avrett, Jr. crew chief. MASN for 1968 shows: Bell UH-1H Iroquois 68-16358 listed with no remarks.
UH-1H Identified by name only. Bruce Draganjac photo image 34 of 43 "Huey In Hanger" of Bruce Draganjac Photo Album F Troop 1973 (Da Nang 1973)
UH-1H by name only - Flintstone Flyer, image 81 "New 725th Maintenance Hangar" of Jim Kreil Photo Album D Trp 3/4 cav 1969