Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
Frederick l Smith [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: firebird 1
i do not know, if this is an old message. your brother, was my gunner, on a number of missions, he was one hell of a man
July 13, 2024 - rochelle, Illinois United States
Dai Phan’s Pictures [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
From 2012
Dai Phan in his own words. “I work for the VA and have lived through the entire VN war. I was there when Tet offensive began till the day the NVA tanks rolled through the presidential palace. I saw Hueys searching for the enemies to Mig-17s landing in Da Nang. I escaped from VN and I have given presentations of my adventure nationally.” He recently presented our own Jim Malek with a museum quality model of a huey, painted in Rattler trim.
May 6, 2024 - ,
Dave Weber’s Oshkosh Pictures [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
From 2011
One of our aircraft, UH-1 B #63-12923 was later transferred to the Navy and used with the Seawolves. The VHPA recently found this aircraft and restored its Navy trim. They displayed the aircraft at Oshkosh in 2011. Our Dave "Dewey" Weber was there to photograph the event.
May 6, 2024 - ,
560 Continues to Fly [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
From 2010-11
Photos From John Mateyko's visit in January 2011
Pictures of tail modifications
Tribute Video by Blackhawk Helicopters
May 6, 2024 - ,
Georgia Militia Meeting [E-mail]
Former: with
Call sign:
From 2007
In April, 2007, there was a small get together at George Hardeman's lake place in Georgia. Here is Vic Bandini's report on the event:
Back late Sunday night from our weekend at George Hardeman's lake place in Georgia. Had a great time, the weather was beautiful, lots of good food, Firebird Fuel (booze), war stories and laughs. The Georgia militia meeting was attended by Jim Alsop, Vic Bandini, Stan Esckilsen, George Hardeman, Terry Igoe, Lynn (KAZ) Kazmierowski, Kelly McHugh, Dave Nottingham, Randy Thomas and John Wiklanski. The weekend was really great although I can't do the marathon drinking anymore. I hit the bed relatively early every night - food, war stories, and laughs were all great.
We talked about doing some 'boards' from the '68 - '69 time frame to display at the Reunions. KAZ has the lead on the project - we'd like to add to the collection for posterity. We also talked about organizing something for our kids and grandkids to continue on with. Want to keep the light burning for the Rattlers & Firebirds into the future.
May 6, 2024 - ,