Listing of Incidents

1st Squadron / First Cavalry - First Regiment of Dragoons
Gordon Skinner
Information on U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A tail number
Date: 08/16/1968
Incident number: 68081666.KIA
Unit: D/1/1 CAV 101 ABN
This was a Combat incident. This helicopter was REPAIRED IN THEATER
This was a Recon mission for Unarmed Recon
Unknown this helicopter was Unknown at UNK feet and UNK knots.
South Vietnam
Count of hits was not possible because the helicopter burned or exploded.
Small Arms/Automatic Weapons; Gun launched non-explosive ballistic projectiles less than 20 mm in size. (7.62MM)
The helicopter was hit in the Cockpit
Systems damaged were: PERSONNEL
Casualties = 01 KIA . .
The helicopter made an Emergency Landing. Aircraft is later recovered by any ...means other than its own power.
Both mission and flight capability were terminated.
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Survivability/Vulnerability Information Analysis Center Helicopter database. Also: LNOF, 80331, CASRP (Lindenmuth Old Format Data Base. Casualty Report.)
Crew Members:
P CPT SKINNER GORDON A II KIA
War Story:
I was 1st Lt. Gordon Skinner's (SP-5) OH-6A AERO SCOUT crew chief, and trained with him, and all of the rest of the D Trp 1/1, 1st Rgt Dragoons, and was selected by him to be his personal crew chief, after training at Gray Army Airfield , Fort Hood, TX , in spring of '68. We (D 1/1) all shipped over as a unit to support the 101st ABN, Marine Recon and Army LRPs in I Corps, Camp Evans, Ashau, etc., out of the 2/17th area of Camp Eagle, throughout the latter phases of Tet. The Troop's men, maintenance, headquarters and fight components, all flew in to 'Nam on a Boeing 707 (via Hawaii, Guam, and some other hell-hole, Da Nang, and then Phu Bai and Camp Eagle) to prepare and establish the D Trp area and aircraft revetments in advance of our choppper's arrival, i.e., OH-6As, Scouts, UH-1Ds (Aero-Rifles), and UH-1C-model gunships, which came over across the Pacific by ship, and arrived about a month later. We flew Pink and White teams, among other missions. The first day we flew missions, Lt. Skinner was killed. I flew gun in the rear with the M60 with Skinner as pilot all that morning, and I believe (could be wrong) that it was "Mr. Copeland" (a WO) who flew as co-pilot. We had no contact with the bad guys at all that AM. That afternoon, everyone was all fired up and wanted to fly and see some combat assault time, so my Scout Platoon Sergeant Braden (over my objection- because he was not trained to defend the ship as the M60 SCOUT gunner-observer) "bumped me" out of my rear gunner's place to get in some CA time. Unfortunately, a short time afterwards while scouting out an area that afternoon, flying near to the deck, some VC stood up from the weeds and opened up with AK-47s. As near as I could tell from the aftermath and gore (that I had to clean up) , the only round that hit on the aircraft went right through the saber's ring painted in the lower front bubble, and hit Lt. Skinner from the front in the head, killing him. I have a photo of the bullet hole in the bubble that killed Lt. Skinner. However, FYI, contrary to what the web site says, the OH-6A did not crash, and the copilot Mr. Copeland heroically flew it back to the medivac area with Lt. Skinner, who was unfortunately deceased and beyond help. Also, my "Lifer" Scout Platoon Sgt. Braden was hit by the same fire that killed Skinner, breaking the humorous of both arms near the shoulders, but I understand he survived and as medically discharged later. I cared for the same ship for the rest of my tour while I was in 'Nam, and to the best of my memory it was still flying when I ETS'd. I still feel great guilt for allowing myself to be bumped from the gunner position, because I was trained to protect the ship, and indeed successfully did so in many a shoot-out during for the rest of my tour. If you need any other info to set this matter straight, or photos, then please advise.
From: Ronald N. Walker
This record was last updated on 12/26/2007
Roger Q Barnard
CW2 Roger Q Barnard was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam
Green Valley, AZ
Flight Class 67-15
Date of Birth 06/25/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/1/1 CAV 101 ABN in 68-69, A/2/17 CAV 101 ABN in 69, 765 TC BN in 71-72
Call signs in Vietnam SWORD 14, ASSAULT 17
This information was provided by Returned mail
This information was last updated 04/30/2017
Peter L Krutschewski
WO1 Peter L Krutschewski was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 04/20/1996 at the age of 50.8
East Lansing, MI
Flight Classes 68-3 and 68-1
Date of Birth 07/10/1945
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/1/1 CAV in 68-69, 129 AHC in 70
Call sign in Vietnam REGENT
This information was provided by Gary Roush, deceased search
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Richard P Taylor
MAJ Richard P. Taylor was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/25/2013 at the age of 73.9
Oak Hill, WV
Flight Class 67-11
Date of Birth 01/14/1940
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 71 AHC in 67-68, B/123 AVN 23 INF in 70, D/1/1 CAV 101 ABN in 71
Call signs in Vietnam FIREBIRD, PANTHER
This information was provided by Doug Cahill
More detail on this person:
Maj Richard Pentreath Taylor, 73 Obituaries _ Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 Register-Herald, The (Beckley, WV) - Monday, December 30, 2013 OAK HILL _ Major Richard Pentreath Taylor passed away peacefully at his home in Oak Hill in the early morning hours of Christmas Day 2013. Richard was born January 14, 1940, in Oak Hill, WV, the son of the late Willis and Marguerite Taylor. R.P., as he was known to his friends and family, retired from the Army after serving 22 years. During his service he flew Cobra Attack Helicopters in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, our nation's third highest medal. R.P. enjoyed hosting friends and family at his home; he was renowned for his love of cooking, fine wine, and long conversations with the people he loved. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife Ann Taylor, brother Thomas Taylor and sister Elizabeth Taylor Lindberg. Those left to cherish his memory include his six sons: Tim McGuffin and wife Gay of Oak Hill; Jake McGuffin of Oak Hill; Richard Taylor Jr. and wife Tabitha of Jacksonville, FL; Ivey Taylor and wife Angie of Charlotte, NC; Willis Taylor and wife Lisa of Clarksville, TN; and David Taylor and wife Nicole of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Darrin and wife Tega, Derek, Christopher, Valentina, Alexis, Jasmine, Karmen, Savannah, Alexandria, and Andrew and one great-grandchild, Haden McGuffin. There will be a celebration of the life of Richard at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Oak Hill on Tuesday, Dec. 31st, for family members beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Father Roy Crist officiating. Immediately following the service there will be an Honor Guard Service at Highlawn Memorial Park. A reception will be held at St. Andrews after the services for family and friends.
Burial information: Highlawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill, WV
This information was last updated 09/09/2020
Richard S VanPelt
WO1 Richard S. VanPelt was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/23/2019 at the age of 71.9
Missoula, MT
Flight Classes 68-3 and 68-1
Date of Birth 04/24/1947
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/1/1 CAV AMERICAL in 68-69, 2/17 CAV 101 ABN in 69
This information was provided by Obit
More detail on this person: MISSOULA - Richard "Rick" S. Van Pelt, Lt. Col. (ret.) US Army, 71, of Missoula, was born April 24, 1947, and died on March 23, 2019. Rick was born into an Air Force family and he, himself, spent 20 years in the Army. He served in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V." It was in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange which led to his early heart disease. Rick had a thirst for knowledge and after leaving the Army he became a school librarian. His goal was to pass on that thirst to children. Rick was passionate about leading small groups and serving his church. He was the happiest in his life when serving Jesus. Rick was married to Kathi (Murdock) for 37 years. They loved to travel and experienced many adventures over the years. Rick is survived by his wife and two sons; two brothers; four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Warren and Jane, two brothers, Jay (Teresa) and John and a niece and two nephews. Complete obituary published in the Missoulian May 16, 2019
Burial information: Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery
This information was last updated 01/28/2021
Lawrence Charles Dean
Name: CW2 Lawrence Charles Dean
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 08/15/1972 while performing the duty of Pilot.
Age at death: 32.3
Date of Birth: 04/26/1940
Home City: Searcy, AR
Service: AV branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: D/17 CAV
Prior Unit: 175 AHC 67-68
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 67-11
Service: AV branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 01W-067
Short Summary: Hit by 51 cal. WO Rich Cunnaire wounded in front seat
Aircraft: AH-1G
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 100E = Attack Helicopter Pilot
Primary cause: .51 Caliber
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: small arms fire
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: pilot
Vehicle ownership: government
Started Tour: 01/02/1972
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - pilot
The initial status of this person was: missing in action - P I D
Length of service: *
Location: Thua Thien Province I Corps.
Military grid coordinates of event: YD420302
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Hostile - killed
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Church of Christ
Burial information: OAKLAWN CEMETERY, SEARCY, AR
The following information secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: warrant officer
This record was last updated on 01/06/2006
Joseph Frederick Denardo
Click here for more information about this incident
Name: WO1 Joseph Frederick Denardo
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 11/05/1972 while performing the duty of Pilot.
Died 1 days later on 11/06/1972.
Age at death: 28.6
Date of Birth: 04/02/1944
Home City: Northglenn, CO
Service: AV branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: D/17 CAV
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 71-45/71-41
Service: AV branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 01W-089
Short
Summary: Outside of Da Nang w/ observer. Killed by Claymore mine while fragging a bunker.
Aircraft: OH-6A
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 100B = Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot
Primary cause: Hostile Fire
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: mines
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: pilot
Vehicle ownership: government
Started Tour: 04/18/1972
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - pilot
The initial status of this person was: no previous report
Length of service: *
Location: Quang Nam Province I Corps.
Military grid coordinates of event: BT105590
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Hostile - died of wounds
married male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Latter Day Saints (Mormon)
Burial information: FORT LOGAN NATIONAL CEMETERY, DENVER, CO
The following information secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: warrant officer
This record was last updated on 08/20/1995
Dexter Bush Florence
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Name: 1LT Dexter Bush Florence
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 10/26/1972 while performing the duty of Pilot.
Died 3 days later on 10/29/1972.
Age at death: 25.6
Date of Birth: 03/27/1947
Home City: Arkadelphia, AR
Service: AR branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: D/17 CAV
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 71-30
Service: AR branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 01W-085
Short Summary: Crashed and burned as a result of a command detonated mine while hovering at tree top level. Died from burns three days later.
Aircraft: OH-6A tail number 68-17329
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 1981 = 19 Rotary Wing Aviator (Unit Commander)
Primary cause: Crash Burns
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: mines
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: pilot
Vehicle ownership: government
Started Tour: 11/24/1971
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - pilot
The initial status of this person was: hostile wounded in action - very serious hospitalization
Length of service: *
Location: Quang Ngai Province I Corps.
Military grid coordinates of event: BS576814
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Hostile - died of wounds
single male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Methodist (Evangelical United Brethren)
Burial information: REST HAVEN MEM GARDENS, ARKADELPHIA, AR
The following information secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: officer
This record was last updated on 10/30/1998
William Louis Miller III
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Name: CW2 William Louis Miller III
Status: Killed In Action from an incident on 11/05/1972 while performing the duty of Aircraft Commander.
Age at death: 23.7
Date of Birth: 02/28/1949
Home City: Detroit, MI
Service: AV branch of the reserve component of the U.S. Army.
Unit: D/17 CAV
Major organization: 1st Aviation Brigade
Flight class: 69-17/69-11
Service: AV branch of the U.S. Army.
The Wall location: 01W-089
Short Summary: Shot down 15 miles south of Da Nang while engaging a bunker complex.
Aircraft: AH-1G tail number 68-15182
Service number: W3166143
Country: South Vietnam
MOS: 100E = Attack Helicopter Pilot
Primary cause: Hostile Fire
Major attributing cause: aircraft connected not at sea
Compliment cause: small arms fire
Vehicle involved: helicopter
Position in vehicle: aircraft commander
Vehicle ownership: government
Started Tour: 08/24/1972
"Official" listing: helicopter air casualty - other aircrew
The initial status of this person was: no previous report
Length of service: *
Location: Quang Nam Province I Corps.
Military grid coordinates of event: BT032598
Reason: aircraft lost or crashed
Casualty type: Hostile - killed
married male U.S. citizen
Race: Caucasian
Religion: Lutheran (Missouri Synod)
Burial information: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, VA
The following information secondary, but may help in explaining this incident.
Category of casualty as defined by the Army: battle dead Category of personnel: active duty Army Military class: warrant officer
This record was last updated on 08/20/1995
Joseph E Bew
WO1 Joseph "Jody" E. Bew was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/05/2017 at the age of 73.8
Dunnellon, FL
Flight Classes 68-507 and 68-9
Date of Birth 11/30/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 134 AHC in 69-70, D/17 CAV in 71
Call sign in Vietnam SABER 22
This information was provided by Sammie Williams
Jimmy V Dobbs
CPT Jimmy V Dobbs was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/07/1993 at the age of 56.6 from Boat accident
Pensacola, FL
Flight Classes 68-20 and 68-34
Date of Birth 04/26/1937
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 114 AHC in 69-70, 48 AHC in 70, D/3/5 CAV in 71, D/17 CAV in 71-72
This information was provided by Bill Reasor, 114 Association
More detail on this person: He was captain of a commercial fishing vessel in the Gulf of Mexico which had an accident. Suspect his boat was hit by another vessel.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
James W Bryant
CPT James W. Bryant was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 11/21/1997 at the age of 55.8
Leawood, KS
Flight Classes 68-16 and 68-26
Date of Birth 02/12/1942
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/17 CAV in 72
Call sign in Vietnam SABER 6
This information was provided by Mike Law, SSN deceased search
More detail on this person: Pictured in D/17 Cav yearbook with 1st Cav patch on his left shoulder. MGL 5/2006
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Rodger A Ford
CW4 Rodger A Ford was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/28/2007 at the age of 63.6
Mabank, TX
Flight Class 71-31
Date of Birth 08/13/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/17 CAV in 71-72
Call sign in Vietnam SABER 13
This information was provided by SSN search 090108
More detail on this person: Rodger A. Ford Graveside services for Rodger A. Ford, 63, of Mabank are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday, April 2, 2007, at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas with the Rev. James Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home of Mabank. Mr. Ford died Wednesday, March 28, 2007, in Gun Barrel City. He was born Aug. 13, 1943, in Fort Worth. Mr. Ford had lived in Mabank since 1990. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1990 and had served in the Vietnam War. He worked as a helicopter pilot. He is survived by his wife, Linda Ford of Mabank; sons, Randy Ford and wife Stacey of Little Elm, Allen Ford and wife Joyce of Baytown and Robert Allen Ford and wife Renate of Irving; daughter, Sarah Ford of Payne Springs; stepsons, Lee John Blackman and wife Tysa, Andrew Kevin Waters and wife Teri and Ronnie Waters; sisters, Arzena Kay Reid and Marietta Gillispie; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be at the funeral home Sunday, April 1. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Burial information: Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX
This information was last updated 11/08/2017
Richard William Lally
1LT Richard William Lally was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/27/1973 at the age of 24.7 from A/C accident
Boston, MA
Flight Class 71-42
Date of Birth 01/09/1949
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with D/17 CAV
This information was provided by Bob Whitford, TAGCEN Casualty database.
More detail on this person: AH-1G crash on a ferry mission while acting as a pilot.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
John L Swarts
CW3 John L. Swarts was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/23/2015 at the age of 74.1 from Accident
Fort Scott, KS
Flight Class 70-41
Date of Birth 02/23/1941
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with HHC 1 AVN BDE in 72, 48 AHC in 72, D/17 CAV in 72-73, ICCS in 73
Call signs in Vietnam PENATRATOR 4, BLUE STAR, SABREBLUE
This information was provided by Hazel Swarts
More detail on this person: John L. Swarts - Ashley R. Schnedler - Two killed, two injured in area accidents Two killed, two injured in area accidents Joplin Globe, The (MO) - Monday, March 23, 2015 Both drivers were killed in a two-vehicle accident at 1:15 a.m. Monday on U.S. Highway 54, 11 miles west of Nevada in Vernon County, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Ashley R. Schnedler, 36, of Nevada, and John L. Swarts, 74, of Fort Scott, Kansas, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by a Vernon County deputy coroner, the state patrol said. Their bodies were taken to the Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Schnedler was driving an eastbound car and Swarts a westbound car that collided head-on, the patrol said.
Burial information: Fort Scott National Cemetery, Fort Scott, KS
This information was last updated 09/03/2020