1969

The GHOSTRIDERS enjoyed an interesting year in their tactical endeavors in the II Corps Area. During the months of May and June in 1969, the battles of Ban Het and Dak To were the most significant of military engagements which unified the company in a common goal. Due to this close support, the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS reverently recollect the company’s efforts in those enduring weeks which caused morale to soar. Summer was fairly inactive due to the monsoons; however, the GHOSTRIDERS availed themselves to the tasks at hand. The 189^th flew to the south, Ban Me Thuot, where they supported the 4^th Division. In October the GHOSTRIDERS highlighted their missions with a search and rescue operation in the Dak Pek area for two (2) missing “BIRD DOGS”which, in addition, produced the location of many hidden enemy positions. Although the aviators and crew members were never found alive, both crash sites were eventually discovered: one in October 1969 and the other during the operation in January 1970. Bu Prang ended the year in a formidable fashion and this little outpost became the center of attraction for quite some time along with another outpost, LZ Katie, which was contested many times. The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS made many significant contributions in the defense of those two outposts.

The year had been plagued with maintenance challenges, particularly EDP shortages, which created numerous aircraft availability headaches? However, the GHOSTRIDERS prevailed and were looking forward to VIETNAMIZATION.

The mission of the 189^th AHC pretty much remained the same to provide tactical air movement of combat troops in air mobile operations, to provide tactical air movement of combat supplies and equipment within the combat zone and to provide combat assault support to combat troops.

During the past year and holidays, the morale of the members of the 189^th AHC appeared to be low due to the fact that they were away from their homes and families. However, the advent of the official opening of the new swimming pool raised the company’s spirits quite a bit. In addition, monthly company parties served to release a lot of the strain of working seven days a week. The most important morale factor is the continuous flow of mail, and this service has been truly outstanding. In all, the morale and Esprit De Corps has been excellent.

The 189^th AHC provided support to the 3^rd Bge, 4^th Inf Div, II Corps HQ, 23^rd ARVN Div, 5^th SFG and other FWMAF within the II Corps Tactical Zone.

The 189^th continued support of Command and Control South out of Kontum. At the time they were highly classified missions and therefore, no exact location of unit actions could be given. Today we can say that almost all of the operations took place in Laos and Cambodia. The mission itself was a true test of the ability and courage of the members of the 189^th as they met the most intense enemy action ever experienced by an assault helicopter company, on a continuing basis. However, due to the courage and the skill required to accomplish the mission, it could easily be said that this was a continuation of the courage and tenacity displayed from the time they entered the country. The GHOSTRIDERS successfully completed the missions with minimal loss of aircraft or life and grew together in the brotherhood of combat.

6 January 1969: There was another accidental shooting, name unknown, who was clearing his 38-caliber pistol, pulled the trigger, causing one (1) round to discharge. The round passed through a mattress, ricocheted off the floor and struck the victim in the right hip. The wound was not fatal.

17 January 1969: 17 January 1969:  CPT Liner (AC) and CPT Stratiff (P) flying a GHOSTRIDER unarmed helicopter were on stand-by, working out of Dak To with the "KING BEE," CH-34 helicopters of VNAF. They were scrambled to insert a platoon into Laos.  CPT Nguyen Quy An, ”KING BEE” led and his 2 (two) helicopters were to insert the bulk of the platoon while CPT Liner and CPT Stratiff were to insert the remaining six (6) men. CPT An and his crew, LT Vu Tung, (P) and WO Nguyen Quang Hien, (CE) led the flight into the LZ. As they approached the lip of the bomb crater, they came under fire and notified the rest of the flight of its location. After the CH-34 made its departure, the GHOSTRIDER aircraft was on short final to the LZ making the insertion without incident, and as they began to fly out, they were informed not to break right of the LZ because of recent enemy movement and vehicular traffic. The aircraft broke left and were struck by what was later determined to be an enemy 37mm round. It struck the fuel cell cutting hydraulic fluid lines which caught fire. Within seconds of being hit a "KING BEE" helicopter made a high-speed dive to aid the burning slick. It was CPT An who guided the burning aircraft to a possible landing area about 5 km to the northwest and was vectoring the gunships toward the GHOSTRIDER aircraft. As the slick came upon the proposed LZ, CPT An saw that the stumps and trees would not allow even a reasonably safe landing. CPT An maneuvered his ship to prevent the slick from landing and informed CPT Liner that flat land was on the other side of the ridge line  The situation was getting critical because the slick was losing fuel.  The LZ was sighted and as CPT Liner landed,  CPT An was making his approach.  The burning aircraft landed and the crew had to fight their way through 15-foot elephant grass. CPT An (CE)and WO Hien were cutting their way toward the crew when they met and helped get all of the crew safely aboard. CPT Nguyen Quy An was awarded the American DFC for his heroic actions in support of the American helicopter crew.

21 January 1969: The 52^nd CAB was reorganized under the provisions of USARPAC GO 771, dated 22 Nov 1968. All Battalion units were affected. The 189^th was re-designated the 189^th Aviation Company (Airmobile) MTOE 1-077G. Commanding Officer was MAJ Robert N Morrison.

22 January 1969: 1LT Speer (AC) and WO Gillis (P) distinguished themselves while serving as pilots on an AVENGER gunship supporting medevacs on a mission for a battalion that was in heavy contact 40 km NW Pleiku. Their aircraft made firing passes to cover the unarmed DUSTOFF aircraft continually placing a deadly hail of suppressive fire on the enemy’s position. Their aircraft came under heavy caliber automatic weapons fire, but they still continued their devastating fire to protect the helpless ships. As the last medevac lifted off, the LZ came under enemy mortar fire. Their calm professionalism not only contributed immeasurably to the success of the mission but also served to highly inspire their crew. Both pilots were awarded the Air Medal with “V” device.

24 January 1969: GHOSTRIDER 161  (need photo) had an incident at Pleiku that caused major damage. The aircraft was piloted by WO Walden (AC) and 1LT Cochran. No one was injured in the accident.

1 February 1969: The 189^th again received orders to support the 5^th SFG with four (4) slicks and two (2) gunships on a daily basis. The primary role of this mission was LRRP insertions in Laos, Cambodia and around the Pleiku, Kontum area. This mission was advantageous to the 189^th by increasing and improving their skills of LRRP insertions and extractions, while learning to use McGuire rigs and rope ladders to pull teams from the dense jungle.

14 February 1969:  Hill 1438 and Cu Grok was the site of a SOG MSS (Mission Support Site) radio relay/signal intercept station. The GHOSTRIDERS would resupply the site with rations and ammunition. It was known by radio call sign as SLEDGEHAMMER or HEAVYDROP. Built on the peak of a sheer mountain and barely measuring 150 feet long by 50 feet wide, it came under heavy enemy attack and was successfully defended by four (4) US personnel with 25 Montagnards of the SOG Hatchet Force. The site enabled LRRP teams in Cambodia to communicate with the SOG FOB-2 in Kontum. AVENGER gunships were called out to give fire support to the site but the battle was over when they arrived.

28 February 1969: GHOSTRDIDER 758 (need photo) from the 1^st Air Lift Platoon was shot down on a CA for Operation Opera. SP4 Cranney was (CE). Aircraft was a total loss.

1 March 1969: Elements of the 3^rd Bn 14^th Inf 4^th Inf Div were attacked at LZ Swinger (YA837-965) in Kontum Province. AVENGER gunships were alerted to support the FSB and to place rocket and mini-gun fire on enemy positions. The fight resulted in one (1) US KIA and the NVA lost thirty (30) KIA.

3 March 1969: An AVENGER fire team was kept busy when it smashed rocket positions in the Pleiku area. The hectic day began when the gunships made an early morning touchdown to take on fuel. Before the two (2) gunships could begin refueling, a 122mm rocket landed 50 meters from the aircraft. The gunships made an immediate takeoff and had the rocket launching position in sight. The first ship commanded by WO Greenlaw (AC) and WO Grayneck (P) roared in pounding the launch site with rockets and minigun fire. The second gunship flown by WO Lambright (AC) and 1LT Weller (P) finished the job by pouring more rockets and minigun fire onto the enemy position. The gunships proceeded to Camp Holloway to rearm and refuel. As the two (2) aircraft prepared to land, the post again began to receive 122mm rockets. The AVENGERS remained airborne and moved on the target with little armament remaining and kept the enemy rocket team occupied long enough for another AVENGER fire team to relieve them. The lead ship flown by CPT Stempky (AC) and WO Smith (P) plus wingman 1LT Speer (AC) and WO Zirschky (P) took over the attack while the first team flew to Hensel AAF to rearm and refuel. The original AVENGER fire team returned to aid the second team in the attack. The enemy rocket position was destroyed.

During the period of 1 March – 15 April 1969, the company supported the 173^rd Abn Bge at An Khe. This was an overnight (RON) mission to patrol highway 19 from Qui Nhon to Pleiku, providing air cover for all convoys. The remaining unit’s aircraft were in general support of the 52^nd CAB.

15 to 30 April 1969: The 189^th supported the 24^th Special Tactical Zone at Kontum with a daily commitment of four (4) slicks and two (2) gunships. The 24^th STZ was an ARVN unit with only the essential number of U.S. advisors. This was another first for the GHOSTRIDERS as the primary function was to help educate the Vietnamese in the utilization of aviation assets. A liaison officer from the 189^th was moved to Kontum to work directly with the ARVN B-3 Air Officer. This time was very trying for the members of the 189^th as the ARVN’s continuously mis-utilized our aircraft. But, due to long hours of discussion and miles of patience on the crew’s part, the mission was highly successful. As it turned out, this training period proved even more useful than anyone had hoped because the 189^th was to continue support of the 24^th STZ all through the siege of Dak To and Ben Het.

1 March 1969: The GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS made an insertion of the 3^rd Bn 12^th Inf 4^th Inf Div which was attacked by enemy small arms fire. The result was one (1) US KIA, and thirty (30) NVA KIA. No injuries to the aircraft crew were received.

9 March 1969: Successful strikes by AVENGER gunships spelled disaster for four (4) enemy sampans. The AVENGER gunships were en route to Kontum AAF after inserting a LRRP team into Laos. Spotting an O-1 BIRDDOG observation airplane from the 219^th Aviation Co. circling the area and not wanting to return with unexpended ammunition, the gunships inquired about targets. The BIRDDOG CPT David N Clark told the aviators of four (4) sampans under the trees on a river SW of Kontum. He laid down a spotter rocket and immediately LT Daily (AC) and LT Speer (P) rolled in on their first run and sank two (2) boats with rocket and mini-guns. The mountainous region posed a tactical challenge but wingman WO Berry (AC) and WO Lambright (P) lived up to the challenge. They ascended high above the ridge line, rolled their gunship over into a steep dive and plunged onto the target. They peppered the area with automatic weapons fire and completed the destruction of the other two (2) sampans with rockets.

22 April 1969: MAJ Richard L. Lincoln assumed command of the 189^th AHC from departing MAJ Robert N. Morrison. The change of command ceremony was held at Battalion Headquarters of the 52^nd CAB, at Camp Holloway. In honor of the departing GHOSTRIDER 6, members of the 189^th performed an impressive eighteen (18)-ship fly by at the conclusion of the ceremony.

April 1969: The AVENGER gun platoon moved a fire team to Camp Radcliff at An Khe. The mission of the AVENGERS was to provide aerial cover and fire support for vehicle convoys between An Khe Pass to the Mang Yang Pass, west of An Khe, along Hwy QL19. (See Enclosure 7 for additional information about this mission).

1 May – 31 July 1969: The 189^th continued supporting the 24^th Special Tactical Zone at Dak To. The daily commitment was six (6) slicks and two (2) gunships. Many insertions and extractions in the 24^th STZ AO were conducted by the 189^th. A liaison officer and his assistant were provided to the 24^th STZ to aid in the planning and execution of air operations. In addition, a maintenance team and armament crew was provided to assist in making the operational time of the assigned aircraft more effective. This operation was the largest of its kind ever conducted by an Assault Helicopter Company in the II Corps area. The 189^th virtually ran the air operations at Dak To through its liaison officers and designated air mission commander.

  Battle of Bam Thuot 1969

By David Lee 189th AHC

There were days of long hours and intense enemy fire. Even the usual waiting for missions at Dak To airstrip became a tense situation because Dak To began receiving an average of fifty (50) rounds of incoming rockets, mortars, and recoilless rifle fire daily. The landing zones of all the combat assaults were fiery hells as they were continuously pounded by enemy mortar fire and at times by enemy artillery fire from positions across the border. Regardless of the enemy’s massive force and death dealing capabilities, the GHOSTRIDERS, in support of the 24^th STZ, provided AVENGER gunships. Their effectiveness resulted in an estimated 150 KBA’s. GHOSTRIDER slicks were provided and flew on insertions and extractions, medevacs, and carried thousands of pounds of cargo. Due to the length of the campaign and the numerous combat assaults performed, it would be almost impossible to list them all. The following is a list of the most significant events during the operations:

7 May 1969: Emergency extraction of two (2) ARVN companies from FSB 29 while under intense enemy fire resulting in one (1) GHOSTRIDER slick lost due to combat damage, but with negative casualties. The remaining five (5) GHOSTRIDER slicks received combat damage and one (1) AVENGER gunship received heavy damage with one (1) crew member WIA 1LT Speer was awarded the DFC 2^nd Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroism.

8 May 1969: At YB 8215 and YB 8418, an AVENGER fire team in support of 24^th STZ, expended all rockets and ammo on a confirmed enemy location in preparation for a troop assault resulting in ten (10) KBA.

9 May 1969: 1LT Speer was (AC) on an AVENGER gunship when an enemy 122mm rocket exploded 100 meters from the aircraft. He scrambled his gunship in the midst of the enemy rockets and mortars and, once airborne, joined in the search for the rocket position. The team leader began receiving intense 50 caliber fire from a bunker. 1LT Speer, seeing the numerous tracers fired at his team leader fired rockets and managed to provide enough suppressive fire for the lead ship to break outbound. He repeated the attack on the second rocket site and continued the assault until his ship was completely out of ammunition. He then returned to Dak To to rearm and refuel. 1LT James D. Speer was awarded the DFC 1^st Oak Leaf Cluster.

11 May 1969: AVENGER gunships expended all 40mm grenades, rockets and mini-gun ammo when friendly troops made contact in vicinity of FOB-16 with the following results: 52 NVA KIA. The Kontum airfield was attacked with 82mm mortars, 122mm rockets and RPG-7 rounds. Four (4) UH-1H and two (2) UH-1C aircraft were destroyed along with one (1) maintenance hangar and the billets area was also hit with 82mm mortars. The AVENGERS were called out when friendly forces made contact with the enemy. The AVENGERS located the enemy and expended all aircraft ammo on their position until contact was broken. Fifty (50) NVA KIA were contributed to both the aircraft and ground forces.

12 May 1969: Camp Holloway received 23 82mm mortar rounds and five (5) 122mm rockets. Results were negative casualties friendlies but four (4) UH-1H aircraft and one (1) UH-1C gunship had light damage.

13-14 May 1969: Four (4) AVENGER gunships went in support of the 24^th STZ after they came under heavy enemy fire at YB801112 and YB835265. AVENGER 245 took hits in the right side of the aircraft while giving suppressive fire support, one (1) crew member was WIA and the aircraft flight controls were damaged. The AVENGERS expended all ammo on board forcing the enemy to break contact, and they were credited with twenty (20) NVA KIA.

17 May 1969: Again the AVENGERS were called in to support the 24^th STZ when they came under enemy small weapons fire from a dug-in enemy position. The enemy position was located at FSB 13 and suppressed resulting in 2 NVA KIA.

18 May 1969: AVENGER gunships supporting the 24^th STZ engaged a suspected enemy position in the vicinity of Dak Seang resulting in two (2) enemy KIA.

20 May1969: Avenger 508 (need photo) was shot down over Dak To. (AC)  WO T. O. Gillis was injured with a broken back, left hand, left ankle and right thigh.  He also suffered a severe head wound.  He was sent to Japan for stabilization and then stateside. WO Grayneck was on wing. (CE) SP4 John M Randall and WO Benjamin Wayne Haire (P) were KIA from the incident. The gunner (G) was also injured and medeivaced out.  

22 May 1969: The 189^th supported the 24^th STZ on a CA in an area directly south of Dak To. Five (5) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships were attempting to insert 760 ARVN troops near a NVA regiment. The lead aircraft entered the LZ and inserted Pathfinders and, upon departure, the aircraft received heavy enemy fire. WO Douglas F Moore (AC) was hit in the head by small arms weapons fire and killed departing the hot LZ. The insertion was temporarily discontinued until the stranded squad was located. They were surrounded and needed immediate extraction. SP4 Powers (CE) and SP4 Whitehurst (G) immediately placed suppressive fire upon the enemy position while simultaneously clearing and directing the aircraft into the area. They were instrumental in changing the tide of battle and assisted in the completion of the mission. Four (4) GHOSTRIDER aircraft were heavily damaged. SP4 Terry D Powers and SP4 Terry L Whitehurst were awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device for their heroism. (See Enclosure 4, Statement from Mission Commander).

25 May 1969: A CA took place at Dak To when six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships of the 189^th inserted 1,254 ARVN troops into three (3) different LZ locations. Due to heavy enemy artillery and mortar fire that was concentrated on the LZ’s part of the assault, it was conducted as a night operation. One (1) GHOSTRIDER aircraft with fire from the door gunners was credited with two (2) NVA KIA..

26 May 1969: At 0300 hours, a tactical emergency was declared. Eight (8) slicks and four (4) gunships from the 189^th departed Camp Holloway for Dak To. The troops that had been inserted on the afternoon of 25 May were in heavy contact and the 24^th STZ wanted the remainder extracted. Due to darkness, marginal weather and enemy fire, the extraction took six (6) hours to complete. The results were: five (5) aircraft damaged, one (1) crew chief wounded, and approximately 350 ARVN soldiers medevaced to Kontum

28 May 1969: GHOSTRIDER 6, while operating as the C&C ship, was resupplying the 24^th STZ near Dak To and received small arms and automatic weapons fire from a suspected enemy location. SP4 Powers (CE) and SP4 Whitehurst (P) immediately engaged the position with M-60 machine gun fire resulting in four (4) NVA KIA. Both crew members were awarded the Air Medal with a “V” Device for heroism.

30 May 1969: The AVENGERS were called out in support of the 24^th STZ, who were in heavy contact with an unknown enemy force. The gunships swiftly identified the enemy’s position and placed intensive rocket and minigun fire on their location. The body count was ten (10) NVA KIA.

10 June 1969: A UH-1H helicopter from the 604^th Maint Co (CARETAKERS) flown by WO Locke (AC) 1LT Belliveau (P) with crew members PFC Kelly (CE) and SP4 Magna (G) was on a routine flight when a loud noise was heard from the aft area of the aircraft. WO Locke was slow to react to the engine failure which resulted in a loss of altitude. When he recovered, he entered auto-rotation with 90 knots forward airspeed. He was following a river and, because of heavy foliage on both sides, he decided to go into the river. WO Locke saw a sandbar to the right and maneuvered the aircraft to it. After the crew evacuated the ship the (AC) and (P) returned to the aircraft to use the radios, a fire was noticed on the right side of the engine and it was extinguished by WO Locke. A CH-54 aircraft evacuated the entire crew a few minutes later.

12 June 1969: Camp Holloway received 82mm mortar rounds which landed in the 604^th Maint area. Results: one (1) Maintenance hangar and two (2) vans had light damage and two (2) US WIA.

13 June 1969: AVENGER gunships in support of 24^th STZ fired on confirmed enemy locations resulting in 19 KBA.  Pilots flying that day were Uwe Lindner, Lawrence E. Johnson, Michael D. Berry, and Joseph W. Winder. Johnson was awarded the Silver Star for Valor, Lindner, Berry, and Winder were awarded DFC's. 

The Co-Pilots received Air Medals for Heroism. These were Stanley B. Albrecht, Daniel L. Bradshaw, William C. Haller, and Robert N. Steinbrunn.

Crew Members on all 4 ships received Air Medals for Heroism. These included Gilbert Carrillo, Frederick C. Herres, Janes T. Huskisson, Grover D. Ledbetter, Charles P. Skidmore, William T. Snow, Lawrence J. Wilcousky, and Lawrence E. Morrison.

Lindner's ship was disabled trying to land for the pickup, so Johnson's and Berry's ships strung out 7 of the 10 team members under close in 51 cal. NVA machine gun fire. Kedenburg gave up his seat for one of his indigenous team members and was killed. Body recovered by bright light team on 6/14/68.

21 June 1969: A CA took place three (3) miles southeast of Ben Het. Eight (8) slicks and two (2) gunships of the 189^th inserted 800 ARVN troops while receiving small arms and mortar fire in the LZ resulting in two (2) aircraft damaged and negative injuries.

28 June 1969: Five (5) slicks and two (2) gunships of the 189^th extracted 1,100 ARVN troops from heavy contact nine (9) miles west of Dak To. This resulted in one (1) slick receiving 96 holes from mortar rounds in the LZ and two (2) other aircraft received combat damage. There were no injuries.

7 July 1969: The siege of Dak To and Ben Het ceased as the NVA began pulling back across the border. The 189^th continued to support the 24^th STZ on their “clean-up campaign” but very little enemy contact was made as the NVA retreated.

3 August 1969: 189^th aircraft bunker #64 received six (6) rounds of small arms fire. Fire was not returned. Movement was also reported in front of the same bunker and M-79 fire was placed in the area with negative results. There were no friendly casualties and enemy casualties were unknown.

6 August 1969: A tactical emergency was declared by the 4^th Inf Div when one (1) of the company’s seized elements was located at LZ St. George. The company came under heavy ground attack. Five (5) GHOSTRIDERS and two (2) AVENGER gunships were launched for emergency medevacs and reinforcements.

9 August 1969: The 189^th received a new mission for four (4) AVENGER gunships and two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks to RON at Ban Me Thuot. The mission requirements were for escort and fire support of the 23^rd ARVN Division. The remainders of the unit’s aircraft were in support of the 52^nd CAB.

11 August 1969: The 189^th guards reported possible movement in front of bunker #64. The 52^nd Security Detachment fired mortar illumination rounds and the bunker expended small arms fire. The bunker lost site of the individuals and the area was checked with the starlight scope and the Firefly aircraft with negative sightings. A check of the defensive wire found it had been tampered with at bunker #57.

12 August 1969: 189^th aircraft bunker #57 on the northeast side of the perimeter received small arm weapons fire, illumination was used and M-79 fire was returned. The 170^th on the west side of the perimeter reported ten (10) troops 150 meters to their front but when illumination was employed they turned and ran. Camp Holloway received fifteen (15) 82mm mortar rounds. AVENGER gunships and a GHOSTRIDER flare ship were launched in support of the base.

20 August 1969: Four (4) GHOSTRIDERS slicks supporting the 5^th SFG inserted 110 ARVN troops 20 miles south of Duc Co. These same aircraft conducted a second combat assault in the vicinity of Tan Can, inserting 250 ARVN troops into an LZ at YB 96215. Negative enemy contact was reported during these operations.

24 August 1969: AVENGER gunships supporting the 4^th Inf Div engaged an unknown sized enemy force after friendlies were fired upon in heavy contact west of Dak To. The AVENGERS were credited with nine (9) NVA KBA.

9 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 066 piloted by WO Bird was backing out of a revetment and had a tail rotor strike with the revetment behind him.

10 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 774, while in support of the 5^th SFG, experienced a complete tail rotor failure. WO Veal (AC) and 1LT Hawthorne (P) departed FSB Meredith en route to Bam Me Thout with SP5 Powers (CE) SP4 Main (G) and five (5) US troops on board when it crashed in the vicinity of Plei Mei. The aircraft crashed into the trees and was a total loss but everyone on board received only minor injuries.

13 September 1969: GHOSTRIDER 272 flown by CPT Fitzgerald (AC) was on takeoff from a fresh cut LZ in dense jungle. As the aircraft started to swing nose right, CPT Fitzgerald applied all left pedal but that was not enough. He then set the aircraft down and felt a blade strike. With six (6) pax on board, he was able to put two (2) off the aircraft and departed without a problem. The helicopter had incident damage to both main rotor blades.

14 September 1969: WO Marsh (AC) of GHOSTRIDER 316 (need photo) was flying the II Corps General’s ship and had mechanical catastrophic failure after dropping off the General en route to Camp Holloway. GHOSTRIDER 316 was returning to Camp Holloway at noon on a lunch break from its daily mission of supporting the II Corps Commander missions but was to resume after lunch. The aircraft was flying north to south on the west end of Pleiku AFB at low level below the air force traffic which was normal routine transit for all helicopters passing Pleiku AFB going to Camp Holloway. The aircraft crashed while flying low and fast and all on board were KIA. The cause of the accident was undetermined, but hydraulic failure was suspected. Lost were (AC) WO Larry G Marsh, (P) WP Gary R Mason, (CE) SP5 Gale S Pritchard and (G) SP4 Thomas E Champagne.

14 September 1969: WO Rhodes served as (AC) of a GHOSTRIDER slick on a CA south of Dak Seang when a night tactical emergency developed. After landing on the initial assault, he returned to deposit his second load of troops and his aircraft received automatic weapons fire. Directing his crew, PFC Loshe (CE) and SP4 Hogenmiller (G) immediately returned fire with their machine guns and pinpointed the enemy position for the AVENGERS to place suppressive fire upon the enemy. WO Rhodes departed the area and returned to the LZ for the last sortie in total darkness and falling rain. Despite the gunship cover, his aircraft received fierce enemy resistance. He dropped his troops and departed the area. Because of their action during the battle, WO David B. Rhodes, PFC Patrick E. Loshe and SP4 Thomas A.  Hogenmiller were awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device for heroism.

27 September 1969: WO Rhodes was (P) of a GHOSTRIDER aircraft on an emergency extraction of a patrol that was surrounded by a large enemy force and had four (4) of the eight (8) men wounded. After braving extremely heavy fire and making two (2) attempts to reach the patrol, his ship was forced to withdraw to take his wounded CE for medical attention. Returning to the area, a third (3) attempt was made but he was forced off by enemy fire again. WO Rhodes aircraft made another attempt to make it into the area and, this time, was successful. The aircraft was shot up leaving the LZ, crashed and immediately became engulfed in flames. WO Rhodes freed the AC from his safety harness, helped him out of the burning wreckage and led him to a rescue helicopter despite the fact that he was under heavy enemy weapons fire at the time. Because of his heroism, WO David B Rhodes was awarded the Air Medal with “V” Device.

28 September 1969: Major John P Ratliff assumed command of the 189^th AHC.

28 September 1969: Six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and four (4) AVENGER gunships were utilized to insert 125 ARVN troops during a combat assault approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Dak Pek,. Due to the intense hostile fire received by the aircraft and the heavy ground contact made by the ARVN soldiers, a tactical emergency was declared. 1LT Jeffery (AC) of GHOSTRIDER 560 (need photo) made an approach into the LZ surrounded by trees and had a main rotor blade strike. The remainder of the ARVN Battalion was not inserted. The weather deteriorated and darkness fell early forcing all aircraft to remain overnight at Dak Pek. Results of the operation were that three (3) aircraft received combat damage but there were no negative casualties.

29 September 1969: A GHOSTRIDER aircraft received weapons fire and one (1) RPG-7 air burst round while going into a LZ in Laos resulting in four (4) hits to the aircraft and one (1) US WIA. Gunners fired on the enemy position with unknown results.

2 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER 263 while at hover in a LZ was asked by the CE WO Ray (AC) to move the ship three (3) feet to the right to clear the tail rotor. WO Ray moved the ship one (1) foot and the main rotor struck a tree branch.

10 – 18 October 1969: The 52^nd CAB participated in an extensive search for two (2) missing O-1 aircraft belonging to the 219^th Avn Co.  Other Battalion aircraft also took part in the search. On 13 October the wreckage of one of the O-1s was found and later recovered. There were no signs of the aircraft occupants and the other O-1 was never sighted, however, the search continued in conjunction with normal missions. Pathfinder teams from the 52^nd CAB were extremely valuable in company size lifts. During the search for the two (2) missing O-1 aircraft, Pathfinders were used to the fullest extent possible both in the aerial search and the initial insertion into the O-1 wreckage sight.

11 October 1969: Two (2) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships conducted a search and rescue for two (2) 0-1 BIRDDOG aircraft believed down in the vicinity of Dak Pek. This mission continued until 18 October 1969 when two (2) more slicks were assigned. On 17 October 1969, one (1) aircraft received heavy automatic weapons fire resulting in light damage.

13 October 1969: A GHOSTRIDER slick supporting the 17^th CAG on a search and rescue mission in the vicinity of Plei Jerang received ground fire resulting in one (1) hit to the aircraft. The gunners fired on the area and five (5) VC were KBA.

16 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER slicks were again supporting the 17^th CAG on another search and rescue in the area of Dak Pek. They received intense small arms and automatic weapons fire with four (4) hits to the aircraft. The crew placed accurate machine gun fire on the enemy position resulting in one (1) enemy KBA.

19 October 1969: A major movement of elements of the 4^th Inf Div began. From this date to 22 October 1969, a battalion-sized element of US troops was moved from the Oasis to LZ Punch Bowl and other LZ’s in the vicinity. They encountered no enemy contact

21 October 1969: GHOSTRIDER 094 (need photo)  made a rapid descent into a bomb crater LZ, lost RPM and power and before settling into the LZ had a main rotor blade strike on a 20 foot stump. The aircraft came to rest on its right side which resulted in fatal injuries to SP4 John E Cook (CE) and passenger SP4 Dale E Thompson, both KIA. Two (2) other passengers suffered minor injuries.

1 November 1969 to 31 December 1969: The 189^th continued supporting the 4^th Inf Div with an average daily commitment of seven (7) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships. The mission requirements were for resupply, combat troop movement, and admin and logistical support. Initially, this mission proved to be one that required the men of the 189^th to reach deep into their bag of skills and tricks. The terrain that the 4^th Inf Div was working in was the mountainous area due west of the Oasis. This mountain line has peaks reaching up to 6,000 feet and its slopes are covered by dense jungle with 150-foot trees. The first combat assaults into the area had to be inserted into hover holes made by the dropping of 10,000- pound bombs in the vicinity of the desired area of operations. The holes made by these bombs were barely large enough for a helicopter to fit into much less descend and ascend vertically the required 150-200 feet through the dense jungle to drop off troops and supplies. In addition to the tight LZ’s, the crews were faced with low power problems due to gusting winds that are so common in the area. The combination of these conditions confronted every aviator with possibly the greatest challenge of his career. Regardless of the conditions, the GHOSTRIDERS completed all assigned missions for the 4^th Inf Div in their usual outstanding manner. The following is a list of the most significant missions flown for the 4^th Inf Div during the period:

2 November 1969: Administrative move of 975 US troops from LZ Oasis to LZ Punch Bowl conducted by six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships.

4 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 395 took minor hits from automatic weapons fire.

7 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 295 was hit in tail boom coming out of LZ.

8 November 1969: The 189^th performed a CA of 350 US troops from LZ Punch Bowl to an LZ in the vicinity of Kontum. The lead GHOSTRIDER slick received fire while descending into the LZ while AVENGER gunships engaged the enemy and suppressed the fire as the insertion continued. Later the AVENGERS were credited with nine (9) VC KBA.

10 November 1969: AVENGER 528 piloted by WO McCormick was shutting down in a revetment at low rpm when one (1) main rotor blade struck an angle iron supporting the revetment.

12 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 079 received seven (7) rounds of small arms fire through the fuselage and shrapnel holes in the tail boom while attempting to land in an LZ.

17 November 1969: AVENGER 244 flown by WO Joe Wilson (AC) with WO Chuck Yingst (P) was providing air cover on a mission for Command and Control South when it received heavy ground weapons fire. During extraction of a team that had been inserted the day before about 60 miles into Cambodia, the gunship team was directed into the area by a FAC on his first mission who, because of his lack of knowledge of the gunship team tactics, had the team fly directly over the enemy placements. Avenger 244, flying as wing ship, was hit by anti-aircraft fire which immediately killed the gunner, PFC Burchard, and caused great damage to the engine and transmission of the helicopter.  The aircraft was shot down and PFC Mark W Burchard (G) was KIA, SP4 Richard Dimond was (CE).  WO Wilson was able to land the aircraft w/o power into a clearing which was later determined to actually be within the base camp of the 66th NVA Regiment. Although still receiving fire, CE Diamond exited the aircraft with his machinegun and placed himself between the enemy and WO Wilson returning fire while Wilson continued to transmit the condition of the crew and his intentions for escape and for destroying classified information. WO Wilson then pulled Burchard’s body from the aircraft to carry it and directed his remaining crew away from the aircraft. Because of the heavy fire from the enemy, WO Wilson waved off the landing of a slick. The slick landed a while later and WO Wilson and a Special Forces medic then returned to the downed gunship to destroy it with a termite grenade. After placing the grenade, Wilson and the medic returned to the slick and were evacuated. The aircraft was not destroyed as enemy was observed removing the grenade from the engine deck before it ignited.     

21 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 094 departed to New Plei Djereng. They moved to the IOC pad to pick up a load of five (5) American troops with packs. WO Ray was in contact with his higher, requesting orders, as they were passed their normal release time. He was told to return to home base. WO Ray informed the ground commander that he had been told to return to home base. The ground commander said there were more troops to be moved. WO Ray said that it could be done and began his approach to the LZ. WO Ray and his crew made a number of sorties into the LZ. There had been no unusual problems encountered going in the hover hole. The LZ was cut by a 5,000 –pound bomb and had 50-60 foot stumps in it. They had been landing into a 45-degree up slope. The unit on the ground should have cleared the stumps since the aircraft that landed in the LZ just prior to WO Ray was observed experiencing some difficulties. The weather was overcast with light rain and the wind was calm. WO Ray's approach into the LZ was normal until a rapid descent was noted where his tail rotor struck a 50 -foot stump, followed by a main rotor strike. The aircraft landed on its left side. CWO Blanchard shut off all systems except the throttle, as it was jammed. WO Ray, CWO Blanchard and SP5 Ulmschnider were able to exit the aircraft unaided. The Gunner SP4 John E Cook was thrown clear of the aircraft and KIA.

28 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER 511 received minor damage to blades and fuselage while departing the LZ due to small arms fire.

29 November 1969: GHOSTRIDER slicks received automatic weapons fire and one (1) RPG air burst while performing an extraction of the 173d Abn Bge in the vicinity of Polei Kleng resulting in four (4) hits in the aircraft and one (1) US WIA.

Concurrently, while supporting the 4^th Inf Div the 189^th again received a top priority mission of supporting Command and Control South (CCS). This mission began on 1 November 1969 and continued through the end of the year. Due to its classified condition, no coordinated or exact information could be released about any of the missions flown in support of CCS. Today, we know that almost all missions were inserted in Laos and Cambodia. However, unclassified subjects can be discussed to give an idea of the intense enemy activity that the 189^th was confronted with in their performance of the assigned missions. The missions were to insert LRRP teams into suspected enemy held locations and then extract them at a later date. If the teams got into trouble, they would be extracted early, thus making the GHOSTRIDERS and AVENGERS prime targets.

8 December 1969: GHOSTRIDER 409 received damage to the tail boom due to heavy small arms fire while attempting to land in the primary LZ. The aircraft when exiting the primary LZ received small arms fire causing damage to radios and chin bubble. The LZ was changed to the secondary LZ.

15 December 1969: The 189th conducted a CA using six (6) GHOSTRIDER slicks and two (2) AVENGER gunships inserting 500 US from BR 685585 to BR 681596. One (1) GHOSTRIDER received heavy small arms fire resulting in nine (9) hits to the aircraft but there were no casualties.

19 December 1969: One (1) AVENGER lost hydraulics due to heavy small arms fire while covering an extraction for CCS. The AVENGER gunship made it back to Dak To without further damage.

25 December 1969: The GHOSTRIDERS were sent out to various FSBs of the 4th Inf Div and 5^th SFG to give them a turkey meal for the Christmas holiday. What a great change from the norm and everyone seemed to appreciate it.

31 December 1969: With the year rapidly closing, many of the AVENGERS and GHOSTRIDERS decided to meet at the club to celebrate what they had been through and what was coming in the New Year. All had a good time and champagne was available. The next day of flying was not fun as we all had a round of hangovers.

This Command and Control South mission was to continue into the New Year. These extracts from the mission records were an example of the type of flying the 189^th performed for CCS. The 189^th accomplished their missions with such professionalism that they earned the reputation in the II Corps area that they would go anywhere and do anything.

Unit History 1970-1971