Jody Coker
freighttrain117@gmail.com
was also part of the 243rd ASH o
541 Granade Dr. Forest Park ga 30297 USA
Pappy I was not yet a member of the 243rd when you was there , but every Freighttrainer knows of you and your crew. If I could trade places with you it would be an honor . Rest in peace my Brother , you will not be forgotten !
Jul 30, 2014 |
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larry McAdams
hookchief@earthlink.net
fellow flightcrew/maintenace chief
5004 sandalwood circle bayown Tx 77521 USA
It should be known that: I was standing near Pappy prior to 053 taking off for this fated mission and he made a statement to the crew (and I paraphrase) 'Guys, the weather's bad but guys are dying out there, we've gotta fly. If you feel uncomfortable about going step aside. Nobody will feel bad about you and we'll take volunteers.'
The crew stood pat and accepted their possible fate. Like the defenders of the Alamo they gave their lives to save fellow soldiers lives.
Greater love hath no man than he who would give his life for a friend.
That afternoon and evening we sat on top of the bunkers and revetments waiting for the sound of rotor beats from the north - of 053 coming home. but it was not to be. We lost 5 fellow crew men 5 friends.
Mac
May 20, 2014 |
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Larry McAdams
hookchief@earthlink.net
CH-47A crewmember
5004 Sandalwood Circle Baytown Texas 77521 USA
Pappy. You were one of my heroes. Being a historian I'll never forget the time that you told me that you could fly 'the crates the came in'.
Compadre, I believed it then and I believe it now
Mac
Apr 3, 2013 |
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Tony Alvarado
talvarado333@gmail.com
Mentored
536 CR 200 NACOGDOCHES TX 75965 USA
Pappy - You were my hero
As the very first, first-tour, Wobbly One (WO1) to join the 243rd (mid-68), I was harassed unmercifully by the older, more experienced, SECOND (or 3rd) tour, Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2) pilots. Pappy (CW3), the most senior and respect WO pilot, took me under his wing and basically guided me through my introduction to the real world. He also kept the other warrants off my back as I learned. My appointment as a CH-47 Aircraft Commander, came before my 21st birthday (CW3 John York - IP), and I owe that and so much more to Pappy. Only fond memories.
I miss you Pappy - May God Rest Your Soul In Peace.
Mar 27, 2013 |
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Earl Owen
Mr Deitsch, it has been so many years, but I still remember you as the man that gave so much for his country. You did not have to be in Vietnam, you wanted to be. You felt it was your calling as you once told me. It was my good fortune to know you and what you gave for this country and the 243rd.
Jan 14, 2013 |
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Jon Beckenhauer
beckenhauerj@yahoo.com
Fellow Freight Trainer
Lincoln NE 68510
It's been a lot of years but this is what I remember of this great man and winged soldier.
Charles 'Pappy' was one of the most respected Warrent Officers to fly for the 243rd. His pilot skill reputation was known far and wide. He was one of the best of the best. He was a WWII and Korean War veteran and had volunteered for VN. He was the Aircraft Commander on 19053 the day it disappeared during typhoon weather conditions. They were flying towards to Ban Me Thot on a medical supply mission. It was a three aircraft mission and Pappy was the first to take off with the other two birds on hold until he gave them a go. The last was heard of him or his crew was that it 'was through the pass and to launch the other two birds'. After the launch of the other two aircraft the mission was canceled and the aircraft ordered to return to home base. We were never able to get ahold of 053 to give them the new orders. The aircraft was not found for another 20 some years. We will never know what happened that caused this aircraft to crash into a mountain but it was a good thing to have closure when they were eventually found and their remains returned to American soil. Welcome Home crew. Leaving you behind was ever so
difficult.
Jun 3, 2012 |
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mike koeller
koeller@charter.net
Rest In Peace Brother. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
May 11, 2012 |
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Vern Elder
dongbathin_rvn@yahoo.com
22701 78th Ave West Edmonds WA 98026 USA
Never Forgotten Hero
I served as ATC Tower Chief 1968 thru 1972, Dong Ba Thin Airfield, base of the 243rd ASHC Freight Trains, last to speak to Freight Train 053 after their departure from DBT. Never Forgotten Hero.
Apr 25, 2012 |
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Tony Garramone
tgarramone@comcast.net
4445 Reed Street Wheat Ridge Colorado 80033 United States
Memorial for Members of the 243rd Freight Train ASHC
http://243rdashc.homestead.com/~local/~Preview/MemorialPage.html
I have heard so many stories about you from fellow pilots to crew and maintenance guys. I truly wish that I had had the opportunity to meet you - to experience what the others have... god bless you for your sacrifice.. and welcome home from a fellow Freight Trainer...
Apr 25, 2012 |
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Manuel Pino Bco 2/8th 1st Cav
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
mpjr54@msn.com
243 ASHC 10 CAB
"Stand proud and strong and do not be afraid, because death comes to us all, I just got there earlier." |
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