Guestbook

Just found your site and it was cool reading about the unit my dad was in and I was hoping to meet some GI's that might have known my dad. I am retiring from the AF on the 6th of Aug so this was nice now I can reference my dad's service, he died in 73'

I gave a special flack jacket to 221st pilot rotating back to states, it had Americn flag on the back and a very special "message" for Ho Chi Minh

I have lost my only Company Photo and I would sure love to get another one. Can someone please help me out? Thanks and I hope you all have a wonderful 4th and may God Bless our troops and God Bless America. Your Vet Brother, Doug Mosher cactuswillie1945@yahoo.com

Just checking in...have about 130 hours in my Glasair Sportsman this last 12 months...great to br back flying after so many years.

Flew the CCC mission out of Dak To into Cambodia and Laos. Retired after 32 years with Delta. Never forget my year in Vietnam and the guys I flew with...

Proud to be a member of the 13th CAB...God Bless to all who served

Just found this site today. Memories. My year in the unit was a lifetime to remember. I am proud to say I am a Shotgun. I stayed in the Army for 13 yrs and the New Mexico Army National Guard for 10 yrs and retired as a Command Sergeant Major. I am open to contact from the members of the 221st Avn Co.

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I HAVE CONTACT WITH, WITH THE HELP OF THIS WEB SITE, RICHARD MULCAHY, MET WITH RICHARD THIS MONTH, AMADOR MARCHA, TALK TO HIM THIS WEEK, HUARD LIBBY, CONTACTED THIS YEAR, ERIC NAKSONE, TALKED TO HIM THIS WEEK, AND EARL T. TARTER, CONTACTED THIS MONTH. IT IS GREAT TO TALK TO SO MANY FROM YEARS AGO. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT WE LOST A GOOD FRIEND A FEW YEARS AGO, (BERNARD HANDELAND) WHO WAS WITH US FROM THE START IN 66. I HOPE TO MAKE MORE CONTACT WITH MORE OF THE GUYS FROM THE START IN 66. ROY T.

Stationed in Ca Mau, Bac Lieu. E-Mail me if you want to share 221st memories.

Guess I'm one of the late ones to sign up! I tried several emails, apprently now defunt service providers. Remember well my days flying the province and time with MACV, great years.

Just want to say hello

Found this site while seeking information about my father's service. He died in an aircraft crash (non-military) in 1973; I was 4 y/o. It was interesting to see the pictures of who he served with and where. If anyone has any stories, info or pictures, please feel free to email. Thank you...Lenora Borchardt

I witnessed and was first on site at crash of 1LT Joseph Wolfe in May 68. He was spotter for our 5". If anyone remembers him, please contact me.

Hi Guys I have a great deal of Respect for your unit especially Shotgun 40 who handled most of my commo while I was on Dagger Teams. could anyone tell me what unit flew the helicopters out of Soc Trang that inserted us and picked us up ??? Thanks for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tks for the contact david M.- was great to talk to you again - hope to see you at the next reunion. Roy t.

I was assigned at Ft Bragg duing the activation. I worked in the supply room as the company armmor, and also delivered the Mail. We had a great bunch of men thet servied with the 221. I have sone fond memories I will cherish always. I retired Oct 1983 with 20 years service. I look forward to hearing form the men that served with the 221st Shotguns. I would like to attend the next reunion wherever it is. Keep me posted as to when and where. Till the so long for now.

to richard, libby, and amador -have received a xmas card from eric nakasone, he is fine and still living in hawai'i

Can anyone identify with any of these people. I took Tim Isaacs place for CWO Charlie Chase to maintain his aircraft 01 Birddog 2nd platoon in Vin Long during my tour of duty in Vietnam from October 1970 to October 1971. Stay tuned for more detail. Bill bwallum@htcomp.net

Guys, I spent 2 years in Can Tho as a controller. Used to fly backseat for you Shotguns. Even had an engine failure one night flying night security between Can Tho and Binh Thuy. I'm looking for Jeff Gray. He was the pilot when we had the failure. He went to the Long Trips in Long Binh. Anybody got an address or email where he might be. Fuzzy

Does anyone know Earl Foote or Johnnie Coltrane, or Harry S Townley. Please email me with any information you might have or know how I can contact them. Bill

Well, guys, I'll be 62 on Sunday. I got an early birthday pesent today, Jan 14th. I spoke with the Public Information Officer of the American War Library today and he has suggested that I send a copy of all my military documents to them, and to request that I get an updated 201-A form and attach it to my DD-214 showing the award of the ACM. My four year quest for official recognition of this awrd is within reach, finally. I would like to suggest that all of you also share any official paperwork with the library, as that is actually a backup for the NPRC . If we all do this, then GO's and such like the ones I was looking for will be on ffile and the history of the Vietnam War will have many of the "holes" filled in. Individuals right now are looking for closure, and these people are a good place to start. Sorry I missed the reunion, but I will be at the next one unless it's on the West Coast. I'd still like to get in touch with Dave Chandler and Tex Williams. Is "SSG Spanky Congrove" out there,SFC Greenlee or Cpt Pond? Keep up the good work Monte! I bought the reunion book, and really enjoyed it. I'm going to send a few of my own stories in for the next one. Until I read the book, I was not aware of the fact that I can permanently display thee Presidential Unit Citation which we received in June 1969, I left the company at the end of July, and since I worked nights, didn't go to ceremonies.

http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html Happy New Year! We love this website. It has been very helpful for our members. Also, our members tell us that our website is the best place for veterans to find information about compensation, pension and benefits for veterans. We have been told that VSOs now recommend that veterans visit our website first before filing a claim. Veterans learn about the process, who to see, where to go, and how to maximize their disability claims. Visit today! http://www.veteranprograms.com/id194.html

After 40 years finally found a website like this - never knew it existed! I'm alive and doing well. Sure would like to hear from you guys! Looking forward to the 2011 reunion!

HAVE CONTACTED AMADOR AND RICHARD AND WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM MORE OF THE GUYS,(FROM FT BRAGG BEFORE 221ST)AND FROM 221ST WHEN WE GOT TO NAM.MY PHONE NUMBER 206-909-5942 ROY.T.

Just a moment to wish everybody out there a wonderful and bountiful Thanksgiving celebration. Please take a moment tomorrow while celebrating with family and friends to remember our comrades that are standing watch around the world to protect our lives and our rights. A short prayer for them will go a long, long way.

Now living in the state of New Jersey

sorry i missed the reunion whens the next one. . maybe las vegas or somewhere on the west coast. oh well maybe next time.

Hey Guys, just a reminder that the Delta Aviation Reunion is coming. It will be held May 14 - May 16, 2010 at Fort Rucker. Would be nice if we could get some turn out from the starch wing guys to remind the fling wingers that they were not alone in the Delta. For more information check out the site at www.shieldofthedelta.com Don

FYI: This is a very informative website. Keep up the great work. Also, if any veteran is looking for “inside secrets” to benefits and compensation please visit http://www.veteranprograms.com/id1070.html. The website is the most comprehensive stop on the Internet. Veterans can learn everything they need to know about getting what they have earned. The website also lists VSOs who will help veterans.

Herb Phillips is a friend of mine and he served as a crew chief in Vietnam.

Am just returning to read any new entries. Thanks for the Web Site ! JP Gardner

Just want to send out heartfelt thanks to the persons involved in the '09 Reunion in Fort Walton. My husband, Donald Donohoo, was so thrilled to revisit with his buddies. The event was well planned, although Mother Nature brought a chilling reminder that she was boss! Kudos to all!

Just returned home to ME from reunion at Ft. Walton Beach, FL. Also shared with 199th Swampfox. What a special group of folks. It was an honor to just be there amongst all of you! The time at Sky Ranch and getting to fly in a restored Birddog was a thrill of my life, (lately). To the 219th who visited with us, a thank you for making the trip from Rucker, it was an honor meeting you. The catfish fry was right on target. Sam Dawson and his group of Birddog owners flew some terrific birds and even in some of the roughest weather you could ever want to go in. Didn't even slow them down. Got pictures in flight showing airspeed below 20 indicated and still flying!! How's that? See what you missed? Hope more can make the next reunion in 2011 at a location to be determined by our new committee. Just can't say enough about the organization by all responsible. In short, Thanks for a great opportunity. Hugh

I'm still looking for G.O.'s that awarded me the Army Commendation Medal, per the Unit History. I would like to ccommunicate with David Chandler, Kirkland, Tex Williams, Willis, Captain Pond, SFC Greenlee,Gibbs, Simmons, the person who bought the leather album cover I hand carved, and anyone who has photos of the birddog that the airfield commander put the mini-gun in. I've been communicating with Slaybaugh, Thomas, Slife, Engle, Farrar, Lax. Sorry I missed the reunion, and am saving for the one in 2011.

So many memories. I have never known a finer group of soldiers before or since my time in the Delta. I served with and commanded some very fine soldiers in the years after Viet Nam, but always I go back to the 221st to find examples of courage, integrity, loyalty and honor. God bless all who are still with us and may he grant eternal peace to those who have gone home to him.

Welcome home brothers. I flew birddogs in training and have great respect for all that flew her in combat. I got stuck in RU21s in I Corps. Have a great '09 reunion.

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Hey guys, I have to echo the comments made by Hugh Libby. There are only 29 days left before the party and it will be a good one, don't miss it because you are sitting there trying to decide. Most of us original Shotgunners like me and Hugh aren't going to have a lot of reunions left in us and we sure would miss the chance to see you. If you have doubts or questions call or e-mail us and we will seek out answers for you. Don

Hi all: Just hoping I can help stir the pot and ask anyone who is on the fence to please sign on for the 2009 reunion. It's coming faster than we can imagine. A lot of hard work by a terrific group of dedicated individuals to make the rteunion a success. I noted a message a while back from Roy Talley. Roy send me an email, unfortunately you didn't leave your email address. Hope your move went OK and you are settled in Del Rio, TX now. Hugh Libby

Hello.

I was an original member of the 221st from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Stationed in Vietnam at Sac Trang/Can Tho. Would appreciate hearing from other original members so please feel free to contact me at this Email address. Shotgun out.

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I am the sister of Jim "Spanky" Kummings. I found this site after Cpt David McGowan contacted me. Thanks to all of you for your bravery and helping to keep our country safe.

We received much appreciated help from "Shotgun" during my walking days in Chuong Thien Province, Duc Long District. I received a direct appointment to Warrant Officer and was shipped off to the 1st Cav Div but my warm feelings for Shotguns, Air Force Facs, and certainly all team members. Bill Covey CW2, USA (Retired)

Check the Honor Flight addition to the 221st Wall. The webmaster has added a section called Honor Flight.It is a listing of those who have passed since serving with the 221st RAC. If you know of any additions that should be included to the Honor Flight list, contact your webmaster or myself with the information.

I Posted once before. If Any of you guys are going to Kokomo I would like to come and thank you

any members of OFWAC 68-12 out there?

C'mon guys lets start calling and writing all of your old friends and flyin' buddies and tell them that NOW is the time to get their reservations in to Tim Brinkerhoff and to the Sheraton Four Points so that they don't miss one minute of Reunion 2009. Time is gettin' short and we need a good count so we can finalize the planning. Let's get it done.

Nice site. Brother Allen was with you 68 - 70. Never talks about it. He lives in Cincanatti(sp), Ohio. call me 814 425 3654 if you want to contact him and Ill see what Ican do for you. Lou

Served with 221st at Soc Trang Untill I transfered to the 80th Trans flying on the wrecker with Sp-5 Marshell Warden, Dave wilson, and our pilot Capt Craig If any of you have any information on the above please sent my an E-mail

Served at Ban Me Thout with 185th PTERODACTYLS

i was capt. wilcox's crewchief at can tho

Just ran a Shotgun Blast. If you didn't get it then I don't have a current e-mail address for you. Please update your e-mail if you want to be kept in contact with. Thanks, Monte Caylor Webmaster

Great to find the website. Hoping to make the reunion in October

I flew with Cpt. Clayton, Lt. Bracken, Mr. Howard and a few more during my tour. Please add my e-mail address to your list. Thanks, A.F.(FRANKIE) Windham

This is a new email address. If you need info on the reunion in Oct 2009 don't hesitate to call or email. Phone is 405-370-5131. Saw Jerry Kowieski and Joe Lasaurri in the guestbook--Ski and I went to flight school together and Damascus Lazarus and I worked with then MAJ George "Silver Scalper" Marachek and D co., 5th SF in some bad territory across some line on some map.

Just found the site, looking for old friends.

This is great!!!! I never thought I would or could see Can Tho or Vinh Long again. The memories are so vivid! Everything looks just as I remembered. If anyone reads this and remembers me, PLEASE let me hear from you.

Aloft 28 Xuan Loc, Cu Chi, Phu Loi,

I was just surfung and found this site .I will be returning to it later.

MOSTLY LIVED AT CAN THO, ROOM MATE WAS JERRY FINCH. SINCE I WAS A SHORT TIMER WHEN I ARRIVED, I MOSTLY FLEW OTHER GUYS AREAS WHILE THEY WERE ON R AND R. DID SPEND SOME TIME COVERING RIVER CONVOYS TO KNOM PHEN.

This message is an invitation to you to come to our reunion for the 221st and 199th Avn Companies, known at the Delta Birddog Reunion, which will be held Oct 15-18, 2009 at Ft. Walton Beach, FL. This is our second reunion there, the first held in Oct 2007, which was terrific. It included an afternoon of taking rides in restored O-1 Birddogs, and everyone had a great flight. No one was left out. We plan to do the same at this reunion. You need to come and we want you to register Now! I guarantee you will have a terrific time. Please bring your spouse/family. We had about 100 people at the first reunion. The announcement and registration form are attachments to this message. I, Leigh Ogden (at Lmogden@verizon.net and tel 301-622-4074), was in the 221st from its formation at Ft. Bragg until my year’s tour in Vietnam was up. I am one of the reunion’s coordinators and do the East coast. The other coordinators are for Western: Larry Williams at lgw1942@yahoo.com , and Dave Dillman at davidd@downtownseattle.org , Central: Paul Tanguay at pjtanquay@charter.net and South: Jim McGraw at golf4mcg@valornet.com , and we have the job of locating and contacting former 221st and 199th Avn Co members and getting them to the reunion. Hit the tab for the reunions and see what we did last time and what to expect this time. Then sign up to come! Lastly, we need your help in getting the current listing of former members of the units up to date. When you read this message, please reply to your regional coordinator and send your full name, current address, telephone number, and any additional e-mail addresses. If you know of other former members, please e-mail their names and information on where they are and how to contact them, even if it is just their town/state. We need all the help we can get in finding people. We all look forward to seeing you at the reunion. If you still have questions call me at home, see above. Regards, Leigh Ogden, Shotgun 5

Could not served with a better unit or group of guys. Recognized several names, thanks for the web site.

HELLO TO ALL. I AM LIVING IN WA. STATE NOW, BUT WILL RELOCATE TO DEL RIO, TX. IN AUGUST. THANKS TO THE LEGION BOOK I FOUND OUR UNIT AGAIN. HOPE TO SEE SOME OF YOU ONE DAY SOON. ROY T.

I was checking the Armory listing and found that it omits for me the dates of my service in the 221st and my position. Please add those to the listing.

Great to connect.

I would like to hear from all Shotguns who were assigned to and for all purposes members of out Advisory Team. We are having a Team 73 reunion on 26 June in St. Louis. I would like to hear from every Shotgun who served with us in at part of the world. Bill Covey

I always wondered if there was a "SHOTGUNS" website and reunion. I could hardly believe that after 39 yrs I just happened on to it. Last Fri while spending a few days at Ft Huachuca, AZ (Mesa, AZ is home) I read about a planned Oct 09 reunion for the 221st RAC in the Huachuca Scout Weekly Paper. This was great! So I looked the wesite, searched at all the names, discussion items & the PICs. It brought back many memories. Now I will be anxious to go to the reunion just to be able to see and talk to those I knew & worked with. Thanks to all who put this together. George

how do I sign up for the reunion

I wanted to research for my dad in hopes that he would see some old friends and ran into this site. Dad is doing well and I hope that there is a reunion soon. Love this site.

I am trying to locate Shotgun 38, CPT Robert N. Dews. We, past members of Advisory Team 73 in Chuong Thien Province, are having a reunion in June and things wouldn't be the same without him. I can assure you that he provided help to me in a big way while I was serving on that team. Bill Covey SFC, Operations NCO, Duc Long District Chief Warrant Officer, USA (Retired)

was crew chief to shotgun 39 "chickenman"

Great to make contact.

I was Shotgun 13 based in Tra Vinh for several months in early 1971, then became the Ops Officer, Shotgun 3, until we stood-down turning a/c over to VNAF. I would like to find anyone who was there during my tour. My first tour was Oct '67-Oct '68 flying gunsips in the 334th UTT out of Bien Hoa. "Retired" from Army in 1988 at Ft Hood, TX with the 6th Cav Bde. Spent next 15 years with McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing "retiring" in 2001 in Huntsville, AL to start my own business. Lynn, wife of almost 42 years and I have two sons, one is Apache pilot now serving as a major in Special Ops program mgt.

I cant believe so many of you guys are still around!

To Lt Cates (the Ranger Lt who was my pilot at Soc Trang & Moc Wa). Hope things are good for you. Remember our o-1 with the wooden window frame that bracketed the M-60 we weren't supposed to use? Wouldn't mind hearing fromyou. God bless.

Just discovered the site.. enjoying the stories. Will have to submit some of my own.

Great Job. How can I get more involved?

I hope that every Shotgun takes some time to read the Unit Yearly Reports 1965-71. It it a tribute to a group of men who put together and sustained the unit's accomplishments on the ground and in the air. We had a great reunion in October 2007 and there is a group planning an even better one in Oct 2009. I am not sure how they can top the last reunion but I am sure they will. I am looking foward to Reunion 2009 when we can renew the close ties made when we served together. At a reunion there is no rank, no pomp, just fellow soldiers that served and accomplished their mission together. Merry christmas and I look foward to seeing you in 2009. Don Modica

looking for anyone who has information on my brother, greg rich, who was in bac lieu, soc thrang and can tho during 1970. he flew rear seat for shotgun 41. any help would be appreciated. he is looking to contact earl senior from california. many thanks.

I just stumbled onto this web site and can`t believe I haven`t seen it before now. Fantastic web site! I was stationed in Vi Tanh as the shotgun pilot. I saw some comments in the guest book from SP5 George Cook and also from Capt. Collins. SP5 Cook was my first crew chief before he rotated back to the states. He was a great crew chief. Capt. Collins was my Platoon Leader stationed in Bac Lieu. Capt. Collins was one of the finest leaders I ever served under. I really have great memories of Can Tho, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu. and Vi Thanh and am so glad I found this site to bring back some of the memories. My callsign was Shotgun 47 and you can see I am proud of it as I use it in my e-mail address.

I knew Hal Collins and I sent a message to his son. Glad you folks have got us another reunion set up. How about the dancing girls?

My father Hal Collins who served with 221st in 1965 passed away this summer. He would never talk about his time in the army no matter how many times I asked. I didn’t even know which unit he served with until I received a copy of his service record this month. I would appreciate any information that anyone has. I also have a about 50 black and white pictures and about 75 color slides he took in Vietnam I would like to donate to the site. Thank you. Tim Collins

Enough words can not thank Monte for his work on this site. I've contacted several "old friends" thanks to him. Does any one know when the next reunion is going to be and where?

great sight--I just ran across it browsing around internet. Lots of memories here. Main location of duty was the Bac Lew area in the delta.

I wanted to get to this years reunion, but am busy with my retirement job in Fiji. I remember Dave Ford, Billy Blades, Jim Merritt, Chuck Sanders, Larry Wofford, Tom Hensen and Wally Kinder. Will try to make the 2009 Reunion. Would really like to find my Hoochmate for that year Charlie Morgan.

Glade i found this website

I was with 221 just a short time but was crewchief fot Lt Cagle at Vinh Long. Was reassigned to 92 avn company;caribou company and was crewchief out of Da Nang.

I have been looking for George French. He was a crew chief in the (4?) Plt that separated from us when we arrived in-country in 65, and I met him and was stationed with him in FRG in 67-69. If anyone has an address or email I would be most thankful. The last known duty station was 3rd Inf Div Arty in Kitzingen, FRG. Thanks a bunch, keep up the web, Monte, you have done a most outstanding piece of work. I don't believe I have found a more informative site, ever....Thanks Hugh Libby

Really enjoyed reading all the comments from people who were at Bac Lieu at the same time I was. At the school where I teach, one of the custodians was with the 21st ARVN Div, in Ca Mau. What a coincidence.

It has been a long time since I have heard of the names of my former comrades. In reading the History of the unit it brought many memories. I was Tracy Forehand's and John Stanko's crewchief in Bac Lieu. I flew with 1LT Wolfe the day before his fatal crash. It was an honor to be apart of a great unit.

Looking for old OCS and Flight School classmates....specifically Lt. Harold Dye....probably in country in Mid 67 to Mid 68....... Respectfully submitted, Robert Reed nonstop 34

I have many photos and 8mm movies of this period of time. What a wonderful site, I just happened to stumble upon it this morning.

I was a crewchief in chi-lang for the special forces. went to soc-trang and the whole co. moved to can-tho prior to me leaving. I am looking for anyone who recognizes this info. Also looking for Cpt. William Cantrell. There was also an warrant office named Vogt. who was stationed at Fort Stuart Ga. in 70-71.Thank you. Don Richard

I used to wonder what I was doing in Vietnam, and now I wonder what I'm doing in the world. I don't think I'll ever figure out the answer to either question.

My best friend, Ray Miller, was a pilot in the 221st

I've been looking for a sight like this for a year, I guess I'm getting old and looking for lost family members

Flew with many good pilots, the best and most daring was Ron Easley, Tom Plott was my 2nd favorite.

Just doing research on my Dad who was in the 221st. What a wonderful site.

Living in Denton, TX. Still flying Gulfstreams for a living. Will never forget the 221st or the men I served with.

Thanks for the memories.

I just viewed the collection of photos by Gene Alexander (Chil Lang 1969). It really brought back memories.

I am a friend of "Shotgun-46"

The 13th (Delta) Aviation Battalion reunion for all aviation units that served in the Mekong Delta will be held at Fort Rucker 6-8 June 2008. To register, please contact Stan Gause by USPS mail at 2890 NW 29th Avenue, Boca Raton FL, 33434, email at sgause101@bellsouth.net or telephone 561-882-4329. You may also register by contacting John Kennedy at 7908 Cooper Creek Road, Columbus GA 31909, email at kennedyj101@mchsi.com, or by telephone 706-327-4112. Provide your name, unit, dates and guests names. Registration fee is $50.00 per person. For registration payments in advance, please make checks payable to Stan Gause. Reunion activities include: Thursday 5 June, early bird registration at the Aviation Museum, 1230-1530; Friday, 6 June, registration at the museum, 0930-1600; after hours registration location TBA; Friday evening open time for unit meetings and socials; Saturday 7 June, late arrivals registration at the museum, 0930-1100; picnic lunch, displays and weapons simulators at Yano Hall, 1100- 1400. Saturday evening, 1830-?, social/cocktail hour, buffet dinner and guest speaker, location TBA; Sunday, 8 June, Memorial service, 1000, at Rucker Memorial Park. A list of hotel/motels in the Fort Rucker area will be forwarded separately

Hope that you all remember that even with the importance of tomorrow on the Christian world that there is a bit of hidden importance for all of the Shotgunners and their friends, family and professional associates. Yep, it is the 43rd anniversary of the birth of the 221st. March 23, 1965 the birth of one of the finest units to ever pass through the skies. Happy anniversary guys.

I just read that the 13th Combat Avn Battalion is having a reunion in June at Fort Rucker.

One of my flight school classmates was shot through the neck and died. I understand a Viet observer was able to bring the plane back. I only remember his name as Spanky. He was the last to solo in the gold hat class. We graduated Rucker Dec 68. Anyone know the details and given name?

I just updated the photo album. I need help identifying the individuals in the photos and adding captions to the pictures. Please help.

Served almost 2 terms in Tm 51, was under the command of Col Knight, great guy, and Col Felder. Would like to hear from those who were there also.

never meet any of you guys but talked a lot on the radio to you

Sorry I missed the reunion, I only recently found out one of my high school class mates has a condo in Fort Walton. Oh well, you know what they say about hind sight. I'm still looking for a set of G.O.'s that has my name on then for the Army Commendation Medal. Every querry to the NPRC comes back with the same lame answer. I've written a book titled A NARCOLEPTIC in the U.S. ARMY and wish to have this ribbon shown on my mortar board, but will not do so until I get a set of the orders to prove its mine. I'm anxious to find out where the next reunion will be and where. I have photos to share. Contact me anytime, I'm fully retired and spend most of my time at home or in my workshop out back.

What a nice surprise. Was attached to the same MACV Unit at Soc Trang flying the same aircraft (last three 877)for my entire year in country so I didn't meet many folks who were actually in the 221st. Call sign was Shotgun 47. Ski was my platoon leader in Bac Lieu. Larry Wofford gave me my in country check. Would very much enjoy hearing from anyone I knew especially the MACV guys. Thanks for putting this site together.

Looking to find CPT James R. Burgansky and WO Ralph Howard. Both were Shotgun pilots operating in 69-70 operating out of Vi Thanh, in Chuong Thien Province. Hoping to have a reunion of Advisory Team 73 alumni, so I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me on finding "Ski" and Ralph. Thanks, John

just saying hello to all friends who served st Soc Trang

Merry Christmas to all, may the Lord bless all Shotgunners and the New Year brings health to all of us, and peace on earth. HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Just want to wish the 221st men a very Merry Christmas and a grand and wonderful New year. God Bless

Just a Happy Thanksgiving wish to all Shotgunners everywhere and to all of the new breed of Army Aviators that are working hard around the globe to maintain our freedom.

A special 'thank you' to everyone involved in putting together and working at the recent reunion. A wonderful experience that will not soon be forgotten. Already looking forward to the next one in 2009.

I'M LOOKING FOR ANYONE WHO SERVED WITH ME IN SOC TRANG FROM THE DATES ABOVE. TOM BERGER

What a great walk down Memory Lane. Rec'd an email from Jack Leonard about this site and the recent reunion -- I won't miss the next one! Flew for 5th SF, Co D out of Can Tho. Comrades at Can Tho included Ray Rau, Ed Larson, Paul Tanguay, Gerry Berchard, Greg Barlow, and Harry Sanders. Think of them often - all good men and soldiers. Curt Herrick authored a great Bird Dog article in Army Aviation, July 1973 that featured Shotgun and Swampfox exploits. Need to include that in the history if not already there.

Please add my name to the roster. I started off at Ving Long for my first six months. I believe the OIC was a Captain McKinney. Then I was transferred to Soc Trang to run the maintenance operation. If memory serves my first CO was Major Modica, followed by Major Fox. One of my fellow pilots was Paul Pfath (or Fath). Does anyone one know his whereabouts? Sincerely, John Leonard

great reunion. Thank you to the ladies and gentlemen who planned and did the work. The ladies were beautiful and the men looked old. Except me of course. I'll be glad to help the next one if I have any skills left that work enough to accomplish anything.

I spent most of my tour at Bac Lieu, but was wounded at Soc Trang. My main regret was that I was unable to complete my tour of duty. I understand I was hit by a 175mm RR. I'm not sure what this is. Is there any photo's of this weapon, if so please send me a copy. Thanks. I'm proud to have beed assigned to the 221st Aviation Company.

Great website didn't recognize any of the names.Must be age I guess.

Great web site.

Anyone know a safe way to send money to a vietnamease? Got to know specific individual will receive it, not some commie in the woodwork.

I want to Thank the steering committee and those that attended the Reunion last week. It was a great event and a pleasure to be among true Americans. I look forward to meeting again two years from now and if your in the Seattle area, please give me a call and lets get together! Thanks Monte for the great web site and all your hard work. I looked at the CD last night and it is outstanding!!

I see some names that I recognize,

The Reunion on 10, 11, 12, and 13 October 07 was outstanding. Thanks to all who worked hard to make it a success. If you missed it you will never know what you missed. GREAT JOB.

Like to hear from some of my old friends from Soc Trang

Having just completed "Three Quality Days" at the Delta Birddog Reunion, I must thank (first) Monte Caylor who estabilished our outstanding web-site (that probably started the process), and then those who "again went above and beyond" in setting up an exceptionally great gathering for us all! Thanks Gents!!!

Cngratulations to the 221st for their first reunion! There are few things as exciting as the reunion of long ago comrades.I was in the platoon that was sent to the 219th in early July 1965.I remember the lost feeling,I had in tent city 'A" when T. Wirrki, Hal Collins ,John Voight,Greg Colliton, Maj Modica,and the rest of the company departed for SocTrang.I never really bonded with the leadership of the 219th.The irony is that I am one of the reunion co-ordinators for the 219th 2007 Reunion being held during the same weekend. Regrettably,I will be unable to attend the 221st Reunion. I have fond memories of Major Modica,Paul Fath,Don Smith,and Libby Huard.I even tolerated Leigh Ogden. Later,I learned the XO has to be the "bad guy" so that the CO can be the "good guy".I do know that the people who attend the 221st reunion will remember it as one of the Highlights of their life. Tom Morris HH 47

shotgun shoot em before they run.8

My Father-in-Law flew O-1 Birddog in Nam (70-71), he wont say much about his experience there which I understand. I am proud of him and would like to find out how he earned a Bronze Star and Silver Star during combat over the "Tree Tops" of Vietnam. Can some help me narrow my search? Thank you all for your "Un-selfish" Bravery and Service.

It's great to have found your site. Of course all our operations out of Vinh Long were hand in hand with your 1st platoon ( I didn't know that before reading the site) You guys were the "eyes up front" and "down low" for our assaults and extractions. Thanks for your service from a guy who use to hang out of the door... Rick S. Red Knight 201 & Cobra 32

Double retiree and loving it. Been in Guldfport MS through two BIG hurricanes but still wouldn't think of leaving.Great to hear from you.

I just received a call from Don Smith who was looking for my husband, Jack Northrige....I was sorry to tell him that Jack passed away from Agent Orange related throat/neck cancer in April of 2006. I did want to pass this information along to the 221st...Jack had many memorits and stories of his tour of duty with all of you and was proud of his service in the military until the end. Judy his wife of 47 years!!!!!

I'm looking for a copy of the General Orders awarding me the Army Commendation medal, dated sometime in late 1969. I would also like to find my crew leader, David Chandler, and mechanics "Tex" Williams, electrician Valdez, Crew Chief Dabros, Gibbs, Hangar SFC Greenley, and "Spanky" Congrove. I've been in touch with Jackie Slife over the years. Hope you guys have a great reunion, maybe I can catch the next one. I have photos to share, just drop me a line.

Mostly stationed at Can Tho. Stationed with Green Beret Unit but can't remember name. Other pilots and crewchief I remember Charles Windhiem, Capt. Wilcox, Capt. Stevenson, Sargent Burris at Soc Trang, Lt. Flanigan (KIA), Capt. Spain. If you remember me drop me a line. Best of Luck to all you Shotgunners. Anyone remember a golden dog named shotgun?

AM LOOKING FOR INFO ON ROBERT(DOC)WATSON 65-72 HE WAS MY FATHER AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT HE DID. I FOUND THIS PATCH IN AN OLD BOX. ANY INFO. WOULD BE GREAT!

What a pleasant surprise to run across this website. I saw messages from two fine men, Billy Blades of the 221st. and Randy Cheatham of the 125th ATC. I have thought about you guys many times through the years and it is great to see your messages. I went to Bac Lieu Airfield in October, 1969, to be site chief after spending August and September at Delta Center, which at that time was in Binh Thuy. Hopefully more people will find this website and write in.

I am so delighted to have found this website and to have lots of pleasant flash-backs. Shotgun 46 (Cpt. Larry Stockton) called me yesterday with the discovered website.

Whoever got this idea and followed up on it......Good job. I know a lot of effort, energy, and time spent on the project can be hugh. I have already talked to Old Shotgun 46, Hank Collins, and J McGraw Shotgun 36. It was really nice talking to them and I think the reunion is a great idea. Right now I plan on being there and will plan on more contacts. Thanks for your idea. Please send me more info if there is any.

We are having a reunion in October 2007. Anyone reading this pace please go to the reunion page to get the details.

I had time to sort through some pictures and finally ran across the remainder of my old pics from the 221st. In looking over the Armory section of the site, I didn't see Gary Deidrich's name. I have a couple of pictures of him in my stuff and wonder why he didn't show up on the roster. It might be, as Monte said somewhere here on the site--that records might not be complete. Anyway, I've sent one set of pics to Monte, and will scan and send more as soon as I know he got the first ones.

I was the executive officer all during our formation at Fort Bragg,NC in March 1965, our deployment to Soc Trang in 1966 and our first year there. Maj. Don Modica was our CO. We had one killed and one lost his leg in an early mortar attack so we did not get away unscathed. But during that first year we lost no pilots or planes. I have been in touch with Bruce Griffith, Don Smith, and Don Modica but do not know where others are. So thanks for setting up this web site and getting us in touch with one another. After my tour with the Shotguns I went to the Cmd & Gen Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS, where I was promoted to Major. After the year at Leavenworth I was assinged to the Aviation Staff at First Army (Ft. Meade) for another year. Then I went back to Vietnam for a second tour. During that year I commanded the 185th RAC (Pterodactyls) which was in the highlands at Ban Me Thout. It was organized just as the 221st was and had 32 birddogs and about 40 pilots. Looking forward to seeing you all at the Reunion.

Glad to see all the response for the reunion. Hey everyone, lets keep looking for prior Shotguns and let them know about the reunion. More the merrier. Looking forward to see everyone.

I live in San Antonoi Texas and am looking forward to the Reunion I hope to see more Crewchiefs there. I was at a 199th reunion and there was not but 4 or 5 of us there.

We are looking to have a great joint reunion in Oct.

I stumbled upon this site recently and have really enjoyed the content. I have emailed Monte to touch bases with him. It has been a very long time since I have had contact with anyone I served with in RVN. I have some photos taken around the company area somewhere. When I locate them, I'll send them to Monte to post. I was wondering if anyone has heard anything of Jim "Lucky" Powers who was the sheet metal man for the company when I was there? We also served together at Ft. Hood in the 1st Air Cav after RVN. Thanks again Monte for your work on the web site. Bill Jones Winfield, KS

This is the first time that I have used this site, and would like to hear from any one that served in the same time frame Thank you Butch Miller

Hi Guys!! Does anybody remember me? I was in Soc-Trang, Can Tho , Mocqua, Camow, Vinlong and Bin-Tewy. Would love to hear from you.

Planning to see many of you in October 2007

I am happy to see all the good info this site.

Looking for Capt. Barnes

Looking for Tim Tomlinson was in Shotguns, Vin Long 1971. His last known addy was Riverside, California

Looking forward to the reunion in October. I have been to one of the 13th Bn reunions at Ft. Rucker and it was difficult to uphold the honor of the 221st amoung all of those old rotor heads but we made it. Hope all of you haven't gotten as old as those guys.

Really read the reunion information with energy, right up to the prices. Realizing that a lot of us are now retired and on fixed incomes, the $150 and $159 + tax per night is way out of my league. Add to that the cost of getting there, I really wanted t come, maybe to the nest one, if the prices change. Please stay in touch.

Lived at sunny Rach Gia by the sea and flew out of the "Short Strip".

Looking for a close friend Gary LeBaron. He was there from Apr.68 to Nov69 in Soc Trang & Bac Leu and with the 121st.

I am looking for Wayne Cotton, SPF 5. We were assinged to Soc Trang. He is a long lost friend and hope somebody can help me locate him. Thanks for your help.

I was with the 221th RVN from July 1968 to Aug 1969, I worked in Airframe Repair.

CAN'T MAKE REUNION.FLOR.NOT CLOSE TO ARIZONA I DON'T [FLY].COULD MAKE VEGAS OR CALIF.HAVE A REUNION OUT WEST SOMEDAY IN GODS COUNTRY.I'M RETIREING FRIDAY.18 YEARS AZ GAME & FISH DEPT.

Please note this web site neither promotes or endorses commercial enterprises. If you are approached to buy merchandise from information posted on this web site. Please let me know. The sale this of merchandise, puts this site in the jeopardy.

Started with the 199th in Ft. Hood, then to the reception center in Ben Hua then to the 221st Shot Guns. Sector pilot out of Bac lieu and later to Soc Trang as S-4.

Just got one of the best emails I have read in a long time! Herb Phillips forwarded an announcement of the 2007 reunion at Ft. Walton Beach, Florida Oct 11 to 13th! Was hoping to see info here, Monte will be Shotgunning us soon I'm sure, but in any event WOWWWWWWWWWW here it is! Let's really make some plans, I sincerely hope to see all there. Hugh

Has anyone heard from Larry Wofford?

For Dyrral Durossette. Send me an e-mail you rascal!!!! I've already contacted Machelle. Do you remember that lunch we had in downtown Can Tho? I still have the picture of us we got a passerby to take of us.

Looking for more info on the reunion.

Anyone remember Maynard "Vern" Reisinger from Mechanicsburg, PA? I knew him in USAF when he was a B-52 pilot. Am told he was in 66-2 Army flight training class. Am writing a story about him for USAF pilot training class 55-Q. Tom in New Mexico.

Keeping an eye on the 221st site to see who comes aboard from my crew. Only Joe alackness so far, but he does not have a computer. Still a mole. Put my work e-mail on the board pending new one in the works. Fred

Hi, I'm writing for Capt. Patrick Lynch Inf. Advisor Team 51. I have worked with Pat for years and we got talking . I told him I would search the web for info. Found your site . Thought someone might know Pat. E me . please. thanks Greg

I was with 2nd Plt at Can Tho, assigned to sector. When the plt moved back to Soc Trang we (CPT Black, CPT Schlencof, Kinar and myself) move to MACV Team 56 or 54. I'll never forget my first tour of duty with The Shotguns, my best assignment. I and CPT Black left the 221st the same day the unit moved to Can Tho, the same day Chi Lang got overrun.

I was right the first time Note dates of service abo0ve. I've just finished reading this page and, boy!, what memories after 40 years. Just returned from Rucker where our flight class (56-2) had it's reunion - 51years! There sure were a bounch of old farts there! I retired in 1982, workded for a few years with a computer services firm and then retired, retired. Always busy with something though. Settled back home in Holly Springs, GA.

Hank Collings called this afternoon and informed me of this web site. What a wonderful surprise! I have been thinking of my time there and the people I knew and worked with during the last several days -- must have been a premonition. I lood forward to the planned reunion next fall and will help out if needed.

Thanks for a gteat web site. Nice to see the names of old friends.

excellent site--It must be my lucky day to find shotgun & catkiller websites. I was stationed at Tra Vihn and have not been in contact with any viet nam buddies except for Minard Thompson and Brown Cabbel. I have a lot of 35 mm slides that I have not looked at in 30 or so years. Maybe there are some that would be suitable for your photo section. If any one knows where to find Frits Murray( he flew birdogs somewhere in 2 or 3 corps) please contact me.

see ya at the reunion

Looking for Valdez the electrician, Tex williams and Dave Chandler. Also SFC Greenlee, "Spanky" Congrove, Simmons, Debros, Capt Pond.Anyone else who remembers this "sleepy" head night crew mechanic.

Arrived in Soc Trang just in time to move to Can Tho and then went to Vi Tahn to crew for Capt Durossette.

Welcome home to all.I'm looking forward to a reunion, where ever. I live in the Oklahoma City area so I can travel most anyway. Keep up the good work. Herb

I was a crewchief in Vinh Long and Tra Vinh for Ned Moore. I just recently found this web site and through this I found Ned's email and have exchanged emails with him, what a good thing. I will attend a reunion. Tail winds always Milt

I just sent the first official Shotgun blast e-mail. If you did not get an e-mail from me, it means I do not have your correct e-mail address. We are getting ready to kick off a reunion, and it is very important that we be in contact with you. Please leave your correct e-mail on the guest page. And if you know any former Shotguns that haven't checked in, please let them know.

Just a quick Happy New Year to all of the Shotguns from lovely downtown El Valle de Anton in the Republic of Panama. Really reminds one of Soc Trang if you close your eyes. Don

I was shotgun 35 assigned to advisory team 23 at ben tre. Who is working on the reunion? Can we drink and shoot craps and have dancing and etc? These are important things to consider. Many of us would travel a long way and endure the humiliation of commercial aviation if it were gonna be a real party.

My father served in the 221st in 66, if anyone remembers Eduardo(Eddie) Perea please feel free to e-mail me..

anybody remember me?

Great Site, Monte Welcome home to all vets, especially those with us at Soc Trang. I'll send images of Soc Trang separately: One of your Bird Dog, our hanger and aircraft, flight line, control tower, TET damage etc. Dale Ross Stith President, Quiet Aircraft Assn, Inc.

Just a not of encouragement, if any of you might be, or have been looking for The Loveable One-Niner then try Amazon. It took me about a year and a half, but just kept checking and finally there were two copies available, my heart was beating so fast and I was hurrying to try to get the typing done, one week and it was in my possession! It's no doubt the most informative book I have seen. If you truly love the L-19/O-1 Birddog, then try to get someone to get it for you for Christmas! My wife gave me a card, saying she had tried to get this for me for so long, but just couldn't locate one. As an original Shotgunner, I say to you all, let's not let a reunion slide by us. I know there are many who have gone before us, but as I look at the clock of life, there are many, many Shotgunners still out there. If I may be of some assistance, let me know and I will try. My current residence is in Maine, and I'm sure we don't want to come up here, but let's all assist, even if it's just communicating and forwarding messages, I know we would all welcome a reunion, I am truly looking forward to the FIRST truly Shotgun reunion! Thanks to all who are in the process of organizing this, and we all pray it will come soon. Hugh

Looking forward to the reunion in the Spring.

Golly, Gee Whiz, here we are celebrating the 41st Thanksgiving since a group of intrepid young men broke bread in various locations around IV Corps in what was then known as the Republic of Vietnam. Isn't it about time we do it again? I really don't believe that any of us have retained our youthful appearance or even the fine health that we once enjoyed so let's do it before we reduce our numbers any more than we already have. If we are unable to organize a national reunion let's find out where folks are located and plan to do as Shotgun-6, Don Modica, suggested and get together in regional groups and have some coffee together. I am currently in Pittsburgh, PA but I do spend a lot of time traveling in Latin America and Europe so lets do it soon. Hope to hear from anyone at all and particularly anyone close to this area. I know where to find Monte, Leigh Ogden, Don Modica, Russ Duffin and one or two others but that is all. Don

Richard Dickson (Shotgun 26) passed away from cancer on 8 October 2006. Condolence cards may be sent to his family at Ozark Travel Park 2414 US Hwy 231 N. Ozark, AL 36360.

New e-mail address

I was in vin Long and Cantho when the 199th taken over by the 221st

MOnte... You have done a great task of creating and maintaining this web page. I have only recently found it and have read and re read every entry on every page. I went through the roster of the original group trying to get a visual image of a face associated with each name. I do remember many of the names but too many years have gone by to put a face with a name. We really need to have a Shotgun reunion soon. Shotguns have faced many challenges in the past. Reading the unit history from 1965 thru 1971 will attest to that. First task is to locate and contact and get a commitment to attend a reunion when ever and where ever.A dozen of us in a coffee shop in Podunk is better than just talking about it. Ok off the Soap Box. If any of you have not read the document by Hank Collins in the History Section, do so. It gives an insight to what Shotguns did throught the Delta on a daily basis. In that same line are the awards reommended for individuals during the Tet68 action. This also shows the devotion and selflessness of Shotguns in a time of extreme danger. In Jan 1973 I was on orders to Bac ieu, Ba Xuyen Prov. as provincial senior advisor, yet another Bullmoose. I was at Fort Bragg again putting together a group to go. One day we would be going in green suits, and the next we would go in grey suits and tne next we would not go at all, then back to green suits. When it finally came down to not going all I was given a a choice of anouther unaccompanied tour or to retire. I chose to retire to allow my sons to finish high school in one place for a change. Dont ask me if I made the right decision. I would like to hear from Shotguns any and all. Don Modica

Just jumped in, and read about the reunion. Great news! Sending CD with pictures tomorrow.

Just looking for old familiar names, thanks and hope to be able to attend the reunion!

spent two months in soc trang, six in can tho. was crew chief on capt. wilcox plane.

Would like to hear from members of the unit from that time frame, especially Major Modica

looking for someone to help me verify my service in Vietnam for a VA claim

I do not see my name listed on any of the pages here, but I actually was assigned to the unit for about 45 days, as pilot and Asst MO. I was high time helicopter Instructor pilot, and was pulled from 221st to move to Can Tho to fly with the new Group Commander, Col. Worth Mahone. Left that job to teach General Melvin Zais how to fly helicopters. We were in the 101st Airborne.

Updated email. See two entries earlier in the guestbook.

Great site. I can still smell the pond outside the Hotel in Can Tho.

really good site.. Thks to you guys for the great job..

I finally got the web page fixed and was able to update the roster and the e-mail addresses. Please let me know if anything is wrong, so I can correct it. It looks like we may put together a reunion for the 221st.

I belive my father served in this company.

Great site..Just found it. Shot gun 44 out of Bac Lieu. Did a lot of work with the Bac Lieu orphanage back then. Just found a unit patch in the attic that I didn't know was there for 40 years. I recall participating in the design of it. Glad so many of you guys made it back. Anyone remember old "Numb Nuts" ? Paul Kiah

Correction, It was the 220th Catkillers I flew missions with out of MMAF, not the 201st. My "forgetter is the only thing improving with age.

In country '67 - '68 at Marble Mtn near Danang. Staff of the 212th and Hq Co CO. Flew Bn U-6 on admin stuff and flew VR in O-1's with the 201st RAC Catkillers and the 21st RAC Black Aces; both Bird Dog companies had platoons at Marble.

glad to find out about site

57-2805 was the first a/c I crewed at Camau from Oct66 to about Jan 67. It was sent back to ARADMAC due to excessive salt water corrosion. Kinda neat to see it made it back to the 221st 3 years later.

I am looking for any information on Dave Gudelauski. We served together before the 199th was deactivated.If anyone has info on Frank Bracken or Ronald Zimmerman I would also appreciate it.

I see that CPT James McKee (AKA Little Ranger) is still unaccounted for. Does anyone have any info on him. Would sure appreciate any help in finding him.

Welcome home to you all. I was and am so excited that I found this site and will be here more often. Lots of your names sound so fiamilier but its been along time. Please add my address to my slot and anyone who remembers me please write and I will answer all. Until then my brothers I am so glad you are here. God bless each and everyone of you. Your Brother, William Douglas Mosher.

You should be able to get most of the tail numbers from pilot log books. I went through my Logbook entries: O1-D 0-54674 O1-G 0-38036 O1-D 57-2916 O1-G 51-12322 O1-D 57-2805 O1-D 57-2839 O1-D 55-7723 O1-G 51-12739 O1-G 51-14746

July 25, 2006 is the first time I have had the pleasure of surfing this site (better late than never). After graduation as part of OFWAC 64-1 on 17 April 1964, I served two years in CO B 3RD AVN BN 3RD INF DV,KITZENGEN. June 66 - June 67 the best year of my flying was with you great SHOTGUNS! My total year was in VINH LONG working for Emmett F. Johnson, Damon W. Agee, Jr.and Earl Williams. To those of you that can remenber I was a friend of Capt Paul W. Johnson. I am still in touch with his family. Paul's daughter and granddaughter spent time with me in June 06 at my home in Carlsbad, Ca. I would love to hear from any of you, and hope we can get together. My crew chief was Sp4 Shinner. If someone could get me in touch with him it would be great. My second tour was July 68 -July 69 as the Communication Officer for the 1st Avn Bde in Long Binh. While at Bde Hq I flew down to the Delta as often as I could to see the old places that we all loved! The first tour was the best. I retired at Ft Sill on Feb 28, 83. Best regards to my fellow friends and acquaintances. Hope to see all of you at a SHOTGUN REUNION. I would love to work with some of you to put together a reunion in 2008. Let me know if you would like to make it happen.

I am the daughter of Paul William Johnson. I am always interested in learning about his life in Vietnam

Does anyone remember the DODAAC of the 221st. It usually begins with a W. Also anyone who remembers a tail number of any of the O-1s assigned to the 221st.

AGENT ORANGE AND AGENT BLUE If you were in the Delta and are now suffering from a variety of ailments, please visit your VA Hospital. Agent Orange produces Type II Diabetes in men around age 50. The VA is paying a disability and you only have to prove you were in Viet Nam and exposed. No family history is required to prove in familia diabetes. Also check out the Agent Blue Information on the web. We were exposed.

Greetings; I've had a lot of computer problems (and health issues)and am now only getting meself back into the mainstream. I noticed that my name is on the list of perrsons being awarded the "ARMY ACCOMODATION MEDAL" however this does not show up on my DD-214. Can anyone help me get a set of the orders, or the number of the orders cut with my name listed? I will not display this medal until I can verify the award. I do not claim anything unless its a fact. I'm proud of my service, and my uniform, and still wear the shotgun patch on a bush jacket to this very day. Visit me on my website www.bevinstransplantfund.com where I have a photo of me posted in my jacket. Help me if you can. I'm scanning my photos as promised, and will post them asap. GOD is love, and may he bless all of you...

Worked maintenance at Soc Trang and Yoshiharu Yamase could always find something else wrong with the plane because he had the most incredible eyesight. He could find cracks in places that no one else could see. George also was into engraving cigarette lighters for the guys going home. Great web site.

Having a heck of a year. Two complete computer disasters, lost the left vocal chord, had rotator-cuff surgery on my left arm. Am currently scanning my soc trang photos and hope to have cd ready soon.

I'll be flying the first military Helio Courier (U-10)in Camoflauge paint to Oshkosh AirVenture 2006 this year.

I was the Flight Operations Sergeant under Captain Howard Willhoite at Can Tho and Vinh Long. I was drafted in August of 1969, spent 1 year, 11 months and 24 days total in the Army, and had a very positive experience. I received the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service on the 23rd of July, 1971. I used the GI Bill when I got out to finish my flight training and aviation maintenance training, and I have been a flight instructor, corporate pilot and missionary bush pilot for 35 years. I have flown in most parts of the world. Cpt Willhoite was a great boss! Thanks Cpt. Willhoite!

I was the Flight Operations Sergeant under Captain Howard Willhoite at Can Tho and Vinh Long. I was drafted in August of 1969, spent 1 year, 11 months and 24 days total in the Army, and had a very positive experience.

If it were not for our Shotgun/swampfox and AF Bart pilots we would not have had como with our team Hqs on most operations. But not having at least one on station rarely happened. Flew many times as a back seat with "little Ranger" Cpt McGee and llt Vogt out of the Rach Gia "short strip". Was there the night"Charlie" destroyed all 0-1 aircraft. Also remember well "The TET" in 68.Just prior to that action,McGee flew his usual first light mission and found what resembled a two lane freeway running South from Cambodia for several miles just outside all district Arty fans. He came back and picked me up so I could verify the sighting. Our first thoughts of course was TANKS but it turned out to be heavily laden sleds pulled by water buffalo. Shotly there after the S_ _T hit the fan. You all know the outcome. Thanks for a GREAT Web Page and WELCOME HOME. Bob

Son of SP5 Roger D. Rowe who was in the 221st in '67-'68 Great site, and thanks for your service.

I'm glad I found this site and hope I was able to help somebody when I was there. Hello to all unit members that are still with us.

Thank you for this site. I have shared it with my 8 year old son, keeping the memory alive. If anyone has pictures or stories they would like to email, I would love to add them to my sons "Grandpa's Life" photo album and story book. Daughter of Darryl Du Rossette

I flew the O-1 from Soc Trang until about Jan 1, 1968, and was then TDY to the Quiet Airplane Program (QT-2)at Soc Trang for a few months. When the QT-2 airplanes were sent back to the USA for mods, I was transferred to BN HQ, and worked as a IV Corps AAE duty officer. When the QT-2 airplanes returned, I flew them out of Long Thanh North, until I rotated back to the USA in Sept. 1968

I arrived in Soc Trang in March 1968 and was with my twin brother until he went home. I flew with Cpt. Twenter for a while until I went to Maint. in the hanger and mades SP/6. From there I took over as 4th platoon Sgt. with Cpt. Joe Cody. We lost all our aircraft there when we were over ran by the VC. 14 VC were killed on the airstripe alone and how many more the 336th gunships killed that night I don't know. We had a real good bunch of people there and Cpt. Cody was a real fine officer and knew how to work with the officers and the enlisted men alike. I didn't want to leave but I was told I had to go home. I was never reslly given a reason as why. I was put in for the Bronze Star and seven or eight Air Medals but never received them. To this day I can't find out how to check and find out what happened to the awards submitted at that time. I do hope to hear from some of the people I served with. I stayed in the Army and retired as a SFC E-7 after over 20 years.

GREAT TO FIND A WEB SITE FOR THE OLD COMPANY

I enjoyed flying missions with the IV Corps Pilots. CPT Jim Merritt got me so interested in flying that I came bacfk to the military and went to flight school to become a OV-1 Mohawk Driver. I saw him at ROTC Summer camp in 1973 at Ft. Bragg. He was a Cadre Officer. I enjoyed calling SGT Pearce every day from Can Tho to give him the missions and get the updates on the unit for the briefings. Shotgun was the best aviation unit. I have great memories of the Birddogs. John (Shotgun Backseater)

I did airframe maintenance with the 221st in Vinh Long until being transfered to 114th AHC when the unit was standing down. I ran across 1Sgt Catigay at Fort Ord in '73 but haven't seen anyone else. I hung out with Nijelski? (Ski) from the orderly room and roomed with Faison, Thomas and others. If anyone has Ski's contact info I'd appreciate it. Great site. It brings back a lot of memories. Thanks

Very Nice site, thank you. I was a USAF 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron Bird Dog crew chief at Lai khe. We gave forward air control support to the 3rd Bde/1st ID. Worked on some of the 184th RAC Bird Dogs that passed through Lai Khe. Lots of fun. Welcome home brothers. Ken Hinks

Would like to thank those responsible for the webb sight. Would like to hear from any of my old war buddies. We flew a great little airplane that never failed us (without help from us, or Chuck) "Eyes Over The Delta" to all of you!!!

Just found the web sight. Like to hear from any of you gus who knew me, or remember the "Guns" back then.

Great website nice to read so many messeges from old friends who served in the vacation land of south east asia.

Shotgun 23 - Aug-Sep 66; Shotgun 36 - Oct 66-Jul76; Shotgun 6 - Jan-Jul 70. I would really enjoy hearing from Shotguns, especially my great crew chiefs!

Sure is nice to see the old familiar names, we had a bad and nice time together under motar attacks. I sure missed all the hard working guys.

I know we benefited from the 221st bravery on many occasions. Thank you.

Just discovered the web site. Great job and amazing detail. I never realized that there were so much information available. Thanks for the time you put into written the history of the SHOTGUNS.It was the greatest unit I ever served with

would like to hear from pilots and crew chiefs who served at bac lieu international airport(1700)ft.and several ft below sea level during the 66/67 tour. SFC WILLIAM C MCCOY US ARMY RET.

Please list my name and email (james.tangler@gmail.com). Thanks James Tangler

Our limp wing brothers from the 336th and 121st have invited us hard wingers to a website, thebeetlenutlounge.dnsalias.org. Everyone here probably knew someone from the Tigers, Warriors, T-Birds, Vikings. Visit the site and comment nostalgicly or politically. Guess what, they are old opiniated guys too!

Greetings to any of the Mekong Delta`s finest; especially, the Paddy Bats!

need more info

I have a fellow from the Pentagon who would like to get some information from anyone assigned to Bac Lieu around 31 March 1968. Please contact me at slowik@blyonline.com if you can assist.

First time I have had the luxury of "surfing the web" and came across your website. Actually saw two names of people I served with and will have to e-mail. Nice work on the website! I also made an entry in another guestbook and hope to hear from past friends. I was originally with the 221st at Ft Bragg but our platoon was transferred to the 219th at Pleiku. I primarily served in the platoon at Quin Nhon after supporting the 101st Abn at An Khe (also for 1 mo in Tuy Hoa). Returned to RVN and served with the Americal Div in the 123rd Avn Bn (Pelicans & Warlords)- walked into the Tet offensive. Flew 25 years for the army in some capacity. My last assignment was as the Chief, Flt Trng at the EAATS, Ft Indiantown Gap - retired Jan 92. Best regards to my fellow friends and acquaintances.

Just checking out the 221st site. Well done!

GREAT to have this site.

I was in the 221st for 32 months. I was the platoon Sgt at Bac Lieu when I left in Nov 1970. I had a lot of good times and bad times while in the 221st. Saw a few good men die there for no reason even though Cpt Joe Cody and myself tried to thin out the V.C. in the Delta region. A M-60, 3,000 rounds in the back seat of an O-1 can get the attion of a lot of V.C. SP Ford was a crewchief of mine and a good one. All the people who worked in the platoon in Bac Lieu were the tops. I miss all of them at times. Hope to here from of you old shotguns soon. I just found this site last week.

Sorry guys, no time to scan my pictures, but you can view some of them on www.webshots.com, search for pictures by noahbsr, or noahbsenior. I promise once the holidays are over I will put them on a cd and send them to you.

Thanks for the great website.I served as Lt Norm Savarrer's crew chief in Rach Gia till March 66.Also worked in Soc Trang with the 121 Avn. as fixed wing mechanic.I also spent some time in Bac Lieu between Soc Trang and Rach Gia assignments.Would like to hear from anyone of the 65-66 era.I'm now retired from Tinker AFB,civilian.My last job was B-1B crew chief. Thanks Herb

I have a nice selection of photos taken during this time, and I will share with anyone interested in them. Primariarly enlisted men and airfield ground shots.

please write me aletter I!m very interested in finding le in unit malcolm joyner 304 newhall st new haven ct. 06511

Greetings from a Shotgun

I will check my dates of service

I am looking for a SFC E-7 Rose he ran the club in the compound and he order the plack that read adv team #55 and he order me one and were suppose to send it to me but he never did. We all played poker in the club.SFC-E-7 Money,SFC-E-7 Rose,SFC-E-7 Dock Medic and I and others. Is any one out their know any one of them.

Just wondering if any buddies from OFWAC 68-4 were "on the net."

Serving with the Shotguns was the best tour of my army ex-perience.

Just surfing and found you site. Enjoyed lookinmg through it

I was avaition section leader as a Cpt that flew out of Chi Lang. I closed out our operation at Chi Lang. We flew a secret mission in Cambodia until shut down. Last three on my aircraft were 903. SP-4 Casey and SP-4 Tim Brinkerhoff were my Crew Chief's. Mr Tingey was the WO-1 with us. We had 9 aircraft assigned for the secret mission but they rotated in an out for a month at a time. Would love to contact old friends.

A heartfelt thanks to the shotgun pilots for their bravery

Shotgun 33A. 1070-1971, Can Tho and Vinh Long. Flew with Capt Kevin Mckeon, 1LT. Chuck Lewis, CW2 Bob Tingey. Fellow Crew Chief was SP5 Alan Cacy. Also many others (memory from 35 years is fuzzy). Base camped at Chi Lang to support 5th SF (Det B-43) and MACV Teeam 61. Anybody out there?

Looking for buddy that I went to Bangkock with in 66.

It has been a long time but I finaly found this sight.

I served in Dong Ba Thin, Khanh Hoa Province/Cam Ranh area, 1968 thru 1972. The 183rd RAC operated out of DBT in II Corps. I admire all the O-1 pilots for their diligence thru-out the Vietnam War and enjoyed an occasional back seat with the 183rd. You have a great 221st RAC website. Great to have such a place to connect. I salute all your efforts in the Delta. Welcome Home Guys!!!

I am interested in contacting Jerry Almand (012)if anyone knows where he is. For those who knew Earnest Stutts (Earnie), we lost him in 1988. I am interested in contacting Sp5 William B.Taylor who was my CC. I later worked for the one who picked him up from the paddy when he escaped captivity (COL Art Finch). I would also like to hear from Mert Munson, Jim McGraw and Tracy Forehand.

trying to locate for capt. james f merritt,shotgun 41 camau base (1970),lt.Bruce Solberg,shotgun 45 .and all the members belong to 221st shotgun at camau during the war. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Just a fantastic web site. Great to see old names of the first year of the 221st. I wonder if anyone remembers the golf course bar at Ft. Bragg? This was the hangout during the forming up. Mr. Smith "helped" in qualifying me for bus driver and staff car, so we could have transportation at Bragg. I remember the day we went for our Gamma Globulin shots. Cpt Ogden was first, and as I was driving the bus, was second. The shots were refrigerated and we were supposed to warm them, but the first ones didn't get very warm. Cpt Ogden was bent over the table and when the medic stabbed Capt Ogden, he jumped and came off the needle and was stabbed again! Ouch! that was the biggest needle I ever had, bled like a stuck pig! I was on the C-130 that had all the basic load of ammo and rations, and also the Avionics Co. We lost a flap motor going into Travis, delayed 1 day, then lost an engine going into Honolulu, delayed 36 hrs, then all the way across the water the auto pilot gyro was "hunting" for a heading. We were all really miserable. Oh well, hope to hear from some of you folks. Again, great site, thanks Monty! Hugh Libby

How much fun was it going thru this website!! After searching the photo galleries, I actually found some pics of me. In Skip Dents gallery, that's me in pic #7 in our "tower" after the fire. In David Ford's, the skinny guy next to SSG Blades in pic #21 is also me. What a hoot!!!

I am trying to find the aviation unit that supported us in the early days of the war. I was as advisor to a ARVN Inf Bn along Hwy #1. We would occasionly get a bird to land at an abandoned Japanese air field behind out compound and we would use birddogs for radio relays in northern III corps during operations near Song Be and Dong Xoi.

I worked "Shotgun Tower" from about April 1970 until late Dec 1970. I was there when the POL was moved to Combodia and also when the refigerator was cleaned with Avgas and caught the place on fire and burned the line hooch and Shotgun Tower to the ground. If any remember me, please email me. Thanks, Randy

looking for nick, gary or ski

MY CREW CHIEF WAS TOMMY MCDONALD. HE AND I CAME UP WITH A SET-UP OF FIVE 2.75" ROCKETS ON EACH WING AND I ENDED UP WITH OVER 80 KBA'S AND A BOUNTY ON MY HEAD FOR $25,000 "DEAD OR ALIVE". I FELT LUCKY TO GET OUT WITH MY "BUTT" IN ONE PIECE. I WISH I COULE HEAR FROM SOME OF THE GUYS FROM 67 - 68. I LIVE IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI AND WILL BE RETIRING IN ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO THE GREENEVILLE-JOHNSON CITY TENNESSEE AREA.

Would love to hear from any members of the 221st during the 65-66 era. Also, any reunions that may be planned. Great Site! Hank Collins Shotgun 46

Only with the Shotguns for five months, but there was no lack of action to keep you involved. Between some of the crazy Navy back seat drivers, and Special Forces units where I learned to eat things which I didn't even know had names, you certainly were not bored. Thank God we were able to trade K rations to the nearby Air Force base to change our flare pods for rocket mounts. Couldn't hit much, but at least you felt like John Wayne. After Tet I started up a unit flying U-21's (Beechcraft King Air)into Cambodia for the CIA, and finished my last few months flying the big wigs around to Bangkok for princess rings, brass barbecue sets and OTHER things. Great memories, but I have no plans to go back on a sight seeing tour. I was lucky enough to get out once, so I don't plan to push my luck. I would like to know where you can get a 221st Shotgun patch. Great web, bought back a lot of memories, both good and bad. Scott ( Shotgun 11)

Looking for members of OFWAC 68-6 Please note new e-mails address

Monte, 221 RAC Rich Stanko of Omaha, NE posted a nice note (attached) in the September 2004 Smithsonian Air & Space (SI A&S) Magazine referencing the May 2004 "Night Stalkers" Article. Editor of SI A&S, George Larson, commented, after a good response from his readers, that our "Night Stalkers" article “had legs” or similar! We might add that our story has “long legs” thanks to Rich and others. Below is some previous paraphrased communication between our groups (RAC/QT-2PC/YO-3A) to you. At the time of this communication, we did not have a www link to the 221 RAC. I am now posting our QT-2PC story on www.prizecrew.org. I have one image of a Bird Dog and it appears to be one of yours. I also have many images of Soc Trang, including TET Damage, “Big Jane” (18’ Python), etc. You’re welcome to them (a CD is probably best, tell me where/how and they’ll be on the way). Please consider adding any or all of our websites (quietaircraft.org, prizecrew.org, YO-3A.com, with emphasis on prizecrew.org) to your links. We’d like to add your site to our links. If agreeable, contact Mr. Kurt Olney, our YO-3A.com Webmaster at YO-3A.com. Dale Ross Stith President, Quiet Aircraft Association, Inc. Previous commo: A June 2004 message from Monte to our YO-3A USA Col (ret) Mike Howe. "Mike, I have a web site for the 221st Avn. Co in RVN at www.221st.org. I have heard rumors that the 221st had a role in the QT testing in Viet Nam. Is there any thing you can give me to put on my web about this? Thanks Monte E. Caylor" From: "Michael Howe" Les, I had no involvement with the 221st.can you help this guy? Mike Our QT-2PC Project Officer, USN Capt (ret) Les Horn responded as follows: Hey guys -- Please jump in and answer Monte Caylor directly… I do recall getting help from assigned Army units for logistic support (common spares, POL, facilities), security, airlift for transportation and area reconnaissance, day & night, and for an occasional "loan" of one of their O-1's. We were also briefly hosted and given secure hangar storage at Vung Tau during TET '68. Les I responded as follows via 220 RAC, with whom I had already been corresponding (why via 220, I can’t recall): scummings35@cox.net, donrix@charter.net, paulvgarin@yahoo.com cc: monte.caylor@us.army.mil Scott, Don, and Paul, Here's some recent commo FYI: Our answer is that we were loosely associated with the "Shotguns" flew out of the same field, and used one of their Birddogs. We flew only at night: We operated two 4-hr missions/night. Everything that would fly was launched in the event of an attack (about every 3rd night as I recall). So, we might have operated together… We were at Soc Trang from Jan into Mar '68 with the QT-2PCs. We then refurbished the birds (now QT-2PCIIs) and they went back to Long Thanh, RVN from April to Dec. '68. The YO-3As were at Long Thanh, Hue Phu Bai, and Binh Thuy AB during the (approximately) '70 to '72 period. I was there only during 1970. DRS

Hey Monte, Thanks for giving me the website! It was great! Maybe when I get a chance, I can read all the history facts and other information. Keep up the good work! Thanks, Steph

Keep those -12's & flight records up to date; best looking man in the outfit...Man on the radio eveybody liked to talk to...Kept Dillman out of trouble!!

I was too young to assist you folks over in Nam but I do fly a Cessna 170 and appreciate what all servicemen did over there.

also served as asst ops under Howard Wilhoite

A wonderful website to all who served and especially those of us flying the Birddog. Started in Soc Trang and took over as Sector lead in Vi Thanh, Choung Thien Provience in May 68. I noted a photo of the 0-1 with teeth painted on the nose. That was my aircraft. My Crew Chief painted it on at Vi Thanh. 1968 was a long tough year. Best wished to all. Sam

I was just going through some old photos of Vietnam and decided to browse the web for info on the good ole 221st and found this site....it's excellent! Thanks so much. Gene P.S. I have some photos that I can share, mostly of Chi Lang

Hey guys, I am not a fixed wing jock, but rotary wing only---that's what the Army wanted at the time---just rotary wing. I ended up having two tours in Vietnam flying Hueys. I have a keen interest in Army Aviation history in Vietnam and have my own web site at www.flyarmyair.com. I have over 40 different units represented, both rotary and fixed wing. In addition to showing Nam photos my web site shows some of my vast Vietnam War memorabilia collection, which I have displayed at large national reunions, namely VHPA. I wanted to see if anyone had an extra 221st Shotgun patch, original to Vietnam, that they would be willing to part with. I have about 90 % of the Army Aviation unit patches, but need this patch. It must be original to Vietnam and made over there by the Cheap Charlie. I have some items to trade, namely, I have the two South Viet medals we all were awarded, but many guys never got. Will trade the two medals for an original patch. Also, please check out my web site. You can see the two medals in question, along with a lot of neat old photos never before published. Thanks, George

Spent a number of hours as backseater on night flights and as door gunner w/121st. I well remember the "electrical" problem which caused a 2.75" to go off. I was in the tower, caused someone to set off the siren as I recall.

Living high off poverty and enjoying the rush.

I was only there for 3 months,Looking for info on my time in Soc Trang. I was the guy who put up the triple concertina wire around the whole air strip.Also assigned to the "Huey House", for guard duty, along with all the other door gunners. Thanks

One of my more memorable tours

Shotgun 49

Looking to chat with others who served in Viet Nam during this time.

Thanks for taking the time to set up this web site. Memories are starting to come back.

I came over with the original 199th Company. I was soon reassigned to 221st at Soc Trang where I worked on P.E. crew for my first year. After that I went to the flight detachment in Cantho to serve as a crew chief for Capt Richard Young and was assigned with the special forces flight detachmnet.

Anyone there in 71, let me know, Mike

.

Started off at Tra Vinh, but went to Rach Gia in the summer of 69. Spent a couple of months at Vy Thanh while they resurfaced the runway at Rach Gia. Cheers to all, bob aka "Bart 99"

Started off at Tra Vinh, but went to Rach Gia in the summer of 69. Spent a couple of months at Vy Thanh while they resurfaced the runway at Rach Gia. Cheers to all, bob

I started in Soc Trang, then moved to Ca Mau where I spent the remainder of my tour as Shotgun 48. Served in Ca Mau with Ernie Stutts and Bud St. Germain. Other guys in the unit that I remember were Rich Stanko, Ray Rau, Dave Vogt, Scott Boyd, Howard Gentle, Paul Tanguay and Al Spain. Boyd, Spain, Vogt and I were all in the same class at Stewart and Rucker. I did not know the web site existed until I talked with Skip Dent. I have been Corporate Aviation since getting out in '73. Thanks for the memories.

Retired in Tombstone Az

Looking for Jeff Gray or Grey. I flew with the Shotguns in Can Tho from May 68-May 70. I was an air traffic controller, but flew your backseat occasionally. Was up with Jeff one night on Security when the engine quit. He got it started and we landed for another bird. Last I hear of him was when he extended and flew for the CAC-Long Trips at Long Binh. Anybody heard from him?

Not much traffic on this net.

Previous entry for time spent at Chi Lang should be Jan - May 70. The rest of my tour was in the Ba Xuyen Province and quartered at the Mac-v compound in Soc Trang.

Retired CW4 living in Alvin,TX

Change of email--see my guestbook entry a couple of months ago. Currently living in Guntersville, Alabama on the Tennessee River. Still flying--I own a Cessna 180 on floats--park it in my backyard--never lost the need for speed. Almost like flying a Bird Dog. Same engine, same everything except I have four seats. Any of you want to come tell some war stories, send an email and we will figure out what step next is. I live at 1716 Wyeth Drive, Guntersville, Alabama 35976. I look forward to seeing some of you at the next reunion.

Soc Trang in the quanset by avionics. Guardian 40 in the light CP under maj Paul Larish. Moved up to Can tho later in '70.

We need some one with a lot of time to workup a Reunion. (Still Working)

Nice site! My wife and I had a luncheon with Leigh Ogden last year. Leigh was the origional XO of the 221st, a captain when I was there. Leigh had a second tour in Vietnam as CO of another bird dog company in the Central Highlands. A great guy, later retired as a bird colonel.

vary nice web page, like to hear from guys,during my tour time at soc trang, was sent to downtown mac-v unit,with larry baur, mike evans,

Please enter my info onto the website

crazy place, the guys were the best.

Hi all I just found your site. I went to RVN with the unit from Ft Bragg . I went back in 70 with the 220th I havent talked to many of the guys since . I retired in sept 80 and have worked for the FAA since in Fayetteville. N.C. .

I wrote the book "The Lovable One-Niner" A Complete History of the Cessna L-19 Birddog. Copies are now available again. The book is in its third printing. 272 pages, 32 in color, over 750 photos and drawings of the Birddog from the beginning in 1949 to 1996. If you are interested contact me at the email listed. Thanks for serving your country and "Welcome Home!"

Its good to see the word getting out about this website and its nice to see posts from so many 221st members. Thanks again Monte!

Graduated flight school Dec 15 68. Taught birddogs at Rucker Feb 70- Jun 71. Would like to hear from former associates.

i am emotional after stumblind upon this website! my best friend , jim kummings ,finally appeard. i have searched for him for 34 years! God bless you for offering the info you have although not totaly inclusive. I KNOW YOU DID THE BEST YOU COULD AND YOU DID DAMN GOOD.

Just dropped in to say "hello" to all my fellow O-1 drivers. It's been a long time. Anybody out there from OFWAC 68-12? Best of luck, and "welcome home" to us all.

Enjoyed seeing old names.

Monte and Fellow RAC members. I stumbled over this site a short while ago, (One would think that a recon pilot would be more observant)anyway it is great to see that someone is preserving a great piece of history. I hope that each of you are doing well. God Bless all of you. Regards and best wishes, Bob (ChickenMan II) P.S. I have a confession, if you were on duty in the tower on Christmas eve 1969 and remeber a vist by a guy in a red suit, I know who it was.

please include my dates of service and call sign (Shotgun 39) after my name. Thanks Jim Tangler

I formed up with the 221st in APR65 did the POR and deployed with the unit to 3H.Upon arrrival My platoon was assigned to the 219th AVN CO.I was somewhat deprressed as I had become fond of the 221st.I readjusted and had a verry good tour in the RRVN.I rrememberr MAJ Modica,Leigh Ogden,Paul Fath,Hal Collins,Tauno Wirrki.Unforrtunately I never really assimilated into the 219th.I have had to depend upon on reunions to lear who was in the command structure.Glad to see this site.Thanks Tom Morris

I have 35mm color slides of the aftermath of a VC attack on the "short strip" in Rach Gia 1968. All four "bird dogs" were destroyed with sachel charges (2-Shotgun and 2-Airforce FAC)

If you were a member of the 221st and would like an updated patch from the unit. I will mail you a free patch. Please include your mailing address. Additional patches are available for only $5.00 each.

Looking for flight school members who might have gone to the 221st.

I was in the 221st from June 67 until Sep 67. I was with advisory team 63 in Soc Trang. I started out with the 121St AHC and then went to tht Hqs 13th CAB. They were short FW pilots so I volunterred to go to the 221st.

Ed Willer and I grew up together in Kannapolis, NC. Ed introduced me to my wife while he and I were in Fishburne Military School where we roomed together for three years. I arrived in Vietnam one week before Ed went home. I was in Pleiku and about supporting the 1st Air Cav., 1st Div and 25th Div. I love flying so much that I used to volunteer as door gunner on a Huey on the weekends.

Forgot to tell you I served at Ft. Rucker, AL 1966-76. Maybe some of you were there at the same time.

Was invited to site by Lt. Ed Willer; thanks for letting me share photos and memories with you guys. Hope all of you stayed in Reserve program and are now drawing the checks...

Ed Willer is my brother in law and sent me here. Good site!

Great photo's enjoyed looking back.

Some month in 68 a birddog landed at the airfield at Soc Trang and an electrical problem caused the rockets to go off and hit the revetement. doe's anyone remember that. T-bird 1

There's a great book out on Bird Dogs. Anybody who was around them will love it. It gives a complete history of the "bird" from development, Korea, Viet Nam and On. It is: The Lovable One-Niner "A complete history of the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog" By Minard D. Thompson Turner Publishing Company PO Box 3101 Paducah, KY 42002-3101 (502) 443-0121 ISBN: 1-56311-236-1

Wonderful site Monte, thank you so much. I will send some pictures you may want to post. Spent most of my time in Bac Lieu, arrived at company the day of the move to Can Tho from Soc Trang. Was a clerk in the Orderly room for a short time, then in maintenance, then a crewchief. Remember Paul Fields, LT Rogers, SSG Blades, CPT Kolowiski(sp?) Again Thanks Monte

Was assigned TDY during TET. Spent 90days in Soc Trang.

I was a Crewchief with 4th PLT (Sector) flying out of Can Tho. I left Can Tho when the unit was moving from Soc Trang to Can Tho. My pilot was CPT Black (Shotgun 20). For years I surfed the net looking for fellows Shotgun and now all of a sudden I found a bunch, this is great!!! Thank you Monte...

Great job Monte. Now if we can get the word out we may be able to find some of our other lost souls. Would appreciate any information available about our former CO, Joe Fox.

It is a welcome thing to find The Shotguns after so many years of silence. Even though the 1967 history pages make my time from Jan 67-May 67 seem to have turned me into a "ghost", I still enjoyed discovering several classmates from OFWAC 66-2 were among us Shotguns. One note: the Sector town of Vinh Binh Province was known locally as Tra Vinh or Phu Vinh. I lived in the MAAG house from May 66 to May 67. Also, while Charlie Banks and the others flew photo missions over Long Tuan, I landed there, on 900 feet of sand between the cemetery and the hooches in early 67, the first O-1 one the ground since the Air Force Bird Dog was shot down early 66. Fortunately, I got to fly out - even though many Vietnamese were trying to book passage ... . I retired 07/2000 as Chaplain(LTC) of the 337th Cbt Spt Hospital after serving as Protestant Chaplain of the 410th Evac Hospital (79-92)which included 4 months in Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm. I still have my wings and Shotgun Patch. Thanks again for the trip down memory lane. Ned Moore

I was a PE crew leader at Soc Trang. Came over as SP4, left as SP5. I am looking for some folks who were on my crew, Bernie Reitz, William Leupold, William Crum, Joe Alackness from PA and any others. Monte, this is great, thanks so much for doing this as I would really like to contact more of the group. I worked with Sgt. Goodeve all the time and will be contacting his daughter. Thanks again for your effort.

Looking for a Shotgun patch to add to my collection of O-1 company patches. I will buy or trade for one of the newly rehabbed SF patches I have. Scanned version availalbe on request. Thanks!

Would love to get together with the guys. Have talked to a few of them on the internet.

When I first came to country our unit was located at Cantho and later moved to Vinh Long. If anyone remembers me feel free to contact me by my email. I came into country as a PFC and left a SP5.

Does anyone know how I can contact CptJames Mckee(Little Ranger)563 or1Lt Ross Vogt 901 ???

Came to the 221st in May '67 stationed at Vinh Long. Was transfered to the 199th in July "67 when they took over the platoon at Vinh Long. Was later Swamp Fox 33 sector pilot with Dan Cerone at Chi Lang (Chau Doc Province). Retired at Fort Hood 1984.

Would welcome hearing from anyone. Darryl

Tom Flanagan was a friend of mine and as I recall was killed in an accident at Soc Trang.Woulld like to hear from any Shotguns that might remember me from Ft. Rucker

Thank you, Shotguns, for the unselfish support that you gave us, those on the ground. jim greenwalt MAT IV-74 (1969-70)

Thank you Monte for this wonderful website. It has helped me find a connection with my father. Without your website, it was very difficult to find out information. God bless you!! Daughter of James G. Goodeve

great site I was with 221 from sept 70 till the end and must say it was a great bunch of folks to serve with

Just found your sight, great job.

Forgot to mention that I and the VN unit I advised also participated in operation"Delta Falcon" in Kien Giang Prov.Can anyone help me to find the Cobra pilot that flew as"Viper Lead" during that period? Bob

Had the honor of serving with Capt McKee(Little Ranger) and Lt Vogt.Was there the day Little Ranger was wounded.Have color slides of the "short strip" after the VC destroyed ALL of our O-1 aircraft including those belonging to the Airforce FAC's. Would really like to hear from these two guys.I flew with McKee as back seat armed with an M-60 on several occassions.It was rumored that he had hit a VC running along a paddy dike with one of his rockets. I hope someone can help me contact these two outstanding warriors. Bob

Monte, looks great. I will be sending another batch of pictures soon!!

Fine website. We Swampfoxes always felt our Shotgun brothers were nearby. With Vinh Long, Soc Trang and Delta Falcon assignments I enjoyed working with both companies and most of the rest of the 164th AVN Group units. Did you see the May Air&Space Smithsonian Magazine with the great Quiet Thruster (QT-2) night silent bird article? The 221st flew a test in early 1968.

I am the Web Master of the 183rd Aviation Web site www.183seahorese.org. It is good to see another Bird dog Web site come on line. I will make a link to your site from mine. Welcome Home everybody!!!

I would like to hear from former Shotgun's that I served with.

Its great to see a 221st web site.

Retired in July 98 as a CW5.

Monte has filled a 35 year void with this good website. Hope I can make contact with some past friends from the "Camau Air Corps" or Advisory Team 59.

Great web, site keep up the good work.

Would enjoy hearing from any of the "old guys" I served with during that era! Especially the Blades (Sgts) and My Crew Chief--Mike Cimenera (sp?).

Mighty fine looking web site. Will visit it often to look for new postings. Thanks for the terrific work.

Nice site.

Monte, congratulations! I've waited for years to see a Shotgun website and I'm sure others have also. Perhaps this effort of yours will result in a complete listing of all Shotgun personnel and maybe a reunion or two. David McGowan Shotgun 33

Was one of the original personnel in the 199th Swamp Fox RAC. Brought the 199th aircraft over on a jeep carrier. Was integrated into the Shotguns early in my tour. CPT Ray Rau was the Platoon leader in Can Tho where I was assigned in August 1967. Used to play the piano while CPT Al Spain played the guitar in the Eakin Coumpound O'club. BG Desobry was the 4th Corps Senior Advisor. Maj Ralph Hamner was the Company Commander in Soc Trang. Nicknamed "Deadeye"--did not miss with 2.75" rockets. Flew the Delta from Ca Mau to the 7 Mountains. Still see it in my dreams.

Monte, I like how you've set up the site. I hope we can get in contact with as many people as possible. Thank everyone who served in those troubled times.

Good luck with your new site. I know it will give those who visit the opportunity to meet up with those they served with. Thanks to all who served. Warmest regards, Rich

Found you site thru Cantho.org I used to fly backseat for the Shotguns from Can Tho. Flew with Jeff Gray a bunch. Even had an engine failure on night security between Binh Thuy and Can Tho. Looking for Jeff Gray/Grey. Not sure of the spelling. Went to WORWAC

did time in both unit

Do you have e-mail contact with Riley, Daniel C. 1LT O2 I crewed his L-19 or Cook, David H. SP4 E4 My cousin. He lost his left leg and was shipped state side. I have lost touch with both and would like to contact them or they can contact me. George Cook

While I don't say much about the Shotguns, some of you may be interested in reading about our life together at Vinh Long in my book: OUTLAWS IN VIETNAM. Look up the Battle of Easter Sunday on the Outlaws web page to peruse two chapters there. It has been fun reconnecting with aviators and crewmembers who were there for the duration of the unit's existence at the Vinh Long airfield. There will be a 2nd Delta Avn. Bn. reunion at Mother Rucker this May; check out the 162nd web site for registration details.

Company Clerk for first half of my tour, then crew chief for Cpt Mike Miller, 3rd Platoon at Cao Lahn.