Rattler/Firebird Guestbook

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Phil LaPorte   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

I was in F troop 17 cav, 196 LIB 11/68 to 11/69. I was at Baldy from 11/68 to 4/69 when we moved to Hawk Hill. I was the troop armorer starting about march 69 and I remember trading an M2A1 .50 cal for 3 or 4 butterfly mechanisms for the M-60. I don't remember if it was the Firebirds or the Rattlers. I do remember "rattlers 16" for some reason, anybody recall this? Thanks, those butterfly mechanism's were a big hit for or M-113's.

February 12, 2003 - Lakewood, Ca US

Dean C. Nelson   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

Hi, from one of your old next-door neighbors with our big noisy Chinooks, the 178th Boxcars. I was in the unit when we moved north to Chu Lai for Task Force Oregon in April, 1967. Flight Engineer on Boxcar 66-19088; my ship made it back to the States, and was rebuilt into a CH-47D, which I visited in 1995 at Hunter AAF. Minnesota National Guard has many H-Model Hueys; maybe some of your old rides are still in service too. Keep the Faith Dean C. Nelson

February 11, 2003 - Mounds View, MN USA

David Shaw   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

I found a copy of General Orders (6512)Dated September 20, 1968. These orders are for Air Medals for myself and the following: Arthur Hathaway, Charles N. Sullivan. Other names are listed too but from other companies then the 71st. I can e-mail copies to the company if anyone wants them?

February 8, 2003 - Yreka, CA USA

Gene Martin   [E-mail]

Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with 71st Assault Helicopter Company
Call sign: Can't remember..lol

When the current Sec. of Defense said on nat. TV that it would be OK for Hussein to go into exile..I blew my top..Rumsfeld should be fired..Hussien belongs in prison at the very least..not in luxurious exxile!

January 21, 2003 - Akron, OH USA

Tim Revell   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

HI Guys! First, great website. Second, I just wanted to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for what you guys did over there. You guys are awesome. I've read a bunch of books written by guys who flu Huey's and from some Grunts over there. You guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the sacrafices that you made (and continue to make) for your country. You guys are my heros. I aspire to be a hundreth as good a helo pilot. Thanks again.Tim

January 20, 2003 - Dundee, MI USA

Ronald D. White, SGM Ret   [E-mail]

Former: Enlisted Crew Chief with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: NULL

Hello to all:Just found this site while researching information for a VA claim for PTSD. I served with the 501st/71st from Sep 65-Dec 66 and the 117th from Sep 68-Sep 69.I was a crewchief with the Firebirds from Nov 65-Sep 66. A search of my records turned up several old orders, which I will forward to the association if you would like them. I also found some old orders from the Vietnamese government for award of the Cross of Gallantry for action on Aug 10, 1966. The VA required a translation to show we actually flew combat missions - go figure! The award has 8 501st members on it, to include 2 deceased. They are: Robert J. Banks, CWOWilliam D. Perkins, CWOBilly J. Warren, CPTBoyce Weatt, CWOLabrey E. Davis, SGT (MA)?Larry G. Dorsey, PFCSteven J. Seffels, SgtRonald D. White, PVTThere are also several 68th AHC members listed from another action on Aug 21, 1966.Most memories I have of that time have been repressed for years except in nightmares. They are just coming back to me through PTSD group discussions and therapy. I have just recently bit the bullet and filed a claim for PTSD after years of trying to deal with it myself. After several bouts with depression, panic attacks and other related symphoms my last hospitalization finally led to a diagnosis of PTSD, Severe Depression, and Panic Attacks. I have suferred from PTSD for years and tried to blot out most of Vietnam. After 37 years it isn't much easier for me. I admire those of you who are the strong ones and can remember, relate to, and tell of many instances of that time! Thanks for the site. I have read with interest every word on it and find it really helps. I will join soon.

January 5, 2003 - West Valley City, Utah US

Vernon E. Albert   [E-mail]

Former: Warrant Officer Pilot with Company A/501st Aviation Battalion
Call sign: Fire Bird 32

Hi everyone, I was playing on the computer this morning and reading the most recent news letter and decided to send everyone short note wishing you all a Happy New Year. I was privelaged to be one of the original Fire Birds, 64/65, transfered over from the 118th when the 501st arrived. Thanks to guys like Gordy Stone and many others I am still here to wish you all the best. Lets remember are fallen friends as we go into 2003. Good luck to all

December 26, 2002 - Lafayette, NULL NULL

Joseph Cothern   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

I was in the 71st Avn. Co, (1st Platoon) at Wertheim, Germany when we retired the 71st's colors. We became E Company, 3rd Aviation Battalion (Combat), 3rd Infantry Division. I always wondered why we had a Rattler callsign. I always imagined it was the result of chronically poor blade tracking by maintenance.Great site! Thanks for your contributions and sacrifices for our country.

December 25, 2002 - Shawnee, Kansas USA

odell suttle   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

Thinking about another day and time and wanted to tell everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Don't forget those who gave their life and especially those who are still being held.Odell Suttle 1966-1967

December 25, 2002 - NULL, Fl USA

Dale Parker   [E-mail]

Former: NULL NULL with NULL
Call sign: NULL

Shark PSG 1970-1971. 174th and 71st had some rough times Lam Son 719. Both units were lucky compared to some of the others. Just wanted to say hello. I just became involved in 174th assn after all these years.

December 22, 2002 - Mary Esther, Fl USA