Rattler/Firebird Guestbook
PATRICK BOLTINGHOUSE [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: FIREBIRD 99
HOPEFULLY NEW MEMBERS HAVE BEEN FOUND AND MIGHT BE ABLE TO REMEMBER BACK TO JUNE/JULY 67 WHEN I WAS SHOT IN THE BACK OF ME ARMORED SET. OF ALL THINGS, I FOUND THE DOCUMENTS FROM A BACK OPERATION I HAD IN 76 WHERE THE DOCTOR STATED THAT "THIS MAN HAD A RUPTURED DISC PRIOR TO APR. 1976. I MIGHT BE GRASPING AT STRAWS, BUT WORTH THE TRY FOR MY CLAIM. EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE A NAME TO PUT WITH "SOMEONE GETTING SHOT IN THE BACK OF HIS ARMORED SEAT" STORY, PLEASE WRITE ME A LETTER. AGAIN, THIS IS MORE THAN A GREAT SITE AND WONDERFUL TO READ SO MANY NAMES THAT I SERVED WITH. GOD BLESS, PATRICK
June 6, 2003 - SACRAMENTO, CA. USofA
Jim Meyer USA/ret. [E-mail]
Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL
When the SF left Ha Thanh or Son Ha (Camp A-104) in June 70, I stayed with sa five man mobile advisory team and the US district bunch...to include the Phoenix office. Me and my team worked with the wonderful Hre Montagnard tribesmen in the RF/PF program. We were completely dependent upon resupply and support from the air, and I fondly recall the welcome inbound radio call from the brave men of the Rattlers. I salute all the fine soldiers from the sky who meant so much to us. Thank you.
June 4, 2003 - NULL, VA NULL
J.T. Johnson [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Maintenance with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: NULL
I have a South Vietnam flag which I remember I pulled from the top of a tree while on a test flight after a PE inspection. I think Lavigne and Martino were on this flight since it was their ship or they were on the PE crew prior to flying. Either way I was hanging from the gun mount telling the pilot (Eisley?) to back up etc. and only realized later that my mic cord had come unplugged and he couldn't hear a word I was saying. We flew without a peter pilot and either Martino or Lavigne took pictures of me hanging out. I never saw those pictures since later both of them were killed. I still wonder if may accounting of this is accurate. If anyone out there remembers please let me know.
May 31, 2003 - Plano, IL USA
Bill Di Dio [E-mail]
Former: Enlisted Choose with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: NULL
If someone has a picture of Stephen Martino (KIA 8/19/69), I would appreciate it if you would post it...trying to connect the name with a face...thank you in advance.
May 29, 2003 - Pembroke Pines, FL USA
Ken Lombardi [E-mail]
Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL
Hello, "Charley",(7/17TH) and brothers of the 71st. Always remember.Ken / 155AHC / Ban Me Thout
May 27, 2003 - NULL, NULL NULL
Randy Billings Sr [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: RATTLER 17
HEY RATTLERS AND FIREBIRDS,JUST WANTED TO WISH EVERYONE A GOOD MEMORIAL WEEK-END AND GOD BLESS AMERICA .RANDY "RATTLER 17" bILLINGS
May 24, 2003 - Eddington, Me U.S.A
Tom Pratt [E-mail]
Former: Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler 12
Good to find this site. Good to see names like Paxton (em) Len Ecker R-28.Would like to hear from Kerry McMahon or Steve Isreal or any of a whole bunch of guys who are all part of old memories that need to be revived
May 13, 2003 - Rancho Cucamonga, CA USA
Christine Brace Brucker [E-mail]
Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL
I am looking for any information on my father's unit. His name was Guy B. Brace. All I can find is he was a member of the Rattlers at Chu Lai possibly between 1967-1969. Any information would be appreciated.
May 11, 2003 - Tiffin, OH USA
Dakota McDowra [E-mail]
Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL
Hello. Iam looking for the names of the crew that saved my dad. He was a soldier in Da Nang I think. He was rescued on April 1969.I am 16 and want to find the guys that saved him and thank them.
May 10, 2003 - Northwestern, Texas USA
Ron Olson [E-mail]
Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Rattler-10
This new format is fantastic. How do some of you guys remember all those dates,unit numbers, and such...incredible!See ya all in D.C.
May 9, 2003 - Gainesville, Fl USA