Centaur Website Newsletter - November 2023

INDEX: - --- News ---- , Checking In ---- , MyPages ---- , War Stories --- ,- Deceased --- , Reunions --- , Reminder ---

Note: Past Newsletters: Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Problem - Video Interviews at this months Reunion in Panama City Beach, FL: Videographer and Webmaster Bruce Powell is not avaliable to attend the big reunion this year (health). At this point there is no one willing to take on the task of shooting video interviews. We will keep looking. It is not a big job, and can even be done with an iPhone. Video files would be sent to Bruce for editing and publishing on our website. Contact Bruce at powellcentaur@gmail.com with questions.

YOUR HELP NEEDED: We have emails for nearly 500 Centaurs and Centaur Friends. Each is sent a copy of the Centaur Newsletter every month on the first of the month. Most have replied and provided information, or just replied to let us know they are still kicking and want to continue to be in the loop. If you are one of those who has not checked in in the last year or two, Please do so now! Verify your email address. Contact Bruce at powellcentaur@gmail.com

You might also help us if you have info on someone who is having trouble, or has passed on, or changed their email address. We are a magnificant Band of Combat Brothers. Each man deserves the special recognition that we can give them on our legacy website. You can help.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

....Marty Jenkins (Great Newsletter).........Kat Katovsioch (Thanks)........Herb Beasley (computer probs).....
....Bill Pixton (Thanks).....Rex Gooch(Winged Sabers).....Frank Walker (new museum)......John Evans (Reunion).....
....Walter Buford (Staying in Touch)...Jim Hoag.(Link fixes)....Steve Borden (Reunion)....Larry Patterson (FM Skipping)
....Stretch Harrison (Radios of Nam)....Jim Brothers (Les Scott Pic)......Charles Traylor (new MyPage).......
....Pat Eastes & Rick Williams Wolters Museum)....John Moore (pic of Rospert)....Bob Tegelman (Search Roger Dale Wilcox)..
....Frank Dillon (finding more Centaurs).............Bain Cowell (Radios of Nam)......Bruce Wyrwitzke (Newsltr Support).....
....Jack M "Beetle" Bailey (update email addr).......John Kelly (Bob Taylor Article)......Jim Starling (sending input)......
....Rick Williams & Bob Taylor (Agent Orange info).....John Brennan (Thanks Centaurs for your photos)....
.... Chris Kramarczyk (Mike's wife).

We have lost contact with SP5 Melvin Eugene "Gene" Vasser. Last email was Jan 2021 at "Vasser,Gene" <genevasser@yahoo.com>
Charles Traylor and Joe Rasnick have been removed from distribution (bad email addresses)

 

Pat "Jauquin" Eastes

Sends this note (12Oct2023): "Went to the Museum of the Vietnam War today during a trip to Texas with Clare (her 60th HS reunion), and who happened to be there but Rick Williams! We had a mini Centaur reunion right there in the Museum. Btw the Museum just outside of old Ft Wolters has improved greatly since my last visit. If anyone is in the vicinity of Mineral Wells, they should drop by and check it out.
It was great seeing Rick and his wife Janet, and completely by chance. A small world."

We are always interested in hearing about Centaurs getting together! Tell us when you have a Centaur Mini Reunion and send a photo. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Brian "Stretch" Harrison asks if anyone remembers or has any information on the 372 RRC unit stationed at Cu Chi. "The 372d ASA Company originated with A Company, 303d ASA Battalion.
Coincident with the buildup of U.S. forcesin 1965-66, the company was alerted for deployment to Vietnam in early 1966. In keeping with the practice at the time, the company was redesignated the 16th Radio Research Unit. It arrived in Cu Chi in March 1966. The 16thRRU was later reorganized and redesignated the 372d Radio Research Company.During it's tour in Vietnam, the 372d supported the 25th Infantry Division and operated in the areas of Kontum, Tay Ninh, Dau Tieng, Nui BaDen, Go Da Hau and Trang Bang as well as numerous other locations and firebases."

 

Westley "Frank" Walker Sends this note: The Charlotte Air Museum is building a brand new building and plans to open a museum in about one year. I was asked to tell my story so I did about a two hour interview with Katie and Rachel before my shoulder surgery in August.
The Museum is named after Sully Sullenberger and has great financial backing. I hope that you will be willing and able to help to get D & F troop included in their Army Aviation section. These ladies are OK but the Air Force is going to get the most of the show. They asked me to share some of my photos but thus far have not been able to get the quality that they want.
We contacted them. They are not interested in new information.

 

 

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Jim Brothers identified CW2 Leslie "Les" Scott in this Ken Rucki photo. Jim remembers it because he took the photo! It has been corrected and added to Scott's MP's.

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Traylor SP4 Avionics Mechanic from October 1972 to January 1973 now has an updated MyPage and an added InfoSheet with a pic of he and Sadie.

 

 

 

 

--- Deceased ---

 

Happy to report that we have no Deceased to list this month.

 

--- War Stories ---

 

Roger Martin CW2 Slick Pilot and Opns Officer, June 1968 to June 1969, does a Video Interview at the Mesa Arizona 2022 Centaur Reunion.

Includes memories of Nighthawk, An Duc Extraction, Zorger, Meade and Sandmeyer.

 

 

 

Sheriff of Lai Khe - 1971: A story about pulling Guard Duty at Lai Khe Basecamp by Robert "Pat" Broderick. Officer of the Guard was sometimes called the "Sheriff".

Pat promises more War Stories on the way.

The Early Wake Up - 1970: by Allen "KC Allcock. Many Centaurs pulled Guard Duty at Cu Chi. KC tells about his experiences in that job after he made Sergeant E5. We are having trouble finding any photos of the Cu Chi Front Gate that we can add to his article.

 

Enemy Radios of the Vietnam War - by Brian "Stretch" Harrison. Brian is an amateur historian, ham radio operator, and Vietnam military radio enthusiast that just finished this v1.0 presentation for the Antique Wireless Museum (AWA) youtube channel. It discusses the commonly-used HF and VHF radios used by the VC and NVA during the Vietnam War and also the Army Security Agency (ASA)’s ground-based and aerial radio direction finding (ARDF), which produced the best intelligence of the war. There are also some personal experiences mentioned in the first part of the presentation.

Click Here to see more of Brian's wireless radio lectures. Also linked to in our War Stories Essay section.

If you have any information on the 372d Radio Research unit at Cu Chi that supported the 25th, please contact Stretch at briankn4r@gmail.com

Agent Orange Articles and Stories:

Rick Williams & Bob Taylor (Agent Orange info)

Article on Agent Orange from our Sep 2022 Newsletter:
About the time you think you know everything about Agent Orange some new information comes out. Some things like, they now say Agent Orange effects can skip a generation! and "It's an ongoing problem that will not disappear with the last Vietnam War veteran". Jim Hoag sends us this informative article to review:click here

The Claymore Ambush - article by Bob Graham. "They needed swing blades to cut grass in the access paths, field of fire, plus the two hand-pumped fire extinguishers they brought from Hawaii to fill with Agent Orange mixture as the weed killer of choice within the barbed wire."

Gas Mask M24 - Aviation - Article about the gas mask for pilots used in Nam.

Return to Vietnam, 48 Years Later - Article by Bain & Karen Cowell. Museum photos.

To see other notes on our website concerning Agent Orange type into Google:
site:centaursinvietnam.org "Agent Orange"

 

 

--- Reunions ---

Next Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion: 9 to 12 November (this month!) in Panama City Beach, Florida.
Contact Jan White jancwhite@msn.com

Go the the Centaur Website Reunion Page and click on Attendee List" to see all the names planning to go so far. You can click on the names to go to their MyPages. We hope you will put some serious thought into attending this one.

Each person will need to call the hotel at 800-633-0266 & let the reservationist know they are with the Centaur Reunion,

Download the Reunion Packet now! Help us to refine it by filling it out and emailing it to Trudy White <trudyswhite@gmail.com>

Reunion Group Photo We need someone who will commit to taking a close up photo of every Centaur in attendence. These digital photos will be sent to Bruce Powell (powellcentaur@gmail.com) for assembling into a Group Photo for the website. Please coordinate with Jan and Trudy to be sure you get everyone. Below is the pic we created for the last Reunion. Let Bruce know if you have any questions or if you would like him to send you a hiRes copy.

Do you have some photos for the past Vets Reunions that are not currently linked? Please email them to powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

 

--- Important Reminder!!---

How to search our Website and Newsletters!!

Our guess is that you will be very happy, knowing how to do this trick.
There are thousands of files on our great Legacy Website. So many that even the Webmaster needs a trick or two to find things.

Do this:
1. Go to Google in your browser and type: site:centaursinvietnam.org
2. Click the spacebar
3. Type in a word or words of something you are interested in.
4. Click Enter
5. Option: Type quotes around a word phrase if you are seeking to make the search exclusive.

For example: If I wanted to find out everything about Dale Dow, the entry in Google would look like this:

site: centaursinvietnam.org "Dale Dow"
note: if you left the quotes off, iinstead of searching for Dale Dow, it would search for all Dales and all Dows.

Other examples:
site:centaursinvietnam.org minigun

site:centaursinvietnam.org "Nui Ba Din"

Give it a try!

For the CIVO Board of Directors,

Bruce
Bruce Powell, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of centaursinvietnam.org
email: powellcentaur@gmail.com
1031 E Highline Drive, Payson, AZ 85541 (Summer)
11875 S Ironwood Drive, Yuma, AZ 85367 (Winter)

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - October 2023

INDEX: --- News --- , Checking In --- , MyPages --- , War Stories --- , Deceased --- , Centaur Places ---

Note: Past Newsletters: Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Carl Betsill SP4 Avionics Mechanic Aug 1971 to Apr 1972, CIVO Director and Map Master has upgraded his Google Earth app that shows location of Centaur Helicopter crash sites and other key locations in Vietnam.

It is an easy and fun Google Earth interactive Centaur map. You can download the app CentaurPlaces.kmz from Carl's MyPage, the Help section item #61 and also on the War Story Discussion Page.

Once you have downloaded the .kmz app, also download the free Google Earth application. Then click on the CentaurPlaces.kmz file and it will open in Google Earth. Then click on the small icons for more information.

Click Here for a more detailed article.

 

 

Dan Miller WO1 Slick Pilot Centaur 28, has added a 30 picture Photo Album. It is linked to from his MyPage and from the PhotoAudioFilm page.

Dan's photo of himself, Charles L. "Chuck" Rose, Dan Keirsey and Steve Deaton has been added to everyones MP's.

 

 

 

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

..Gary Schmidt......Terry Branham.....Bruce Wyrwitzke.....Oscar Castillo......Stan Allen.......Dave Cox.......Dan Miller...... ..Jan & Trudy White........Charles L. "Chuck" Rose.......John Jones (His patch collection)..........Darrell (Kat) Katovsich......... ..Dan Keirsey........... Jerry Shelton...........John Brennan (Centaur Aircraft Names).........Reggie Slater (Jack Rospert died)...............Bob Tegelman (found obit for Eural Adams) ...James Starling (InfoSheet. Need Photos).....ranger537553 (unidentified person).... ..Joe Owen (Larry Taylor MOH)....Michael F Rafferty (Glen Otis items on eBay)......Gary Norton....

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Gary Norton CW2 Light Scout Pilot 1972 to 1973 has checked in and will be providing us with some photos and additional information.

His MyPage is updated with his hometown and wife's name.

 

 

 

Bennis J. "BJ" Jans CW2 Cobra Pilot November 1971 to November 1972.

BJ is Cliff Brunsting's Brother In Law. They served together in F Troop. See My Brother In Law & I in Vietnam video.

 

 

 

Bruce Powell CPT 1967-68 Scout and Cobra Pilot has an InfoSheet/Bio and Index of Articles added to MyPage.

 

--- Deceased ---

John G. "Jack" Rospert SP4 Aircraft Mechanic in the Service Platoon 1966-67 of Norwalk, OH, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was 78.

Jack did video interviews at the 2012 and 2016 Reunions.

Go to Jack's MP1. Arrows in lower right of pic Who is that sitting on the sandbags with him??

 

 

Eural Eugene Euratis “Gene” Adams Jr MAJ, D Troop Commander August to November 1969 died Wednesday, November 27, 2019 in Jefferson, Georgia at age 84. Thanks to Bob Tegelman for finding this obit
Adams served in the United States Army as a Helicopter Pilot, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

(Click here for the only article we have on him)

 

--- War Stories ---

SP5 Blane K. Kirby LOH Scout Gunner August 1971 to August 1972 gives a short video introduction.

A link has been added to his MyPage

 

 

 

 

 

My Two Months as a Centaur Cobra Pilot by CW2 Clifford D. Brunsting. Video interview from the November 2022 Reunion in Mesa, Arizona.

 

 

 

 

My Brother In Law & I in Vietnam by CW2 Clifford D. Brunsting. Cliff's second video interview from the November 2022 Reunion in Mesa, Arizona. He and BJ Jans were assigned to the same unit that stood down and they both went to F Troop, 3/4 Cav in Long Binh.

 

 

 

Centaur Aircraft Names is a new War Stories Discussion Page added by Centaur Friend and book author John Brennan. John publishes "Nose Art" books of Vietnam War Helicopters. He took the time to assemble all of ours on to one page also showing which of his books some of the photos are in. We are adding Hyperlinks to the ones we have reference to on our website.

 

 

 

--- "Centaur Places" Additional Information---

Remember that the CentaurPlaces.kmz file is an application designed to be opened in Google Earth and show Centaur locations & events.

Centaur Places (an app for Google Earth) has been updated. New features include additional crash sites, corrected or new locations of interest and color coding of crash sites involving mortality. If you are unfamiliar with Centaur Places and are interested in maps, finding old bases, villages, geographical features or just want to see where you were in Vietnam it may be worth your time to review the Google Earth Pro Centaur Interactive Map heading in Item 61 in the Help Section of our website. If you are unsure, click on the following link for a YouTube demonstration video: Centaur Places Demo.

If you then decide you are interested, all that is required is installing either Google Earth or Google Earth Pro on your computer, Phone or Tablet and also loading the “Centaur Places” application (centaurplaces.kmz). If you think that sounds too technical or expensive, it is not. The programs are free and involve no advertising and are simple to install.

Here is how to do it. First go ahead and download our CentaurPlaces.KMZ file to your hard drive. Then go to the Google Earth Website at https://www.google.com/earth/versions/. If you have a laptop or desktop computer choose” Google Earth Pro on Desktop” then click on the button “Download Earth Pro on Desktop”. Follow the directions on screen and once Google Earth is installed on your computer open it. Now when you click on your copy of our CentaurPlaces.KMZ file it will open up in Google Earth ready for your actions. That’s it.

If you have a phone or tablet, then choose “Google Earth on Mobile” then click on either to Download on the “AppStore” if you have an Apple Product, or Get it on “Google Play” if you have an Android device. Loading Centaur Places requires a couple of extra steps using an iPhone as shown in this video. The video is specific for Apple products but should be very similar for Android products.

Finally if you are using a Chrome book or Chrome browser there is an option to “Launch Earth” on the Web. This option should work, but I do not have experience with using this version and using this version will require downloading CentaurPlaces.KMZ file, finding it on your computer and loading it into the Projects folder Google Earth. If you are experienced with finding your “Downloads” file, it should not be a problem for you. Carl

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - September 2023

index: News, Checking In, Finding Centaurs, MyPages, War Stories, Deceased, Reunions,

Note: Past Newsletters: Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

We are seeking a wider distribution of our Monthly Newsletter to help us contact more Centaurs and gather more info & photos.
Anyone, that means anyone from anywhere, can have our great newsletter sent to them every month. No fee, no obligations, email address protected. Just send a request to the Webmaster powellcentaur@gmail.com.

Technical but important: Michael Peake, our Historian has discovered how to write HTML code in a text edit program, in a manner where it can be pasted directly into the Webmaster written pages of the Centaur Website. This means he now edits and controls the content of the website pages he is responsible for. This will be a great relief for the Webmaster & provide quicker updates on pages like the Aircraft Tail Number pages.

 

Item number 35 on our Help Answers page, concerning how to send very large folders to the Webmaster, has been updated.

Where did the strange Red Pocket Patch come from? Our prominent Patch Collector, John Jones, from the UK, noticed the breast pocket patch being worn by Centaur Kenneth W. Davis, SP4 Crew Chief of Slick 35 Pig, 1972. John inquired amongst his fellow collectors and found out that it is the patch of a unit with the 3rd of the 17th Cav. See more info from Jay Brown at the VHPA 3/17th Museum Page.
John will do a little more research to see if any "Combat Couriers" remember Centaur Ken Davis

The OH-23G Aircraft Numbers page has been completely updated by Michael Peake, with new information. There is much work to do yet, on that page, adding hyperlinks. This is a very time consuming coding task that Mike has taken on himself.

The Long Lost (Stolen) Zippo Lighter:
Our favorite Patch Collector and VHPA website contributer John Jones, often searches Ebay and other sources to find more Vietnam era patches and memorbilla. He recently found a Zippo lighter on Ebay belonging to Robin Haywood SP4 Cobra Mechanic 1972-73. Jones is from the UK, Haywood is now from the Phillipines and are now linked together by our great Newsletter.

Error: Jim Kreil corrected an error on our master roster: We had two "Mathews" on the roster; One was "Matt Mathews" and the other "Jerry Don Matthews" (note two "T's" in last name). Turns out that "Matt" was a nickname and that there is only one "Matthews". The roster has been corrected. Please let us know if you note any errors or inconsistencies on our website like this!! Let us be as accurate as we can be for history. powellcentaur@gmail.com

How well do you understand the very important concept of the Air Cavalry Troop in Vietnam?
It was new, and it was bold. Each of the Infantry Divisions would have a Cavalry Squadron assigned as a strike force and reconnaissance element. The Air Cavalry Troop, a small unit, of the squadron, was the real untested newbee. Some great men got that concept written into the military documents for the Vietnam War. They were gambling that our young aviators could make it work in combat; and we sure as hell did! It is an old book published in 2001, but still the best.

Winged Sabers also features some of the men of the "Centaurs" who helped to write the military books on Air Cavalry tactics. bap

Here is a quote from the book (page 34) about one of our greatest:
"In D-3/4 Cavalry, only one aeroscout pilot survived six months, while Charles M. Rice, of the same platoon, may hold a record for number of forced landings on a Loach - nine, including six to hostile fire!"

 

The Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion (9 to 12 November 2023) is shaping up nicely!! Over 100 people signed up! Check out the Reunion Page. Please don't miss this one. Amazing variety of additional side activities for you to enjoy while you are in this beautiful white sand beach town (like the Crystal Beach Car Show)

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Joe Owen.....Roland Fletcher....Dan Miller......Bob Arthurs (Road Runner 33, 101 ABN DIV 163rd GS Co)....Bob Acker.....
Watts Caudill (CDR, B Co, 1/18th, 67-68)...Dwight Birdwell....Richard Ward...John Jones (Patch Guy, UK)....Dave Cox...
Harlan Sparrow....Paul Plante....Rick Adams....Larry Rudick....Bruce Wyrwitzke (C/227/1Cav)...Eric Brethen.....
Dan Coles....Koleta Thompson.....Randy Baisden....Marty Jenkins....Jim Walt.....Steve Tolle.....Gene Peters....
Matt Jackson......Lee Majors......Gary Schmidt (InfoSheet Update)......Les Scott.....John Conway......Bill Blair...... Steve Suiter......Rose Brady.......Michael Sprowles (Museum Curator, PANG Military Museum)......Dave Stromberg...... Jim Kreil......Bob Jones (Reunion Videos)......John Evans.....Hugh "Sandy" McLeod (ID's some pics).....Bruce Karn..... James "Jim" Starling...(initial contact)....Jack Winover (Green Delta 27, Can Tho 72)....Ron Radcliffe.......

--- Finding Centaurs ---

Please identify the faces in this Dan Miller pic that you can. Click Here to download larger photo. powellcentaur@.gmail.com

3Sep2023: Help from Oscar Castillo: 1- CPT James Elder Trp XO, 5 -CPT Michael Woods, 7- CPT Don Haynie, 9 - 1LT Walter Miller

Help out here if you can! We posted this SlideShow "Who's Photos?" in the last February Newsletter and have received very little input. It is suspected that the photos belong to Kim Schmidgall.

Who owns these photos? Click here to see slideshow. John Jones (UK - BonusPrint Patches) provides these photos from an unknown source. "I came across a completed auction record, that appears to relate to the 'Centaurs' There were about 50 photos in various conditions, having removed, long shots, locals and poor condition types, I have tidied up 27 to a reasonable level. Because it is a dead ebay auction, we do not have details of the ebayseller or buyer. So we will need to glean information as best we can, from these now public domain images."

Please review the slideshow and provide any information you can about each slide. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

What are the names of the three guys in the upper left of Randy Meade's photo album number 5?

 

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Matt Jackson Huey Pilot 1969 - 1970 (18 months) and author of the book series "Undaunted Valor", now has a Centaur Friends MyPage and InfoSheet.

Matt's latest book Undaunted Valor Book "Battle of Quang Tri 1972". It covers some of the Centaur actions in that battle.

 

 

Billy G. Knighton PFC OH-23 Scout Observer/Gunner 1967-68 has an upgraded MyPage. We are not in contact with him. He used to be on Facebook but not there now. He was wounded when LT Burgess was shot down in the Hobo Woods Feb 1967.

Please help us find him. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Charles L. "Chuck" Rose CW2 Slick Pilot in 1972 now has a MyPage thanks to Dan Miller. Also has an MP1 with Miller, Rose, Kiersey and Deaton.

Rose was involved in the SA-7 Shoot down with Jerry Shelton as his copilot.

 

 

 

Hugh "Sandy" McLeod CPT Cobra Pilot, Armament Officer, Jul 70 to Jun 71 has identified the rest of the people in this photo by Don Borey.

It has been added as an MP to those identified.

 

 

 

Hugh "Sandy" McLeod provides identifications for this James Whitman Photo.

Photo has been added as an MP to all involved.

 

 

 

Centaur Friends MyPage:

John Jones, Collector of Vietnam Memorobilia (40 years) and Researcher for the VHPA.

John has given us significant help in gathering data on our Centaur brothers.

 

 

 

--- Deceased ---

Frank Cuff Track Commander for C Troop, 3/4 Cav has passed from liver failure. Frank was a Chapter President of our 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Organization for a time.

Frank had fond memories of the Centaurs from his combat time; particularly that of Craig Peterson and his heroic Medivac rescues of C troopers. He did a heartfelt video interview for us at the 2014 San Antonio Reunion.

His Centaur Friends MyPage has been redone as a Deceased Page with a Nam photo of him added and linked to his Obituary, with comments.

Dwight Birdwell attended the funeral and has provided additional information.

 

Nat O'Day MAJ Gun Pilot died recently on 8 August 2023 in Texas.

Nat said there were initially 28 Majors in the unit, mostly Signal Corps (1966). He flew down to Vung Tau to assemble the aircraft, put blades on etc. Before Nam he flew an old Sikorski helicopter older than the H34. The Huey was like a Cadillac. Went to Ft Huachuca flew fixed wing. He was also into Avionics Maintenance. Used to get together with all his Signal Corp buddies for a long time till they all died.

 

Jerry Don Matthews SP5 LOH Scout Crew Chief died 2 March 2010. Confusion over his name has been resolved. We had a Matt Mathews and a Jerry Don Matthews listed. The second name is correct (with two "T"s). However he did go by the nickname "Matt" also.

 

 

Bobby Wayne Pearce SP4 LRRP July 1966 to March 1967, died 8 November 2011.

Bobby served 8 ½ years in the Unites States Army, in which he served 2 tours in Vietnam. After the Army, he joined the police force.

We were unable to contact Bobby before his death. Bob Tegelman located his obituary.

 

 

--- War Stories ---

This video from last month did not work on some browsers. It has been repaired and now reposted.
LRRP Extraction 1 Feb 67 Video : Gary Hatfield CPT UH-1D Aircraft Commander, Aerorifles, 1965 to 1967 does a Video Interview telling of a very risky LRRP Extraction on 1 Feb 1967. CoPilot was WO1 Gaylen Randall. Centaur LRRPs Ervin Laird was killed and Dennis Noga was wounded. Crewchief SP4 Don Moore got some minor burns on his legs.

We are still searching for the names of the Door Gunner and two of the five LRRP Team Members. Can you help?

 

Ranger Scout Wins Combat Honor Award: Sergeant Fred B. Stuckey, (LRRP) of Longview, TX, earned the award while serving as a scout observer for an element of Company F (Rangers), 75th Infantry, on April 2, 1970.

Tropic Lightning News 15 June 1970

 

Squadron Log 18 Feb 68 - A Bad Day. Our Historian Mike Peake has provided a restored Squadron Log page that outlines the day of 18 Feb 1968. It was a very long day. Scout Pilot Lee "Smokey" Burgess 1967-68 (Deceased) got shot down in his Scout bird (OH-23G) while reconning in the Hobo Woods area. He was rescued by slick pilot Bill Gold. Then Bruce Powell & Rick Arthur had their Hog gunner (McGlaughlan?) seriously wounded by scrapnel at the recovery mission site. That night we had a large mortar & rocket attack on the base camp at Cu Chi.

 

Reunion Video Interviews (2022) with CW2 Bob Jones:

Introduction Video: CW2 Robert "Bob" Jones Cobra pilot June 1971 - March 1972 1:15 min

Brothers High and Low in Nam: Bob Jones, Cobra pilot and his brother Ed, navigator in a B52 Bomber, tell of their unique joint experience in Vietnam. 2:40 min

It is a small world: Bob Jones gets a new hootch mate. Fate hutchins. 1:33 min

 

Boonie Hats: More Boonie Hat information added to our Boonie Hat Discussion Page by Robin Haywood. Apparently there was a camoflage and a non camoflage version of the hat.

 

 

Reunion Video Interviews (2022) with WO1 Bruce Karn:

My Mentor CPT John Whitehead - John was not only a great Gun Platoon Ldr, but he really helped his pilots.

Cobra saves LOH - Bruce tells of the heroic efforts of Maxwell & Pitcher to save a downed LOH Crew.

IFR with heavy load (Slings) after An Duc - APC's stuck in the mud. Bruce had to get Chinook sling loads to the area with overloaded LOH and blinding weather.

 

--- Reunions ---

Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion 2023: So far well over 100 (Centaurs, Guests & Friends) plan to attend the 2023 Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion in Panama City Beach, Florida. Contact Jan White jancwhite@msn.com

Go the the Centaur Website Reunion Page and click on "Attendee List" to see all the names so far. You can click on the names to go to their MyPages. We hope you will put some serious thought into attending this one.

Each person will need to call 800-633-0266 & let the reservationist know they are with the Centaur Reunion, to receive the discounted rate. All rooms will need to be booked no later than Oct 12

If you haven't done a Video Interview for posting on our website, please give it some serious thought. You are our history. You need to be in the Centaur legacy. Email me at powellcentaur@gmail.com to schedule a video interview at the Reunion Hotel on 9 November 2023.

Download the Reunion Packet now! Help us to refine it by filling it out and emailing it to Trudy White <trudyswhite@gmail.com>

Do you have some photos for the past Vets Reunions that are not currently linked? Please email them to powellcentaur@gmail.com

At the 2023 Reunion we will take individual photos in order to create a big Group Photo like the 2022 pic below:

Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

Next 4th Cav Regiment Reunion - Oct 10 - Oct 14 2023 at Ft. Riley, KS. This is an all squadrons reunion. Those of us that have attended these in the past have had a great time. We will be receiving great support from the three active Squadrons during the week. Starting with gunnery observation and a cookout on Tuesday. For those interested in how the Cavalry trains to fight in today's environment, we will be receiving a briefing and a motor pool visit. And no visit would be complete without a trip to the simulator . . . .NCO Induction Ceremony on Friday.

 

For the CIVO Board of Directors,

Bruce
Bruce Powell, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of centaursinvietnam.org
email: powellcentaur@gmail.com
1031 E Highline Drive, Payson, AZ 85541 (Summer)
11875 S Ironwood Drive, Yuma, AZ 85367 (Winter)

 

 

*************************************************

 

Centaur Website Newsletter - August 2023

index: News, Checking In, MyPages, War Stories, Deceased,

Note: Past Newsletters: Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

 

Bob Jones provides photos from the 2023 VHPA Reunion (40th) held in San Antonio, Texas in early July.

Gary Jones met and spent time with Gold Star Family Members Larry Schmidt and his wife at the VHPA Reunion. His brother Mark Schmidt, Gun Pilot, was KIA as a Centaur 27 Dec 1967.

Larry was an Air Force H-43 (Pedro) rescue pilot in Vietnam. He later flew the 747 that transported the space shuttle around. Larry has been added to our Centaur Newsletter distribution and would like to be in contact with friends of his brothers. Send me an email if you would like to be included powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Our Centaur "Blues" Aerorifles were replaced late in the game with Vietnamese Soldiers called "Browns". Frank Dillon remembers that only one of the "Browns" was from Cambodia, called "Combo". Do you remember Combo or any of the "Brown's" soldiers? Maybe we should add more information to our page for them on our website. Send in what you have. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Please visit your Centaur Website often: Our online stats are looking good but could be better with more hits. Please consider spending at least one minute each month (minimum) on the website. Go to centaursinvietnam.org, look at your page, view some photos, watch some videos and be a part of the Legacy Team Support.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Harlan Sparrow checks in and will attend the Panama City Beach Reunion in November

Jim Wells: We are in contact with Jim and hope to get a current photo and other info from him.

Eric Brethan: "This is hands down the best newsletter I’ve received over the years, excellent work!
An added bonus was the story on Luv Bug, brought tears to my eyes, thank you."

Bruce Hinds: "Not sure about the rabies story . . . the second half of '72 we had a black and white dog there that we just called "dog" seemed to be everyone's pet who slept most of the day and was on guard duty all night."

James Turner Medic with Joel Andres, has 4 photo albums- he will try to get them to us.

John Kelly"I am almost finished a book entitled A Thousand Chances written by BG Dan Hickman. He was a WO1 in Viet Nam with the 3/17 Cav in Di An. He was in the 25th Div AO and his stories are mirror images of us. Coincidentally, they had a Scout Pilot, named Lt Burgess! It's relatively new, being published in 2021. I recommend it to the group". John, Vindicator 32

Frank Dillon may have a lead on two new guys F Troop from David Hopper:
Bill Brandford and Donald Troup. Robin Haywood says Bill Brandford is legit and served in F Troop with him Da Nang 1972, probably 1973 too. Email Frank if you have more information "Dillon, Frank" <dillon@casstel.net>

Linda Richardson:"Were there any incidents at Tay Niny where a Dog Handlers dog bites a door gunner?"

Matt Jackson: staying in touch - "Although I was not a Centaur I always enjoy your newsletter.
For your next edition, you may want to announce the Combat Helicopter Pilots Association reunion in October in Fort Worth, Tx. I will mention to on of the board members about a tour out to Fort Wolters and the museum out there. Some of the "young kids" that did not have an opportunity to train at Wolters may be interested in that place."

CPT Caudill Watson G. "Watts": "Hi, I am Watts Caudill, was CO of “B” 1/18inf , ‘67/‘68 and one of my B Co friends shared your newsletter with me. We were attached to the 25th for a week during August or September’67 patrolling the Michelin plantations while the 25th had a larger operation ongoing, made no contact. Your people probably took us in and out." Watts has been added to our Newsletter distribution list. Please send a note if you would like to contact him. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Dave Chang "I'm looking to see if there is anyway to get in touch with a Dwaine Adkins? My Uncle Permer Sales Jr was in his unit while they were in Vietnam together. Me and my Family came across a video called Centaurs in Vietnam,  apparently it's Dwaine Adkins web page? Anyhow, I was wondering if there is anyway to get a hold of Dwaine Adkins? Thank you" Dwaine was copied

John Conway - VHPA Museum - Still researching for a woman named Samantha who was a civilian employee attached to F troop in some capacity.

Dennis W. Piper CW2 Aerorifle Platoon pilot Nov 1969 to Nov 1970, is now in contact with us. He will be sending info and photos for us to update his MyPage.

 

Brian "Stretch" Harrison is reviewing the book Moral Imperative that has several references to our F Troop. Joe Bowen Cobra Pilot and Operations Officer, Centaur 3, is mentioned. PDF Note

Email has been sent to Joe (19 Jul) requesting contact and more info.

 

 

 

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

John "Scottie" Hill MyPage updated with where he lives, his wife Susan's name and hopefully an update to his InfoSheet with photo and more words.

Scottie and Susan plan to attend the Panama City Beach Reunion this November and plan to meet with longtime Centaur friend Steve Mahan.

 

 

 

Steve Mahan MyPage update with his wife Angie Nairn added.

Steve and Angie plan to attend the Panama City Beach Reunion this November and meet with longtime Centaur friend John "Scottie" Hill.

 

 

 

Bill Comeau author of Dual of the Dragons book Soui Tre checks in - Sends photos & info for his Centaur Friends MyPage.

Bill has spent the last twenty-two years researching the history of his unit’s time in Vietnam. He helped form Alpha Association in the year 2000. This is a veterans organization manned by A/2/12 veterans who served in his company during his time in Vietnam.

 

 

Jerry L. Caldwell SGT LRRP has a draft MyPage using a pic from Bill Boyd. Jerry was the LRRP Team Leader in the 1 Feb 1967 LRRP Extraction by CPT Gary Hatfield .

Also see TLN article "Operation Gadsen".

If you have any info on Jerry please contact Webmaster. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Kenneth R. "Ken" Ellis SP4 Avionics Mechanic 1971-72 has a new MP provided by Frank Dillon. We are still trying to get into contact with him. He might live in TX.

 

 

 

 

--- Deceased ---

Gaylen N. Randall WO1 UH-1D Pilot who died 21 October 2022 has an upgraded Deceased MyPage. Gaylen was the copilot in CPT Gary Hatfield's LRRP War Story video. One of his greatest honors after his two tours in Vietnam was flying Army One for President Nixon from 1970-1974. Does anyone have a better picture of him from Vietnam? Send to powellcentaur@gmail.com.

 

 

Donald C. Moore SP4 Huey Crew Chief 1965 - 1966 died 10 October 2020 at Kettering Hospital in Franklin, Ohio. Agent Orange related Cancer.

Don was the Crewchief with Gary Hatfield on the 1 Feb 1967 LRRP Rescue mission. Got some burns on his legs on that mission.

Would like to have a 2020 photo of him for his Deceased MyPage.

 

--- War Stories ---

 

Lost At Sea - LOH "Arkansas Butch": by Tom Dooling. This brand new LOH (68-17215) had a very low level engine failure over the South China Sea near Vung Tau. It crashed into the ocean. CPT William "Bones" Dawson, CW2 Tom Dooling and CW2 Tom Shirley were rescued. Arkansas Butch was Deep Six!

 

 

 

The Ugly American - Vung Tau 1969: Sometimes on R&R our GI's did bad and unkind things to our Vietnamese counter parts. Tom Dooling tells of one that stays regretfully strong in his mind.

 

 

 

 

51Cal Basketballs: The glowing tracers of the 51 cal anti aircraft rounds (every fifth round) looks as large as a basketball when coming up at you at night. Tom Dooling tells about taking enemy 51 caliber hits in his Cobra on a night mission in February 1969 near the Angels Wing.

 

 

 

 

 

USS New Jersey 16 inch Guns - Practical Joke 1969 - Tom Dooling originally wrote this story thinking that he had actually adjusted artillery fire from the 16inch guns of the USS New Jersey. Tom later discovered that those guns could not have reached the target that he was shooting. He had been pranked by his friendly Artillery guys.

 

 

 

 

Trip to Nam on the USS Gordon: video by CPT Gary Hatfield. It was 21 days at sea on the Troop Ship USS Gordon from Hawaii to Vung Tau Vietnam. Then a Chinook flight to home base of Cu Chi.

 

 

 

LRRP Extraction 1 Feb 67 Video : Gary Hatfield CPT UH-1D Aircraft Commander, Aerorifles, 1965 to 1967 does a Video Interview at the 2022 Mesa Arizona Reunion telling of a very risky LRRP Extraction on 1 Feb 1967. CoPilot was WO1 Gaylen Randall. Centaur LRRPs Ervin Laird was killed and Dennis Noga was wounded. Crewchief SP4 Don Moore got some minor burns on his legs.

We are still searching for the names of the Door Gunner and two of the five LRRP Team Members. Can you help?

 

 

A Tribute to MAJ Myron "Mike" Squires video by CPT Gary Hatfield. Mike trained Gary and a lot of other guys. He was one of the most loved and respected of the Centaur pilots. Mike was a Korean Vet and did two tours in Vitenam. He died in October of 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

••••••••••••••••••

 

Centaur Website Newsletter - July 2023

index: News, Checking In, Centaur Gatherings, MyPages, War Stories, Reunions,

Note: Past Newsletters: Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

The "Not Secure" Alert problem with Safari, Opera and Brave Browsers, with our website, has been a constant irritant that our Internet Service Provider has decided to help us with. Our site has never been "Not Secure". It is, and always has been, secure. The Alert is a Server error. This "Not Secure" error was not occuring with Firefox and Chrome Browsers. The solution was finally repaired at their end (iPower). If you still get the "Not Secure" or "HTTP" instead of "HTTPS" when you log in then do a Control f5 on your keyboard which should fix (refresh) your browsers' Centaur Homepage. A full description is now at our Help Item #72 on the Centaur Website.

Volunteer Needed: Subject is the Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX. The Vietnam Center and Archive, part of Texas Tech University, is the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of information on the Vietnam War. We need somebody to go there, represent us, and find out the best way for us to interface with them and preserve the great Centaur Legacy that we have produced.

The Great Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells Texas:
Rick Williams sends us information on a landmark that should be familiar to every Centaur pilot. We all went to Fort Wolters (Mineral Wells, TX) for basic Flight Training, about four miles from the hotel. Even those stuck on the base were able to get out once in a while and party in the town.

This very Grand Hotel is being restored to its glory to the tune of 65 million dollars.

Pat Eastes: "I have been back to the museum and old Ft Wolters a few times over the past years. I think many of us might have known that the WOC barracks became a prison for a while, and that much of the old fort is in serious disrepair, but for those of us that learned and later instructed there, it’s a trip down memory lane. At the MW airport, there is a small museum about Ft Wolters that is worth visiting.
Last time I was there (3 or 4 years ago) the museum was getting a bit more polished, but what has happened since I don’t know. I donated my in country topos to them some time back, but I don’t know if they have done anything with them.

Back in 2010 Rick Williams and others collected several hundred dollars and had this rock plaque to the Centaurs carved and presented to the Museum at Ft Wolters.

Here is a website that shows many photos of the National Vietnam War Museum at Mineral Wells.

Here is a 3:33 min Vimeo video about the town & Museum.

A great Ft Wolters Story by Michael Banks.

 

Rebuilding the Centaur Website Reunion Page: Some of you will remember the elaborate Reunion Page that we were building to show all 3/4 Cav and Centaur Vets Reunions with maps, roll over buttons, photos, videos and such. It crashed sometime ago. We are working to get something like that back up, begining with the Centaur Vets Reunions or "mini reunions". If you have photos or information on the following reunions, please email to webmaster at powellcentaur@gmail.com (2007 Hannibal, 2008 Manhattan,  2009 Omaha, 2012Manhattan, 2013 Des Moines, 2014 Wisconsin Rapids, 2015 Ft Leavenworth, 2016 Omaha, 2017 Grove, 2018 Ft Leavenworth.)

The great video that KC Allcock did at the 2019 Centaur Vets Reunion, telling the story of how it all started, has been linked to from the Current Centaur Reunion page (lower left corner).

 

We located this photo of LOH "Arkansas Butch" LOH 68-17215 in Tim Rowbotham's Slide Show (#97). Details are shown of its crash in the OH-6A Tail Number section.

1LT William "Bones" Dawson (PIC) & WO1 Tom Dooling (Pilot) - Eng failure crashed into South China Sea near Vung Tau with this aircraft. see the War Story

We have not been able to locate Dawson or any photos of him.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

We have been receiving requests from our fellow Vietnam Veterans who were not with our Centaur units, but still enjoy receiving our Monthly Newsletter. We are privileged to have them on board:
James O. "Jim" Morton, Craig Clapper (E-Trp 3/17th,1970-71), Robert Arthurs (Road Runner 33. 101 ABN DIV, 163rd GS Co), JD Lewis (I flew Birddogs on my first trip to RVN itself and then XO of C 1/9 and CDR of D 1/9 1st Air Cav Div on my second trip. I look forward to seeing the good stuff.)...Rebeca Freeze......Arnold W. "Sandy" Weand (B Trp 3/17 71-72 Cobras & Maintenance)......
Michael Sprowles (Museum Curator, Pennysylvania National Guard Military Museum - checks in with our Historian.).......
Dale McCall (1/18th, 1st Inf Div Plt ldr/Co Cdr - Call Sign Dogface - likes our website)........

John Irwin is a Modeler of Helicopters. We have added some of his work with Centaur aircraft to a "Modelers" Discussion Page. See his comments there.

He would like to contact Crew Chief SP5 Donald Vaughn or any pilots or crewmembers who worked with the Cobra "Kansas Killer". powellcentaur@gmail.com

Larry & Linda Richardson (Vets Reunion Page comments)

Chris Mckay (InfoSheet update)........... Steve Gormley checks in........

Paul Plante alerts us to an 18 min video of Hueys in Vietnam. Great combat footage, but it could be improved with better film restoration and editing. We might take that on someday.

Mike Siegel checks in........ Rick Wiliams Memories of Ft Wolters

Richard Thompson & Steve Lentz (Rabies).......

Joe Hoover asks:  Do you remember a pilot everyone called “Slink”?  He liked to fly low level (very low) and then do a cyclic climb to 750-1000 feet.  Don Price was his crew chief.  What was his name? 

Bob Tegelman sends photo of Duane Dingman's new gravestone. It is posted to Duane's InfoSheet.

Don Borey sends a photo of a one dollar Military Payment Certificate (MPC). It has been added to the MPC Discussion Page.

Don also finds a photo of an LOH with the left side mounted Minigun in Ray Stantons Slide Show #32. OH-6A 67-16563 “For Love of Freedom" with Bullet Catcher. It has been added to the LOH Left Side Minigun Discussion Page.

Jim Hoag remembers the noise and blast from the side mounted gun when flying in the left seat. Got some burns.

Jim Walt adds his story to the LOH Left Side Minigun Discussion Page. He flew quite a bit as an Observer/Gunner with this configuration and in the left seat.

Carl Betsill notes his photo #63 is of an LOH ("Mini-Power") with leftside minigun. It has the left door installed, which makes sense to cut down on the noise and blast from the gun.

Mike Peake adds data entry on LOH 69-15040 to the LOH Tail Number page. Photo is from Ray Stanton Slideshow #35 and is posted to the History LOH page. (040).

 

John Conway (Curator VHPA Museum) checks in. Jim Hutchins suggests to him that the mysterious Samantha may have been a Donut Dolly. Still looking.

The LOH "Luv Bug" is found: Michael Peake has located an LOH on static display at the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Military Museum at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania that is our helicopter. The incorrect tail number on the static display is to be corrected.

See the details on Mike's new War Story Research Discussion Page. See added tail number data for Luv Bug.

 

 

 

John Brennan SP5 Flight Operations, 114th AHC 1970 to 1971 & Book Author reminds us that his "Nose Art" book Vol 2, with 23 Centaur aircraft in it can now be purchased as a Kindle book for $9.99 (with a free app to read it) at Amazon.

Ann Meeks - Centaur Thomas "Tom" Meeks
Interment of Ashes took place 16 June 2023 at the Tahoma National Cemetary at Kent, Washington (Mt Tahoma) with Presidential Military Honors.

 

 

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Michael K. "Mike" Hogan SP5 Medic with D Troop Feb 1967 to Dec 1967 now has a MyPage and InfoSheet.

After his tour with the Centaurs he was stationed with the 36th Evac Hospital until March 28, 1968

 

 

 

 

Wayne R. Cooper WO1 Scout and Slick Pilot Jan 1967 to Sep 1967 now has a draft MyPage and InfoSheet.

Wayne flew OH-23G Scouts and UH-1D Aerorifles.

He flew OH-6 Scouts during his second tour, and was heavily involved in the famous Hamburger Hill Battle.

 

 

William T. Pixton 1LT Pilot Aerorifle Platoon Sep 71 to Apr 72 now has an updated MyPage with current photo and wife's name. It is noted that Bill was also the Aerorifle Platoon Leader.

A draft InfoSheet has been started with a photo of him and wife Deborah.

Two more MP's have been added showing him with a Slick and Cobra.

 

 

Richard M. "Dick" Ward CPT Cobra Pilot Centaur 46, Jan 69 to Jan 70 has an upgraded MyPage with his pic from the 2022 Reunion and colorized Nam photo. A pic of he and wife Julie Hampton is added to his InfoSheet.

See his War Story Video below.

 

 

 

--- War Stories ---

 

Trust Your Crew Chief: SP5 Robert "Bob" Taylor UH-1C Gunship Crew Chief June 67 to June 68, tells of when the Transmission on his helicopter began coming apart in flight.

It was only a few minutes before it would fail and they would all die if the pilot 1LT Rick Williams did not listen to his frantic Crew Chief and take immediate action.

 

 

Centaur Aircraft Identification Research: is a new War Story Discussionn Page where our Unit Historian Michael Peake chronicles his research in finding and identifying our Centaur helicopters. It is listed on the War Story Discussion page, linked to from Mike's MyPage & from the History Page. This new page attempts to centralize the ongoing details of the Helicopter identification information in one place. You are encouraged to check into this page periodically to see if you might be able to help Mike with your aircraft identification memories, photos or ideas. "Peake, Michael" <thegermansons@yahoo.com>

 

 

Helicopter Modelers: is a new War Story Discussion page concerning the men who go to great lengths to design and build models of our Centaur Aircraft.

some recommended Modeler Websites: Modelers Alliance - Scalemates

You might find some Centaur Decals online in case you want to build one yourself.

 

 

LOH Crew Rescued by Cobra July 1969: 1LT then CPT Centaur 46 Richard M. "Dick" Ward Cobra Pilot, tells the story of his rescue of a shot down LOH crew in July 1969. This was another Cobra rescue of a downed LOH crew of three using a Cobra helicopter. The LOH was shot down, on fire and somehow landed somewhere Northwest of Tay Ninh near the Cambodian border. OH6A #68-17171.
...LOH crew: 1LT Jerry Odom Pilot, SGT Dennis Rogers Crewchief, SP4 Martin "Marty" Lalli Observer/Gunner. ...Cobra crew CPT Mike Joest PIC, 1LT Richard M. "Dick" Ward copilot.

The harrowing story is dramatically told by Odom and Rogers in a 2012 Reunion video interview (Nashville). Be sure to rewatch this. See the Squadron Log entry for that day Michael Peake

The Tropic Lightning News and the Stars and Stripes Newspapers published short stories of the LOH Crew Rescue. They both got Dick Ward's name wrong calling him "Al" instead of "Dick". Corrections have been made. One of the most unusual parts of the story is that of 1LT Dick Ward (Cobra Pilot) ripping a 600 pound ammo box and its fixed rails out of the Cobra bay to make room to haul the LOH Crew.

 

Vertigo in the Monsoons- 1969

1LT then CPT Centaur 46 Richard M. "Dick" Ward Cobra Pilot, tells the story of his copilot taking over and saving the day when they went IFR (no visibility).

We will try to find out who that was.

There must be more stories of Vertigo in bad weather flight. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Rabies: New War Stories Discussion Page. With lots of local Vietnam pets, mostly dogs, there had to be some cases of Rabies. Richard Thompson & Steve Lentz had to take the shots. Flight Surgeon Joel Andres talks about it. How about you? Any experiences. see Rabies in War Story Discussions. Centaur Pets

 

8mm Films now linked to War Stories Video Page. They have long been on the website on MyPages and such that are now linked to from the Video Discussion page listings. Gordon Eatley Lai Khe Airfield Ed Wolfe Proud Mary LOH, Bruce Powell 8mm on ground w/Aerorifles, White House Officers Hootch, Combat Volleyball
As you view the website you may find things that really need to be linked to from other places. Let us know so we can take care of that. Be specific. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Reunions ---

So far 50 Centaurs, Guests & Friends intent to attend the 2023 Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion in Panama City, Florida. Contact Jan White jancwhite@msn.com

Go the the Website Reunion Page and click on "Attendee List" to see all the names so far. You can click on the names to go to their MyPages. We hope you will put some serious thought into attending this one.

Notice, left side of the Reunion page, we are beginning to provide links to past Centaur Vets Reunions. rollover & click

Do you have some photos for the past Vets Reunions that are not currently linked? Please email them to powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Here is a reminder video of how the Centaur Veteran's Day Reunions began, by Allen "KC" Allcock. This is a video interview that KC did at the 2019 Bowling Green Reunion.

If you haven't attended a Centaur Veterans Day Reunion and done a Video Interview for posting on our website, please give it some serious thought. You are history. You need to be in the Centaur legacy.

 

--- Create Your Own Centaurs & Friends Gathering---

Centaur Brothers getting together has made a positive impact to many and has fed great info and photos to our Legacy Website. Our every other year 3/4 Cav and our growing yearly Centaur Vets Reunions are fantastic. However, we are getting older and travel, time, money can be problematic. We do not have to wait for a Reunion. There are clusters of Centaurs and friends living near each other that may not realize it. Having a smaller event close to home may work better. We can help you do that!

Here are a couple examples of other less formal gatherings that have worked out really well. Frank Walker had a great one at his house in South Carolina in 2011.

Way back in 2001 Jim Messina, Ron Peabbles and Jim Mahair got together near Ft Eustis.

We will probably create a Discussion Page on the Website to show all these gatherings and maybe inspire others to get going.

If you had a gathering in the past and have a good photo, send it in with some notes. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Please email your ideas and questions to Frank Dillon at dillon@casstel.net or Bruce Powell at powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

........................................................

 

 

Centaur Website Newsletter - June 2023

index: News, Checking In, Help Find, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Reunions,

Note: Past Newsletters: May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Your Input Please! Add your input (text/photos/documents) anytime to the Website or Newsletter by emailing the Webmaster at powellcentaur@gmail.com. Add to a story, send a new one, send photos, send in needed corrections. We are not yet smart enough to have a feature where you can add stuff directly. Plus all input is reviewed by the Board before Posting. Feed us!

One More Toast to our Legendary Centaur Leader:

LTC James M. "COL Pete" Peterson passed away several years ago, yet a formal Celebration of Life event has not yet been held. It is now planned for 10 August 2023 in Cincinati, OH. If you might be able to attend, please send his daughter Lynn Mobley (petersonlynn@aol.com) an email. We ask the rest to raise a glass on 10 Aug 2023 to this great man.

Lynn: "We plan a rather short mid-morning meeting to be held at Spring Grove Cemetery to be followed by a luncheon.  I’d ask only that they let us know for planning purposes, mainly because, right now, there are exactly 5 of us, and a larger crowd would mean a logistical shift of some proportion. It would also delight us to no end. Dad would never say what he wanted done at the end of his life, which has made it a bit difficult. But we plan on a color guard, as there is nothing that he loved so much as our flag. After that, things get vague, and will mostly involve reminiscences; he was not at all religious. Somehow we need to weave in a few songs."

 

Where are all the Cobra Static Displays?

Here are three website links that, although somewhat incomplete, provide tons of information, photos and static displays of Cobra AH-1 helicopers. If you have an aversion to the usual internet ads and cookies, don't bother.
1. List of Cobras by Country........2. Warbird Registry........3. War Memorials of Wisconsin. Thanks to Tom Dooling

Our very first Centaur Cobra 540 doesn't seem to be listed on any of these sites, but is displayed inside the Indiana War Museum

We have offered to provide the Museum with some of our information about our 540 and men deploying it, but have not heard back from them.

The VHPA offers a Vietnam Helicopter History CD on their website. Reviews say it is very good but only works on PC computers, not Apple Macintosh. maybe the next version

ALERT: Online and Smartphone SCAMS are getting trememdously clever.
Stay alert. Read about them online. Even if it is a friend sending you a note, check the email address.
Note that our Website (iPower Server) is totally secure. (HTTP or HTTPS)

--- Checking In ---

...Marty Jenkins("newsletter is highlight of my month"). Added photo of he and Bill Cirincione to their MyPages as MPs.
...John Conway (VHPA Museum)...... Rose & Bob Brady (enjoy the newsletter each month).......Jim Wells....
...Russell "Rusty" Ray (Info Sheet)... Rick Arthur..... Ken Kloppel (adds Kim Jacobson's name to Wiegand MP1)
...Deborah Bolt (Charles A. Hagan's wife).... John Kelly (radio skipping story).....Terry Young (more photos added)...
...Charles "Marty' Sullivan.... Rick Adams (finds Mike Bagely)....Jack Nemeyer (reports Stanley death)....Dan Miller....
...Chris McKay......Oscar Castillo (MyPage/InfoSheet) ......Ann Meeks (Tom Meeks Obit)...Don Borey (FM Radio Skips)..
...Roland Fletcher....... Nathanial "Bud" Clark.....Lynn Mobley (COL Pete's daughter)....Jan White.....(Reunion)......
...Mark Thomson (getting fake emails from Bruce Powell-Spammers-Be sure to watch out)....Mike Banks.... Steve Borden....
...John Brennan....

John Evans: My son, daughter in law and grandson recently underlined the importance of preserving Centaur history when we visited a little known Vietnam era helicopter museum in Concord California. The family was astounded by the size and complexity of the Huey, the CH 46, and Cobra and amazed that I once fit in and flew a LOH without doors. Unfortunately their LOH has no rotors or tail boom. The UH 1 and VCH 46 are available for flights. This museum will accept Vietnam era helicopters and is actively searching for a home base. These folks are really veteran and family friendly.  They fly the Huey about every 3 weeks. Our guide was Ms. Debbie Landesman ph 925 234 5678 Landesman@vietnamhelicopters.org
Notes:
1. Bruce Powell: I was surprised to see they have a flyable UH-1 that flew as a Smoke Ship for B Company, Diamond Heads, 25th Avn Bn in 1967.
2. Our friend Dave Sale is contacting this Museum to see if he and AAHA can assist them.
3. Mike Peake: According to my semi-new VHPA aircraft disk, this particular aircraft was purchased by the Army June 1966 and in November 1968, with 1618 accumulated hours, it was transferred from the 44th Engineer Group in Thailand to serve with B Troop, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry where it accrued 474 combat hours until shipped to CONUS in May 1969 for overhaul/conversion. It returned to Vietnam in October 1969, served with three different units until shipped to Korea in July 1970. Military Aircraft Serial Numbers for 1965 shows: Bell UH-1D/H Iroquois 65-09961 converted to UH-1H and transferred to civil registry as N503TW, no date provided [Goldbook entry states Anderson County Sheriff's Department in June 1998, but no State mentioned].
4. Tom Fleming: The mention of Diamond Head Smokey 1967 brings back memories of flying Stableboy and hearing on guard a call from "Smokey as follows " Smoker's rolling in Smokeys making smoke smokeys taking fire smokeys going down"  all in one continuous transmission.   The incident took place durring a Combat Assaut into the Hobo by the  Wolfhounds (1/27inf)  Post conversations Smokey made it back to Chu Chi full of holes.  That was the last I heard of the Diamond Head Smokey 

--- MyPages ---
Help us with the MyPages - Send Photos! Current and Nam powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Oscar Castillio 1LT Centaur Admin Officer and Slick Pilot Nov 1971 - Dec 1972, now has a My Page and InfoSheet.

Check out his NVA Flag story on his InfoSheet.

 

 

 

 

Michael R. "Mike" Bagley SGT LOH Scout Observer/Gunner 1970 now has a draft MyPage using his Yearbook photo. He is listed as being in the Battle of the Renegade Woods. (thanks to Rick Adams)

Need current photo!

 

 

 

 

James Whitman CPT LOH Scout Platoon Leader 1970-1971 now has 4 MP's from his pics and a Photo Album with 9 additional pics.

Can you ID some of the guys in his photos?

Need current photo

 

 

Kim "Jake" Jacobsen CW2 Slick Pilot Centaur 26 - 1971 has a new MP added to his MyPage.

Also, Ken Kloppel identified CW2 Kim "Jake" Jacobson in Ken Wiegands MP1 group photo.

 

 

 

 

Terry Young CPT LOH Scout Platoon Leader 1972-73 has added 19 photos to his Photo Album.

Go to his Photo Album. Images #22 (great photo of cobra at Phu Bai) to #50. Lots of faces of Scout crewmen that we need to contact.

 

 

 

Kenneth H. "Ken" Rucki CW2 Slick Pilot Centaur 27 1969 - 1970 has an updated MyPage.

He flew a lot of front seat Cobras. Sprayed Agent Orange from UH-1. Sniffer missions.

 

 

 

James W. Voorhess CPT Lift Platoon Leader and XO 1971 - 72 has an updated MyPage. We are still trying to get into contact with him in Vancouver, WA. He may have flown Cobras also.

Can't seem to get in contact with him. (Vancouver, WA)

 

 

 

Nathaniel "Bud" Clark CW2 LOH pilot and Instructor Pilots 1972 - 1973 has contacted us and his MyPage has been updated.

Hope to get a current photo soon.

 

 

 

 

Chris McKay SP4 Air Traffic Control Operator at Tan My 1972 now has an updated MyPage and a new MP added.

Photos have been added to his InfoSheet.

His good friend was Richards; possibly Raymond E. and roommate was Garcia. Do you remember either? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Charles "Marty" Sullivan CW2 Centaur 52 Cobra Pilot July 29,1970 to July 27,1971 but was OPCON until mid August 1971.

He was Centaur 52 lead Cobra in Sandy McLeod's audio of Dustoff mission on March 8,1971.

 

 

--- Deceased ---

Chester F. Stanley SP5 Maintenance and LOH Crew Chief Jun 1969 to Dec 1970 (6 month extension). He was in a private nursing facility in West Virginia receiving constant care since March 2023 and died on 29 April 2023.
Chester did not want a funeral but did want military honors . He will be Cremated and his Ashes interned with military honors next to his mother and father in a Cemetery in Thomas, West Virginia. See his Obituary

Take a moment to watch the two short videos that he did at the 2014 Reunion in San Antonio, TX. One will make you want to attend a reunion while you can; and the other is such a great tribute to his close friend and LOH Pilot Andy Elliott (MIA). (thank you to Jack Nemeyer)

Please review Stanley's Slide Show of 108 photos to see if you can identify some of the people and send in any comments that you might have about Chester to powellcentaur@gmail.com
(families greatly enjoy hearing comments about their loved one from his friends)

 

 

Thomas V. "Tom" Meeks CW2 Cobra Gun Pilot Oct 1967 to Oct 1968, now has an obituary written by his son and is posted online. Tom died 28 March 2023, Bremerton,WA

Click here to go to the online Obituary to leave a note for his family. His Centaur InfoObit page has been updated.

 

 

Charles Anthony "Festus" Hagan CW2 Centaur 16, died 24 Mar 2023 Hartfort, KY. Our condolences to his wife Deborah Bolt and their family.

He now has a Deceased MyPage, an Info/Obituary page and an MP1 (Xmas 1967 pic). Pat Eastes knew him from flight school as "Festus". The nickname stuck while he was with the Centaurs. (you may remember that "Festus" came from the Gunsmoke TV show "Festus Haggen").

 

 

Raymond W. "Ray" Richards SP5 Infantryman 1972 died 29 January 2018.

He now has a Deceased MyPage and InfoSheet/Obit. We are hoping to find some Vietnam photos of him and learn more about what he did. We sent a note to his online Obituary. (Thanks to Chris McKay)

 

 

 

 

--- War Stories ---

Little Bird Left Side MiniGun: A Discussion page concerning the pros and cons of this configuration for an LOH. It was this configuration that Ed Mortimer (KIA) and Randy Nicholas were flying when they got shot down in the Mushroom.

Steve Borden provides some insights.

If you flew with it, what did you think about it?

 

 

 

 

Cav Medical Detachment: A video interview at the 2022 Centuaur Reunion with Joel Andres Flight Surgeon and Harlan Gray Sparrow III LOH Pilot & volunteer at the Clinic. Remembering their great relation as hootch mates and giving recognition to their NCOIC SSG Albert "Vic" Vickers, and to medic SP5 Randy Love. Also story of where the Xray machine came from.

Video is listed in the War Story Video section under both names and linked to the MyPages of those involved.

 

 

Reunion Video Introduction 2022: CW2 Ken Kloppel UH-1 Slick Pilot August 1970 to August 1971 provides a Video Introduction of his tour at the Centaur Vets Day Reunion in Mesa, AZ 2022. It is linked to from his MyPage and from the War Stories Video page.

 

 

 

KIA's and Tough Decisions: Video CW2 Ken Kloppel UH-1 Slick Pilot August 1970 to August 1971 provides some strong input as to the instantaneous tough decisions that have to be made by "Pilots In Command" (PIC).

This is a heavy subject that we might need to spend more time with. Maybe a Discussion Page were we can tell our stories. Possibly help some of those who still have problems. Talk to me powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

The "Bear" Nickname Video: Ken Kloppel CW2 UH-1 Slick Pilot August 1970 to August 1971 tells how he picked up the nickname of "Bear" while in Flight School.

 

 

 

 

 

Unusual Signals From Afar - FM Skipping, has been updated.

Linked to on the War Stories Discussion page and from the MyPages of those who have contributed.

 

 

Troop Eight Ball by James M. "Col Pete" Peterson (Thanks to Carl Burns). Story is linked to from the War Stories Essay page and Jim Peterson's MyPage.

 

 

 

Generators - What would we have done without them. Linked to on the War Stories Discussion page
If you find a good photo of one of our big generators, please send it to me powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

--- Want to help us find more Centaurs?---

If you have the means and energy, download this pdf format photo (79megs); Take it to a FedEx Office (used to be Kinkos) or other printing service and have it made into a poster of some size; post it at your local Military Vets Organization or local Military Event. Costs may vary. You would need to come up with the funds yourself to do so.
Click here to Download

We might find a few lost Centaurs and Centaur Friends that way.

Let us know if you should take this on. Send a pic of you and the poster, with maybe some other lodge members or at an event, to powellcentaur@gmail.com for posting in our Newsletter.

This is like the one used last month in San Diego, with unit patches added to better draw attention.

This article is now listed as Item 70 on our Help Answers Page.

 

 

--- Reunions ---

Wow! A lot of folks have already signed up for the 2023 Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion in Panama City, Florida.

Go the the Website Reunion Page and click on "Attendee List" to see all the names so far. You can click on the names to go to their MyPages. We hope you will put some serious thought into attending this one.

Don't forget that you can click on the yellow oval on the left of that reunion page to see a great movie of the last Reunion in Mesa, Arizona 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...............................................................................

 

Centaur Website Newsletter - May 2023

index: News, Checking In, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Reunions, Special Requests, Glossary, Full Screen Tip

Note: Past Newsletters: Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

Added note 1800 hrs 1 May: Our website is HTTPS (secure) but some networks or browsers are still showing "Not Secure". It is being worked on.

------- News -------

John Conway (Currator of the VHPA's online Museum of Images and Artifacts - museum.vhpa.org): "It seems that a woman named Samantha was a civilian employee attached to F troop in some capacity. Is that possible? The person I had interacted with said she was, perhaps, the C.O.s secretary? A friend of mine purchased 3 uniforms and a desk top name plate associated with her. All the Uniforms have Centaur patches on them. The callsign / number added to the troop patch is 06A. There is also a party suit kind of thing that looks a lot like a Cheerleader's dress. They all have the name "SAM" for name tags. I don't really want to get into the uniform and patch aspect in the inquiry as I don't have access to them myself yet but some background information may open that door. The guy that owns them bought them from a fellow who did a house clean-out in Oklahoma city several years ago but nothing more came with them. I wouldn't ask for help on this but I know I interacted with someone who knew of her being in country and I believe he said she was once friends with his wife after the war. I guess she could have been a Donut Dollie too? Not sure. I thought it was unusual for a civilian woman to be attached to a combat unit but he affirmed it in our conversations but I don't remember who it was now???? I would like to have a photo or photos of her and some information on who she was and what she did with F/4." Maybe the Centaurs could help. Contact John Conway <jpconway57@gmail.com>.

 

Posters advertising our Website:

Richard Stegner, our Centaur representive in San Diego, CA sends a photo of Heather Gallana, Indigenous Cultures Educator, at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center.

Richard will try to get the poster displayed at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

If you know of an event or museum where we might display a poster like this, and you are interested in helping, please let me know. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

--- Checking In ---

Mike Syverson...... Rick Williams....... Tom Noss...... Chris Kramarczyk (Mike's wife)...... Wayne Yetman
Scottie Hill .....Ron Brochu...... Stephen Moss....... Nick McCollum.... Larry Patterson..... Shellie Rice (Charlie' wife)
Phillip John Norton ....... James Wells.......... Joe Johnson (Hog Leader 67)......... Harold Diest....... Russell "Rusty" Ray
Matt Jackson...... Cliff Heatherly (Atrp 3/17 Air Cav Lia Khe 1971)..... Jason Kriel (Jim Kriel's son)...... Rolland Fletcher
Jim Hutchins ....... Richard Schwab....... Mike Siegel....... Rick & Diane Adams........ Bill Hull........ Jack Nemeyer
LeRoy "Lee" Factora...... Chris McKay (Photo added to his InfoSheet).... Gary Worthy (Scout Pilot 11th ACR)
Cary Bacon (updated MyPage) ....... Bruce Wyrwitzke (C/227/1CAV)

Charles E. Penley 377th Security Police Squadron, adds link to the Centaur Website.

Jim Brothers: Identifies Rudy Parris in the Ken Wiegand MP1 on the left. Photo is updated. He and Steve Lane plan to attend Panama Reunion. Maybe Phillip Dehart also.

Eric Brown: "My father is Gary Brown. My family has been trying to help him remember what his call sign was when he was piloting the helicopters. He doesn’t remember (dementia) would you be willing to ask the other Centaurs if any of them remember him & his call sign?  We would be so grateful." email powellcentaur@gmail.com

If you are getting the Newsletter and haven't yet checked in with us to let us know you are okay, then please do so! Is there any Centaurs that you would like to be in touch with? contact powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- MyPages ---

 

LeRoy A."Lee" Factora SGT Aerorifles 1965-66 has a new MyPage using his current photo.

Also two MP's added. One came from 1SG Petty's MP's.

 

 

 

 

Michael B. "Mike" Honara WO1 Gunhip Pilot arrived with Harlan Sparrow to the Centaurs in April 1971. He soon transferred to fly UH-1M gunships with the 128th AHC.

Mike's email address no longer works. We have no contact with him as of March 2023

 

 

 

 

Myron "Mike" Squires photo and citation formally placed in the Georgia State Capitol Building 20 April 2023.

This photo added to his MP's. Thanks to Marshall Huckaby.

 

 

 

Michael V. "Mike" Moulin CW2 Centaur 23 1971-72 now has a draft MyPage. Awaiting fruther info. Mike plans to attend the Panama City reunion this November.

 

 

 

 

--- Deceased ---

 

Ruth Ann Burns wife of Centaur Carl Burns died 9 April 2023. The only Centaur wife who served in Vietnam. What an amazing woman!

While a journalism student at Douglass College at Rutgers University, she met and fell in love with Carl Burns, a handsome Rutgers College student who soon graduated and became a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In 1965, before Carl deployed to serve as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, the young couple married. A determined Ruth Ann managed to obtain journalist's credentials, intent on traveling to Vietnam to join Carl. Carrying the top tier of their wedding cake on dry ice, at age 21 years, she became the youngest accredited war correspondent in that war-torn land, interviewing soldiers and filing sobering stories sourced from her visits to the An Lac Orphanage and the Army 3rd Field Hospital.

 

 

Michael K. "Mike" Remington SP4 Aerorifle Platoon 1971-1972, died 1 April 2023, age 71, surrounded by his fanily. Mike was known by his friends as "Master of the Universe" A great guy.

Mike was onboard the Slick that that had an engine failure and broke the tail boom upon landing. John Spencer was the pilot.

 

 

--- War Stories ---

Need Input!

Frank Dillon and Brian Harrison submit photos of an F Troop Slick that had an engine failure breaking the tail boom and destroying the tail rotor. This may have been pilot John Spencer and Crew Chief Steve Webb some time in August 1972 (not 1971 as was posted earlier) shortly after this same aircraft had slung load the Ancient Cannons at Tan My. Frank believes the tail number to be 881 based on his picture notes. This may have been the only Centaur aircraft with the Centaur Logo painted on both sides of the tail boom in front of the vertical stabilizer. Send us what you remember at powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Unusual Signals From Afar - Mike Siegel, Frank Dillon and Carl Betsill

Anyone else had experiences like this?

 

 

 

 

 

--- Reunions ---

Centaur Veterans Day Reunion 9 to 12 November 2023 in Panama City Beach, Florida

Are you considering attending? - Please contact Jan now and let him know! He is starting a list of potential attendees. Help him out. At least mark your calendar! jancwhite@msn.com

Reunion Plans are starting to firm up. The new Holiday Inn, right on the Panama City Beach, is going to be the location. Fifty rooms are being set aside just for Centaurs and friends. Hospitality Room, free breakfast. Much more information to come as the planning continues.

Jan has obtained a great room rate of $149 per night plus 13% Tax ($19.48), for total of $168.48. It is a good rate considering each room has an ocean view, free breakfast (buffet style), and a free Hospitality Room (normally an additional fee per room). Don't be confused when you register, because the fee will show as $227 per night including taxes because of a normal Hospitality Fee; however Jan has arranged that we will not pay the Hospitality fee, so upon arrival the Hospitality Fee will be removed and the final total per night with taxes will be $168.48.

It is not too far out to be thinking about it. We hope that you will at least mark your calendar and be giving it some serious thought. Please send Jan White (our Reunion Host) an email soon and let him know you might make it! "White, Jan" <jancwhite@msn.com>

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach, an IHG Hotel
3.5 stars 11127 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
 Each person will need to call 800-633-0266 and let the reservationist know they are with the Centaurs Reunion to receive the discounted rate. All rooms will need to be booked no later than Oct 12.

 

3/4 Cavalry, 25th Inf Div Reunion San Antonio, Texas September 8-12, 2024. More details will be announced soon on the 3/4 Cav Association Website.

--- Special Requests---

Matt Jackson, book author of "Lam Son 719", requests that all Centaurs view the short YouTube video he has created to generate interest in creating a movie version of it. Here is his note:
"We now have two studios reviewing the screenplay Cost of Valor based on the book Undaunted Valor, Lam Son 719. One has said Money is no longer an issue. YES! They do want to see interest. I have posted a trailer on YouTube about Lam Son 719. We are making a second trailer that will be Cost of Valor but in the mean time we need to show hits on the Lam Son 719 Official Trailer. If you view it for the first 30 seconds or longer, it is recorded as a view and that increases our numbers. We need your help to get that number up. Please go to the site and watch for 30 seconds or longer."
Note that a photo of our Ken Mick is at the 1:56 min mark of the 4:33 video.

 

Why was TET 1968 a surprise?

A friend of Joe Owen is preparing a class for the Osher adult education program at W&M.
The topic is ”Why was TET ’68 a Surprise”? He requests input from the Centaurs:

"Apparently, I am on the right track. I sent an email to the Chief Historian of the Army Museum containing some questions and a list of my assumptions. He replied to my questions and did not refute my assumptions.
Remember I said that some Communist forces attacked prematurely because of a difference in the lunar calendar between North and South Vietnam and I had wondered if Westmoreland knew and if an alert had been sent. I found a Telegram sent by Westmoreland to General Earle Wheeler (JCS) on January 30, which mentions the attacks on the 29th. Westmoreland did not sound overly concerned.

Here are some preliminary questions I would like to pose to your group of veterans, if you feel it is appropriate. If some of the questions, are unnecessary or weak, please let me know and I will remove them. If you can think of some other questions, I would be glad to include them. Thanks for looking them over.
Pre-Tet January 30/31, 1968
1. Any different or unusual activity noted 1-2 months before the beginning of the Tet Offensive?
Week or day before?
2. (For those not based at Khe Sahn or along the DMZ) Was your base placed on alert on January 29 or 30?
3. Did you notice any changes in the behavior or attitude of the South Vietnamese civilian population toward you or other Americans?
4. How did you feel the war was progressing prior to the Tet Offensive?
5. What was your experience when the Tet Offensive commenced?
6. Did the scale of the Tet Offensive surprise you? If so, how, or why?

Mini Tet May 1968
7. In what way(s) was this offensive different from the January offensive?
8. Were you surprised the Communists launched so soon after the January offensive?

Mini Tet August/September 1968
9. Many thought Southern Viet Cong forces and the regular North Vietnamese forces suffered such heavy casualties after the 1st Tet Offensive that they were too weakened to launch as further offensives. Do you believe that was the case?
10. If you were in country in 1967, was the intensity of fighting about the same in 1968, if you discount the first Tet Offensive?
11. Did your outlook on the winnability of the war change by the end of 1968? If so, how?
12. Did you feel the war was at a stalemate?
13. Did you believe the North Vietnamese would eventually yield to U.S. military pressure, accept a Korea like settlement or continue to fight for years?"

Send your input to Joe Owen.... jkowen@capacitytechnology.com

 

--- Glossary ---

Added terms (Click Here): Jack Benny.... Aussie....Toi khong biet... Hanoi Hanna.... Ma deuce... OP.....Ti ti....REFRAD

 

 

--- Website Viewing Tip---

How to view our Centaur Website in Full Screen Mode on an iMac or larger computer.
In the beginning our site was coded to be viewable on everything from an iPhone/Android up to Tablets and larger computers. It is much more enjoyable and easier to see everything if the webpage is displayed in full screen. Some day we may recode it all to automatically fit everything. Until then here is one trick that works for me on my 27 inch iMac. (I am sure there is something similar on other computers):
1. Under the apple symbol (upper left corner of browser page), select "System Settings".
2. Scroll down and click on "Displays"
3. It will probably show you as being in "Default". Move left and click on "Larger Text"
4. Open the Centaur Website in your browser.
5. Be sure to reverse the process when you are done viewing the site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

....................................................................

 

Centaur Website Newsletter - April 2023

index: News, Checking In, Help Find, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Reunions, Glossary

Note: Past Newsletters: Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

------- News -------
ALERT: Some Centaurs are being targeted with "Phishing" using the Bruce Powell (Webmaster) name. Phishing is a means of tricking e-mail recipients into opening an attachment that masquerades as being legitimate and urgent or into clicking on a malicious link that opens a website that is actually infected with malware. Perpetrators prepare mass mailings, hoping to lure even just one victim into giving out information or allowing access to a system. Our friend Mark Thomson is the latest to be targeted. He received an email from "Bruce Powell" (no email address shown) sending some photos to be downloaded. Fortunately Mark picked up on the scam and notified me. The great success of our Centaur Website will continue to attract degenerates that think that we old guys are too dumb to recognize the scam. Be Alert.

Another good aviation website disappears!

What happened to the 25th Avn Battalion website? Must have gotten rolled into the new 25th Combat Avn Brigade. Surely the 25th Inf Div wouldn't let its famous Avn Battalion's website disappear (Diamond Heads and Little Bears) or get buried in some new unit website. This really scares me, realizing that if we don't do more, our amazing Centaur website may cease to exist. Yet, thanks to the people at The Wayback Machine our site is preserved in history; however it will not be easy for the general public to access it if we end up folding. We need some ideas guys!

Nose Art Collection Continues

John Brennan SP5 Flight Operations, 114th AHC 1970 to 1971 & Book Author continues to seek out photos of helicopters with names (Nose Art) that served in Vietnam. List of Centaur Art appearing in his books:

F-4 Cav # 1 DU ME MI, AH-1G, 68-15012, Da Nang, 1972 8
F-4 Cav 3 5 PIG, UH-1H, 68-16358, Tan My Island, Fall 1972 4
F-4 Cav ANDRE’S COLD DUCK, OH-6A, 67-16515, Lai Khe, 1972 8
F-4 Cav BOL SHOI, OH-6A, 69-16032, Lai Khe, 1971 8
F-4 Cav CREEPING JESUS, UH-1H, 69-15108, Marble Mountain Airfield, May 1972 5
F-4 Cav FOR GOD, COUNTRY + BODY COUNT, OH-6A, 69-16003, Long Binh, 1971-72 1
F-4 Cav FOR THE LOVE OF FREEDOM, OH-6A, 67-16563, Lai Khe, 1972 6, 8
F-4 Cav MINI POWER, OH-6A, Long Binh, 1971 1
F-4 Cav NIXON’S HIRED GUN, AH-1G, 67-15652, Long Binh, February 1972 8
F-4 Cav SCREAMING “OD” ZONKER (THE), OH-6A, 69-16032, Lai Khe, 1971 8
F-4 Cav SWEET CAROLIN, OH-6A, 68-17154, Lai Khe, 1971 8
F-4 Cav WARGASM, OH-6A, 66-17795, Long Binh, 1972 1

Get his books online

D-3-4 Cav BETTY BOOBS, AH-1G, 67-15776, Cu Chi, 1970 2, 3, 7
D-3-4 Cav CALIFORNIA DREAMIN, AH-1G, 68-15135, Cu Chi, 1970 4
D-3-4 Cav HENCHMAN (THE), AH-1G, 67-15827, Cu Chi, 1970 4
D-3-4 Cav KANSAS KILLER (THE), AH-1G, 68-15135, Camp Frenzell-Jones, 1971 8
D-3-4 Cav LUV BUG, OH-6A, 68-17204, Vung Tau, April 1971 6
D-3-4 Cav PEPE LE PEW, OH-6A, 68-17154, Cu Chi, August 1970 5
D-3-4 Cav PINBALL WIZARD, UH-1H, 68-16224, Kontum, 1970 1
D-3-4 Cav PROUD MARY, OH-6A, 68-17337, Long Binh, Jan 1971 6
D-3-4 Cav SUPER EGG II, OH-6A, 68-17169, Cu Chi, August 1969 5
D-3-4 Cav UNDERTAKER (THE), AH-1G, 68-15126, Cu Chi, 1970 4
D-3-4 Cav WRETCHED MILDRED, AH-1G, 68-15189, Cu Chi, 1969-71 1

Anyone have a photo of Cobra 67-15858 named "Affectionaltely Yours"? It was destroyed in combat. see story: CambodiaCrash10May70

Please let me know if you find any other Centaur Nose Art. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Do You Know Someone that might be interested in receiving our great Centaur Monthly Newsletter? It is free and can go to anyone who would like to have it. Emails are protected. Have them send me a note. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Help Us Advertise at Vietnam Events in Your Area!

Know of a Vietnam oriented event or display in your area? Contact the Webmaster (powellcentaur@gmail.com) and he will send you the poster file on the right in digital format so you can get it printed and posted at the event.

This increases our chances of finding more of our lost Centaurs and gaining more folks for our Newsletter distribution.

Richard Stegner just did this for an event in Bonita, CA

 

 

 

------- Checking In -------

Bruce Hinds WO1 Slick Pilot 1972-73 writes in: "Interesting thing happened the other day. My son had given me a  flight jacket similar to the one we wore so many years ago. A bit different, orange inside & the outside is just a bit lighter in color,  but it looks about as close as I've seen.  I had a brain storm, why not  pull some of my old stuff off my flight suits and recreate what my jacket would have looked like when I came back from the RVN. Amazing  the people I run into when I wear it. Everyone recognizes the 1st Cav  patch on my right shoulder from the first part of my tour, but Skewered  Eagle on my left shoulder (1st Avn Bde) which was active when I came home had not been  recognized until the just the other day.

I'm now a simulator instructor at Alaska Airlines and have known one of  our other instructors, Bob for some time, lots incommon to talk about  but he'd never seen my jacket until last week.  I'd walked into work and  he was looking at my left shoulder when he said "my dad was in the same  unit in Viet Nam."  "Oh, when was that?" I ask.  "The last three months  of the war, Dec '72- March '73."   You could have picked my chin up off  the floor.  Turns out his father is Capt. Bob Yaap one of our Cobra  pilots.  We talked on the phone for about an hour the other evening and  look forward to a visit when he comes up to visit Bob Jr. in the near  future. I'll keep you posted." Bruce Hinds

Dwight Birdwell adds comments to his InfoSheet/MOH page.

Rick Williams adds his comments to Charlie Johnson's deceased InfoSheet and reminds us that Charlie can be heard on the audio battle recording at the 6 minutes and 15 second point (Centaur 40).

Charles E. Penley 377th Security Police Squadron, Oct 1967 - Jul 1969 see his Website providing interesting details about the TET Offensive of 1 Jan 1968. A Centuar Friends MyPage has been posted.

Paul Plante PFC Nighthawk Gunner/Sniper checks in with some new comments/insights about the Nighthawk Missions.

Gene Tucker: Still around and getting the Newsletter according to Marshall Huckaby.

Larry Welch checks in. We are awaiting a current photo to complete his MyPage

Wayne Cooper WO1 OH-23G Scout and UH-1D Slick pilot 15Jan67 to 16Sep67 checks in. Currently trying to find his photos from his Centaur Tour. Lives near Montgomery, AL. Will try to make the Reunion this year.

Jake Cirincione son of Centaur CPT Bill Cirincione, who has been on our Newsletter mailing list for sometime now, checks in to let us know that he just signed into Flight School at Ft. Rucker. That ought to bring a few memories back to you pilots. We wish him the best. (Montana National Guard)

Lisa Carolan, wife of Eugene J "Gene" Carolan:
I was looking at the Centaur Web page and all the wonderful articles, memories, history of our fallen soldiers.  I didn't know if you are familiar with the AirZoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan .  It is an aviation museum and Gene Carolan was inducted into to the Hall of Fame for his achievements in aviation. Nominated and voted by his peers, lack of army aviators and 3 from Vietnam and helicopters pilots were added to this prestige list.  The majority are air force and so a great credit to the Vietnam era aviators.  Contact me if there are any further questions....I miss Gene everyday and my heart hurts for all the wonderful men that have been lost......Lisa Carolan, Lansing, Michigan

(Gene died 22 July 2021)

Centaurs and Friends who are interested in the great Air Museum "AirZoo" in Kalamazoo, Michigan, consider uniting and forming a committee with the mission of helping/encouraging the Museum to expanding with Vietnam Era Aircraft. Get together and keep us informed with articles in our Centuar Newsletter. powellcentaur@gmail.com

------- Finding Centaurs & Friends; & Needed Corrections -------

 

Can you name the other three guys in this photo from Ken Wiegand (at his MP1). powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

Michael B. "Mike" Honara WO1 1971 - now has an InfoSheet made from his last email of Oct 2020. Still hoping we can get in email contact with him again and get photos and info to create a MyPage for him. His email address is invalid. He has been removed from Newsletter Distribution.

Donnie Haynie: A gravestone picture has been added to Donnie's Memorial Page by Peter Barber.

Rolf W. Ertrevagg Jr 1LT LOH Scout Pilot: John Moore provides News article for Rolf's InfoObit page.

Michael E. Sloniker VHPA Historian is added to our Centaur Friends page. We thank him for his great input to the pages of Ken Mick, Russ Miller and Mike Woods. Tribute

Webmaster Needs Your Help

------- MyPages -------

 

Charles E. Lowe SP5 Sick Crew Chief for Jim Tonelli during the Renegade Woods Mission now has an updated MyPage. We haven't found him yet.

He may still live in San Francisco

 

 

 

Stephen H. "Steve" Lane SP5 67N20 & Lead Unit Clerk Jan 1969 to Sep 1970 now has a MyPage and an MP1.

Steve also provided us with a photo of SP5 Edward Paul Thibodeau Medic. He is listed in the 1970 Yearbook. See his deceased MyPage below.

 

 

Michael D. "Mike" Siegel CW2 Sep 67 to Sep 68 has his MyPage updated. Be sure to check out Mike's video interview from back during the 2012 Nashville Reunion.

Mike reminds us of the strange FM Signals some pilots used to get from places other than Vietnam. We didn't get much input on that topic.

Mike and his Slick crew saved a lot of lives. We hope you will take the time to review all of Mike's stories. example

 

 

Robert P. "Pat" Broderick CW2 Cobra Pilot and Instructor Pilot is now in contact and has an upgraded MyPage with three MP's and a draft InfoSheet.

Check out his MP3 Group photo of Cobra crews. Can you identify any of the seven unnamed crewmembers?

 

 

 

James R. Fowler 1LT LOH Scout Pilot 1972 now has a draft MyPage using a photo from the 1972 Yearbook. We have an email address for him but it rejects emails as "Mailbox Full". If you are incontact with him please have him check in with the webmaster. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

Charles E. Penley 377th Security Police Squadron, Oct 1967 - Jul 1969 now has a Centaur Friends MyPage.

See his Website Page for the 3/4 Cav units involved in the TET 1968 battle. It provides interesting details and great photos of the TET Offensive of 1 Jan 1968. Including photos from Centaurs Lee Burgess, Walter Cooke and Dale Dow. You can view his 377th SPS website Home page here.

 

 

 

Phillip H."Phil" DeHart Aerorifleman Oct 1969 to Nov 1970 now has a MyPage with MP1 and a draft InfoSheet.

 

 

 

------- Deceased -------

Thomas V. Meeks CW2 Cobra Pilot Oct 1967 to Oct 1968 died 28 March 2023 at 12:53AM in Bremerton, WA.

Tom flew UH-1C model gunships until the AH-1G Cobras arrived. He came from the first class of pilots at Ft Rucker to be trained in Gunships, instead of Slicks at Tac X. Tom was wounded supporting the 21 Feb 1968 battle south of Siagon.

He retired from 44 years of military service as an SES (civilian equivlant to a Brigader General).

 

 

Edward Paul Thibodeau SP5 Medic 1970 died 7 July 2022 in Owings, MD.

We only recently finally located the obituary of Ed Thibodeau on the internet. A note has been sent to his family with condolences from the Centaurs. Thanks to Steve Lane for getting us on to this.

 

 

------- War Stories -------

Pleae take a minute and learn how to watch the videos in Full Screen

Richard "Super Sarge" Stegner SSG Aerorifles 1965 to 1967 provides his video introduction at the 2022 Centaur Reunion in Mesa, AZ. He also mentions Red Ants and Water Buffalo incidents.

The story is also linked to the Tegelman/Beasley Red ant story.

 

 

 

Richard "Super Sarge" Stegner SSG Aerorifles 1965 to 1967 tells of his adventures as a Tunnel Rat and Aerorifleman. Problems with bad ammo for the M-16 Rifles.

 

 

Renegade Woods Battle 2 Apr 1970 1st Person Report - Phillip Norton 2023. There were several mistakes and misspelling in the Official After Action Report for the Renegade Woods Battle 2 April 1970. Norton and some of the guys still around wrote the new unofficial version (2022) to set things straight. This new version has been linked to all members involved. We are seeking Nam photos of the men we do not have pictures of. Can you help? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nighthawk: Isn't it time we all took another look at the intense efforts that the Centaurs put into the Nighthawk missions over the years in Nam? We have many stories and you might be able to add more (stories or photos). Take a look at over 30 Centaur Website Articles concerning Nighthawk by typing this into your browser:

"site:centaursinvietnam.org nighthawk" or just cut and paste it in.

Reminder that you can use the site:centaursinvietnam.org followed by anything, including names, into your browser and Google will find every mention of it on our website. It works really well! Try your name.

 

------- Reunions -------

Centaur Veterans Day Reunion 9 to 12 November 2023 in Panama City Beach, Florida

Are you considering attending? - Please contact Jan now and let him know! He is starting a list of potential attendees. Help him out. At least mark your calendar! jancwhite@msn.com

Reunion Plans are starting to firm up. The new Holiday Inn, right on the Panama City Beach, is going to be the location. Fifty rooms are being set aside just for Centaurs and friends. Hospitality Room, free breakfast. Much more information to come as the planning continues.

Jan has obtained a great room rate of $149 per night, with hot breakfast buffet style and a Conference Room for get togethers.

It is not too far out to be thinking about it. We hope that you will at least mark your calendar and be giving it some serious thought.

Please send Jan White (our Reunion Host) an email soon and let him know you might make it!

"White, Jan" <jancwhite@msn.com>

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach, an IHG Hotel
3.5 stars 11127 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
 Each person will need to call 800-633-0266 and let the reservationist know they are with the Centaurs Reunion to receive the discounted rate. All rooms will need to be booked no later than Oct 12.

 

3/4 Cavalry, 25th Inf Div Reunion San Antonio, Texas September 8-12, 2024. More details will be announced soon on the 3/4 Cav Association Website.

------- Glossary -------

Added terms: Check it out; Cherry; Chop Chop; CIDG; Cluster Fuck; Coka; Crow's Foot; Dap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Centaur Website Newsletter - March 2023

index: News, Checking In, Help Find, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Reunions, Glossary

 

News

The Wayback Machine: This will blow you away! We have published an article for our Help Section (item 69) that explains it all. Bottom line is that the Centaur Website, our history, our legacy, has been, and is being recorded for historical purposes at Wayback.com. 302 billion pages saved over the past two decades
Inspired by the 1950's Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon and lamenting all the great TV programs that were lost forever because they were recorded over. Check it out.

Some browsers may try to block Wayback or say it is not a secure website. Everything we have read says that the website is safe to visit.

 

An apology: Enforcing our strict rules for identifying those who served as Centaurs can sometimes be unintentionally frustrating & hurtful. Chris McKay SP4 Air Traffic Controller (ATC) with F Troop in 1972 was initally not listed as a Centaur on our website. No records of any kind or other means of identification were to be found. Most of the pilots didn't remember that Tan My even had any ATC; and there was no Control Tower there. Randy Baisden and Blane Kirby came to the rescue. Blane worked with Chris using the Water Tower at Tan My as a Control Tower in 1972. Chris is now listed as a Centaur and has a draft MyPage. We thank him for his service.

Helicopter Modelers go to great lengths to make accurate plastic models. It is a bit troubling that with all this work they do not seem to want to talk to us or to get our unit designations correct. Here is an example (4th Air Cav Division?) They are not always very good about giving our website credit for all the work we do to provide them with our photos. If you run into some of these fellows, ask them to give our website some credit.

Checking In

Pete Holmberg says that Ken Mick had a tape recorder going during the Rescue of Lady Ace action. Does anyone have a copy of that? Please contact Webmaster if you have any information. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Cary Bacon checks in with a new address in Winnsboro, TX 

Dennis Yenser checks in about Sapper Attack story. He will look for photos. Added links to Sapper Attack stories to his MyPage.

Bob Taylor made contact with Lowell Ogletree by phone. Lowell stayed in the army for 24 years. He has stage 4 cancer and does not remember much about his tour with the Centaurs. If you remember Lowell and would like to give him a call, send me an email. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Bruce Hinds WO1 Slick Pilot Jul 72 to Jan73 with a great story of Centaur contact!
Interesting thing happened the other day . . . My son had given me a flight jacket similar to the one we wore so many years ago. A bit different, orange inside and the outside is just a bit lighter in color, but it looks about as close as I've seen. I had a brain storm, why not pull some of my old stuff off my flight suits and recreate what my jacket would have looked like when I came back from the RVN. Amazing the people I run into when I wear it. Everyone recognizes the 1st Cav patch on my right shoulder from the first part of my tour, but Skewered
Eagle on my left shoulder which was active when I came home had not been recognized until the just the other day.

I'm now a simulator instructor at Alaska Airlines and have known one of our other instructors, Bob for some time, lots in common to talk about but he'd never seen my jacket until last week. I'd walked into work and he was looking at my left shoulder when he said "my dad was in the same unit in Viet Nam." "Oh, when was that?" I ask. "The last three months of the war, Dec '72- March '73." You could have picked my chin up off the floor. Turns out his father is Capt. Bob Yapp one of our Cobra pilots. We talked on the phone for about an hour the other evening and look forward to a visit when he comes up to visit Bob Jr. in the near future. I'll keep you posted.

Of course we were able to look each other up on our website. Thanks for all you do . . . .Small world, Bruce Hinds

 

Austin Eschenwald, grandson of our CPT Adolfo Eschenwald (Gunpilot 1966-67). "I just found your website Centaurs in Vietnam. I am the eldest grandson of CPT Adolfo Eschenwald. I saw the page you have for him and I love the picture. It's the only picture I have ever seen of him. Do you have anyone who knew him and could tell me more about him? My dad has told me some stories but I would love to hear from others." - Send responses to webmaster at powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

Stephen Moss CPT Cobra Pilot 1972 to March 1973 checks in with more information for us on the Lady Ace Rescue Mission of 11 July 1972. He was flying Cobra front seat for Charles O'Connell:  "I was with Chuck O’Connell that day flying his front seat. As I remember the day…numerous attempts to rescue the down crew were made. At last light we scrambled to race forward and make another attempt before dark. This means that anyone able was running to a seat in their aircraft to take off. It is entirely possible that the scout platoon Sargent was occupying a seat as this was a scramble. The fighting was intense. The tree line to the east and northeast was alive with green tracer fire shooting toward the flight. I expended the mini-gun, some four thousand rounds shooting the tree line some 250 yards away. The enemy fire from that location was intense. I switched to the 40mm grenade launcher when Capt Ledfors said he was coming out. He passed in front of us and we followed him out, the flight intact. There were only two Cobras forward and two covering the Huey crew and Lrp’s. Capt Don Haynie was covering the Huey. The next day much to everyone’s surprise we were all given impact awards from the I Corp Commander, I don’t remember any Marines at the ceremony. To my knowledge all Cobra crewmen were awarded DFC’s"

 

Stephen Hugh Lane SP5 Lead Clerk Jan 1969 to Sep 1970, MOS 67N20 has checked in and joined the 3/4 Cav Chapter. Let us know if you remember Steve as we seek more information and photos to make a MyPage for him. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Finding Centaurs & Friends; & Needed Corrections

I, Bruce Powell- Webmaster, am responsible for making things right on our website. I can fix many things. However finding all of them can be very difficult. Many times I don't have enough information to even know there is a mistake. It seems like every week I stumble across some information on our website that needs correction or updating. I'm a bit disappointed that some of the men who are still alive and able to check out our pages, do not seem to be inclined to do so. Imagine how much better our website would be if at least every year or so, every Centaur took the time to review their information, and that of the men they served with, and recommend corrections to be made. ..Bad links, misspelled names, story corrections, incorrect spelling or dates, and so on. Many thanks to all the many of you who already do that for us! ............Talk to me - powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Stephen C Mahan 1LT LOH Scout Pilot 1972-1973 has his MyPage updated. His name is added to a graphic showing crewmembers in the Lady Ace Rescue Video where he flew as the Observer for Fred Ledfors on the first couple of day missions.

We still do not have contact with him

 

 

We have been trying to locate Jerry L. Evans SP4 Slick Door Gunner 1972. He is on our Centaur Roster, but not listed in the 3/4 Roster. He participated in the Rescue of Lady Ace mission of 11 July 1972. This photo on the left from an Obituary is thought to be him. Can you verify or provide additional information?

 

 

 

Please Check our Roster for your friends! Maybe you can provide info or photos for someone who has not yet been properly recognized with a MyPage. We even have cases where a man's name is not linked (not blue and underlined) yet we have info that did not make it to the online website. Pete Holmberg just found one. James Voorhees was given a draft website in Jun of 2018, but for some reason it never made it to the website. That has been corrected thanks to Pete.

 

MyPages

 

Gary Hatfield Captain UH-1D Slick Pilot 1966 has an updated MyPage using a photo from the 2022 Centaur Reunion.

Check out Gary's reunion video

 

 

 

Randy Baisden SP4 LOH Scout Platoon NCO Dec 71 to Dec 72 now has an updated MyPage using a photo from the 2022 Centaur Reunion. Be sure to see Randy's Reunion Videos below (Lady Ace Rescue Video & Quack Quack)

 

 

 

 

Peter "Pete" Holmberg 1LT LOH Scout Pilot Feb 72 to Sept 72 now has an updated MyPage using a photo from the 2022 Centaur Reunion. Four photos have been added to his MP's including the one on the left. Note the Broomstick Cyclic at the left seat.Click white arrows bottom right of his MyPage

Be sure to see Pete's Reunion Videos of the Lady Ace Rescue below.

 

 

Blane Kirby SP5 LOH Scout Observer/Gunner Aug 71 to Aug 72 has a new MyPage using a photo taken at the 2022 Centaur Reunion in Mesa, AZ.

Blane also did a very short introductory Video shown below in the War Stories section.

Blane provided the "Quack Quack" for Randy Baisden's story.

 

Michael M. "Grubby" Graff SP5 Crew Chief on UH-1H Slicks 1969 to 1970 now has a MyPage with three MP's.

Can you help us identify the other guys in his MP3?

Michael and his son Michael Graff have both contacted us with information and photos.

Note the configuration of his Huey with minigun door gun and Xeon light. Got to be some stories here.

 

 

James W. Voorhees, CPT Slick Platoon Leader 1971-72 was given a draft MyPage back in 2018, based on a photo from Peter Barber. It apparently got dropped thru the cracks and has now been reposted. Thanks to Pete Holmberg for finding that error. Pete continues to search for Voorhees.

 

 

 

Deceased

Charlie O. Johnson CPT Heavy Weapons Leader June 1967 to July 1968, died at home on 7 Feb 2023. HIs wife was with him. A true combat hero and very major contributor to the development of our great Centaur Website. He was the Webmaster of our site for many years, spending countless hours, and dollars, trying to reach all of our Centaur veterans and continuing expanding our website. His son Chuck Johnson stuck with his dad through some tough last years, and helped him to stay in touch with the Centaurs until the end. A screen shot of Johnson and Powell from a 1968 16mm combat film is added to the MP's of both men.

We ask those of you who knew Charlie to take a moment to look at his Info page on our website and add your comments by sending a note to the Webmaster (powellcentaur@gmail.com) for posting.

You may also want to add a comment to the tribute page at his final resting place: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/CHARLESORVALJOHNSON/a2b7da

Services: Funeral from KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Mon. Feb. 20,, Interment J.B. National Cemetery, Mehlville, MO 63129

 

Rolf Ertresvagg 1LT LOH Pilot. Deceased MyPage has been updated with info from the VHPA. No obituary was ever found. His name is added to a graphic showing crewmembers in the Lady Ace Rescue Video where he flew as the Observer for Pete Holmberg on the first couple of day missions.

 

 

 

Donnie L. Haynie CPT Cobra Pilot 1972 has his Deceased MyPage updated to include an InfoSheet. He died in 1984 and we still have very little information on him.

He was involved with the Lady Ace Mission.

 

 

Adding Comments to Centaur InfoSheets and Obituarys: We would like to invite and encourage you to take a minute or two to make comment (add memories) to the pages of your Vietnam buddies. Particularly on the Deceased Pages (Info/Obit). Even the smallest comment or memory posted can mean so much to family and friends. For such a small effort you can provide a wonderful and caring gift. It does not have to be a literary master piece. Just say what you can.

You also don't have to wait until someone is dead. If you find your Centaur friend is named on our roster but with no MyPage or Info sheet, you can make comment to help us remember him and to let others know that he is remembered. Just email any comments (or photos) to the Webmaster (powellcentaur@gmail.com) and he will post them for you, and link them to the mans name on the Roster.

 

War Stories

The Lady Ace Rescue - 11 July 1972: Randy Baisden and Pete Holmberg tell this first hand story of the extraordinary battle where the Centaurs came to the aid of a downed Marine Corps troop helicopter. Rex Gooch wrote a great article about it that is also posted here on our website.

Fred Ledfors and Frank Walker were given impact awards of the Silver Star the next day. That was quickly upgraded to the Distinguished Service Medal. A pending Medal of Honor upgrade has been in the mill for 51 yrs.

Documents supporting the Lady Ace Rescue story have been added to the Rex Gooch article for reference.

 

Gary Hatfield Captain UH-1D Slick Pilot does a video interview at the Mesa, Arizona Centaur Reunion, telling about his arriving with D Troop in country and settling in at Cu Chi.

Some of his crew members were Herb Beasley, Gary Brown and Mike Kramaczyk. Gary is now in contact with Gary Brown's son Eric.

 

 

Sapper Attack Revenge - 1971 Reunion Video Interview 2022. Don Borey CPT Cobra Pilot 1971 tells what happened the next night when they were able to locate the VC that did the Sapper Attack and take them out.

Story is linked to from Don's list of Articles and from John Taylor's MyPage

 

 

 

"Blackhat" ATC - 1971-72 was the radio call sign for the makeshift control tower (a water tower) for Tan My Airfield. Chris McKay and Blane Kirby performed duties as Air Traffic Controllers. See their stories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quack Quack at Tan My Airfield 1972 - A funny story told by Randy Baisden, LOH Scout Crew Chief, at the 2022 Centaur Reunion in Mesa Arizona. Blane Kirby was on his last month in country and pulling duty as the Tan My Air Traffic Controller.

 

 

 

 

Reunions

Centaur Veterans Day Reunion 9 to 12 November 2023 is starting to firm up. The new Holiday Inn, right on the Panama City Beach, is going to be the location. Sixty rooms are being set asside just for Centaurs and friends. Hospitality Room, free breakfast. Much more information to come as the planning continues.

It is not too far out to be thinking about it. We hope that you will at least mark your calendar and be giving it some serious thought.

Please send Jan White (our Reunion Host) an email soon and let him know you might make it!

"White, Jan" <jancwhite@msn.com>

 

Next Squadron Reunion (3/4 Cav) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, September 8 - 12, 2024. Planning in progress.

 

Glossary

Added terms: Call Out, Baby Son, Ba muoi lam, Barbecue, Beaucoup, Betel nut (“beetle nut”), Boom boom Girl, Broken arrow, Bullet Catcher, Bush, Butter Bar, Butterfly, Buy the Farm, Bravo-Zulu, Cheap Charlie, BTR, BMP, BRDM, trail, lead, T54, on the deck

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Centaur Website Newsletter - February 2023

index: News, Checking In, Help Find, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Reunions, Glossary

 

News

Bob Taylor trip to Hawaii: Maryanne and I just spent two weeks in Hawaii (PARC) with Mark Thomson and his wife Marion. We took the opportunity to visit the ¾ Cav’s squadron area at Schofield Barracks in the hope we could secure some of the squadrons newest shirts/hats. When they found out we were Vietnam era “Raiders” the whole day changed. We had the pleasure to meet the squadron CO, LTC Josh Suthoff, and almost all of his command staff. We were treated like royalty. They gave us a tour of the entire area where we were able to look at some squadron memorabilia. The CO’s Adjutant took pictures and you can view them on Facebook at 34CavRaiders.

The Letter of Appreciation from our LTC Glenn Otis to the Wolfhounds January 1968) for their actions during TET, is prominently displayed on the wall in their rec room/lounge, with a Plaque from the Wolfhounds

... D Troop as we knew it, is now Dakota Troop (still Centaurs) and their responsibility is maintenance. All air resources are tasked out of the Division and are stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield, across the road from Schofield. LTC Suthoff wanted to arrange a meet and greet over there but we had run out of time and our wives were waiting for us at the PX. It was a very proud and heartwarming day for both Mark and I.

Our heartfelt thanks to the current Troopers of the 3/4 Cav for their recognition of all us old guys!

Have you checked out the 3/4 Cav Website Sales Store lately? Some real nice things like these coins.

 

Checking In

James E. Whitman CPT LOH Platoon Ldr 1970-71. Now in Redding, CA. He will be sending us some pics. Still looking for his LOH Crew Chief "Abbie".

Warren Waite Cobra Line Chief 1968-69 checks in. He will be looking through old photos and notes to see if he can't add some details to the period where all the brand new Cobras came to us at Cu Chi (May-Jun1968)

John Jones: Civilian patch collector from UK. See his latest collection by going to VHPA.org, click on Helicopter units in Vietnam, then Patches and Unit Insignia. (or click here). NOTE: If you click on Manage Cookie Settings instead of Accept All Cookies, then Accept Selection, you can avoid the BonusPrint Website marketing cookies.

Michael Peake (our Historian) has purchased the VHPA DVD of Vietnam Aircraft Data and will be updating our website data as is appropriate. If you have notes or photos pertaining to any of our helicopter that is not already covered on the website, please get it to Mike at: "Peake, Michael" <thegermansons@yahoo.com>
Mike also reports that he has found 22 new aircraft listings, including 9 AH-IG Cobras.

Bob Acker SP5 UH-1 Crew Chief 1968-69 made some corrections on the website. Roger was corrected to "Rodger" Clark; Daniel Czeipiel name corrected to "Czepiel".

Lee Lilly SP5 Maintenance 1967-68 checks in with a new email address.

Finding Centaurs & Friends

Please consider spending some of your time seeking information, contacts, photos and such of your Centaur buddies that are not properly represented on our great Legacy Website. send info to powellcentaur@gmailcom

Searching for our James J. Smith listed on the Centaur Roster (DA305-3Apr67); the man pictured seems to match. But we have no confirmation.

Do you remember him? Obituary is listed at : https://www.doughertyfuneralhome.com/obituary/5826613. Additional info at: https://www.patriotguard.org/mission/james-j-smith-68-usa. contact powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

CPT Don Borey Cobra Pilot Mar 71 to Jan 72, provides two more photos for his Photo Album, both take at a USO show in the Lai Khe Officers Club (named After Dark). Photo on the left below (034) is Rudy Parris, James Whitman and Don Phillips. No one identified in the photo on the right (035). Recognize anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Webster, son of Robert L. Webster Jr Centaur LRRP (Jul 1966-April 67) writes to let us know that in the early morning hours of December 22nd he passed away in their home in San Francisco.  Can you provide us with any photos or information that we can use to create a MyPage for him?

We posted the notice mentioned above (Webster) in the last Newsletter but didn't receive any information as of yet. Marshall Huckaby is searching the LRRP files for information. He now has an Info/Obit page on our website linked to his name.

 

We posted this SlideShow "Who's Photos?" in the last Newsletter and have received some input that has been added. It is suspected that the photos belong to Kim Schmidgall.

Who owns these photos? Click here to see slideshow. John Jones (UK - BonusPrint Patches) provides these photos from an unknown source. "I came across a completed auction record, that appears to relate to the 'Centaurs' There were about 50 photos in various conditions, having removed, long shots, locals and poor condition types, I have tidied up 27 to a reasonable level. Because it is a dead ebay auction, we do not have details of the ebayseller or buyer. So we will need to glean information as best we can, from these now public domain images."

Please review the slideshow and provide any information you can about each slide. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

MyPages

 

William J. "Bill" Black SP4 Supply 1972 now has a draft MyPage thanks to Steven Lentz. He is linked to from the Centaur Roster. We don't have any other information on him.

 

 

 

 

Kenneth O. Hutchings SP5 Armament and Door Gunner 1970 - 71 now has a draft MyPage. He is mentioned in Joe Hoover's Sapper Attack Story.

Left voicemail message for him (Colorado)

 

 

 

 

Deceased

 

Daniel "Danny" Czepiel SGT Motor Pool 1968 died 17 December 2022. Danny was a proud member of our C Troop before comming to D Troop to recouperate from several combat wounds. He worked in the Motor Pool with Rodger "RD" Clark.

His Deceased MyPage links to his Info/Obit page and has one MP from Bob Acker

 

 

Edward G. Sojda SP4 1972 died 11 January 2023. A deceased MyPage is created using his photo from the 1972 F Troop Yearbook. His son Courtney notified us.

An Info/Obit page has been added (linked to his MyPage). We will seek more information to provide him with a more complete MyPage.

 

 

Gaylen Neil Randall CW2 UH-1D Pilot with the Aerorifles (Centaur 32) 1966 to March 1967 died 21 October 2022. Gaylen flew Chinooks on his second tour and went on to be President Nixon's pilot in "Army One" 1970-1974.

His last correspondence with us was in January 2009. It is posted on his Info/Obit page with his Obituary.

 

 

Paul Vincent Falcone SP4 Cook 75th Rangers 1969-70 died 5 January 2023. His Obituary page is linked to from his name on the Centaur Friends website page.

 

War Stories

Sapper Attack Lai Khe - 1971 by Don Borey. VC infiltrate the base and blow up some helicopters. A tough night for some.

Don mentions Rubin Gutierriz, Hubert McMinn, and Bob Maxey

Also see: "Sapper Attack" by Joe Hoover

 

 

New entry on Aircraft Tail Number Pages, OH-6A: 67-16153 added. See Marty Jenkins Photo Album 3 of 20.

Welcome Home 50 Years Later by Don Borey. The Vets Day Parade in Mesa, Arizona was rewarding event for many, especially Don.

Haircut by Tom Dooling. Do not wait until you are in the field to get your haircut.

 

Reunions

 

More After Action from the 2022 Centaur Vets Day Reunion In Mesa, Arizona:

This is a Slideshow of the folks who attended this great reunion. We still need some photos of people that were there but photos were not provided. Those of you who attended, please go back through your photos and see if you can't help us out here. We would like for everyone that attended to be represented. Need: David Hopper Guests; Sandy Baisden and Guests; Susan Kennedy; Jan White's son.

 

 

Glossary

Added to the Glossary - JOES (Jungle Operations Extraction System) and Mermite Can

This system, similiar to Stabo and McGuire rigs, is called JOES (Jungle Operations Extraction System).

See FM 90-5 Jungle Operations page C-12

Photo from Kim Schmidgall MP1. Also added to Bill Byers page.

 

 

Any suggestions for our Glossary? Remember that words/phrases/acronyms in our Glossary are defined as we saw them during our Air Cavalry Tours. Will one of you provide me with the words to properly define "Jump TOC".

 

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Centaur Website Newsletter - January 2023

 

News

Dwight W. Birdwell SP5, C Troop, 3/4 Cav, 25th Inf Div, at long last received his Medal Of Honor from President Biden on 5 July 2022 at the White House. Our Squadron Commander Glenn Otis worked for decades after the war to get Birdwell’s Silver Star from the Battle for Saigon (TET Offensive) upgraded to the Medal of Honor. He is the 33rd Native American (Cherokee) to earn the Medal of Honor. Also see VFW MAGAZINE, JANUARY 2023, pages 28-29

Birdwell co-wrote the book "A Hundred Miles of Bad Road", which detailed his experiences in Vietnam. 

Dwight is currently the Vice President of the 3/4 Cav Chapter.

See the story "Vinatexco Textile Factory 31 Jan 1968" by John Kelly.

See the story "Very Hot Resupply & Medevac- Tet 68" by Mike Siegel . In the Dwight Birdwell MOH citation he mentions running to a crashed Huey and getting two machine guns and ammo to continue his fight.

Centaur Bill Gold and copilot (?) volunteered to fly a slick full of ammo and guns to the beleaguered C Troop. He followed Mike Siegel in the lead Huey. Gold was shot down and crashed; then rescued by Siegel and his copilot Dennis Anspach. Siegel did this all day (6 to 8 trips) losing two aircraft to combat damage. MyPage links updated.

 

 

Featured 8mm film by James Powell (not a Centaur). Great live actions of C model Guns and their missions (1968 - 28 min) Click Here or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5UwdhGPVEQ.

 

 

 

 

Who owns these photos? Click here to see slideshow. John Jones (UK - BonusPrint Patches) provides these photos from an unknown source. "I came across a completed auction record, that appears to relate to the 'Centaurs' There were about 50 photos in various conditions, having removed, long shots, locals and poor condition types, I have tidied up 27 to a reasonable level. Because it is a dead ebay auction, we do not have details of the ebayseller or buyer. So we will need to glean information as best we can, from these now public domain images."

Please review the slideshow and provide any information you can about each slide. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Input so far: x02 - the Loach on the trailer is Iron Butterfly; x12 - guy on the right may be Jim Tonelli; x15 - This might be Tom Olsson

 

John Jones (UK - BonusPrint Patches) - Notifies us of an ICCS - JCC Conference titled "1973: The Paris Peace Accords and the Allied Withdrawal from South Vietnam" March 2-4, 2023, in Lubbock, Texas (Proposal deadline is 15 Jan 2023). (note: see Centaur Article)

 

Index of Articles Pages (Linked to from some MyPages): Articles and Video titles are listed on the right side of the MyPages and linked to the appropriate stories. On some MyPages the man has more articles and videos than can be displayed in that space. Those MyPages have their many stories and video titles moved to a seperate linked page called the Index of Articles Page. An example is Don Borey's MyPage where the button "Click Here More Articles by Borey" takes you to his Index of Articles page. (see also Alto, Allcock, Dooling, Eastes, Fleming, Graham, Harrison, and Marcinkowski, MyPages).

 

Checking In

Mike Siegel CW2 Slick Pilot 1967-68 Centaur 36: "Re Birdwell story, Dennis Anspach was my copilot that day, and many other days. Aside about Bill Gold. It seemed like we were on the ground forever and the bad guys were to our right side. You can appreciate how loud it was. (We took 37 hits). Suddenly there was a very loud banging on my door. It was Gold who said something like “ I broke mine. Can I have a ride?” Scared the hell out of me. We were happy to oblige. I can’t comment on Birdwells statement about grabbing an M60 out of Golds aircraft because it was all behind me. I recall taking out Gold and his copilot, filling the rest of our ship with wounded, and leaving Gold’s gunner and crew chief to become infantrymen. I’m not certain if we left our guys or not. Super Sarge (Richard Stegner) was my gunner that day and he would know. I do recall him using his M60 almost Rambo like. He was a warrior!"

 

Rick Williams 1LT Gun Pilot 1967-68: "I get the VFW Magazine which I seldom read, but I did stumble across one little tidbit that I didn’t know. As of August, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial announced that they now have a picture associated with every name (58,281) on the wall. You can find this at https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/
.....For example: https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/45989/MARK-V-SCHMIDT/
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/34868/JAMES-E-MOORE/"

 

John Webster, son of Robert L. Webster Jr Centaur LRRP (Jul 1966-April 67) writes to let us know that in the early morning hours of December 22nd he passed away in their home in San Francisco. Can you provide us with any photos or information that we can use to create a MyPage for him?

 

MyPages

 

Dwight W. Birdwell SP5 Tank Crewmember C Troop, 3/4 Cav, 25th Inf Div has a Centaur Friends MyPage and is listed on the Friends Roster.

Read more about him and his Medal Of Honor in the News section of this Newsletter.

 

 

 

Amy and Mike Morris, American Legion Post 65 "Kentucky Woman" Cobra Display have been added to our Centaur Friends Roster.

 

 

 

 

Deceased

Howard K. "Keith" Rice CW2 Aerorifles Pilot 1968 died 14 December 2022 from terminal cancer. Photos and information for his Deceased MyPage and Info/Obituary page provided by his son-in-law Greg McDaniel.

Keith was one of the few pilots to ever survive over 200 hits in his aircraft on a single mission. See The An Duc Extraction war story.

 

 

War Stories

 

My VIP Arrival At Cu Chi - 2022 Centaur Reunion Mov Marty Jenkins 1LT LOH Scout Pilot 1969 Centaur 14 tells about his special treatment upon his arrival by XO Moose Marcinkowski.

 

 

 

8mm Film Cobra Bomb Damage Assessment - mid 1971 Shot by Bob Jones from the front seat of his Cobra. Link added to Don Phillips and John Taylor MyPages and film added to the War Stories Video Page.

News Video of VHPA 2015 Reunion: Vet inteviews including Bob Jones. Added to the War Stories Video Page

Bob Jones and Don Borey have new MyPages.

 

Don Borey War Story Essays:

Blessed to be a Centaur: The long path from May 1968 to getting my wings and becoming a Centaur

Remembering Skip Petrie: Cobra Gun Platoon Leader CPT Eudelmer D. "Skip" Petrie

Banned from the Long Binh O'Club: The Club was a lot more formal than our rowdy Lai Khe Club

Leaving Vietnam: January 1972 a radio call on a mission tells me I am going home

 

Reunions

Just in case you missed it, here is the Movie created from photos and videos of the Centaurs Vets Day Reunion, Phoenix, AZ 2022

 

 

Next Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion will be held in Panama City, Florida 9 to 12 November 2023.

 

Next Squadron Reunion (3/4 Cav) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, September 2024. Planning in progress.

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Centaur Website Newsletter - December 2022

index: News, Checking In, Help Find, MyPages, Deceased, War Stories, Shirts & Hats

 

News

Click here to download a higher resolution version of this group pic for printing

What a fabulous Reunion it was!! Many thanks to Jim & Sandy Walt, Tom & Linda Dooling, Marty & Charlotte Jenkins, and their wonderful group of Volunteers! Special mention for Gary & JoAnne Jones and Bob & Dee Forringer. Thanks to Maureen Martin, JoAnne Jones and Don Borey for their great photos and movies that were used in making the After Action Video. A more detailed reunion Photo Album will be created later adding those photos from Marty Jenkins and Herb Beasley; and any others who might send some in. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Checking In

Thomas Finnie SGT Aerorifles 1971, checks in and tells us about Thomas M. Vreeland dying. Vreeland was not on our Centaur Roster. He has been added along with an obituary. Need Photos

Ken Hundt CW2 Cobra Pilot Jan to Dec 1972, checks in with info on the ferrying flight from Long Binh to Phu Bai then Tan My. Also points out SCAS info from Ken Mick in Easter Offensive story.

Leon Bond SP4 Company Clerk 1971-72 sends a current photo for his MyPage

Geoff Zorger CW2 Nighthawk Pilot Dec 68 to Aug 69 checks in and provides tribute to Garrett "Moose" Marcinkowski our great Executive Officer. Story added to Wars Story Discussion page and to both MyPages.

William R. "Bill" Malloy WO1 1972 checks in and has an InfoSheet and two MPs.

 

Finding Centaurs & Friends

 

Bill Malloy photo background shows sign of F Troop 1SGT as SFC Rance. We have no first name or other info on him.

Can you help us locate more info on SFC Rance?

 

 

 

 

Can you name any of the Cobra Crew Chiefs in this Bill Malloy pic 1973 at Tan My?

On Bill's MyPage click the white arrows in lower right to see this pic as his MP1.

 

 

The Mystery of Australian CPL Phillip John McGuire (1972-73). Centaurs of that time frame please review this article and see if you can help with some answers.

 

MyPages

William R. "Bill" Malloy WO1 Cobra Pilot 1972-1973 now has a MyPage, MP1 and 2; and InfoSheet Notice in the MP1 that SFC Rance is listed as the First Sergeant. We have nothing on him. Can you help?

 

 

 

 

 

Leon Bond SP4 Company Clerk Jan 1971 to Jan 1972 has a revised MyPage with current photo. Leon may have more photos for us later.

 

 

 

 

Roland "Dee" DeLeon SP6 Maintenance Tech Inspector 1972 has an updated MyPage with current photo and colorized Yearbook photo.

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth W. Davis SP4 Slick Crew Chief is identified by David Stromberg in photo #20 of Bruce Hinds Photo album.

 

 

 

 

Gregory S. "Greg" Jones CPT Cobra Pilot 1972-73 has a revised MyPage and added InfoSheet

"I was on the last flight out of Saigon before Nixon announced the cease fire which froze everything for several weeks"

Awaiting photos

 

Deceased

Garrett C. "Moose" Marcinkowski Cobra Pilot and Troop XO July 1968 to July 1969, died 11 Oct 2022.

Be sure to go to his Obit page on the internet and click on the 15 min Tribute movie (click & scroll down to movie)

See "Our Great XO Moose" story by Geoff Zorger & others

Type site:centaursinvietnam.org marcinkowski into Google Search in your browser to see how many times Moose is mentioned on our website.

 

Thomas M. Vreeland, 75, Aerorifle Platoon 1971 to 1972 (rank not known) of Mutton Hill Rd., Cazenovia, NY, passed away Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at home with his family with him. We need a Nam photo of him.

Was added to our roster by Tom Finnie. Do you remember anything about Vreeland, his rank and position in the Aeririfle Platoon? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

Rodney D. Lacewell CW2 Scout Pilot 1972 died 8 November 2022. An Info Sheet and Obituary is posted. He was on Facebook but not active with our website.

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Kramarczyk Sr SP4 Aerorifleman and Slick Door Gunner May 1965 to Sep 1966 died on 25 November 2022. Be sure to watch the video interview he did at the 2014 Reunion in San Antonio where he talks of his great crewmembers and pilots. Mike went through the Army's Shotgun (Door Gunner) program on his way to Nam. Note that Mike served in A Trp before transferring to D Trp.  He was in A Trp HQ plt on A1 vehicle and 1st Plt on A10 track. (Thanks to Herb Beasley and John Moore)

 

War Stories

Ferrying Aircraft From Stanford Field (Long Binh) to DaNang (Tan My) story has comments added.

 

 

The AH-1 Helicopter Name - Conflict of Tradition? by Michael Peake (Lloyd Allred video).

How did the AH-1 Helicopter get named the "Cobra"? Wasn't it suppose to be an Indian name like everything else?

Might have been since the aircrafts first formal combat assignment was with the 114th AHC call sign Cobras

 

Our Great XO Moose story by Geoff Zorger with comments from Tom Fleming, John Moore and Tom Meeks.

 

Reunions

Next Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion will be held in Panama City, Florida 9 to 12 November 2023.

Next Squadron Reunion (3/4 Cav) will be held in San Antonio, Texas, September 2024. Planning in progress.

 

Centaur Hats and Shirts

Click here