MEDEVAC
15th Med\15th FSB
Mike Bodnar
307B N Main
Copperas Cove, TX 76522 1704
254-542-1961
e-mail: mbodnar27@juno.com
http://www.vabch.com/mssb/snore/map15th.htm
The first correspondence that I received since the last
column was submitted comes from a veteran of MEDEVAC and 1\9
CAV, Chuck LAWHORN, of 175 Fiord Dr., Eaton, OH 45320-2754.
Chuck writes: "I Just finished your 15TH MED column in the
NOV\DEC SABER. I want to tell you how much I enjoy reading
it. I've been receiving the SABER many years and the MEDEVAC
column has been needed for a long time.
I just want to make a comment about part of your comment
'Remember, all members of 15TH MED 1ST CAV Vietnam are part
of the Reunion!' I was in Las Vegas [MEDEVAC\15TH MED ASSN.
Reunion] in May, '99 and I was at the Association meeting.
Just to avoid any confusion (which may be on my part), I
thought we voted to include any and all persons who served in
the 15TH MED BN at any time at the reunions and welcome them
into the 15TH MED BN Association. If this is so, then your
statement may sound exclusive to non RVN vets.
I am looking forward to the Reunion in San Antonio [June 9-11
2000]. I use to live in El Paso and like Texas MUCHO MAS. I
envy you living where you do. I hope to get a chance to visit
Ft. HOOD while I'm down there. Keep up the good work.
FIRST TEAM, SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE, CLEAR RIGHT, CHUCK
LAWHORN 1ST\9TH 1970 15TH MED 1971."
As I replied to Chuck, his concerns were not my words; but, I
had quoted MEDEVAC gunner Mike SMITH who had written the
information for the upcoming June 2000 Reunion. I would never
exclude any veteran that is qualified for anything from any
time. Knowing Mike, that phrase of his was probably just a
mistake in words in his excitement looking forward to seeing
everyone at the Reunion. I am sure that Mike would not want
to exclude any qualified veteran which would be all of the
veterans of 15th MED from all times. I am also sure that Mike
would not disregard anything that was inclusively voted on at
their Reunion meetings.
If you guys write it and it seems even close to plausibility
then I will quote it. I like to write it as you guys say it.
As far as anyone being envious of living in Texas, I remember
a quote of General Phillip Sheridan who once said that he was
going to buy some land in Texas and buy some land in Hell. He
then said that when he retired that he was going to rent the
land in Texas and live in Hell. That about sums it up
especially when the violent storms roll through here.
John TABOR from Waxahachie, TX comments: "Happy New Year to
all. I am ready for LZ San Antonio and look forward to seeing
everyone there."
Mark DRAKE <MARKADRAKE@USWEST.NET>from Longmont, CO writes,
"Duck, A Co. 15th MED Tay Ninh '69 & '70. Just dropped in to
say Hi and Happy New Year."
Mike SMITH-tater-<MVANDCO@AOL.COM>, again, '69 to '70 MEDEVAC
gunner from Idaho says, "Watch for our reunion ad in the
V.F.W. and D.A.V. magazines And Any One Out There Wanting To
Help Find The Guys!!!!! Need Help !!!!!!!!!! I dont want to
be the only one at the reunion! Six Months [and counting
down] to L.Z. San Antonio tater."
Denny L. CHERRY <DENNYCHERRY@EATON.COM>from: Lake Orion, MI
writes, "Hello, I served with A Company 15th Medical
Battalion from November 70 to March of 71 at Long Binh. I
have been looking for the unit's Web site for awhile. I just
downloaded the membership application and can't wait to sign
up. I'd like to hear from any of the guys from that time and
tour. Does anyone have a location for William H. CLAMMURRO
(Groucho)? I need to contact him. He was also a Medic
like me who transferred into the CAV from the 25th Inf."
SNORE <SNORE@VABCH.COM>writes to say at the beginning of the
new year, "To all my friends and their families: We wish you
the very best on this holiday and every day throughout the
year. Sherman & Ann."
But, he had to add later, "It is with great sadness that I
have to add this: On December the 20th, Tony HUDSON was in an
accident in West Virginia while going to work. Tony is the
son and friend of Jim HUDSON our long time friend and
companion from Vietnam, Jim has been our friend for such a
long time and I hate that he and his family are having to
endure the pain of loosing a good son. Tony died on the 25th
of December after sustaining a head injury. Please send Jim
your condolences. We love you Jim and pray that everything
will work out for you and your family. If you need an address
for Jim please contact me: <SNORE@VABCH.COM>SNORE."
Andrew SWARTHOUT <ASWARTHO@US.IBM.COM>is from Penn Yan, NY
who comments: "I was in B Co. 15th Medical Batallion as a
Medic in 1965 and 1966. Great Web site."
Jack S. JONES <CLASSABOOMER@AOL.COM>from KY originally FL
now says, "I was a 91D20 with C Co, 15th MED BN on LZ ANDY
(near An Loc & Quan Loi) from 03/69 to 12/69. I wouldn't want
to do it again, but it was one of the more rewarding periods
of my life. If you were there when I was there or if you knew
me, send an e-mail."
CW-4 Lloyd (DUSTY) GOLDSTON USA (Ret) <GOLDSTON@LIBBY.ORG>
e-mailed me to verify my previous column: "Mike, have been
reading the recent SABER and found your writings on MEDEVAC,
or "Dustoff" interesting. I was a Slick as well as Medevac
driver spanning two tours in the 227th. You should know that
MEDEVAC was an evolving duty and aircraft role in Vietnam.
The configuration for the MEDEVAC aircraft itself came from
Medics, pilots and crew chiefs bolting and strapping on
litter supports, overhead IV hangers and other items to place
the aircraft into a more user friendly roll. Most important,
during both my tours I think every pilot in-country got at
least one chance to be a medevac pilot, even if it was just a
"Walking Wounded" who could sit in a seat. When things really
got rough it was not uncommon for a field Medic to fill in as
a Flight Medic, or someone from the EVAC Center flying with
us. Another interesting fact is the UH-1B Gunship. That
configuration came from several SP-4s and SP-5s at Pleiku who
took guns off of crashed OH-13s (They pulled Convoy Support)
and tied, bolted, or strapped these guns on the few hard
points that could be found on the Huey. Point of aim, a
grease pencil cross on the windscreen, crude but it worked.
One of my pet peeves through the years has been that later
during the war, some GS-something or the other back in the
World got credit with coming up with all these configuration
idea's.
As for your incident, I never heard of a MEDEVAC pilot
refusing to fly a mission nor land after he was into the
mission. I do remember several incidents where the pilot
could not get into the LZ for one reason or the other [re:
the hoist] and requesting the patient be moved to another
location that he could land in. I can tell you of several who
caused rotor replacement. They "Lawnmowered" into a LZ that
was too small to land in. The wounded got out and that was
the mission. I do remember an incident that might be what
your reader is thinking of. Time has taken its toll on my
memory but if I recall a flight of Marine helicopters had
just inserted a LRRP patrol into a hot LZ. The patrol had
taken heavy casualties and had wounded. They called for
extraction and medical support, but the Marine Flight
Commander refused the extraction. An Army W-2 flying in the
area and hearing this exchange over his radio dropped a CH-47
into the still hot LZ and got the whole bunch out. I never
found out the "Rest Of The Story" but it was a well known
event. Some of the other Sky Troopers out there, could help
me with the time, date, and location. I think is was during
operation Paul Revere. The lift ships were bringing in
artillery. I hope some of this information helps you. Keep up
the good work and thanks for your tireless efforts. CW-4
Lloyd (DUSTY) GOLDSTON USA (Ret)."
When I replied to Lloyd I did as I always mention, because
there seems to be some confusion by everyone in referring to
the various Army aeromedical evacuations, that MEDEVAC was
the call sign for the 1st Cavalry Division Air Ambulance
Platoon or 15th MED's aeromedical evacuation, and that
DUSTOFF was the call sign for the 44th Medical Brigade's
aeromedical evacuation-how copy? When I inquired of Lloyd,
whose nickname of DUSTY he says comes from the call sign
"DUSTOFF," exactly who he was with and when so that you the
reader would know, he filled me in with: "I was "A" 227th
'66-'67. That was the days of An Khe, Pleiku, Dak To, Bong
Son, and other garden spots. (This was before the Army
realized Carlings Black Label and Pabst Blue Ribbon sucked).
I was turned at good old Oakland Army Terminal (for the good
of the service and short pilots). I went back to Hq, 227
lasting several months prior to being MEDEVACed to Letterman
General at Presidio of San Francisco. I was going to a lift
company but never made it. My wounds caught up with me years
ago and I am now 100% Disabled."
Joe DENNISON <DENNISON@TUSCO.NET>1\8 CAV & MEDEVAC Mar 1969-
July 1970 sent an e-mail to confirm my last Saber MEDEVAC
defense: "Mike, Read your article in the Feb SABER. I had
skipped the last Silver Wings article but went back and read
it. Having served with CAV line units and MEDEVAC '69-'70 I
observed MEDEVAC from both ends. During my time with line
units I saw MEDEVAC and other aviation units come in and pick
up wounded but I never saw MEDEVAC not come in. I remember
once when I was in the field a MEDEVAC helicopter came in
and made a pick up and an hour later a resupply bird refused
to land in the same spot claiming there was not enough
clearance. When I was with MEDEVAC I don't remember ever not
going in. I even remember crews going in to make a pick up
when they believed they were picking up a wounded man
with a live explosive round in the WIA's side. It turned out
it was not live but that particular incident demonstrates the
dedication the MEDEVAC crews had. The thing I remember about
our pilots was they would go in no matter what, but they
wanted the ground troops to tell them like it was. If it was
a hot LZ say it was; the MEDEVAC pilots went in. It was the
surprises they didn't like. I was with MEDEVAC when we went
into Cambodia and at one point we lost a lot of our birds and
several friends attempting to make a pick up. MEDEVAC then
borrowed birds and kept on flying. I remember being on a bird
backing up the bird that finally got the wounded out. Looking
down I saw our bird go into the LZ followed by a gunship. To
this day I remember green tracers coming up at the birds so
thick I didn't think either bird would make it up again. The
pick up was made and both birds made it back. The MEDEVAC
bird made it without a hit but we were later told the gunship
took about 32 hits. If MEDEVAC was there they went in.
I do know that what we thought was occurring with someone
else in the field isn't always what it appeared to be. We
often saw from our perspective which in all honesty was
limited. We never knew what that other unit, person etc. was
involved in when we expected their support. MEDEVAC only had
so many birds and they covered a lot of area and units in
addition to the CAV. Sometimes they were spread pretty thin.
I managed to bring my flight records home and years later I
was surprised to realize there were days we flew 22 hours. At
the time it just never registered. As you said, if any bird
was on station they would evacuate the wounded.
I have a great deal of respect for everyone who flew in
helicopters be it MEDEVAC or any other unit. They all did a
difficult job and most if not all did it well.
Well Mike, I know I'm sort of preaching to the choir but for
some reason after reading your article I had to write this.
Take care, Joe DENNISON 1\8 CAV & MEDEVAC Mar 1969-July
1970."
Joe not only humped as a Combat Medic in 1\8 CAV and flew on
MEDEVAC but was later in the 196th L.I.B. when he was
severely wounded as I mentioned in a previous SABER. Thanks
always Joe for your HONOR AND COURAGE-and, SO THAT OTHERS MAY
LIVE.
Ron STRUB from: La Crescent, MN 55947 writes, "I was with
11th AIR ASSAULT when we became the 1st CAV. Served with Co
C, 15th MED & left Ft. BENNING on the advance party in Aug
1965 for An Khe. Just another very proud member of the 15th
MED & 1st CAV."
Bill LOSE <THELOSEFAMILY@DELLNET.COM>from Thousand Oaks, CA
e-mailed to tell me, "With the 15th MED BN 1951 thru 1954. On
the ground Medic at various fronts; TDY at Pamunjom. And
wondering how my buds are and where? Visited your site and
was truly impressed. Signed in as guest but must admit I felt
a little out of place since my tenure with the 1st CAV was
'51 thru '54; however, I guess your MEDEVACs wouldn't deprive
an old trooper of a visit to his 2nd love. Thanks for your
continued contribution. Best regards Bill LOSE RA13396321."
Robert Thomas CAMPBELL <RRCOLL2@ADAMS.NET>from Golden, IL
wrote, "This is the first time into our Web site and need
some time to look around. I did make the first 2 reunions and
it was great seeing everyone and meeting their wives. Hope to
make San Antonio but not sure at this time......Robert."
It was good to hear from Tom as I knew him as he was a famous
MEDEVAC Medic when I was there-re: THE FIRST TEAM magazine
Volume 2 Number 3 from the Fall of 1969 and the article on
pages 17 to 24 entitled: "MEDEVAC: They will be remembered."
They highlight, "There's something about saving a life-and
the way MEDEVAC does it, defying the odds-that makes it
appealing." And, "It's like a brotherhood." They quote:
"...Nor shall I deny any man's call, whether for hazard of
health or inconvenience or danger, but go to him."-
Hippocrates 425 B.C. And finalize: "They will be remembered
as long as men fly and the hurt cry out for help." Tom flew
buku.
I heard from Jim BRIGHAM <JBRIGH6566@JUNO.COM>HHC 2\7 CAV
'65-'66 who is trying to incorporate a great Web site:
<HTTP: 7thcav presents www.naples.net>into the By-laws of
the 7th CAV Association. For readers who are interested and
would like to vote on it at the upcoming Fayetteville Reunion
that is the address. Contact Jim about proxies and a copy of
the proposition draft.
Doing what he does, Jim passed my name along to a long lost
associate of mine from C 2\7 CAV, Mark SMITH, who was one of
my platoon sergeants, and half the time, acting platoon
leader. Mark was in A 1\5 CAV in '67 to just until Tet '68.
Mark did not like duty in the Berlin Brigade so put back in
for Nam and later made E-6. I never thought that I would find
SMITTY again-he keeps disappearing-except for the good work
of Jim BRIGHAM who has been locating people for everyone.
Mark also told me that he had just spoken to our C.O. from C
2\7 CAV '69, CPT MEAGER, who really disappeared and is now
found in Houston. CPT MEAGER was an Airborne Ranger and also
wore the 101st Division patch, retiring as a LTC. CPT MEAGER
was a lot of fun-obsessed with pursuing the enemy. When I got
to C 2\7 and my platoon, a soon to be good buddy of mine,
Howard ANDERSON, was reading: Catch-22-if you know what I
mean, probably because of CPT MEAGER's relentless tactics.
Jim BRIGHAM's efforts to modernize the 7th CAV Association
with a Web site also makes me realize-as if I did not know-
just what an outstanding job that SNORE has done since '97
with his MEDEVAC\15th MED Association Web site to find all of
the MEDEVAC and 15th MED veterans that he has, and there are
many; and still more turning up all of the time. FIRST TEAM!
GARRYOWEN!
I got a call from James BELAIR of Medford Lakes, NJ who was a
MEDEVAC gunner 6-'68 to 1-'69 and again from 6-'70 to 12-'70
after being an 11Bravo in C 2\5 CAV '67-'68. James wanted to
know who was in charge of the upcoming MEDEVAC\15th MED
Reunion. That, I found out for him, is Jim RAMSEY who can be
contacted if anyone needs to at: <JRAMSEYMSI@AOL.COM>or for
those like James who are not computer users Jim RAMSEY can be
reached by telephone at: (210)497-0263. For those who are
online and do not want to contact Jim you can use the
registration form with total information at:
<HTTP: reg98.htm SNORE MSSB www.vabch.com>.
Again, the latest on the next Reunion is: June 11th., San
Antonio, Texas. Contact Jim RAMSEY for further details and a
Headcount for the Hotel. The La Quinta Inn & Suites San
Antonio Market Square, 900 Dolorosa, San Antonio TX. 78207-
4540, Tel#210-271-0001 Fax#210-228-0663, Cost $79.00 +tax Per
Night, Call 1-800-642-4239, Medevac reunion and conf
#56790763, Identify yourselves as members of; everyone should
call by 5/8/00 to insure reservations.
I spoke with 1970 MEDEVAC gunner Tim KIRWAN and he told me
that he may be able to make it to San Antonio for the
Reunion. Tim is originally from San Antone but he now lives
and works in the Dallas, TX area. He told me that he would be
able to swing by and pick me up if he goes which is the only
way to get this dismounted Infantryman-i.e. Combat Medic-
anywhere. Tim also expressed an interest to me to have the
MEDEVAC\15th MED Reunions at the Annual 1st CAV Division
Association Reunions.
I attended the 1st CAV Association Board of Governors'
meeting on Feb. 26 at 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters at
Ft. HOOD in the conference room next to the commanding
general's office and found that to be quite interesting. It
was just like observing Congress in action. The Board of
Governors are always trying to make your 1st CAV Association
better. What is not thought to be better does not get
approved. I also went to the Trustees' of the Foundation of
the First Cavalry Division Association meeting which also was
educational. They manage the scholarships and monies for
those.
If any of you 1st CAV Association members have any interest
in your Association I highly recommend obtaining a copy of
the Association Constitution and By-laws which is available
for the asking; also the Trust Agreement and list of 1st CAV
Association Officers whom you can nominate, and elect at the
General Membership Meeting at the Annual Reunion.
The Board of Governors approved moving the Annual Reunions up
to June dates from now on to avoid the high summer heat and
they disapproved tampering with individual hospitality suites
and thus the mini-reunions that go on at the 1st CAV Reunions
so that should be a good incentive for the MEDEVAC\15th MED
Association Reunions to join their 1st CAV Division at the
Annual Reunions because so far the MEDEVAC\15th MED Reunions
have been in May and June. I should not have to remind you
that veterans of MEDEVAC and 15th MED have a very important
role in 1st CAV Division history.
I am still trying to receive action photos of MEDEVAC for the
1st CAV Division Museum at Ft. HOOD. You can e-mail any
scanned 3x5 inch-or close to that-.jpg files to me-the
easiest way-at: <MBODNAR@MAILCITY.COM>and I will submit them
to the Museum curator. My <MBODNAR27@JUNO.COM>does not
accept graphics files, only text; but, be sure and notify me
at my Juno e-mail address if you are sending anything so that
I will look for them. The Museum can print them out on their
inkjet printers, and frame them in crusted blood.
Always remembering our 1st Cav troops on duty around the
world; over and out.
FIRST TEAM!
Garryowen,
Mike Bodnar C 2\7 Cav 1969
MEDEVAC 1-7\1970
SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE
