189th Aviation Company

History

Constituted 23 September 1942 in the Army of the United States as the 2027^th Quartermaster Truck Company, Aviation.

Activated 5 October 1942 at Lockbourne Army Air Base, Ohio.

Inactivated 20 February 1946 in the Philippine Islands.

Converted and re-designated 1 August 1946 as the 2027^th Transportation Company (Aviation).

Re-designated 1 November 1966 as the 189^th Aviation Company, allotted to the Regular Army, and activated at Fort Carson, Colorado.

Entered the Vietnam Conflict May 1967 and assigned to the 52d Combat Aviation Battalion at Camp Holloway, Pleiku, Vietnam.

The 189^th was just one (1) unit of the largest Aviation Battalions ever formed; the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion (CAB) “The Flying Dragons” was subordinate to the 17^th Combat Aviation Group (CAG). The 17^th CAG was subordinate to the 1^st Aviation Brigade, the largest Army Aviation organization formed since World War II. The 1^st Aviation Brigade was comprised of several Groups, each having several Battalions.

Inactivated 15 March 1971 in Vietnam.

Assigned 19 February 1986 to the 3d Armored Division and activated in Germany.

Inactivated 16 July 1987 in Germany.

189^th Campaign Participation Credit

World War – AP

New Guinea

Leyte

Vietnam

Counteroffensive, Phase II

Counteroffensive, Phase III

Tet Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase IV

Counteroffensive, Phase V

Counteroffensive, Phase VI

Tet 69/Counteroffensive

Summer-Fall 1969

Winter-Spring 1970

Sanctuary Counteroffensive

Counteroffensive, Phase VII

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 October 1944 to 4 July 1945.

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered Vietnam 1967-1968.

Presidential Unit Citation, October 29, 1967 to 30 November 1967. DA GO 38 Dated 20 July 1971

Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered Vietnam 1970

The 189^th Aviation Company History

1966

The 189^th Aviation Company (AML) was activated by Department of the Army with Fifth Army General Order 236, dated 19 September 1966, to take effect on 1 November 1966 at Fort Carson, Colorado. Shortly before Thanksgiving the U.S. Army began assembling a group of aviators at Ft. Carson, Colorado. The mountainous area around Ft. Carson, it was hoped, would give the aviators a certain degree of training in mountain flying before being deployed to its ultimate destination, the Central Highlands, Republic of Vietnam.

Captain Victor Hamilton, Infantry commanded the unit, who proceeded in organizing the unit under TO&E 1-77E (Modified). Under his command the unit was open for the receipt of incoming personnel and equipment.

1 December 1966: Major Robert Bagley, assumed command. Under his guidance, request for additional equipment was submitted. A training program was established, the airfield operations elements were established, and unit training begin.

9 December 1966: The 189^th was reorganized under TO&E 1-77G (Modified) as directed by General Order 427, Fifth Infantry Division and Fort Carson, Colorado. Under the new TO&E, the 189^th was authorized a Company Headquarters, two (2) Airlift Platoons, a Gun Platoon and a Service Platoon. The 604^th Maintenance Detachment, the 519^th Medical Detachment and the 6^th Signal Detachment provided the unit additional support.

Under TO&E 1-77G, the 189^th was to prepare for deployment on a date yet undisclosed.

Being one of the first Army units to receive the new UH-IH Huey, the area was also ideal for testing the new H Model at mountainous elevations. Sister companies, the 187^th & 188^th were also forming and receiving H models at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky during the same time period. All new aircraft were picked up from the factory in Ft. Worth, Texas and ferried to Fort Carson, CO.

12 December 1966: The 189^th began its formal training. The first week dealt primarily with basic required subjects, such as Code of Conduct, Geneva Convention, etc. The next few months or so were spent doing supply actions, as the unit was to deploy with full organic equipment. Each day began with physical training capped with an increasing longer run around post. As this was winter in Colorado physical training was suspended on those mornings when the temperature dropped below 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

17 December 1966: The Christmas Holidays began, and all formal training ceased for two weeks.

The initial pilots of the 189^th were an odd lot. There were seven fixed & rotary wing rated Majors assigned to the unit. Many of the Majors in the unit were primarily “old” fixed-wing drivers and were not particularly overjoyed with the idea of going to Vietnam with a helicopter outfit. The remaining aviators, both lieutenants and warrant officers were fresh out of flight school. While lacking maturity and flight experience, they were an enthusiastic and gung-ho group. Only three personnel, two Warrant Officers and a crew chief had seen prior service in Vietnam.

21 December 1966: Major John J. Webster, TC assumed command of the Company. During the remainder of 1966, the unit was primarily involved with aircraft checkouts required for aviators in the UH-IC and UH-IH

.

After the Christmas Holidays, training became serious under ATP 1-77G and continued until April 1967.

1967

1 January 1967: The following personnel filled the key positions within the Company:

Commanding Officer: Major John Webster

Executive Officer: Major Robert T. Bagley

First Sergeant: 1SGT Alfred

Operations Officer: Major Richard V. Coulter

Intelligence Officer: Major Jesse E. Stewart

First Airlift Platoon Leader: Captain Jack W. Blien

Second Airlift Platoon Leader: Major Albert H. Kraph

Gun Platoon Leader: Captain Pinckney C. Cochran

Service Platoon Leader: Captain Wilbur R. Mixier

The associated detachments and their initial commanders were:

604^th Maintenance Detachment: Major Richard D. Caldwell

519^th Medical Detachment: WOI Daniel J. Bainey

6^th Signal Detachment: 2d Lt. James R. Conley

3 January 1967: Scheduled training resumed. In preparation for deployment, the unit began a series of field exercises the first week of 1967. While the snow and ice posed many problems, the improved engines in the UH-IH performed magnificently. As part of the exercise, the gun platoon was conducting its weapons training and learning about the ways of war and survival. The first week of the New Year was devoted to basic required subjects.

11 January 1967: Formal flight training began at section and platoon levels encompassing such subjects as Navigation, Instrument Proficiency, Night and Formation Flying, Flying with Loads, Gunship Tactics and Air mobile Operations.

20 January 1967: The first company-size Air mobile Operation was conducted and was followed by three (3) more prior to the Field Training Exercise (FTX) portion of unit training.

31 January 1967 – 6 February 1967: As part of the exercise, the gun platoon was conducting its weapons training. Gunnery training (7.62 systems) was conducted. During the period, all gunnery personnel were qualified in the XM-21 and XM-23 systems.

7-9 February 1967: Found the unit in the field for the first time where emphasis was placed on operation of a tactical landing area, security of the area, operational reaction time, re-supply, medical evacuation, and section and platoon-size Air mobile Operations with armed escort.

14-16 February 1967: The unit again operated from the field. Emphasis was placed on the first operation, for the purpose of reducing mission reaction time.

20 February 1967: Found the 189^th in the field: this time for a five (5) day exercise. During that period, the company provided aviation support to the 2/llth Infantry in its Advanced Infantry Training (AIT) cycle. Emphasis was placed on platoon and company-sized operations, re-supply, medical evacuation and a night move in preparation for the forth-coming Army Training Test (ATT) cycle. The unit was observed throughout the operation by ranking personnel who seemed pleased with the unit’s progress. Even though the unit was testing the new aircraft during Colorado’s winter, they felt sure that the added power of the H model would perform just as effectively in the real test which lay ahead, the hot jungle of Vietnam.

During the same period, the Gun Platoon participated in firing of the 2.75 Rocket System and the M-5 (40mm) Grenade Launcher. With the completion of this training, the company looked forward to the ATT.

1-3 March 1967: The ATT was conducted under conditions simulating combat. During the three-day period, the unit and supporting detachments were judged combat ready in all phases of the testing.

With the completion of the ATT, the 189^th Aviation Company (AML) began preparations for it’s overseas assignment. The unit was notified of over-seas redeployment by the Fifth Infantry Division and Fort Carson Movement Order #5. With the issuance of movement Order #5, the unit began processing all equipment for repair and final inspection.

The arduous task of loading several hundred CONEX containers then fell to the troops. Every CONEX had to have specific markings and a manifest detailing its contents. This was complicated somewhat by the units determination to circumvent regular supply channels and commandeer as much station property from Ft. Carson as possible. Who was to know what lie ahead? Vehicles were prepared and loaded aboard trains for shipment to the point of debarkation.

16 March 1967: The Gun Platoon departed Fort Carson with eight (8) UH-IC’s and headed for Sharp Army Depot in Stockton CA. The aircraft were to be processed for overseas shipment not later than 21 March 1967. On 17 March the Gun Platoon reported departing El Paso International, ETA Yuma, Arizona. After the gun platoon departed Yuma on the morning of the 18^th they were flying low level skimming above the desert at about 50 feet. One of the AVENGERS looked up and saw a small camper trailer parked in the middle of nowhere. It was determined that they all would fly by to check it out. As the flight approached the trailer, a person could be seen sleeping on the roof in a lounge chair. Suddenly eight (8) helicopters flew over him at about 50 feet the last copter reported him on the ground heading toward a huge cactus with brown spots in his shorts. Many fun things took place on the trip, but this was the highlight. The transfer of “C” Models was completed upon arrival, 18 March 1967 at Sharp Army Depot, Stockton, California.

28 March 1967: Additional movement instructions were received. All vehicles and CONEXED equipment were port called for NLT 12 April. To meet the 12 April port call, rail cars were loaded 6 April for movement on 7 April.

29 March 1967: Requirements for the advance part were partially finalized. The number in the party was limited to five and included:

Major Richard V. Coulter, Operations and OIC

Major Jesse E. Stewart, Training and Intelligence

Captain Ernest R. Bowling, Communications

Captain Phillip Ashley, Maintenance

Captain Darrell Waite, Supply

21 April 1967: The advance party was alerted and departed Fort Carson at 0620 hours on 23 April. The party arrived at and departed Travis Air force Base that same day for Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. Arrival time at Cam Ranh Bay was 0500 hours, 25 April. From there, the advance part was processed through the 17^th Aviation Group and finally arrived at its new station, Pleiku, Vietnam on 27 April. The unit was assigned to the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion and was re-designated as the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company, APO San Francisco 96318.

As the end of April approached and with the final shipment of the units equipment, the men were given their last leave and told to report back by the 1^st of May for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam.

3 May 1967: The unit was broken into contingents and began departing via U.S. Air force C-141 Starlifter. While en-route to Pleiku AFB, Vietnam with intermediate stops at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and Yokoda, Japan. The sweltering heat of Pleiku was indeed a change from the cold mountain air of Colorado where it had snowed the day before.

May being late in the dry season, the unit had a few days to move into Camp Holloway and get tents setup before the monsoon rains set in. Having evolved into the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company upon arrival in Vietnam, the unit was assigned to the 52^nd Combat Aviation Battalion.

The unit was assigned a bare piece of ground alongside the runway as a permanent bivouac area. Seeing that the assigned area lay outside of the Battalion’s perimeter, the first order of business was to extend the barded wire to encompass the unit’s new home. Tents were erected and sandbagged. Officers and enlisted personnel shared equally in the backbreaking task of filling sand bags with the red clay of Pleiku. Revetments for the slicks were built of perforated steel planking (PSP), soil and sandbags. The aviators alternated days working on construction and days flying as copilots with sister companies in order to learn the area around Pleiku and gain some experience flying in a combat environment.

The remainder of the body arrived at the new location the on 6^th and 7^{th .} Shortly thereafter, the TO&E equipment, less aircraft, arrived. Finally the 189^th neared an operational readiness goal.

22 May 1967: Saw the arrival of the unit’s helicopters at the Port of Vung Tau, a coastal city in II Corps and also an in country R&R site. Much excitement accompanied the crews fortunate enough to RON at the old French hotel, sample the local Bier 33 and consort for the first time with the local Vietnamese bar girls. It was a welcome respite from the heat and red dust of Pleiku. Vung Tau was relatively peaceful at the time and the rule was no side arms openly displayed while out on the town. Being new in country, most of the 189^th troops elected to go out armed but concealed, rather than surrender the newly issued Smith & Wesson revolvers. Wanting to depart Vung Tau with the proper amount of flourish, the unit’s first real in-country flight was a full company formation flight from Vung Tau up the coast to Cam Ranh Bay, Quin Nhon and thence inland over Route 19 through the An Khe and Ming Yang passes to Pleiku. A full-scale flyby at Camp Holloway was made to announce the presence of a brash new kid on the block to both local VC and sister companies.

The first ten (10) aircraft arrived, and the following day eleven (11) more H models and six (6) UH-IC’s arrived; to be followed by two (2) more H models on the 24^th. The remaining two (2) UH-IC’s were scheduled to arrive the 25^th of May 1967.

With the arrival of equipment and personnel, the company was given an operational readiness date of 15 June 1967. Operational requirements demanded that the transition be made as quickly as possible into a full-scale combat flying unit. It is significant to note that both the aircraft commanders and pilots of most crews had very little, if any, combat experience, yet they went directly into flying operational missions.

27 May 1967: UH-IH, 66-1065 crashed in the ocean and aircraft caught fire while on a courier and re-supply mission. WO Herbert A. Ripka, was the unit’s first in-country fatality. Although he was initially reported missing in the over water accident, three (3) days later, his body was washed ashore, and he was pronounced dead from drowning.

1 June 1967: The first DEROS took place in the 189^th as a result, new personnel assumed key positions as follows:

Intelligence Officer: .............................Captain Michael Howe

1^st Airlift Platoon Commander: ............Captain Eugene Malcoff

2^nd Airlift Platoon Commander: .........Captain Darrell Waite

Gun Platoon Commander: ................ Captain Rupert Bowling

During the first part of June, the 189^th Assault Helicopter Company was assigned radio call signs. The gun ship pilots with their usual hefty amount of bravado decided to seek their combat fortunes using the call sign ‘AVENGERS’. Their platoon patch would feature the grim reaper holding a scythe on top of a coffin. The slick pilots followed the theme by selecting ‘GHOST RIDER’ as their call sign and characterized by a patch featuring a ghost armed with a .30 caliber machine gun alongside a slick. It then followed logically, to name the revetment area, where the slicks parked their aircraft, the ‘GRAVEYARD’. The gun platoons C (Charlie) model gun ships were unable to park there. When fully loaded with ammunition the Charlie models were not able to hover high enough to clear the barbed wire apron that surrounded the ‘GRAVEYARD’. Instead the Charlie models were kept in an area easily accessible to the runway. This area became known as the ‘ARSENAL’.

The First and Second Airlift Platoons had their own distinctive patch. The First Airlift was known as “Silver Flight” their patch was a blue lightning bolt with silver lettering “SILVER FLIGHT 1^st A/L”. The Second Airlift was known as “Scarlet Flight” they had the same lightning bolt shape but it was red in color with white lettering “SCARLET FLIGHT 2^nd AL”. Their patches represented the swift and sudden striking force of lightning, which was the job of the lift platoons “get in and out quick”.

The Maintenance Platoon also adopted their own unique patch and call sign “CARETAKER”. It’s patch depicted the powerful Condor on top of a mountain keeping vigil over it’s young one which, in this case, is a UH-1H helicopter. The patch emphasizes the care of the Condor, yet it can be one of the fiercest fighters in the sky.

15 June 1967: The 189^th AHC became operational. The combat training was completed and the company assumed its place as a combat ready unit in the 52^nd CAB. The 189^th AHC was placed in direct support of the 4^th Inf Div. missions assignments consisted of C&C, re-supply, and combat assaults.

To prevent a major reorganization of the unit when the original members returned to the states after their one-year tour ended, pilots with varying DEROS dates were infused from other units. To make up for these newer members, some of the original men were transferred out to other units.

Mission: The mission of the 189^th AHC was to provide tactical air movement of combat troops in air mobile operations, tactical air movement of combat supplies and equipment within the combat zone, combat assault support to combat troops, medical evacuations, reconnaissance, command and control, liaison, and logistics and administration missions.

Terrain: The II Corps Tactical Zone, where Pleiku is located and where 189th AHC rendered the majority of it's support, covered an area of 32,725 square miles or 49% of the land area of South Vietnam. Its western border is 342 miles long and in common with Laos and Cambodia. The eastern border is approximately 400 miles of coastline bordering on the South China Sea. The area is 40 miles wide in the north and 142 miles wide in the south. The area is politically divided into the provinces of Kontum, Binh Dinh, Pleiku, Phu Bon, and Phy Yen in the 22nd ARVN Divisional Tactical Zone, and Darlac, Kanh Hoa, Quang Duc, Tuyen Duc, Nunh Thuan, Lam Dong, and Binh Thuan in the 23rd ARVN Divisional Tactical Zone. Geographically, this area may be divided into three (3) major areas:

Coastal Plain

The coastal plain is the narrow strip of long flat, often marshy terrain, not more than twenty (20) miles wide from the sea island. This area is formed by a series of numerous river deltas interrupted by rocky ridgelines running steeply to the sea. This is almost entirely under cultivation, with four (4) rice crops a year.

Mountain Region

The mountain region extends from north to south almost the entire length of the II Corps Tactical Zone. Elevations range from 3,000 to 8,000 feet, with the eastern slopes quite steep and the western slopes more gradual. Rain forests cover three quarters of this area with most of the remainder covered with open, deciduous growth. Cultivation is limited to small, cleared areas on relatively flat lands. Flying in this area is very hazardous with forced landing areas practically non-existent, ceilings frequently very low and the winds are unpredictable.

Plateau Region

The Plateau Region is located west of the mountains and is comprised of the Kontum Plateau in the north and the Darlac Plateau in the south. This region has altitudes ranging from 1.000 to 3,000 feet with gently rolling hills and much open area. Where the soil is not under cultivation, a thick growth of grass, to a height of eight to ten feet covers the ground. Where adequate drainage is provided, this area will support four vegetable crops yearly.

The principal cities of this area are Phan Thiet, Phan Rang, Nha Trang, and Qui Nhen are on the coastal plain; Dalat is in the mountains, and Ban Me Thuet, Pleiku and Kontum are in the Plateaus. The major routes of this area are:

Route #1 Saigon – Da Nang (coastal route)

Route #11 Dalat – Phan Rang

Route #14 Saigon – Ban Me Thuot – Pleiku – Kontum

Route #19 Pleiku – Qui Nhon

Route #20 Saigon – Dalat

Route #21 Ban Me Thuot – Nha Trang

The Republic’s major rail line parallels Route #1 along its entire length with one spur line from Phan Rang to Dalat. The logistical and communication complex at Cam Ranh Bay is located between Phan Rang and Nha Trang.

Weather: Weather throughout the area can be divided into the summer monsoons, June through September, and the winter monsoons, November through April, with the months of May and October as periods of transition. During the summer monsoons the wind is southwesterly, causing cloud buildups on the western slopes of the mountains. This results are a rainy season for the plateaus and mountain areas during the summer months, while the coastal provinces have clear skies and good flying weather. The winter monsoons bring a northeasterly flow with the conditions reversed. The coastal provinces of Binh Thuan and Nhin Thuan are not affected by either monsoon seasons and have generally clear weather year round. Average rainfall in the mountain and plateau areas are 92 inches, and on the coastal plain 87 inches. The temperature on the coastal plain ranges from the mid 70’s to the high 80’s during the rainy season and low 80’s to high 90’s during the dry season. The mountains and plateaus experience temperatures from the mid 50’s to mid 80’s during the wet season, and low 60’s to a 90 plus during the dry season. Winds are normally gusty at 10 – 15 knots with velocity increasing with altitude. In the Kontum, Pleiku area, surface winds of 25 – 45 knots are common in the fall of the year.

For the most part, flying conditions due to weather and terrain are unfavorable for the majority of the year in this area. Due to the combination of monsoon, heat, dust, dense jungle, altitudes and density altitude, it is easy to see why the II Corps Tactical Zone gained the reputation for being an aviator’s nightmare.

The first series of operations that the 189^th participated in supported the 1^st Bge 4^th Inf Div based in the school house of the abandoned hamlet of LeThan, better known to the Americans as Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole lies west of the Cateeka Tea Plantation and was very near the Cambodian border.

Single ship hover hole landing zones (LZ’S) were encountered for the first time. Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP) insertions and extractions, medical evacuations and occasional hostile fire, all provided necessary learning situations for the still unseasoned 189^th pilots.

1 July 1967: Major Bobby Sanders assumed command of the 189^th.

7 July 1967: The first aircraft hit by hostile fire was GHOSTRIDER 174 while on a combat assault in support of the 1^st Cavalry Division northeast of Kontum. One (1) small arms round hit the aircraft in its tail section.

10 July 1967: Hill 830 is approximately 14 kilometers from the Cambodian Border and sits astride a major exit from the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The 4^th Bn 503^rd Inf of the 173^rd Abn engaged a large, well dug-in NVA force. AVENGER guns supported the operation in a fierce two (2) day battle. The BN suffered 24 KIA and 62 WIA. They found a total of nine (9) NVA dead after the battle.

13 July 1967: While in support of the 4^th Inf Div In the vicinity of Due Co, the ground troops made contact with a superior force and were in desperate need of support. CPT. Hooper flying AVENGER 691 serving as team leader of a fire team arrived in the area and immediately directed and applied suppressive fire on the enemy positions and forced the enemy to break contact with the friendly forces. While his wingman AVENGER 693 provided suppressive fire, CPT. Hooper went into a small landing zone to evacuate a seriously wounded soldier. The AVENGERS claimed the first enemy kills of the company. One (1) NVA, KIA was confirmed and an estimated thirty (30) NVA KIA, were unconfirmed. CPT. Lynn C, Hooper was awarded the DFC for his part in the action.

17 July 1967: MAJ. Robert Bagley, the Executive Officer, was reassigned to IFFV. CPT. Michael Howe assumed the Executive Officer position and LT Lonnie Welch replaced CPT. Howe as the Intelligence Officer.

30 July 1967: CPT. Lynn Hooper assumed command of the Gun Platoon, replacing CPT. Ernest R. Bowling.

31 July 1967: While in support of the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDER 529 crashed and burned approximately ten miles south west of Camp Holloway. Killed in the accident was WO Arnold 0. Nakkerud (AC), WO Glen Shropshire (P), and SP4 Donald W. Hart (G). The (CE) PFC Robert E. Keyes stated that the aircraft inadvertently went IFR during a low level pass and struck a tree in a descending left turn attempting to return to VFR conditions PFC Robert E. Keyes was seriously injured and evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital.

3 August 1967: In the morning a CIDG company made contact with two (2) NVA companies one (1) km west of Dak Seang. A relief force also found itself under attack. Not until early afternoon did the fight end. Almost every night during the last half of July, both Dak Seang and Dak Pek had been pounded by mortar, rocket and RR fire.

4 August 1967: As a result of the fighting on 3 August and with the ARVN 42d Regt and two (2) ARVN airborne battalions moving to reinforce Dak Seang. The 189^th airlifted the 1/503^rd Abn Bn of the 173^rd Abn out of the jungle near Hill 830 and inserted them at Dak Pek. The 189^th also conducted a CA for 5^th SFG in vicinity Buon Ho. 177 pax in 168 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

6 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Francis Marion they moved 450 pax in 327 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

7 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Francis Marion moving 410 pax in 218 sorties. The assault was conducted with on incidents and negative contact.

10 August 1967: GHOSTRIDER 169 was completely destroyed by fire at Hensel AAF. There were no injuries; all crewmembers were out of the aircraft at the time. Aircraft 169 was shut down while being loaded with CS grenades. The grenades were dropped causing several to ignite catching the aircraft on fire.

11 August 1967: AVENGER 552 flying at 1000 feet and seventy (70) knots, received small arms fire in the cockpit and main rotor blade. One (1) person on board was wounded, the aircraft continued to fly.

13 August 1967: Two (2) 189^th gun ships received three (3) hits from automatic weapons fire in support of Francis Marion. No injuries were encountered and aircraft continued to fly.

17 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Francis Marion. 267 pax 81 sorties. The assault was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

17 August 1967: 189^th responded to a tactical emergency call from the 24^th STZ (5^th SFG), requesting six (6) GHOSTRIDER and two (2) AVENGER helicopters in the vicinity of Dak To. The mission was not accomplished due to weather and darkness. The ground unit was no longer in enemy contact.

18 August 1967: 189^th conducted two (2) extractions for Co B, SFG in the vicinity of Dak To moving 247 pax in 138 sorties. One of the extractions was for the 24^th STZ that was requested the night before. They also conducted a final extraction for 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Francis Marion, 267 pax in 81 sorties were moved. Both missions were accomplished without any incidents.

25 August 1967: GHOSTRIDER 172 made a forced landing approximately ten (10) miles west of Camp Holloway. Minor damage was sustained but there were no injuries to the crew. The aircraft was sling loaded back to Camp Holloway and was mission ready on 27 Aug 1967.

26 August 1967: AVENGER 693 was flying at 50 feet and 100 knots when it received one (1) round in the engine compartment from small arms fire in the vicinity of Dak To. No injuries and the aircraft continued on its mission.

26 August 1967: 189^th conducted a CA for the 5^th SFG in the vicinity of Phu Tuc, 153 pax in 223 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents.

31 August 1967: A reconnaissance patrol had been pinned down and surrounded by a superior enemy force just North of the Pleiku Valley. It was decided to get them out. CPT. Hooper was designated flight leader for the night extraction mission. Operating in the most marginal weather conditions, CPT. Hooper planned, coordinated, and led the successful extraction. Everyone was extracted successfully. CPT. Lynn C. Hooper was awarded the DFC for his actions.

3 Sept 1967: MAJ. Eugene Malkoff was reassigned to the 155^th Assault Helicopter Company at Ban Me Thout. CPT. Ernest Bowling assumed command of the 1^st Airlift Platoon.

3 Sept 1967: Avenger 690 made a forced landing due to engine failure. There were no injuries, however the aircraft sustained major damage.

5 September 1967: CPT. Lynn Hooper was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for action he was involved in on the nights of 31 August-1 September. MG George P. Seneff presented the award. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS was conducting a final extraction of the 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of our favorite operation, Francis Marion, while CPT. Hooper was getting his award. The slicks hauled out 522 troops in 191 sorties, taking up enough time so many of the 189^th missed CPT. Hooper’s ceremony.

7 September 1967: Again the 189^th was called on to perform another extraction for the 1/12^th Inf. 4^th Inf Div In support of Francis Marion.

Many of the operations were put on hold because of the weather. Much of the month of September consisted of heavy morning ground fog, zero-zero until after 0900 hrs. Frequent afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms with ceilings 3500-5000ft broken, visibility to 3-7 miles. Temperatures were in the High 70s to the Low 60s.

14 September 1967: 189^th conducted multiple troops movements and final extractions for the 1/12^th, 3/8^th, 4^th Inf. Div. In support of Francis Marion. The slicks pulled out 529 troops in 206 sorties. Enemy contact was minimal

15 September 1967: The company sustained its first casualties from hostile ground fire. While investigating suspected enemy tunnels and foxholes on the daily visual reconnaissance, GHOSTRIDER 166 received automatic weapons fire from four individuals who were attempting to bide in the trees. GHOSTRIDER 166 received approximately ten (10) hits wounding WO Egekial Williams (AC) in the thigh and WO Albert Whaley (P) in the lower leg. The observer Sgt. Lawrence Crippen received facial injuries from shrapnel. Sp4 Samuel Kravehak, the gunner returned fire on the enemy location and claimed, one (1) enemy KIA. All wounds with the exception of WO Whaley’s were superficial and after treatment at the 18^th Surgical Hospital the individuals were released. WO Whaley was eventually evacuated to the United States.

15 September 1967: The 189^th was reassigned from direct support of the 4^th Inf Div to general support of the Central Highlands. These missions included the support of II Corps, 5^th SFG and 52^nd Artillery Battalion. Operations Omega and Prairefire were also included.

15 September 1967: Major Richard Coulter was reassigned to be S-1 of the 52^nd CAB. MAJ. Darrell Waite replaced him as Operations Officer; MAJ. Robert Davenport became the Platoon Leader of the 2^nd Airlift Platoon.

17 September 1967: MAJ. Wilbur Mixter was transferred to the 405^th Maintenance Detachment as the Detachment Commander.

21 September, 1967: The unit was notified at 2230 hours that GHOSTRIDER 166 was missing on a flight from Mang Buk Special Forces Camp to Kontum. An air search was initiated on 22 September and the missing aircraft was located approximately twenty kilometers south of Mang Buk. All crewmembers survived with minor injuries although the aircraft was completely destroyed.

1 October 1967: MAJ. George Hodges was assigned to the 189^th as Company Executive Officer, replacing CPT. Howe. CPT. Howe was made the assistant gun platoon leader.

1 October 1967: Found the 189^th in support of Operation Prairefire, the high stakes, top secret, cross border reconnaissance game. Across the border in Laos and Cambodia, the rules were much different and the standards expected of pilots much higher. Normal military protocol, rank, etc. were subordinated as natural leaders proved they were up to the challenge. Friendships formed, based on trust and mutual interdependence. Foremost was the determination by all participants that they would stick to the bitter end of the mission to ensure no friendly forces were left behind in enemy territory. Marked the start of a classified mission for the 189^th with the 5^th SFG out of FOB-2 at Kontum. This mission required all the skill, techniques, and proficiency the pilots and crews could muster. Charlie was not to be laughed at.

It is impossible to determine whether the GHOSTRIDERS or the AVENGERS encountered more hostile fire on these missions. While GHOSTRIDERS were hovering above triple canopy jungle, using Maguire rigs (ropes and slings) to extract the teams on the ground, the AVENGERS were on station providing withering fire support. These missions established once and for all that the NVA had developed the Ho Chi Minh trail into a high-speed highway, capable of rapid movement of men and equipment into all parts of South Vietnam.

3 October 1967: AVENGER 552 was on a low level mission at 100 feet at 100 knots. The aircraft took 4 hits in the left side while in support of a SF mission in Laos. One crewmember was WIA.

5 October 1967: At approximately 0820, the 189^th was notified the gunner on GHOSTRIDER 759 put two (2) rounds through the top of the ship. Nobody was hurt, but ship had to be brought back and checked out for further damage. Also, GHOSTRIDER 153 piloted by WO Jones, was hovering over the dense jungle making a pick up by ladder, a tree bent down by the rotor wash flapped back into the tail rotor causing the aircraft to make a hard landing. The crew was not injured and the area was secured until a CH-47 aircraft picked up the aircraft.

6 October 1967: On a FOB-2 mission aircraft GHOSTRIDER 171 was in support of a SF team deep in enemy held jungle west of Dak To. GHOSTRIDER 171 the leading insert ship drew heavy automatic weapons fire wounding the pilot and almost totally disabling the ship. WO Butler brought his AVENGER gun team in to suppress the fire on the injured ship. After getting the troop ship safely out of the area, they returned to mark the heaviest ground fire area with smoke to facilitate air strikes by the Air Force. CPT. Shiver Eustice (P) received wounds in his leg and arm and was evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital. The aircraft was left at Dak To and arrangements were made to return the aircraft by CH-47. AVENGER 694 received small arms fire, but in retaliation the AVENGERS were given credit for 27 confirmed NVA kills. WO Richard E. Butler received the DFC for his actions on the mission.

10-31 October 1967: Project Omega (Dak To) The first platoon of the 281^st AHC Provided three (3) UH-ID’s for operations at Kontum in support of Project Omega with the 189^th AHC, staging out of Kontum, the aircraft were utilized in the daily shuttle of a seventy two-man reaction force to New Dak To and to stand by daily to insert the reaction force in areas where the LRRP detected enemy activity. Three (3) assaults were made northwest of New Dak to into Mountainside landing zones.

13 October 1967: Company was notified that WO Nelson had been shot in the back while participating in a operation for FOB-2 while flying AVENGER 693. He was evacuated to the 18^th Surgical Hospital and later to Cam Ranh Bay. The aircraft did not receive any damage from small arms fire.

14 October 1967: SP4 Duffin sustained a slight bullet wound to the foot. He was taken to the 18^th Surgical Hospital. He was released from the hospital quickly and returned to the unit in a few days.

The 52^nd CAB was the principle supporting aviation element during Operation Mac Arthur. The Battalion’s normal daily operational commitment to the 4^th Inf Div was 22 UH-1Hs, 10 UH-1Cs and 7 CH-47s. The majority of which was allocated to the 1^st Brigade at Dak To.

15 October 1967: Reports pertaining to Operation Mac Arthur were published showing the build-up of enemy forces in preparation for the Battle of Dak To. During the period 15-21 October, there were several reports of small arms fire directed at aircraft in an area twenty (20) kilometers northeast of Dak To.

15-21 October 1967: During this period there were several reports of small arms fire directed at aircraft in an area twenty (20) kilometers NE of Dak To. With excellent gun coverage given by the AVENGERS and the GHOSTRIDERS they continued to operate successfully and effectively on the FOB 2 mission.

19 October – 9 November 1967: 5^th SFG (Prairefire) the aircraft used in this operation was assigned a primary mission of re-supply and liaison. The unit in addition conducted several combat assaults. The area of operations was southwest of Kontum, where the assaults were flown into mountain landing zones. On one such assault, a 281^st AHC aircraft killed one (1) enemy. On 9 November the aircraft were withdrawn to Pleiku, where they once again flew in support of the 52^nd CAB.

22-29 October 1967: Contact was made with an unidentified company sized unit eight (8) km SE of Dak To. Heavy trail building activity was reported thirty (30) km NW of Dak To. An agent reported that a 4000-man force would use the trails to move into Knotum Province.

24 October 1967: Captain Howe called operations and alerted them that GHOSTRIDER 167 had a small electrical fire and a main rotor blade strike while evacuating troops. The aircraft

Was flown back to FOB-2 and left there for maintenance to check the following morning.

25 October 1967: Our turn to be supported by another company. Due to maintenance problems, only one (1) gun ship could be supplied to FOB-2. The 165^th AHC supplied slicks and remaining guns.

27 October 1967: The 52^nd conducted a battalion size Airmobile Operation in support of the 1/22^nd Inf 4^th Inf Div for Operation Mac Arthur. The 189^th participated with slicks and guns. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

28 October 1967: An AVENGER gunship received three (3) hits by ground fire in vicinity of Dak To. One (1) crewmember WIA and aircraft continued to fly.

29 October 1967: Helicopter crews from the 179^th Medium Helicopter Company, 52^nd CAB, 189^th AHC and 604^th Maint Det provided support to recover a downed UH-1H helicopter. The helicopter recovery operation was carried out under difficult and extremely hazardous flying conditions. The ground party prepared a landing zone at the crash site located in dense jungle. The maintenance crew landed at 1800 hours and prepared the aircraft for extraction by CH-47D. The first attempt was unsuccessful because the lifting cable was too short. A longer cable was obtained, the downed UH-1H again prepared for extraction, and the LZ enlarged by cutting additional trees. The CH-47D returned and the recovery was accomplished during the hours of darkness. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS performed insertion of maintenance personnel and gun cover. WO Niester received superficial face wounds, minor shrapnel wounds to arms and legs.

30 October 1967: Omega Operations terminated with all GHOSTRIDERS returning to Camp Holloway. Many pilots were looking forward to continue this mission in the future.

2 November 1967: Two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks were assigned to participate in a CA with the 170^th and 119^th AHC’s.

The Battle of Dak To was a major battle of the Vietnam Conflict that took place between 3 and 22 November 1967 in Kontum Province, in the Central Highlands. The 189^th played a major role with insertions and extractions, medical evacuations, re-supply and gun support though out the entire battle.

3 November 1967: AVENGER 552 while on a CA the aircraft was hit in the cockpit by automatic weapons fire. One (1) crewmember was WIA and the aircraft received structural damage and continued on the assault. GHOSTRIDERS were notified that a new commitment was given to them. Nightly flare stand-by, two (2) UH-1H's were required.

4 November 1967: Another mission was assigned. An area to include the western half of a semi-circle within a 15 km radius of Camp Holloway was to be visibly re-coned every day.

6 November 1967: The 4^th/503^rd established FSB 15 atop hill 823 for Battery C 3/319^th Artillery. Hill 823 is approximately nine (9) kilometers from the Cambodian border and sits sat astride a major exit of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. CH-47D aircraft to the top of the hill airlifted the battery. Company B of the 4^th /503^rd were involved in a fierce fight to secure the hill for the artillery. AVENGER guns covered the insertion and took action to secure the hill. After the hill was secured the four (4) rifle companies rotated the job of providing security of the FSB. Later that day GHOSTRIDER 153 Piloted by 1LT Hedrick landed next to a CONEX container to off load flares. As the aircraft lifted to a hover the CONEX door swung open and hit the stinger and caused the tail rotor to hit CONEX container.

7 November 1967: GHOSTRIDER 160 caught fire in maintenance and received major damages. Aircraft commitment increased at FOB-2 to eleven (11) slicks and five (5) guns.

8 November 1967: In an area centered four (4) nautical miles west of Dak To, a SF team on a search and destroy mission engaged an unknown-size enemy force in fortified positions. SP5 John Adams was (CE) aboard an AVENGER gun ship flying cover on a Special Forces insertion mission west of Dak To. Other members of the crew were; WO McKenna (AC); SP4 Begay (G); WO Weaks (P). CPT. Hooper was team leader, he and his wingman were circling the inserted troops, when they started received heavy small weapons fire. WO McKenna’s aircraft was hit with small arms fire and began to loose power and attempted to land. Failing to find a suitable landing zone, WO McKenna allowed the aircraft to settle tail first into the trees. As the helicopter struck the trees, the tail boom snapped off, spun and came to rest on an upslope caving in the front of the aircraft. After his wingman crashed CPT. Hooper called for the flight of helicopters that just departed, to return and rescue the downed crew. He continued to attack the enemy positions despite the heavy hostile fire and forced the enemy to withdraw from the rescue site. WO McKenna and SP4 Begay exited the right side of the helicopter, while Weaks and Adams exited the left. SP4 Begay had suffered a broken leg, WO Weaks had injured his right foot, and SP5 Adams had a broken arm and appeared to be in shock. The four had barely exited the helicopter when they began to receive small arms fire. WO McKenna radioed for help, and he, SP4 Begay and WO Weaks made their way to an extraction point, with SP4 Begay dragging SP5 Adams. SP4 Begay, because of his own injuries, was unable to carry SP5 Adams far, and left him in a slumped-over position against some bushes. SP4 Begay later stated that SP5 Adams condition had worsened. While awaiting extraction, WO McKenna returned to the crash site to see if he could help SP5 Adams. He saw two Viet Cong, one of whom appeared to be shooting at SP5 Adams. WO McKenna shot at the Viet Cong then fell down the slope to the creek bed where he was extracted. WO Miller upon learning the position of the downed aircraft immediately flew to the area. Caption Hooper advised him that the downed crew was receiving heavy fire and that the ridge overlooking the crash site was held by well armed and determined NVA. Disregarding the danger, WO Miller brought his aircraft to a hover over the site of the downed aircraft; and while under intense fire from the enemy he directed his (CE) and SP4 Williams (G) to cover his approach and lower the McGuire rig into the crash site below. SP4 Williams placed accurate fire upon the enemy positions so that the rescue of the down crew could be completed. WO Miller ignored enemy fire for more than five (5) minutes while the injured crewmembers secured themselves to the rescue sling. He then made a slow vertical ascent under fire and safely lifted the injured personnel from the crash site and flew them to a safe landing area for transfer, inside his aircraft, for medical evacuation to a Pleiku Hospital. SP5 Adams was last seen slumped over just outside the left cargo door of the crashed aircraft. Subsequent rescue efforts were frustrated by enemy fire, and Major Sanders ordered all rescue attempts terminated. Following termination of rescue efforts, the downed aircraft was destroyed to prevent capture of weapons and equipment. The enemy broke contact leaving twelve (12) dead. SP5 Adams survived the crash of his helicopter, and with the presence of enemy forces, stood a good chance of being captured. His helicopter contained equipment the Army did not want in the hands of the enemy. The decision was made to destroy the aircraft. Twelve 500 lb. Bombs, six CBU-2’s, 1600 rounds of 20 mm fire, and additional bombs and napalm were dropped on the crash site to prevent the enemy from getting equipment from the helicopter. SP5 Adams was declared dead on 03/13/78. All other crewmembers were rescued. CPT. Lynn C. Hooper and WO Ronald E. Miller received the DFC and SP4 Claire P. Williams received the Air Medal with “V” Device for their heroism.

9 November 1967:  The aircraft were withdrawn to Pleiku, where they once again flew

In support of the 189th AHC.

11 November 1967: A Co. 2^nd/503^rd was moving along a narrow ridge 400 meters west of the LZ when they were ambushed by NVA. AVENGER gunships assisted in recovery of the troops. A Co. lost three (3) KIA and twenty four (24) WIA B Co. lost one (1) KIA and eleven (11) WIA When the fight ended patrols found five (5) NVA dead, along with weapons.

12 November 1967: Two (2) companies from the 503^rd moved 300 meters north of FSB 16 to secure the ridge line. They started to move west along the ridgeline when they were once again ambushed. AVENGER and CROCODILE guns were called to provide suppressive fire, making firing pass after firing pass putting down intensive fire, the enemy would not break and run. The vicious fighting lasted until the next day. The 503^rd lost 21 KIA and 17 WIA. A sweep of the area afterwards revealed 34 NVA dead and 21 enemy weapons.

15 November 1967: It appeared that the second phase of the Battle of Dak To was on its way. At 0840 hours in Dak To, AVENGER guns were on standby waiting for anything to happen. They did not have to wait long. Charles decided he was going to make sure everyone was awake, so he sends his greetings via incoming mortars, 12 to 15 rounds landed on the parking ramp where three (3) C-130's were parked. Two (2) of the C-130's were completely destroyed and the third damaged. Everyone except the AVENGERS retired to the bunkers, the fire team took off and directed by the tower, engaged the mortar firing position. The C-130's that burned were loaded with ammo so it was a long stay in the bunker for the troops. The C-130's stopped burning about 1230 hours. At 1545 hours, Charlie again sent his greeting via mortar to Dak To. This time he hit the ASP setting it on fire resulting in a complete loss of the ASP. Again everyone retired to the bunkers and again the AVENGERS again take to the air. The ASP burned fiercely until 0130 hrs and an occasional round exploded throughout the night, most of the night was spent in very close proximity of the bunkers. Charlie continued to send his greetings several times during the night. Unreported weather was 1141 tons of various types of ammunition falling everywhere. There was an isolated thunderstorm over the airfield during the night. Damage to the airfield was heavy but only in certain localized areas. No injuries to 189^th personnel.

15-21 November 1967: Heavy mortar and rocket fire continued day and night. Charlie seemed to be well entrenched in the surrounding hillside. Their objective appeared to be an attempt to inflict as many US casualties as possible, rather than attempting to over-run Dak To itself.

22-28 November 1967: During this period enemy activity decreased significantly. In what appeared to divert US forces from Dak To, the enemy began to increase ambush and harassing activities in Kontum City. Kontum was mortared on 27 November.

26 November 1967: A covert and clandestine operation was to take place in Laos. Eighty (80), ground troops consisting of Special Forces, Mountangards, and Nungs, were the largest SOG force that has been inserted since working with FOB-2. It was not long before a call came in that the team was pinned down and desperately needed ammunition, water, and entrenching tools and wounded to be evacuated. It was late afternoon and the flight got to the LZ just before dusk, during the approach the first aircraft GHOSTRIDER 628 took twelve (12) hits mostly though the cockpit, receiving heavy battle damage. The (AC) Lt Gray received multiple serious wounds and the (P) WO Clines took a round in the leg, but managed to fly the heavily damaged aircraft back to Dak To. The other aircraft could not land because of the intense ground fire so they made passes over the LZ tossing ammunition and other supplies out the door. A night extraction would be impossible so the aircraft returned to FOB-2. No one slept that night thinking about what could happen in the morning.

27 November 1967: A 5^th SF unit from FOB-2, was in constant contact deep in enemy territory, west of Dak To, and they called for an emergency extraction. The troops to be extracted were an 80-man force that was inserted the previous day. Their situation was getting critical. GHOSTRIDER 6 (MAJ Sanders) and AVENGER 6 (CPT Hooper) arrived over the position with eight (8) slicks and four (4) gun ships. CPT Hooper immediately led his fire-teams on devastating runs over the enemy positions. The enemy was so close to the defenders that the use of Air Force ordinance was impossible. The AVENGERS made continuing firing passes at this determined enemy and in spite of heavy weapons fire, they were successful in forcing the enemy to break contact. Backing up the gunship pilots with tremendous fire support was the crew chiefs and gunners on the guns and slicks. They placed heavy and accurate fire on the enemy thereby protecting the flank of the attacking gun ships, thus allowing the GHOSTRIDERS to begin the extraction. Lt Gray was evacuated to Japan, then later to the US. WO Cline's went to a Quin Nhon hospital and returned to the unit. MAJ Sanders was awarded the Silver Star, MAJ Leva and all AC’s were awarded the DFC, all others on the mission were awarded the Air Medal with “V” device. (See enclosure 1 for statement from CPT John J Holland, SF Commander of ground troops)

29 November 1967: 189^th conducted a final extraction in support of 1^st Bde 4^th Inf Div in the vicinity of Dak To. They extracted 252 pax in 87 sorties. Mission was conducted with no injures or contact.

30 November 1967: The 189^th conducted a CA in support of 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in the vicinity of Dak To. They lifted 585 pax in 182 sorties. The Battalion Commander of the 3/12^th Inf. received a minor facial wound when his C&C aircraft came under enemy automatic weapons fire. GHOSTRIDER 154 was on a recon mission at 50 feet and 90 knots and received one (1) hit through the cockpit and continued on the mission.

1 December 1967: With the completion of the FOB mission, the 189^th turned it’s attention to other commitments including the 4^th Inf Div and support of the 170^th AHC, 119^th AHC and II Corps missions.

4 December 1967: 189^th AVENGER gun ships supporting a CIDG team received credit for nine (9) NVA killed by air.

6 December 1967: 189^th conducted a CA in support of the 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div, in Spaatz AO. They lifted over 255 pax in 45 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

13 December 1967: Dak To came under motor attack causing extensive damage to GHOSTRIDER 156. No injuries were suffered, however, the aircraft could not be flown.

14 December 1967: GHOSTRIDER 159 took one (1) round of hostile fire while in support of 4^th Inf Div negative injuries.

16 December 1967: While on a mission for the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDER 174 received one round through tail boom, The aircraft was flown to Dak To and repaired.

17-19 December 1967: Normal missions resumed.

20 December 1967: At 1530 hours 189^th GHOSTRIDER 154 was hovering at 120 feet lowering cutting equipment by rope. The tail rotor struck a tree causing the aircraft to crash and burn. Two (2) crew members, (AC) WO Mc Garry and (CE) David Antol were missing, and two (2) passengers LTC Glen Belnap and SGM Herbert Roberts Jr. were also missing. WO Baker (AC) suffered a severe cut lip. Sp4 Kornes (G) was evacuated with a broken leg. A search for the missing crew members and passengers had to be terminated due to darkness. The missing personnel were declared KIA. Reports indicate that LTC Belnap on board from the 3^rd Bde 4^th Inf took Antol’s helmet to talk with the AC while they were landing so there was no way to clear the tail rotor on the left. Rules were changed after that flight; no one could use a crew member’s helmet during flight.

21 December 1967: The 189^th received a call from WO Meister that AVENGER 697 had been involved in an accident at Polei Klang trying to hover between two (2) 281^st AHC aircraft, INTRUDER 748 and 039, AVENGER 697 meshed blades with 748. AVENGER 697 was totally destroyed. (AC) of 697 was WO Ginac (P) was WO Engle, (CE) was SP4 Tipton, and the (G) was PFC Nelson.  SP5 Schenk was sitting in a trailing helicopter and observed 697 mesh blades with 748 He raced to the gunship and pulled out the crew from the wreckage and moved them to safety. Then he returned to the stricken aircraft and successfully shut off the engine preventing a fire from starting. During the entire action he was drenched with fuel and in a situation of almost certain death or grievous injury had a fire occurred. The only injuries sustained by the crew were head lacerations received by SP4 Tipton. Both aircraft were a total loss. SP5 Schenk was awarded the Soldier's Medal for his quick action and complete disregard for his own life. One (1) US soldier SP4 Paschall from the 281^st AHC, INTRUDERS was KIA by flying shrapnel from the crash. At 1530 hours GHOSTRIDER 154 crashed and burned while on a re-supply mission for the 3/8^th Inf a tail rotor strike was suspected, the aircraft came in contact with jungle canopy. WO Baker (AC) suffered a severe cut lip. WO McGarry (P) and PFC Antol (CE) were missing. SP4 Kornes was evacuated with a broken leg. A search was made of the area, for the missing, but to no avail.

23 December 1967: 189^th Operations was informed that GHOSTRIDER 153 was down at Dak To with a split main rotor blade. Aircraft was sling loaded back to Camp Holloway by CH-47D.

25 December 1967: Being Christmas day, the entire company was thinking about family and friends at home. The mess hall had a better meal than usual. Many toasts were made and many beers were consumed. No incidents occurred. However, one (1) GHOSTRIDER slick carried Chris Noel to Camp Schmidt to entertain the waiting troops.

27 December 1967: Approximately 1300 hours the 189^th received a call that GHOSTRIDER 153, piloted by (AC) 1LT Lindsey, was down two (2) miles west of Dak To airfield. Neither crew nor aircraft suffered any damage. The aircraft was sling loaded by CH-47 back to Pleiku. The other missions ran smoothly the rest of the day. A CA in support of the 2/503^rd Abn, 173d Abn Bde was conducted in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 252 pax in 42 sorties.

28 December 1967: Still in support of the 4^th Inf Div GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS conducted a CA, for the 1/503^rd Abn, 173d Abn Bge in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 120 troops in 20 sorties into a new area. The mission was conducted with no incidents and negative contact.

29 December 1967: Normal missions in connection with the 4^th Inf Div the 189^th conducted a CA with 120 troops in 24 sorties from the 3/12^th 4^th Inf Div Enemy small arms fire was received from the SW quadrant of the LZ. An AVENGER gunship sustained one (1) hit, with no injury to crew. Later that day the 189^th moved 352 troops of the 7^th ARVN Bn. into a secure LZ. The mission continued with another insertion of 150 troops and tons of cargo moved.

31 December 1967: The 189^th conducted a CA in support of 3/12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in the Spaatz AO. They airlifted 150 pax in 50 sorties. The mission was conducted with no incidents or contact.

31 December 1967: Many spent New Years Eve in celebration, both in the Officers and Enlisted clubs at Camp Holloway, while others were committed to the 5^th SFG, 4^th Inf Div and others. At the celebrations all commanders expressed their appreciation for the men of the 189^th, and toasted to a job well done, with many more too go. Thus closing out the end of 1967.

Looking back on the different missions during the year shows a few problems encountered in the first months of support to the 4^th Inf Div and the 5^th SFG. The 189^th recognized them, but the 4^th and 5^th appreciated how the unit performed for them. The coming year was spent in support of the same missions and operations were performed much smoother.

1968

January 1968: Ushered in a new life-style for the officer’s and men of the 189^th. They were able to leave inhospitable tents with their rain barrel bathtubs for wooden hooch’s with real showers right in the center of Camp Holloway. The local VC was not ready to let the company enjoy their new quarters. With the move came nightly mortar attacks, which made it inadvisable to sleep above ground. Most nights as many as 50 mortar rounds a night were lobbed onto Camp Holloway. In an effort to stop the nightly barrage, half of the gun teams were kept on alert at night after putting in busy long days, in hopes of silencing the mortar tubes.

3 January 1968: Change of Command from MAJ Bobby Sanders to MAJ Neil Leva CO, MAJ William Frakeris XO.

8 January 1968: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft had landed at a fire base SW of Dak To and while running received extensive main rotor damage. An infantry detail working at the fire base cut down a tree down and it fell into the turning blades. The aircraft was recovered and there were no injuries to the crew.

9 January 1968: 189^th inserted A and C companies 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div into a hostel LZ that was prepped with artillery for 12 minutes, the barrage was very effective. Seven (7) GHOSTRIDER slicks and three (3) AVENGER guns flew 45 sorties and 20 flight hours. Small arms fire was encountered, but there were no hits or injuries.

10 January 1968: The 189^th conducted an extraction of A and C company’s 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in support of Operation Mac Arthur, utilizing eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships they flew 42 sorties inserting 254 troops west of Dak To. Heavy automatic weapons fire was received, negative hits and injuries. They also did a final extraction of 2/503^rd Abn., 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They airlifted 252 troops in 40 sorties. One (1) GHOSTRIDER slick crashed, major damage to aircraft, no injuries to crew.

11 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and final extraction in support of the 1/12^th, 4^th Inf Div west of Dak To in connection with Operation MacArthur. They lifted 254 pax in 42 sorties. A GHOSTRIDER aircraft crashed in the vicinity of Dak To. There was major damage to aircraft, with negative injuries to the crew. They continued to stay available and conducted another CA and final extraction in support of the 2/503^rd Abn, 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They lifted 252 pax in 40 sorties. This mission was conducted with no incidents or contact.

12 January 1968: The 189^th conducted a series of CA’s and extractions supporting the 3/8^th and 1/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div in Spaatz AO. They lifted 777 pax in 139 sorties. The aircraft received moderate enemy automatic weapons fire in the vicinity of Dak To. A 170^th UH-1H assisted in the lift and sustained one (1) hit from small arms fire, The crew was not injured, the aircraft continued to fly.

13 January 1968: The 189^th performed a CA in support of C company 3/8^th Inf 4^th Inf Div southwest of Dak To. The LZ was prepared by artillery for 15 minutes prior to the seven (7) slicks and three (3) gun ships entering the area. Only sporadic small arms fire was received during the insertion.

14 January 1968: 189^th conducted multiple CA’s and extractions in support of the 1/8^th and 3/12^th Inf, 4^th Inf Div in Spaatz AO. They lifted 256 pax in 43 sorties. Aircraft encountered no incidents.

18 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and final extraction supporting the 1/503^rd Abn, 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Kontum. They airlifted 478 pax in 158 sorties. Not a bullet did fly.

20 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and extraction of the 2/503^rd Abn in the vicinity of Kontum. 369 members of the unit were extracted in 62 sorties. The mission was completed without enemy contact.

23 January 1968: 189^th conducted multiple CA’s in support of the 173^rd Abn Bge, in the vicinity of Polie Kleng . They assaulted with 380 pax in 68 sorties. The weather was clear and the insertion went off without a hitch.

24 January 1968: 189^th conducted a CA and extraction for the 1/503^rd , 173^rd Abn Bge, vicinity of Dak To. 173 pax in 20 sorties were pulled out and they only got shot at twice.