History

History of UH-1H 67-17658

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The History of 658...

An Eagle’s Eye View is a day-by-day account of tail number 67-17658, one of many Bell UH-1H helicopters assigned to Vietnam. I was its only Crew Chief during our training in Colorado and while in South Vietnam; therefore, my story must also be told in conjunction with 658. Most of the information comes from my journal, which I kept during my tour of duty. I used letters I wrote home which fortunately, were kept by my family; and recollections from some of my friends to assist me in adding more detail to certain days.

In a sense, this text is a reproduction of that journal, outlining in great detail 658’s role in the US Army and my experiences with it. I start from the beginning, with orders to report to Fort Carson, Colorado in July of 1968, and continue up until the time 658 crashed on fire support base Eagle’s Nest on 31 May 1969.

I hope to give the reader an opportunity to experience and understand what flying in a combat zone was like and the hardships we all endured while in South Vietnam.

Behind the writing of An Eagle's Eye View...

In July of 2000, I received the quarterly newsletter that two of my fellow Lancers, David Mussey and Gary Whitty, publish. In this newsletter was an article from the 101st Airborne Association newsletter. Someone wanted information on the UH-1H S/N 67-17658 which saw service with the B Company 101st Aviation Battalion in Vietnam during 68-69. They wanted information regarding an accident involving this aircraft at Fire Base Eagles Nest on May 31, 1969. It was over thirty years since I was in Vietnam, but the number rang a bell. I took out the journal I kept in Vietnam and it was my old helicopter.

I contacted the people in the article and found out that my old helicopter was at the Firesland Military Museum in Norwalk Ohio. I was proud to hear that my old friend had suddenly come back to life. I decided then that since I knew its history from August of 1968 to May of 1969, I could provide more detail than just the one day that it crashed.

I have always contemplated the thought of writing a book from my journal and the above events are what finally lead me to doing so. Beginning with the original crew: Dan Shea-Pilot, Ed Sakenes-Pilot, Terry Gerke-Door Gunner and myself Terry Willman-Crew Chief.

Order Online and receive your copy signed by the Author, Terry Willman

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