Centaur Website Newsletter - October 2024

INDEX: News, Checking In, Corrections/Updates, MyPages, War Stories & Photos, Deceased, Reunions/Events, Hats & Shirts

--- News ---

More Spam: These assholes are getting more tricky. One used Jack Nemeyers name and real address at Frontier.com, but when the Reply button is clicked it shows his email as Outlook.com (bogus). Become suspicious also when a stupid/irrelevant question is asked. Our guys don't ask things like "Do you use Amazon?" None of their business.

Helicopter Pilots are Different:

This cartoon by Harry Reasoner in 1977 was provided by John Moore, just incase you didn't see it.
"It is sad that many people who never flew helicopters have this terribly incorrect evaluation of helicopter pilots. We loved the challenges; our skills had to be top notch; our morale and confidence was through the roof. We lived for this kind of flying" - bap.

--- Checking In ---
Check in with the Webmaster once in a while so we will know you are still around! powellcentaur@gmail.com

.....Dee DeLeon.....Rolland Fletcher.....Diana Graham.....Tom Fleming.......Matt Jackson.........Bob Taylor.....Trudy White.......Michael Peake.......Don Borey......Frank Dillon.....Paul Plante......Bill Hull....Jerry Shelton......Ron Cooper.......Bob Tegelman......Rick Williams......Pat Eastes....Reggie Slater.....Lin Riniker......John Kelly......John Moore........Lee Majors.........Steve Borden......Richard Schwab....John Schembari (1/9 Cav)

Bruce Draganjac recommends Spreadsheet.com for stickers.

Examples: 4th Cav Guidon, 1st Avn Bde Patch, 25th Patch, 4th Cav Regiment.

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Award of the Silver Star has been added to Paul Plante's InfoSheet. He was a PFC attched to D Troop as a door gunner from Company A, 2/12 Infantry Battalion. It occured 13 June 1969 while flying a Nighthawk mission and having to recover wounded from a crashed Little Bear aircraft.

CPT James C. Hoodenpyle, who died 6 Oct 1987, had incorrect links on both the Main roster and Deceasted Roster. Corrected.

 

You Tube Videos - Very little of our website info is shared on You Tube. It has been purposely coded to not go to You Tube for several reasons, mostly to eliminate any commercial ads interrupting. However, the following updates are made to make it easier to find the few You Tube Videos that we do link to:
1. Link added at the top of the War Stories Video page goes to a section added at the bottom for You Tube Videos.
2. Help Answers #73 links to the You Tube Videos

 

D Troop (Ground) 1/12 Cav, 1st Cav Video: Back in the July 2023 Newsletter Paul Plante recommended this video for our viewers. It was linked to from the Newsletter but didn’t make it to the Website. Recently Bruce Draganjac came across it again. It is now linked to from the You Tube Video list on the War Stories Video page.
Also note how well this website is done. We may take advantage of some of their great ideas like their narrated movie about the history of their great unit.

 

Yearbook & Reunion Photo Albums are now linked to from the PhotoAudioFilm main button (Photo Albums & Slide shows)

 

--- MyPages --

 

William "Bill" Hill SP4 Supply Clerk and Armorer July 1965 to March 1967 has updated his MyPage photo.

 

 

 

 

 

Michael C. Flynn SP4 AH1G Cobra Crewchief 1972-1973 now has a limited draft MyPage using a photo from Lin Riniker.

No contact with him.

 

 

 

 

David Hannema SP4 Armenent Repairman 1972-73 now has a limited draft MyPage using a photo from Lin Riniker.

No contact with him.

 

 

 

 

Mike? Smith SP4 Cobra Crew Chief 1972-73 now has a limited draft MyPage using a photo from Lin Riniker.

Might this be PFC Mickel Smith?

No contact with him.

 

 

 

James R. Wells PVT D Troop 1965 to 1966. Reggie Slater provides current photo of him for his updated MyPage. We haven't found out what his job was yet.

 

 

 

 

James A. Donadini Jr CW2 1971 to 1972 now has a rough draft MyPage (not reviewed yet by him). We are pretty sure this is our man (photos) but seek conformation. John Moore found his Facebook page.

I contacted him by phone recently. He will review what we have and send more information.

 

 

 

--- War Stories & Photos---

Back in the July 2023 Centaur Newsletter Paul Plante recommended the D Troop, 1/12 1st Cav video for its great movies, photos and music.

It is not a D Troop Air, it is a D Troop Ground unit. Design and execution of their video and of their website is of note.

We copied our Newsletter to them.

 

 

---Deceased --

Michael D. "Mike" Siegel CW2, UH-1 Slick Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot died 14 September 2024.

His InfoSheet has been changed to a Deceased/Obit page and includes many comments from his Centaur Friends. Mike was a true hero and saved many lives.

We hope that those of who remember him can find the time to send in a memory or personal comment for his InfoSheet/Obit. (Same with the other Deceased Centaurs)

 

Sibley Bryce Evans Jr. UH-1H WO1 pilot 1972 died 22 September 2018. He has been added to our Rosters.

An InfoObit page has been created with comments from Jerry Shelton.

Sibley was with the 101st for most of his tour, then transferred to F Troop

 

 

John W. Brady SP4 Cobra and Slick Crew Chief May 1969 to November 1970 died 8 September 2024. HIs MyPage has been converted to a Deceased and an Infosheet/Obit added as a link. He served as a Cobra Crewchief for a year and extended to fly as a UH-1 Slick Crewchief.

 

 

 

 

-- Reunions & Events ---

WHY ARE REUNIONS SO IMPORTANT!
It is possible that some of our brothers haven't experienced or have not realized that the combat bond/friendship we experienced is an amazing and unique one. Of course it is great to meet a hootchmate or others you served with, but it is also a rewarding experience, and fun, to meet and talk with others, who might not have served directly with you, but walked in your shoes. The Air Cav Troop was an extraordinary unit, created for Vietnam and disbanded after Nam. There were only about 2000 men who served as Centaurs during the entire war. This is a small and special group indeed. You are one!
Come to the Centaur Reunion because every man there is a Centaur or Centaur Friend that you need to meet and share stories with. bap

NOVEMBER 2024: The Florida Hurricane did not change anything about our Reunion!!
Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 -Jan and Trudy White are again hosting the 2024 November Centaur Reunion in Panama City Beach Florida.  They are working on several activities that will be available at the resort.  It's sure to be a good time. Download the latest working Agenda. Those attending so far.

The reunion last year was an amazing success! The constantly increasing participation in the Centaur Vet's Day Reunion is so very encouraging. Do not miss this one! Video interviews will be done!

Please take a few minutes to watch the 2023 Reunion Video to see all the great people that you did not get to meet if you did not attend the last one. Click on Full Screen with background audio. We want you to be there!!!

Free Quality Centaur Pens will be handed out while they last. Bob Jones and Gary Jones will be handing out their newly designed D & F Troop Patch.

Raffle Items: Don Borey will be providing Centaur Coffee Cups, Stainless Cups and Tumblers for the RAFFLE at the reunion.

 

Those planning to attend so far: (Get your name on the list!!!! - email Trudy <trudyswhite@gmail.com>

Rick Adams & Diane & Friends
Joel Andres & Sylvia
Roger Blaha & Kate
Steve Borden & Marty
Don Borey & Pat
KiKi Brantley(Bill’s Wife)
Ron Cooper & Leigh
Tom Dooling & Linda
Rick Ellison & Georgia
John Evans & Anita
Joseph Gentile
Collin Hall & Pearlie
Ron Harrison
David Hopper & Cheryl
Marshall Huckaby & Jennie
Bob Jones
Gary Jones & JoAnne
James Kreil & Colleen Ford
Lee Majors & Maxine
John McGee
Jo Ponzillo (Mark's Wife)
Bruce Powell & Sharon
Kenneth Rucki
Harlan Sparrow III & Kris
Bob Tegelman & Lu
Tim Walsh & Theresa
Richard Ward & Julie Hampton
Jan White & Trudy

PLEASE - Email Trudy White <trudyswhite@gmail.com> with your intent to attend soon so she and Jan can get on with planning.

 

-- Centaur Shirts and Hats --

Marty Jenkins has located and will be receiving a dozen of the OLD style Navy Blue Centaur D Troop LOH hats and 10 of the Centaur F Troop Cobra hats. Contact him directly if you are interested in this. mjenkino@gmail.com

 

 

Below are the Dale Dow designed T Shirts that are now available from Christine (Dow) Smith:

D Troop: Small  Medium  Large   XLarge   XXLarge   XXXLarge   4X Large
-----Yellow: 23 -----21 ------43------- 25 --------33---------- 3
-----Gray: ---22----- 28 ------27------- 25-----------22 -------6----------- 4

F Troop: Medium Large  XLarge   XXLarge    XXXLarge    4X  Large
----Yellow: --11------23------ 19------ 19 ----
----Gray------11 -----24 -------8 -------25 -------------15--------- 5

Shirts are $20.00 each including shipping costs.

Christine (Dow) Smith email at jaychris0126@live.com

For the CIVO Board of Directors,

Bruce
Bruce Powell, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of centaursinvietnam.org
email: powellcentaur@gmail.com
1031 E Highline Drive, Payson, AZ 85541 (Summer)
11875 S Ironwood Drive, Yuma, AZ 85367 (Winter)

 

 

 

 

*************************************************************

Centaur Website Newsletter - September 2024

INDEX: News, Checking In, Corections , MyPages, War Stories & Photos , Deceased, Reunions/Events, Hats & Shirts

--- News ---

Reunion Date Correction Reminder! In case you missed it the November Centaur Reunion dates were annnounced as 7 to 10 November and were quickly changed to 9 to 12 since Veterans day is on Monday the 11th. The free breakfast mornings will be Sunday (10th) & Monday (11th). Be sure you get your name on the Planning to Attend Roster.
Download latest Agenda update.

Do you need to update your MyPage Current Photo? More than likely yes! One of the main features of the MyPages is they help identify all those old faces that show up at the Reunions. It may look real nice to have a photo of you up there that looks like you are 40, instead of the real you in your 60's or 70's and up. Why not get it done while we still have someone around to take care of it. Grab your smart phone, take a photo of yourself and email it to powellcentaur@gmail.com.

How about your InfoSheet? Have you done a good job providing info about yourself? Many have found that they meet more people and have a better experience at the reunions if they take the time to review the InfoSheets of those who are attending.. It is amazing how many paths have crossed, yet without this information you probably missed out on meeting and spending quality time with more fellow Centaurs. Take some time and send us some text and maybe unit crest screen shots or other photos that can enhance your Infosheet. Let us do the work for you and get it all up on your page!!

Take a look at some InfoSheets that are done well: Arthur, Fleming, Powell, Eastes, Beasley, Allen, Branham, Dooling, Holmberg, Hoover, Sparrow, Karn, powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Checking In ---
Check in with the Webmaster once in a while so we will know you are still around! powellcentaur@gmail.com

....Rick Arthur.....John Jones......Rick Williams.....Roland DeLeon.....David Cox....Dwight Birdwell....Rick Arthur..
....Michael Peake.....Alison Litton......Jerry Shelton.....Frank Walker.....John Moore.....Bob Jones....Tom Fleming..
....Don Borey.....Koleta Thompson.....Carl Betsill....Joe Arzate......Earl Tilley.....Frank Dillon.......

Michael Harper Photographer in Saigon 1967 checks in and says he enjoys our website. He hopes that we will get our great information and stories into the Library of Congress.

John Jones releases his latest compilation of Vietnam Aviation photos (Photobox UK). Click Here.

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Rick Arthur has a major update to his InfoSheet. This is a great example of how all our InfoSheets should be.

Guinn Junell Rogers CPT was a pilot in D Troop in 1966. On his second tour with another unit (120th Assault Helicopter Company) he was shot down by an RPG and Killed in Action. Mike Peake, our Historian, has located other information and we have posted it as an InfoSheet linked to CPT Rodger's name on the main and KIA Rosters. See his corrected MyPage below.

Carl Betsill discovered that the links in Help Answers #70 were broken. That has been fixed.

Mike Peake, our Centaur Historian, continues to research for more detailed information on all of our helicopters. His latest update is provided at War Stories Discussion Page Centaur Aircraft Tail Numbers - Researching. If you have comments, questions or other info that might help, please email Mike at thegermansons@yahoo.com.

Tim Walsh (Records & Archive Keeper F 75th Rangers) has been added to the Centaur Friends Roster. We hope to do an InfoSheet for him soon. Tim and Theresa are signed up for the Centaur Reunion.

 

--- MyPages --

Robert "Bob" Graham Centaur 3 Operations Officer April 1966 to February 1967 has checked in with us and has an updated MyPage.

He is 94 years old now and living in Gig Harbor, WA. Gets around nicely with his walker.

Bob has always been one of our great Centaur War Story Tellers. Hope you take the time to look again at his many tales.

It is great to be back in contact with him

 

 

Gerald J. Gautreau PFC OH-23 Repairman (67M MOS). We found a good pic of him in TJ Langes Slideshow and created a draft MyPage. Hoping that someone will remember him and provide us with more information.

 

 

 

 

--- War Stories & Photos---

 

John Wayne Poston SP5 Slick Mechanic may go by middle name of Wayne. He has a Facebook page discovered by John Moore, which has this photo of he and Danny Rabon. It is now an MP1 on both the Poston and Rabon MyPages.

Frank Dillon says he has not been on Facebook for some time now. Any info him? powellcentaur@gmail.com.

 

 

 

---Deceased --

 

Michael W. "BG" Woods CPT Centaur 45 Cobra Pilot October 1971 to November 1972 died 21 March 2024. Ron Holmes found out from Mike's daughter Tammy. "Big Guy" was very well liked and respected by all. Please send your memories of him to the webmaster for posting on his Info/Obit page.... See Mike's Video.

 

 

 

Guinn Junell Rogers CPT Slick Pilot 1966 now has a KIA MyPage. Before, all we had was an InfoSheet and TWS. He was killed in 1967 on his second tour with a different unit (the 120th Assault Helicopter Company). Hit by an RPG.

John Moore provided the High School photo of him for our MyPage.

 

 

 

-- Reunions & Events ---

SEPTEMBER 2024: Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next Squadron reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.

T-shirt- San Antonio Reunion T-Shirts in the store so folks can buy 
them before the reunion if they desire.  Sizes are S, M, L, Xl, XXL, & XXXL.  Also be available at the reunion at Bingo's store tables.

David Cox: Provides the NEW groups's booking link for the September 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion.
Dave also notes: Once you click on the link it will take you to our hotel website, then enter your arrival/ departure dates, and it will automatically populate your group name and discounted group rate.
You may also call our 24-hour reservation phone number at 210-224-2500, option 2. If you are calling, please remember to reference your group's block code: SQU I am at your service should you or any of your guest need any assistance booking their rooms.
David Cox <cox.a.34cav@gmail.com> Last day to make reservations at your group discount will be on: August 6, 2024

 

Those planning to attend so far: (Get your name on the list!!!! - email Trudy <trudyswhite@gmail.com>

Rick Adams & Diane & Friends
Joel Andres & Sylvia
Roger Blaha & Kate
Don Borey & Pat
KiKi Brantley(Bill’s Wife)
Ron Cooper & Leigh
Tom Dooling & Linda
Rick Ellison & Georgia
John Evans & Anita
Joseph Gentile
Collin Hall & Pearlie
Ron Harrison
Marshall Huckaby & Jennie
Martin Jenkins & Charlotte
Bob Jones
Gary Jones & JoAnne
James Kreil & Colleen Ford
Lee Majors & Maxine
John McGee
Jo Ponzillo (Mark's Wife)
Bruce Powell & Sharon
Kenneth Rucki
Harlan Sparrow III & Kris
Bob Tegelman & Lu
Tim Walsh & Theresa
Richard Ward & Julie Hampton
Jan White & Trudy

 

 

 

 

 

 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Centaur Website Newsletter - August 2024

INDEX: News, Checking In, Corections , MyPages, War Stories & Photos , Deceased, Awaiting Input,

--- News ---

Parade Grand Marshal James R. "Rick" Arthur CW2 Heavy Weapons Pilot in Command (UH-1C) March 1967 to March 1968 and retired Centaur Director:

The City of Kirkland, a large suburb of Seatle Washington (almost 100k population) chose Rick, a Centaur pilot, decorated hero, VFW member and one of our original Centaur Directors to be the Grand Marshal of the Kirkland, Washington 4th of July Parade this year. This is a great honor. Rick was very impressed with the City's handling of recognizing all Veterans.

We hope that you will take some time an read some of Rick's Centaur stories and watch his Video interviews. Go to his MyPage and click on the buttons on the right side of his photo.

Rick now has an InfoSheet with a photo of he and Dyann.

Our thanks again to Rick Arthur for his great work in helping us develop the Centaur Multimedia website.

 

 

John Steinbeck the famous writer aboard a U.S. Army UH-1B Iroquois helicopter of D Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, at Pleiku, Vietnam, 7 January 1967. (Newsday):
“I wish I could tell you about these pilots. They make me sick with envy. They ride their vehicles the way a man controls a fine, well-trained quarter horse. They weave along stream beds, rise like swallows to clear trees, they turn and twist and dip like swifts in the evening. I watch their hands and feet on the controls, the delicacy of the coordination reminds me of the sure and seeming slow hands of (Pablo) Casals on the cello. They are truly musicians’ hands and they play their controls like music and they dance them like ballerinas and they make me jealous because I want so much to do it. Remember your child night dream of perfect flight free and wonderful? It’s like that, and sadly I know I never can. My hands are too old and forgetful to take orders from the command center, which speaks of updrafts and side winds, of drift and shift, or ground fire indicated by a tiny puff or flash, or a hit and all these commands must be obeyed by the musicians hands instantly and automatically. I must take my longing out in admiration and the joy of seeing it. Sorry about that leak of ecstasy, Alicia, but I had to get it out or burst.”
Steinbeck 27 Feb 1902 to 20 Dec 1968 (Thanks to Joe Hoover/John Moore)

Are you headed to Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)? Stanley E. "Stan" Allen SP5 Nighthawk Crew Chief (Slick 217) April 1969 to April 1970 recommends that you also visit the National Museum of Military Vehicles which is nearby. Stan said: "They have a "B" model Huey on display in there. I was told by one of the Dosens that it was flown into the museum parking lot, defueled and towed into the museum building. The gentleman that flew it there, showed them some repaired battle damage that they did not know existed. He said that he knew about it because he was flying it when it occurred. The helicopter originally belonged to the Us Army and was transferred to the US Navy later in its life. I was told that about 95% of the equipment that they have runs. Some of it, they take to parades around the state. They get volunteers to drive the equipment in the parades. Also, in their Viet Nam exhibit they have something that might interest some of the guys from "B" Troop. They have an M-113 track that is marked 25th ¾ Cav B23 I do not know if this is authentic or not,

More on the National Museum of Military Vehicles: Pat and Clare Eastes also visited this magnifacant Museum in DuBois, Wyoming. 500 refurbished/rebuilt military vehicles for starters. Weapons from the civil war forward and much more. They have the very first production model M60 Machine Gun (serial number 001) and an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) from our own B Troop. No doubt our 3/4 Cav troopers are going to love this place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

...Marshall Huckaby........Joel Andres........Rick Arthur........Dan Coles.........Stan Allen.........Frank Dillon
......Tom Fleming.....Jim Kreil....Pat Eastes....Bob Tegelman.....Steve Gormley.....Matt Jackson......Frank Hock
.......Dave Sale.....Mark Metzker (AAHF)......Tim Walsh.....Robert Bobo.....Tom Dooling.....Bob Jones....

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

LOH Scout aircraft OH-6A 67-16197, thought to be "Borrowed Time" has been deleted from the Centaur Tail Numbers Database. It belonged to the 101st. Thanks Mike Peake

History Equipment Helicopter Splash page corrected. It had several bad links.

Added Cobra Accidents Discussion page to Ken Rucki's MyPage

InfoSheet added to Bruce W. Sikkema MyPage. Review Cobra Wingover story

Fixed dead link to "Movie Night" on Bill Chiaramonte's MyPage. Thanks Tom Dooling

Frank Hock name spelling corrected in Ron Radcliffe war stories page.

Fixed bad link for Dwain Adkins Intro Movie.

Brian "Stretch" Harrison has had to shut down his website for a total rebuild

Stable Boy article from TLN is added to Dick Thomas deceased MyPage

Mark Ponzillo's LRRP stories now linked to from Gerald Traxler LRRP XO deceased MyPage

Roster entry for SP4 Carrillo was entered twice. He was an Armement guy and knew Perriman. Any Info?

KIA page for Howell "Wayne" Burns death date corrected to 12 Dec 1971 Thanks Mike Peake

Obituary for Ken Mick is now linked to from his MyPage. It is dissapointing that more is not said. This note was placed on his Obit at Bliley's Funeral Home, Richmond, VA along with a photo:
Ken had a great combat tour with F Troop, 4th Cavalry Squadron from Oct 1971 to Sep 1972 flying AH-1G Cobra Gunships. See his page and his stories at the Centaurs in Vietnam website (centaursinvietnam.org). Click on Rosters then Mick to go to his page. If anyone has knowledge of more about Ken and his Army career, please sent to powellcentaur@gmail.com.

Obituary for Bobby Glen Newton LRRP 1966-67 and his Deceased MyPage have been corrected. We are not sure what city in Oregon that he and Debby lived, or his rank as a LRRP.

The word Enfilade added to our Glossary.

Help me out! - Find needed corrections, additions, cross links and email them to me!! powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- MyPages --

 

 

Robert "Bob" Bobo CW2 Cobra Pilot D Troop 1969 - 1970 now has a MyPage, with one MP, an Infosheet (with his wife Martha) and a War Story (Cobra Medivacs LOH Crew - 24 Dec 1969.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Clark PFC in Maintenance 1967. The 8mm movie by Bruce Powell has been linked to his Mypage and shows him walking toward the camera. Do you remember him? How about the guy to his left?

 

 

 

Jerry D. Spicer SP4 LRRP 1966-1967 now has a draft MyPage based on Gene Tucker MP and Marshall Huckaby notes. Can you provide a better photo and more information? powellcentaur@gmail.com.

 

 

 

Can you identify this Centaur 1969-70 era Crew Chief or Gunner on Slicks. Stan Allen remembers him as "Flower Child" because of the flowers on his flight helmet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--- War Stories & Photos---

Cobra Medivacs LOH Crew - 24 Dec 1969 by Robert "Bob" Bobo. Another great story of how the Cobra Gunship, in an emergency and with a bold crew, could pull off a Medivac Mission.

We need names to go with this story (copilot) and possible contact with those rescued. Help out if you can.

 

 

Mortar/Recoilless Rifle attack Cu Chi 15 March 1967 by Clinton Lounsbury and Bruce Powell with photo from Terry Vaughan's Slide Show.

There are other photos of that night which have not yet been found. What were your memories of that night.

Somebody from the Gun Platoon may have been wounded diving in the bunker.
See another pic of Hootch hit in TJ Lange's Slideshow TJ056

 

Joel Andres CPT F Troop Flight Surgeon 1971-1972 now has a Photo Album of Medical Detachment photos. It is linked to from his MyPage. It is also linked to from the Vickers and Love MyPages and listed on the Photo Albums & Slides page. Help us name some of those not identified.

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel M. "Dan" Coles SP4 Cobra Crew Chief (#67-15776) now has a Photo Album of four photos and a rough draft InfoSheet.

 

 

 

 

 

Static Display of Centaur Cobra 67-15776, "Betty Boobs" and later "Undertaker" now at Fort Irwin, CA.

Tail number info.

CW2 Bruce W. Sikkema, Centaur 51, was pilot of AH-1G Cobra #67-15776 during his tour from December 1969 to June 1971. SP4 Daniel M. Coles, Cobra Crew Chief.

 

John Jones Vietnam Legacy Archive. Please find below, a secure link to the latest archive update.
Thank you to the noted contributors, please share as you deem suitable.
https://www.photobox.co.uk/view-online-photo-book?widgetId=8f5a4cda-00cc-4bc6-9d98-07b6843305eb&securityId=219215c5-b91d-4d1b-815c-91f01638b0fb

 

---Deceased --

Bobby G. Newton LRRP 1966 to 1967 died 18 May 2024. We do not know his rank. His Nam photo is from the Pat Lacy Slide Show. Please review the Pat Lacy slide show and see if you can provide any more names or other LRRP information.

He now has a Deceased MyPage and Info/Obituary Page.

(Thanks to Bob Tegelman and Marshall Huckaby)

 

 

--- Awaiting Input---

John Patrick Carter Infosheet information & photos

James T. Rodgers SSG B Trp 3/4 Cav need MyPage and clairification : Help us sort this out. You were a PSG in one of the 3/4 Cav Troops in 1965. You met with CPT Dick Thomas, the Service Platoon Ldr in Hawaii, then he flew you on Recon missions at Cu Chi. He encouraged you to go Warrant. You were a SSG Tank Section Leader in B Troop, 3/4 Cav (1966). Other notes say you were in Aerorifles; then another infers you were a CW2 in D troop. VHPA shows you with D Trp 3/4 Cav in 65/66 then C/228 AVN, 1st Cav in 70-71. Armor Branch

Randy Love: Need a current photo and corrected Nam photo. Also wife? Lives? exact tour dates. Update InfoSheet.

Dan Coles: Is it "Worthan (Yearbook)" or "Wortham (obit)" Scout Gunner or Crewchief- Bruce Scooter?

WO Larry J. Kastanek Feb 70-71 Gunpilot D/F Info - pics

Await pics from John Webster of his dad Robert LRRP

CW2 Robert B. Long LOH pilot 1971-72 - Lost contact

We have no records of Robert Love Cobra Crew Chief of 776, yet Wayne Hooper remembers him well. Any Ideas?

 

 

 

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Centaur Website Newsletter - July 2024

INDEX: News, Checking In, Corections , MyPages, Deceased,

--- News ---

 

Josh T. Suthoff LTC turns command of the 3/4 Cav over to James "Jimmy" W. Lucas on Friday 19 July 2024 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

Josh has been a great friend to the Centaurs and one who continued to build a living history of our Vietnam unit during his command at Schofield.

We wish him and his family continued blessings.

Congratuations to LTC Jimmy Lucas upon his assumption of this great command.

 

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

.....Frank Dillon....Jim Hoag....John Moore.......Thomas Fleming.......Carl Betsil.......Brian Harrison.......Mike Vaughn......Trudy White......Bob Tegelman......Nick LaRich......Michael Peake.....Pat Eastes.......Tom Dooling......Gary Jones.......Robin Haywood........Gordon Eatley.......Richard "Rick" Gorton.......Gene Peters......Marshall Huckaby......John P. Carter....John McGee

 

Arnold W. "Sandy" Weand B Trp, 3/17th 1971-72: I was not a Centaur, but I do enjoy scrolling through your newsletter and I appreciate you including me on your distribution list.  The May letter contains a link and short opinion from Herb Beasley (Click here) concerning research and study "Truths & Myths". It made me think of something we are doing here in Madison County, Alabama.
The Madison County Military Heritage Commission has a Hall of Hero’s program, recognizing and inducting residents who have received valor awards while in the military. One of the things they do is interview each selectee on the local educational (ETV) network and local NBC and other TV network affiliates.  All these videos are archived.  The commission is instituting a scholarship for a local student. Award is based on the student doing research in the archives and developing a paper concerning their research to be judged by a panel. 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Marshall Huckaby SSG with the Centaur LRRPs in 1966 - 67 (retired 1SG) was inducted into the US Army Ranger Hall of Fame on 23 June 2023. That information has been added to his MyPage and a link to his award article in "Patrolling" Magazine has been added to his MyPage buttons.

Fixed Centaur Troop Commanders list to show MAJ Lynn Askins as the commander when D Troop arrived in Vietnam (Mar 1966). He was soon replaced by MAJ Pete Peterson.

 

--- MyPages --

 

Sam Wright LRRP 1966 to 1967 (actual dates not known), Rank not known: His MyPage has been updated with a Nam photo, a group pic as MP1 and link to War Story "LRRP Ambush 1966.

 

 

 

 

Dutchey L. Lane SGT LRRP 1966 to 1967 (actual dates not known) now has a MyPage with Infosheet, MP1 photo of his LRRP group and a link to Rick Ellison's War Story "LRRP's Get Ambushed Tay Ninh 1966"

 

 

 

 

Irvin K. Herrmann SGT LRRP 1966 to 1967 now has a MyPage based on info and photos from Gene Tucker and Marshall Huckaby. We are not in contact with him.

He also has a short InfoSheet.

Please send in any information on him that you might have. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

John McGee, LRRP, Unit Director for Company F 25th ID LRRP/50th INF. LRP/75th Rangers. John now has a Centaur Friends MyPage. He has helped us with finding more of our original Centaur LRRPs. He may even attend our Centaur Reunion in Panama City Beach, FL in November.

 

 

 

 

---Deceased --

Warren H. Waite Jr. SP5 Cobra Line Chief 1968-69 passed peacefully on 13 June 2024. Warren had a blood clot in his lung, resulting in heart attack. He was airlifted to Tucson. Died in the hospital with son Rhys Waite and daughter in law by his side. Rhys will be sending us some photos and 8mm movies to review for possible inclusion on Warren's MyPage.

Newspaper article from John Moore is added as an MP5, along with an InfoSheet/Obituary page.

At the Squadron 2010 Tucson, AZ Reunion, Warren took Tom & Ann Meeks, Bruce & Sharon Powell to the Tombstone Livery Stables, where he was living at the time, and treated us to an amaizing round of competitve shooting. Photo.

A military committal service for Warren will be held Friday, July 19, 2024 at 9:00 AM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85301.

Raymond Leon Holloway SP4 Slick Door Gunner 1965 to 1967, age 71, died Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in Serenity Hospice in Dublin, GA. Memorial services were private. (July 12, 1945 - November 1, 2016)

Mr. Holloway, born in McAlester, OK, had lived in Cochran for many years. He was the son of the late Raymond Edward and Imogene Jones Holloway. He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and was retired from the City of Cochran, Georgia.

Survivors are his wife, Violet Butler Holloway of Cochran; step-children including Chris Butler of Cochran.

If you remember Ray, please send in some comments/photos that we can place on his Info/Obit page.

Photos of him from Herb Beasley's page have been added as MP's. Click on the "PHOTOS" buttons in the lower right corner of his MyPage. Thanks to Bob Tegelman for locating this information.

 

Robert W. Bigelow, CW3 Maintenance Officer and Pilot of Stable Boy 1966-1967, died on 16 August 2023 in Fremont, CA. He was 93 years old. After the military he became a farmer and then a Minister.

He and Helen provided foster home for more than 80 children over 25 years.

 

 

 

Hugh Mack Howerton, SGT LRRP 1966-67, age 70, passed away Saturday, June 16, 2007.

Graveside service was June 26 2007, in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Thanks to John Moore and Marshall Huckaby

 

 

 

 

David M. Stanfield SP4 LRRP 1966-67, died 11 January 2016. Served for a year in Hawaii then to Nam with the Centaurs. MP1 is of his LRRP Team.

Dutchey Lane makes comments in David's InfoSheet/Obit.

 

 

 

James C. Hoodenpyle CPT F Troop Maintenance Officer 1972-73 died 6 October 1997 at the young age of 44. He now has a draft Deceased MyPage. We have no records of him, however SFC Robert Schenck II Maintenance NCOIC (Deceased) remembered him. Also John Carter remembered working for both of them. John Moore located Hoodenpyle's obituary and Gravestone pic. No Nam photos of him yet. Please send a note if you remember anything about him powellcentaur@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - Jun 2024

INDEX: News, Checking In, Corections , MyPages, War Stories, Deceased, After Action Report,

May2024, Apr2024, Mar 2024, Feb 2024, Jan 2024, Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023,

--- News ---

The Leonia Veterans Banner program - Memorial Day

COL Thomas Fleming D Troop 3/4 Cav Commander 1967 is honored in his home town of Leonia, NY. Tom is the President of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cav Regiment, 25th Inf Div Association and a Director and Founder of the Centaurs In Vietnam Organization (CIVO).

The Leonia Veterans Banner program to honor veterans on Memorial Day was developed by Christian Choi a Boy Scout pursuing an Eagle Scout award. He did a masterful job developing the project from start to finish to include the funding, coordination and follow up. These Banners of hometown heros are hanging from all 57 of the street lamps lining the main streets of the Borough of Leonia. This is a proud town with a great heritage.

Leonia is a small community of 6 to 10 thousand individuals packed into a 1 square mile, just over the George Washington Bridge to NYC. The vast majority of the residents work in the NYC area and it is considered a bedroom community. It has the reputation of being the home town of academics, media, artist and every day people. Leonia prides itself on its schools, sense of community and diversity.

Tom lived in the same house from 1937 to graduation from college and maintained Leonia as his home of record until he retired in 1988.

COL Fleming's wife, Ginnie is also from Leonia (his high school sweetheart). Ginnie moved his family back there on two of his year long tours. He moved back to NJ in 1982 to be close to his aging parents. While assigned to Picatinny Arsensal he was able to give support to both his family and community.

Tom Fleming's contributions to our history for the Legacy Website (CIVO) is unmatched.

 

AAAA Hall of Fame Award - Ronald Radcliffe

Ronald Radcliffe CPT Centaur LOH Scout Pilot (Centaur 14) September 1971 to June 1972 is honored by the Army Aviation Association of America for his decades of heroic service to the U.S. Army. This Hall of Fame Award was presented to him 25 April 2024 in Denver, CO.

Click here to see the video. It is also linked to from Ron's MyPage & from the Centaur War Stories Video Section.

You may also remember Ron's Induction into the OCS Hall of Fame April 2019.

......Click here to see the 55 minute AAAA YouTube version)

 

After Action Report - D Troop Conference Room Dedication in Hawaii
27 March 2024 - Raider Week

D Troop, 3/4 Cav, 3IBCT, 25th Inf Div honored the Centaurs of Vietnam by naming their new Conference Room, at their base at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after Centaur Bruce Powell. It was a great week of awards and events. this report continues from the last Newsletter in a second special section below. Click Here.
To see last months report click here.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

....Nick LaRich.....Frank Dillon....Jim Hoag.....Roger Blaha....Tom Dooling.....Allison Litton.....Pete Holmberg....John Moore.......Thomas Fleming.......Carl Betsil.......Brian Harrison.......Mike Vaughn.......Trudy White........Julian Aranda......Jim Brothers....Richard Stegner....

Diana Brideweser, some time ago, provided the only pic we have of her husband Mike Brideweser. She now sent in a 2014 News article on WO1 William A. Haines Jr (KIA) that has been added to his InfoSheet.

Hannah Blackwell (granddaughter of Alvin "Chip" Blackwell) checks in and requests contact with Centaurs that may have worked with him. Emails were sent out to some possibilities. If you remember Chip and did not get an email, please send the webmaster a note. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Gary Jones (Centaur VHPA Rep) Located John Ford from San Diego Air And Space Museum discussing their restoration of our Centaur Huey 67- 19494. Also note that Dudley Oatman is a Docent there and involved with 494.

Richard Stegner Slick Door Gunner 1965 - March 1967: Remembers that sometime in 1967 a German (?) Film Crew came and set up in his aircraft (659 or 661). They filmed actions of one maybe two of our Gun teams. George Stenehjem was probably in command. Does anyone remember that? Maybe we could find a copy of that film. (Mike Vaughn remembers it was slick 659 with Darrell Leland Crew Chief.)

Richard Kline provides names for Troopers in Mike Brideweser's MP1.

Marshal Huckaby LRRP 1966-67 is trying to locate photos and information on several of our LRRPs that are not listed with a MyPage. Please send any info on these Centaur LRRPs to powellcentaur@gmail.com.
Call,James - Freeman,Larry. - Hermann,Irvin - Howerton,Hugh - Montgomery,Harold - Perry,Nathaniel  - Spicer,Jerry - White,Charles  

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Richard Stegner MyPage updated with link to article on UH-1H 67-19494 being restored at San Diego (Gillespie Field Annex).

Last Newsletter: Bad link on Squadron Q&A Session, "Triple Canopy Jungle" went to "Leadership Issues". That has been repaired. Not important but depressing to me is that out of nearly 500 people getting these Newsletters, only one person reported this error. Thanks Carl Bettsill for helpiing me out.

Bad link on PT Event and Rolls Knighting Ceremony movie. Fixed.

Jack Nemeyer's story about Joe Ramey KIA had the title "Drop Camera Crew - Save LOH Crewman". To make it more accurate,"Joe Ramey KIA" was added to the title. Double entry of the Cambodian Crash Story deleted.

Jack Craig's Reunion Video (2014) is updated with a note linking Tom Dooling's more accurate report of the Mark Jackson KIA Story (Loss of the Iron Butterfly - 1969). Dooling's story page is also linked back to Jack's.

Fred L. "Fritz" Anderson's Deceased Page was not linked to his InfoSheet/Obit. Fixed.

Raymond Richards middle initial changed from "E" on the Main Roster to "W" (for William).

Lloyd Hodder SP5 Avionics NCOIC 1971 has his last name corrected on the Roster. It was listed incorrectly as
"Hooder"

Thomas Fleming Index of Articles created and linked to from his MyPage.

Carl Betsill Index of Articles created and linked to from his MyPage.

Michael Peake Index of Articles created and linked to from Mike's MyPage.

Bruce Powell Index of Articles updated with dates and titles.

Order of the Spur: is added to the Glossary of Terms. Also see Wikipedia

 

--- MyPages --

 

Joseph V. Demaio SP4 Armament Specialist 1972 now has a draft MyPage using his Yearbook photo and recent photo from John Moore's research. Mike Peake remembers him from Nam and in the states. Frank Dillon has contacted him.

 

 

 

Julian C. Aranda SP4 Cobra Mechanic from February 1972 to August 1972

Julian may have some F Troop photos for us.

 

 

 

 

Marvin Weaver SSG Aircraft Electrician with F Troop 1971. We have no contact with him. May be in his 80s. An MP1 has been added to his page with photo from Carl Betsill's Photo Album (#2). Also added to Carl's MP's.

He also now has an InfoSheet provided by Carl.

 

 

 

Richard A. Webster SP4 Avionics Mechanic 1971 - 1972 was listed with no first name. Frank Dillon located the name on his Nov 1971 F Troop roster - "Richard A." from Pennsylvania.

His MyPage is corrected. Still no contact with Webster.

 

 

 

Garcia (no first name) SP4 F Troop at Tan My. We don't know much about him. MyPage made with Yearbook photo and an MP1 with Chris McKay added.

 

 

 

 

--- Deceased --

Harold E. Weaver SP4 Aerorifleman 1966 died 12 January 2015. He was from Wichita Falls.

Bob Tegelman found this Nam photo of him that we used to upgrade his Deeased MyPage.

 

 

 

Rafael Ramierz-Vinas SSG Aerorifles 1965 - 1966 died 30 October 1983. He served in Korea and in Vietnam. Bob Tegelman is still looking through the Aerorifle photos for a picture of him. His name on the Roster and Deceased Roster is linked to an Info/Obit page.

 

--- War Stories & Photos---

Wildlife in Vietnam: A discussion page by Carl Betsill talking about the many strange animals and critters that were around when we were in Vietnam. Deer, snakes, porcupines are some that Carl dealt with.

The story is listed on the War Story Discussion page and linked to from Carl's MyPage.

Others from Facebook wrote in to tell their stories. Send yours in: powellcentaur@gmail.com

A List of Articles page was created for all of Carl's great stories.

 

 

Chris McKay SP4 F Troop Air Traffic Controller 1972 now has a Photo Album with seven pics. A view from the Tower.

A pic of he and Garcia is added to his MP's and to Garcia's.

 

 

Ronald Radcliffe CPT LOH Scout Pilot 1971-72 Memoirs of his three Vietnam Tours: This article was recently discovered online. It has been edited for format, with many links added to the names involved. Linked from his MyPage & WS Essays.

Ron entered service at age 17 with first tour in Vietnam in 1965 as an MP. Second tour in 1970 as a Slick pilot with the 173rd AHC - Robinhoods, then with the Centaurs in 1971-72 as an LOH Scout Pilot Captain.

Efforts to get Ron nominated for the Medal of Honor have not yet succeeded.

 

 

This photo is MP1 at the Mike Brideweser MyPage. Many names have been added by Richard Kline.

This MP1 is added to Kline, Demaio, Sackett, Townsend, Matuska.

Would be great if we could get in contact with all these men and get them to the November Reunion.

 

The 1972 Easter Offensive Detailed Report - Angelfire.com - This article was just located and adds a lot of background to the Ken Mick and Mike Woods stories.

--- After Action Report---

Conference Room Dedication Hawaii
27 March 2024 - Raider Week

Phase Two - D Troop Motor Pool

The Motor Pool for the Squadron is owned and operated by Dakota Troop. CPT Maurice Buldoc, D Trp Commander took us through a tour of the Maintenance Yard and Facility. see video

The cooks are assigned to each forward support company in platoon elements of roughly 10 Soldiers and their field equipment (containerized kitchen, assault kitchen, water buffalo, containerized refrigerator, etc). These Soldiers fall under DTRP for administrative and training purposes. However, when we are not conducting a field training event or deployed, these Soldiers work daily at the Warrior Restaurant (Dining Facility), which offers three meals a day to all Soldiers within the Brigade.

Phase Three - 3rd Combat Avn Bde Visit

We had a little extra time before the evening Raider Banquet, so CPT Bolduc made some calls and set up a visit to Wheeler Army Airfield to see the some of the aviation assets of the 25th Inf Div in the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. The CAB was totally booked preparing for a big Change of Command, but graciously took some time to show us around. The spirit is high in the CAB and all the people we ran into were inspiring and fun to talk to.

See the Photo Album of 20 pics which includes the Banquet.

 

 

 

Phase Four - The 3/4 Cav Squadron "Raider" Banquet

The formal "Raider" Banquet is held once a year and heavily attended by all ranks of the Cavalry Squadron. SP5 (ret) Dwight Birdwell was the Guest Speaker.

We found out what "Grog" is: "Cavalry Grog has a long tradition of identifying true cavalrymen. The punch's ferocity and keen taste can be savored by those old cavalry troopers who spur their way to victory. To others, it is a poison, with the sting of a scorpion, the bite of a cobra, and the kick of a mule."

We truly enjoyed being with, and being included with, these great Troopers.

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - May 2024

INDEX: News , Checking In , Corrections , MyPages , War Stories, After Action Report,

Newsletters: Apr2024, Mar 2024, Feb 2024, Jan 2024, Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Army Aviation Association of America 2024 Hall of Fame Award

Centaur 14, Ron Radcliffe, was inducted into the AAAA Hall Of Fame 25 April 2024 at the AAAA convention in Denver. Ron’s family was present to witness his induction as were fellow Centaur troopers Roger Blaha, Frank Walker, Frank Dillon, Pete Holmberg and Steve Suiter. Rex Gooch, C-3/17 Cav in 1972, friend of Centaurs, and author of The Rescue of Lady Ace, was also present.

The actual Hall of Fame is located at the Army Aviation Museum at Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), AL, where the inductees’ portraits are hung along with brief descriptive narratives of their achievements. The AAAA itself is a non-profit organization formed to advance the knowledge, efficiency, and overall esprit of those who are engaged professionally in the field of U.S. Army aviation.

Beyond Ron Radcliffe, other inductees this year were former Chief of Staff of the Army GEN (ret.) James C. McConville, SFC Christopher A. Celiz (deceased) Medal of Honor, CPT (ret.) Larry L. Taylor (deceased) Medal of Honor, and MG (ret.) Jeffrey J. Schloesser.

Ron Radcliffe’s achievements include his being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross as the only LOH in the Vietnam War to kill a tank when his crew chief SP4 Bill LaBore dropped a white phosphorous grenade into a North Vietnamese PT-76 tank in April 1972. At two other occasions, the Radcliffe-LaBore team also killed a Soviet T-54 main battle tank in each engagement by SP4 LaBore firing his M-60 machine gun into the open turrets. One of the T-54s was subsequently displayed at Fort Knox. Previously, in February 1972, Ron had been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry displayed in a prolonged engagement in the “Mushroom” area north of Cu Chi. At this occasion, with his copilot/observer Roger Blaha, his performance and valor exceeded anything the Troop commander MAJ John J. Spencer had observed in three tours in Vietnam, including what Ron did to earn the DSC. Ron’s other awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with five Oak Leaf clusters, the Air Medal with V-device, the Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf clusters, being named AAAA Army Aviator of the Year in 1972, induction into the OCS Hall of Fame in 2019, and the Chicago Medal of Merit in 1972. Ron was medevaced in May 1972 and retired from the Army due to wounds received in action after a year’s recovery at Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago.

"In all, we are honored to have served with Ron in Vietnam, to know him as a fellow Centaur, and to call him Friend". Pete Holmberg.  photo provided by Frank Dillon. Video of event will be posted later.

 

After Action Report of the Conference Room Dedication

D Troop, 3/4 Cav, 3IBCT, 25th Inf Div honored the Centaurs of Vietnam by naming their new Conference Room at their base at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, after Centaur Bruce Powell. It was a great week of awards and events that is covered in a special section of the Newsletter below. Click Here.

 

Truths and Myths about the Vietnam War:

Click here
This is included in our Newsletter by popular demand. Most may consider it preaching to the choir.

Congress should impose, on our Nations Educational System, that every young student who intends to pursue a career in Journalism, Politics, or Military Service, should have to watch this film, do their own research, and write a gradable report as a Term Paper. bap 
Thanks to Herb Beasley

 

Combat Humor

Phil Fehrenbaher from Salem, OR provides us with his great cartoon which explains the HunterKiller Team with a single frame. Maybe we can get him to do some others based on some of our crazy stories like Too Steep, Red Ants and Radciffe & LaBore killing Russian tanks. Thanks to Jan White and his brother.

Lost Video

We discovered a note in Dale Dow’s papers where he says “I have enclosed a picture of him (MSG Ivan R. Crandall- Sqdn Maint) standing in front of the Sqdn Maint Facility in Nam. …he has a VHS tape of an 8mm video, including Training in Hawaii and action in Vietnam…includes Cu Chi, Village of Bac Ha II, B52 mission, motor pool and bunkers". We would like to find the photo and the tape. Can you help?

 

Help Requested

To You!! - With a very small effort, you can become a contributer to our great Centaur Legacy Mission. Finding and honoring our lost Centaurs is a primary mission of the centaursinvietnam website. A lot of them have passed and we can't even find a relative or an obituary. Take a few minutes to review the Centaur Roster for men who are listed in black text. That means we have little or no information on them. The blue text with underline means we have something about that person that you can link to. Pick a name without that blue link. Do some serious computer research, phone calls, letters, or whatever works for you to find the info we need to honor them. You may not be successful, but at least you can try to show that you care about our Centaur Legacy enough to do something about it. Thanks  send to powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Simon Collins.....Tony Holm (need mypage)....Jill Lemr....Robin Haywood....Henry "Rick" Roll......Wiliam Pixton ....Nick LaRich.....Frank Dillon....Roman Millett (need InfoSheet).....Jerry Headley......Jim Hoag....Bob Schnider......Ken Kloppel.....Roger Blaha (need InfoSheet)....Tom Dooling....Allison Litton (Joe's daughter)....Frank Walker....Pete Holmberg....Genea' Erby (Tommy Lee's daughter)....Bill Hull.....Steve Deaton (need InfoSheet)....Jose Eschenwald....Randy Baisden (need InfoSheet)....Ken Wiegand.....Daniel Dobbs .....John Moore.....Maurice Bolduc (D Trp CO)....Megan Magoon (D Trp XO).......Emily Hazzard (Museum Curator HI)......John Jones (Latest Patch Album)....Jim Walt...Jim Kirker.....Tom Fleming....

Warren Waite - Fixed link to his InfoSheet. He is living in Sierra Vista, AZ. Not mobile enough to make the reunion. Remembers well the famous "Moon Doggie" Cobra flight (mentioned in the Shark's Teeth Tale War Story) and being chewed out by the company commander for flying front seat Cobra with CPT Bruce Powell.

Charles Martin - Fixed the link to his Friends InfoSheet and requested photos from him to do a Friends MyPage

Jerry Shelton - Medical complications made it impossible to join Bruce Powell at the Hawaii Conference Room Dedication. Jerry lives on the Big Island and welcomes any Centaurs to contact him if visiting there.

Daniel W. "Dan" Miller - Provides "Republic Of Vietnam Frequency Publications" from 71/72 to our CIVO Historian. Mike Law from VHPA may take them for their Archives in Lubbick, TX.

Michael Peake (CIVO Historian) "Never did hear back from the contact I used to reach out to the American Legion Post #1376, New Hartford, New York, so, I called the post bar. Spoke first to a young lady who then handed me off to Aaron Starczewski, who had just walked into the bar. He quickly read off the tail number to verify that "Centaur Max" is indeed their aircraft. Sent them Bruce's yearbook enhanced image, a revised database entry, a link to the website and a link to our story on Kentucky Woman, another Centaur aircraft at an American Legion post.
I personally find this ability to tell someone what they have pretty rewarding. They were delighted to know the history. I intend to follow-up on other Centaur birds known to be on static display."

Glen Gouge - Medical issues prevent reunion attendance. I miss the reunions and my friends, all are in my thoughts and prayers. Oh, by the way, there’s another Centaur in my home town, Clarence  (Buck) Buxton, his tour ended as tet 68 was starting.

Lloyd Goldsmith....Is creating a Centaur Challenge Coin to be presented at the Centaur Reunion. Better be there!

Bob Jones - Provides pic of Litton and Dismukes at VHPA Reunion 2010. Added as MP's to their MyPages. Bob has designed new Centaur Patch to be released at the Centaur Reunion.

Frank Dillon - Provides comment for Five Get DFC Stars & Stripes article

Tom Dooling - Getting ready for the November Centaur Reunion: See his MP3.

Joseph F. Demayo SP4 Armament guy with F Troop 1972 has not been found. However more info has been added to his InfoSheet.

Jan White - calls in to let us know that the reunion is on track and the first "Potential Attendee" list will be out soon. Be sure to get your name into Trudy real soon. <trudyswhite@gmail.com>

Donald Lee Thomas: PFC OH-23 Gunner. Might this be his Obit?

Joe Hoover - found this poem/song written by Jerry Turner 1988, and wanted to share it with us; we don't have to have PTSD to relate to this:

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Robert "Butch" Glenn PFC Aerorifles 1969. Promoted to SP4 while in hospital for wounds in action. His InfoSheet has been relinked. Still no photos of him.

Incorrect link on Lloyd Goldsmith's MyPage was fixed.

Fix link on PFC Donald Lee Thomas InfoSheet (DFC Hobo Woods).

Brian Harrison finds bad link on Bob Jones page. Night IFR link fixed

Add Chinook hoisting connex color pic to Lost Weapons of Tan My  thanks Stretch

Add FRAC to Glossary.

Update links in the Steve Chicone page about Craig Peterson Story

Link Dwight Birdwell comments about Centaurs to Craig Peterson's MyPage.

Added (QL is Vietnamese acronym for : Quốc lộ or National Highway) to Glossary under "QL". It seems a bit confusing talking about highways in Vietnam and using multiple terms like MSR, HWY and QL along with numbers.

 

--- MyPages ---

 

Alison Litton daughter of Joseph "Joe" Litton has a Friends MyPage. She continues to provide photos, video and information for our Legacy Website.

Alison shot many video interviews of F Troopers that she is sending to use for our website. She also provides us with the video Last Men Out that you can check out below.

 

 

 

Aubrey D. Dismukes CPT F Troop Maintenance Officer 1971-72 has an updated MyPage and an added InfoSheet with data provided by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

He flew Blue Max 1st tour. Went to AMOC training to be a maintenance officer. Came to F Trp as Maintenance Officer. Got Purple heart on first mission. Round hit fire extinguisher and the explosion wounded him.

 

 

Michael "Mike" Sloniker VHPA Historian, Vietnam Combat Pilot of Hueys and Cobras.

Mike provided detailed background information and encouragement for several Centaurs writing their stories.

See Mike's 2022 Video Interview on line. Click Here

 

 

 

Donald Lee Thomas PFC OH-23G Observer/Gunner 1967-68 has an updated InfoSheet.

He is one of a hand full of Centaurs that were awarded a DFC for combat flight in and OH-23G

Click here for possible obit of our PFC Donald Lee Thomas to see if this is our guy.

 

 

 

--- War Stories & Photos---

 

Who, What, Where is Dakota troop 2024?

It has taken a while to get all this sorted out. Our Centaur descendent Dakota Troop has a different structure, different equipment, different mission, however they are critical to the operation of the 3/4 Cav Squadron of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. They continue to carry our guidon and battle streamers with pride and loyalty.

 

 

William "Bill" Pixton 1LT 1971-1972 does an Introduction video at the Centaur Reunion in 2022.

Bill filled in as the ground Aerorifle Platoon leader for a short time.

He later became an Armor officer in the Idaho National Guard 

 

 

 

Joe Litton 1LT Slick Pilot Sep 1971 to Apr 1972 now has a Photo Album of 8 pictures provided by his daughter Alison.

Joseph Paul Litton, known affectionately in his childhood as Paul and throughout his career as Joe, passed peacefully at the age of 80 on the morning of March 2, 2024.

 

 

 

Last Men Out Video by Alison Litton and her friends at Inaudible Productions in Los Angelos, back in 2010 based on several video interviews that they did with F Troopers attending the VHPA Reunion.

It has been linked to from our War Stories Video page, her Friends MyPage, and also from pages of Mike Woods, Joe Litton, John Spencer, Ron Radcliffe, Russ Miller, and Dan Lott.

 

 

Who, What, Where is Dakota Troop?

The terminology of the modern 25th Infantry Division will take some mental adjustment for us old guys to understand.

The Division remains strong and proud, despite history's constant reorganizations. The fact that many units like D Troop and 3/4 Cav Squadron are making significant efforts to retain and honor their legacy, shows high morale and motovation.

We honor them in return!

 

Cavalry Hat History:
The Cavalry Stetson is a cavalry traditional headgear within the United States Army, typical worn by cavalrymen in the late 1860s, named after its creator
John B. Stetson.  More information

 

 

--- After Action Report---
Conference Room Dedication Hawaii
27 March 2024 - Raider Week

Conference Room Dedication Movie: D Troop (Dakota Troop), 3rd Squadron, 4th Cav Regiment, 3IBCT, 25th Inf Division, honors the memory of the Centaurs in Vietnam by dedicating their new Conference Room to our designated representative, LTC Bruce Powell (CPT Bruce Powell with the Centaurs).

Powell hands out Centuar Pens and his Centaur Calling Card to each Trooper, and shares a Centaur Slide Show.

CPT Bolduc and 1LT Magoon are given Centaur hats; and CPT Bolduc is presented with Ray Clark's signed book "Just Let Me Walk Away"

Squadron Awards Formation Movie:

Dwight Birdwell and Bruce Powell speak to the troops and then assist with the presentation of awards to individual troopers.

The new Raider training device is formally named the Birdwell Inclined Skills Trainer.

A Question/Answer Session followed.

 

Squadron Question/Answer Session

After the Awards formation on the parade field we assembled in the Raider Squadron auditorium where Medal of Honor awardee SP5 Dwight Birdwell and Designated Centaur Representative LTC Bruce Powell spoke to the troops and answered questions.

Shown in front row are MAJ Keith Haire (Squadron XO), Spike BigHorn (Birdwell Son In Law), Stephanie Bighorn (Birdwell Daughter), Sharon Powell (Powell wife).

 

Below are some of the movies of Centaur questions:

1. How did you get started in Army Aviation?

2. What got you into the Website?

3. What kept you in for 20 years?

4. Who were your heros?

5. What were leadership issues?

6. Did you fly in Triple Canopy Jungle?

 

 

Squadron PT Exercise

Event consisting of a jungle run, log chop, buddy team carries, a low crawl pit with simulated grenades and smoke, and a connex climb after a mud pit and a Rolls Ceremony.

See Movie

 

The next Newsletter will have more movies and pics of Raider Week including the Banquet and the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade visit (and the Chinook and Blackhawk flight simulators).

 

--- Reunions & Events ---

May 2024: The VHPA 41st Annual Reunion, Reno, NV, Tuesday 14 May - Friday May 17.
Nugget Casino Resort, 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, NV 89431
The VHPA Group Rate is $99 plus tax per night over the dates of 13 MAY 2024 thru 18 MAY 2024 (based on availability). The cutoff date for the hotel rate is 19 APRIL 2024.

Online Reunion Registration Application

SEPTEMBER 2024: Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next Squadron reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

David Cox: Provides the NEW groups's booking link for the September 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion.
Dave also notes: Once you click on the link it will take you to our hotel website, then enter your arrival/ departure dates,
and it will automatically populate your group name and discounted group rate.
You may also call our 24-hour reservation phone number at 210-224-2500, option 2.
If you are calling, please remember to reference your group's block code: SQU
I am at your service should you or any of your guest need any assistance booking their rooms.
David Cox <cox.a.34cav@gmail.com>
Just a friendly reminder that the last day to make reservations at your group discount will be on: August 6, 2024

 

 

*************************************************************

Centaur Website Newsletter - April 2024

INDEX: News -- , Checking In -- , Corections -- , MyPages -- , War Stories -- , Deceased -- , Reunions/Events -- ,

Newsletters: Mar 2024, Feb 2024, Jan 2024, Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

The amazing young Troopers of the current D Troop,
3/4 Cav, 25th Inf Division have dedicated their new Conference Room at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii to the Centaurs of Vietnam.

Centaur CPT Bruce Powell's name was selected to represent our D Troop and the rest of our Centaurs from Vietnam. They are called Dakota Troop and now have taken on our original Centaur Logo and our Call Sign name "Centaurs" as theirs. Moral is very high as they actively celebrate the Centaurs In Vietnam as their legacy. They have decorated their Orderly Room, offices and the Conference Room with Our Logo and many photos. Their T shirts worn for PT have "Centaurs" printed on the back. They have specially designed Centaur Medals.

These men and women proudly carry our Guidon forward. We salute them!

Bruce and Sharon Powell, and Dwight Birdwell (MOH awardee) his daughter and family attended four days of the "Raider Week" and were honored at every event. It was truly exciting and rewarding for all to spend this quality time with D Troop and with the men and woment of the entire Third Squadron.

In addition CPT Bolduc arranged for Bruce to meet the officers and  soldiers of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Bruce spoke to a large group of pilots and crew members and flew their flight simulators.

There will be much more in the May 2024 Newsletter including videos and more photos. Also coverage of what D Troop is now - their mission, equipment, training, leaders and troopers.

 

 

 

What was a US Army Divisional Air Calvary Unit in Vietnam? It was a unique aviation troop (a company size unit) added to the squadrons of US Army Cavalry Regiments. The best, most understandable explanation, is probably found in the book Winged Sabers (which features D Troop, 3/4 Cav).

There are many amazing and heroic ways that helicopters were used in the Vietnam War by all branches of the US Military, but this is specifically about the creation, development and employment of a unique and bold unit that was designed to use a combination of aviation and infantry in a self-contained reconnaissance and strike force configuration to enhance the US Army Divisions's advantage in this jungle war. To get a full and gritty understanding of this type of unit and the men who made it work, watch the Hunter-Killer Team Video interview created by the Black Rifle Coffee Company featuring Hugh Mills and Steve Suiter from the 1/4 Cav (Big Red One). Steve was a Centaur on his first tour. We don’t endorse products or take on any ads, but this coffee company does such a great job telling the Air Cav story that they should be rewarded with our thanks. Also shown in the War Stories Video Section.

Tom Fleming provides some history notes: The Divisional Air Cav Troop was introduced in 1962 to each division in the ROAD reorganization of the Army Divisions. It was originally forced developed for the Cold War battle in the Plains of Europe. It was adapted for the jungle war in SE Asia by MTOE, but remained basically the same. Each Infantry Division in USARV employed their Armored Cavalry Squadron as they saw fit. Some like the Cav Sqdn in the 9th Inf Div separated the air cav troop from the Squadron and physically separated it as did the 23 ID, The 25 ID and 4 ID experience power struggles between the Cav and AVN Bn on who controlled the assets. I never did figure out how the 1st ID handled theirs. The 1st Cav Div and the 101 Air Mobile had Air Cavalry Squadrons that had similar TOEs and the separate Air Cav Sqdns of the 1st Avn Bde had similar TOEs to the 2 Air mobile divisions. The bottom line is the Divisional Air Cav Trp of the Armored Cavalry Squadron was the fore runner of all the other Air Cavalry units. All were modified to meet combat objectives as the Division Commanders saw fit. I personally note that there was very little experience with how to fight this combat unit or employ it by both aviation and non aviation commanders at all levels.

...David K. Doyle Lieutenant General US Army Retired: "The air cavalry was basically home grown by men who had to persevere in the face of great odds against success"

...Lawrence H. Johnson III book author and Army CPT: "Air Cavalry was as much a state of mind as it was a tactical enity."

...Divisional Air Calvary Troop in Vietnam is a War Story Page on our website. In it Tom Fleming provides an operational example of how it all worked in 1967.

 

Colorizing old Nam personal photos: We can now do a halfway decent job of colorizing old Black and White and Grayscale photos. Mostly done for the Nam pics on MyPages. If you would like one done, let us know. powellcentaur@gmail.com.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Joe Owen.......Jill Lemr......Jim Brothers.....Jim Walt.......Brian Harrison.....John Moore.......Pete Holmberg.......Dave Cox.... ......Bruce Wyrwitzke C/227/1CAV.........Rick Kline........Hugh Mills 7/17th Cav.........Steve Suiter........
......Harlan Beuden Little Bird.... Bob Yapp.....Cliff Brunsting....Steve Gormley....Joe Hoover....Hunter Green (Spencer Death)...
......Josh Suthoff 3/4 Cav Commander.....Maurice Bolduc D Trp, 3/4 Cav Cdr.....Megan Magoon D Trp 3/4 Cav XO.......

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Repaired link to Dwain Adkins Chicken Rod War Story movie.

Names in photo 30 of Jim Starlings photo album provided by Cliff Brunsting ( Moulin & Dixon).

Add Ken Rucki's name to Ray Clark's All In a Day's Work War Story Essay page. Ray's article is also published in the book Winged Sabers pg 116. Ken also added a comment to Marv Runion's Info/Obit page.

Cordon and Search term added to Glossary. Do you remember how to get to our extensive Glossary? Click on the Help navigation button, then the Glossary button in the upper right. A quicker way is to be at the Home page and go down to the bottom center of the screen and click the small yellow Glossary button.

Do not forget the great secret to searching our very large website.

 

--- MyPages ---

 

Richard "Rick" Kline SP4 Cobra Crew Chief 1972 has his MyPage information updated and a colorized Nam photo added. Looks like he and Nick LaRich live in the same area and might get together.

 

 

 

Hugh L Mills Jr. CPT LOH Scout Pilot with 1/4 Cav, 1st Inf Division "Outlaws", now has a Centaur Friends MyPage.

Hugh may be the most decorated Scout Pilot in history. He first contacted us with a 16mm combat film that was of our D Troop in 1967. Now he helps us to better tell the story of what an Air Cav Troop in Vietnam really was with a video produced by the Black Rifle Coffee Company. Centaur Steve Suiter served as an Outcast with Hugh on his second tour.

 

Robert W. Yaap CPT Cobra Pilot 1972 - 73 has an updated mypage. He is currently visting Vietnam with the Dove Fund Group doing projects in Vietnam along with other Vietnam vets. See www.dovefund.org. Development of Vietnam Endeavors

His son and daughter are with him on the trip. They are very impressed with Vietnam…the vibrancy, the modernization and the people. 70% of the people are under 35. They are friendly and welcoming.

 

Bob is considering writing up his Vietnam trip in a similar mannar to those of Bain Cowell (2015) and Bruce Powell (2016) with their Vietnam trip stories on our website.

 

Clifford D. "Cliff" Brunsting CW2 Cobra Pilot has an updated MyPage with a new current photo and link to a draft InfoSheet.

 

 

 

 

DOES YOUR MYPAGE NEED AN UPDATE? Lets get it done while I am still around to do it for you. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Deceased ---

Joseph Paul "Joe" Litton 1LT UH-1H Slick Pilot with F Troop 22 Sep 1971 to 17 April 1972 died 2 March 2024. His daughter Alison has provided photos and information for his Deceased MyPage and Info/Obit page. We would like to add some photos of him from his tour with the Centaurs. Help us if you can. powellcentaur@gmail.com

He is listed on the Deceased Roster and his Info/Obit page is linked to from his MyPage

 

Larry P. Blackman SP4 was a medical corpsman (MOS to 91B10) attached to the Centaur LRRP Detachment. He was with a LRRP team when he was killed on 17 February 1967.

John Moore located a better photo of him that we colorized and used on his KIA MyPage. An article from his hometown paper is added to his InfoSheet. His hometown was Dennison, IA. (On the Wall at 15E 053).

John J. Spencer Jr. MAJ was the F Troop Commander from February to August 1972. John had three tours in Vietnam flying both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aicraft. During his amazing career he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, five DFC's, two Bronze Stars and 48 Air Medals.

We were notified of his passing by his loving grandson, Hunter Green.

See a Living Memory video for John at https://www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com/obituary/John-SpencerJr

 

Add your comments to any page on our website - send to powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- War Stories ---

Great Nam Combat Video: Somewhere online was this great video from Nam about UH-1C Gunships. Can you identify where it came from, who owns it, and so on? Title was AirwarFilm2.mov.

At first a UH-1C Model Gunship with the M-16 Flex weapons system (two M60s on each side controlled by left seat pilot). Wounded soldier rescue probably in a Slick. Right Door Gunner on Slick with "SKIP" painted on ammo chute. Possibly the 4th Inf Div green and white logo on the tail boom. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Rick Kline Photo Album pic #5 of 6 shows a 2.75 inch FFAR that is a Flare. Does anyone else remember or use them?

What about the Anti Tank or the HE?

Rockets with different warheads, left to right, are: Flare, 17lb explosive, 10lb explosive, Flechette, Anti-Tank, HE high explosive and WP white phosphoorus (Willy Pete).

 

 

Hunter-Killer Team video: This great video shows the viewer what the Hunter Killer Teams of the US Army Air Cavalry Troops in Vietnam really did. It has been linked to from the War Stories Video page, Hugh Mills page, Steve Suiter page and the Glossary.

Produced by the wild vets of the Black Rifle Coffee Company who gave us permisson to edit and use it.

The OH-6 in the movie was provided by Harland Beuden of Little Bird LLC.

 

Dropping Flares: War Stories Discussion Page:
There were many different type Flares. This is about the Flares dropped from our Hueys at night in Vietnam.
Stan Allen, Tom Fleming and Tom Dooling have some real time experiences. Also a few links to other stories of men from other units and some images.
Many questions still exist, maybe you have a story, photos or some answers.
1. Stan remembers that they dropped Navy Flares, possibly the MK4 in 1969-70 era. Can we verify how long the flare burns and width of the parachute (thought to be 3 to 5 min burn time and 20 feet wide when deployed),
2. Fleming remembers in 1967 the flares were upgraded to 3000 candle power. Were they Army issue? Designation? What was the earlier version?
3. Did all the different Flares have different deployed width? Our research shows mentions of 16, 20 and 21 feet deployed parachute width.
4. Was the Northrup Grumman LUU-2D/B parachute flare in existence during the Vietnam era?
5. Mike Jones (7/17th Cav) refers to the MK24 flare. Was that the Army Version for our era?
6. Were there any close calls relating to Flares with the Centaurs?
We want to hear from more Crew Chiefs and Door Gunners about their hands on experiences. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Want to hear more about NightHawk missions? Type site:centaursinvietnam.org nighthawk into your browser search field.

 

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - March 2024

INDEX: News -- , Checking In -- , Corections -- , MyPages -- , War Stories -- , Deceased -- , Reunions/Events -- , Shirts & Hats

Note: Past Newsletters: Feb 2024, Jan 2024, Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Major Website Update: The website went down a few days in February as we tried to rebuilt it and move it to a different computer. It works now, but there is a lot of little stuff and file updates to do. You can help, if and when you have some time. Just spend a few minutes now and then clicking on things on the website looking for bad links or other things that might need attention. Send your input to powellcentaur@gmail.com.

Our Historian Michael Peake Reports: Thanks to Jim Starling's Photo Album, I've learned of an error in our Loach database on the identity of "Andre's Cold Duck-Scouts Kill, Cold Duck Gives COURAGE." We currently show that as belonging to OH-6A 67-16515 due to a reference I found in John Brennan's "Vietnam War Army Helicopter Nose Art," Volume 2, page 24, showing photograph courtesy of 1LT Lloyd E. Goldsmith (71-72) of OH-6A 67-16515, "Andre's Cold Duck-Scouts Kill, Cold Duck Gives COURAGE." Jim's Photo Album Image #8 clearly shows that the name belongs to 67-16563, AND, just below that image on his album page, Image #13 shows 563 repainted with "For The Love of Freedom." ALSO, Jim's Image #8 shows an AH-1G in the background with the end-number painted in white showing it begins with 4. That means it is a 1969 model and we only have one in our database, 69-16439, one of our 20mm aircraft.

Centaur Director Frank Dillon Reports: SP4 Dick Welch was Crew Chief on the Slick that landed when Paul Martindale and WO1 Bill Haines were KIA. He and SP4 Bill Labore loaded Paul’s body. I don’t know who the pilot was. I know Dick flew mostly with CPT Peter Barber. (The War Story "37mm Takes Out Centaur Cobra" by Ron Radcliffe has been updated and added as a link from the following Mypages: Martindale, Haines, LeBore and Welch). There are probably a lot more link corrections like this needed on our website. If you see one please report it - powellcentaur@gmail.com

Big Reminder: Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 - Jan and Trudy White have agreed to host the 2024 November Centaur Reunion again in Panama City Beach Florida. Please make an effort to join us. Click here.

Ron Radcliffe Award Event: Pete Holmberg says Good News!!  Ron Radcliff's daughter has confirmed that Ron and family will attend his AAAA Hall of Fame Induction in Denver on 25 April 2024.  I encourage all Centaurs to attend.  Doing so would honor both Ron and our Centaur legacy at the national level.  Let Rex Gooch (lk23@mac.com) know of your attendance. See Event below.

Simon Collins  <simon.w.collins@gmail.com> from the UK that works for a company that owns a O1-G Bird Dog that flew during the Vietnam war, recently ask us for any info we might have on the markings of the White Phosphorus rockets that we used. The website https://www.bulletpicker.com/rocket-warhead_-2_75-inch-smo2.html provides that information. Tom Dooling also found the photo on the right that might be useful.

Do you have any stories about the WP rockets that we used to mark enemy targets? If so we might do a War Story Discussion page for that subject on our website.

 

New Centaur commerative ballpoint pen: We have created a new Centaur quality ballpoint pen to distribute to those attending any of our reunions and to a few others for their extraordinary support of the Centaur Legacy Mision. pen created Feb 2024

More Centaur T Shirts (Yellow or White) designed by Dale Dow are Found: Dale's daughter Christine (Dow) Smith has located four boxes of these T Shirts. See the Shirts & Hats Section below. We are seeking a Centaur Volunteer to possibly take over this task of taking orders and mailing the shirts and selling them at the reunions. It would require an investment of $2250 to get the boxes mailed to the volunteer. contact powellcentaur.com with questons

 

NEED stories and pics of DROPPING FLARES. If I was a pilot or crewmember that was going on a mission to drop flares how would you train me. What Flares were used? How Many? How do they work? What position over battle? Flare cables? Safety precautions? War Stories? Photos? powellcentaur@gmail.com

Don't Let The Old Man In: Is worth mentioning. Rick Williams, Pat and Clare Eastes thought this favorite song from Toby Keith, inspired by Clint Eastwood, is appropriate for most of us.

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Rolland Fletcher.....Pete Holmberg...Fred Stuckey....JD Lewis (Cdr 1/9th Cav 70-71)....Bruce Wyrwitzke (C/227/1CAV) ..Frank Hock........Matt Jackson......Maurice Bolduc (Cdr D Trp, 3/4Cav Raiders).....Jerry Shelton.......Ken Rucki....... Bruce Karn.....Joe Owen.....Jim Walt......Billy Blackmon....Marshall Huckaby.....Chuck Rose....Jeffery "Doc" Halliday.....Jim Starling.......Christine (Dow) Smith.....

Jill Lemr is still trying to find her dad Centaur Jeffery Lemr. Please contact her directly if you have any information and copy us at powellcentaur@gmail.com

Many thanks to those of you on Facebook that go out of your way to tell the world about the Centaur Legacy. Here is one from Jim Walt.

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Ron Radcliffe My Page: Added link to "37mm Takes out Cobra" story

Michael Peake, Centaur Historian, updates the War Story Call Sign page with the following:
CENTAUR 55—Robert P. "Pat" Broderick, CW2 AH-1G Pilot & IP, 1971-1972

 

--- MyPages ---

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ray Kenneth Clark CPT D Troop Commander November to December 1969 has his My Page updated. His War Story "Cobra Saves LOH Crew" based on his book (page 235) "Just Let Me Walk Away" is posted on our website. It is linked to from the pages of all men mentioned and from the War Stories Essay page.

You may remember the 2019 Centaur Reunion where Richard Parrish presented a Cavalry Sword to Ray.

 

Nick LaRich SP5 Line Chief UH-1D December 1967 to December 1968 has a new MyPage and InfoSheet.

Nick is a Centaur Director and is our Marketing Manager.

Nick has put out a news release to advertise the Conference Room Dedication at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii (March) in hopes of helping to spread the word of our Centaur Organization and in turn possibly get the attention of some of our lost Centaurs.

 

 

Frank M. Hock CPT Operations Officer Centaur 3

January 1972 to January 1973 now has an updated MyPage and a photo of him and Sandy placed on his InfoSheet.

See his War Story about the Dead Chinese Tank on the battlefield south of Quang Tri in 1972.

 

 

 

James B. "Jim" Starling MyPage and InfoSheet

Be sure to view Jim's Photo album and try to help us further identify the Centaurs shown and possibly provide more information. List the photo number with your comments powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

Larry M. Dau CW2 Scout Pilot September 1970 to September 1971 now has an updated MyPage.

He and Patricia have been married for 51 years.

 

 

 

 

1LT Bush served with Jim Starling in 1971-72. May not have been a pilot. Nothing else is known. He is not listed on any of our military rosters.

His photo is at Jim Starling Photo Album #31 of 38.

 

 

 

Daniel J. Voner has a photo at Jim Starling Photo Album #15. He was only with the Centaurs a very short time and does not want a Centaur MyPage. Was in 116th AHC in 68-69, 269 CAB and F Trp 71-72.

Dean Tanner is listed in Jim Starling Photo Album #18. We have no record of him. We do have a PFC Lawrence R. Tanner on the F Troop 1972 Roster. No contact. Could that be him?

Dean Sanner is listed in Jim Starling Photo Album #20. We have no record of him. Wears 101st patch on right shoulder.

James a. Donadini CW2 is in Jim Starling Photo Album #32. Picture is not usable. Dale Dow showed him listed as Located at one time, but no records have been found.

 

DOES YOUR MYPAGE NEED AN UPDATE? Lets get it done while I am still around to do it for you. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Deceased ---

 

Curtis B. Milbrook SP4 Aerorifleman 1965 to 1966 deceased after tour. Curtis is shown in the 5 August 1966 Tropic Lightning News as receiving the Purple Heart.

We cannot locate his obit. A Deceased MyPage has been created for him and an MP1 provided by Bob Tegelman. His MP1 is also added to the MyPages of Richard Stegner and Leon Rivera.

 

 

 

Loren A. Nix SP5 is shown in the 5 August 1966 Tropic Lightning News as receiving the Purple Heart. Same page that shows SP4 Curtis B Millbrook Aerorifles. Was he also in Aerorifles? Do you remember him or have photos or notes? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

 

 

Gregory L. Wilson, 1LT Deceased 23 June 2013. We have VHPA confirmation of his death but no Nam photos. See his Info/Obit Sheet. John Moore found this Graduation Photo from 1969, Colorado State U. School of Forestry. Ron Radcliff (in May 2019) said that it was a "Wilson" who was flying the slick that came in to help LaBore get Martindale's body on the 28 April 1972 battle. That's the day Radcliffe and LaBore did in a tank with a White Phosphorous Grenade.

An MP1 of him with his LOH is added to his page.

 

 

Jon R. Thorkelsen WO1 F Troop 1971-1972. Need more information.

His photo came from Jim Starling Photo Album #20.

 

 

 

Can you add any information or photos? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- War Stories ---

 

Dead Chinese Tank on Battlefield - Apr 1972 by Frank Hock Operations Officer F Troop 1972.

Please review Frank's story and see if you remember it and possibly provide more information or names of the Centaurs involved.

If a photo of the Russian gun from the Infantry Museum we will add that to the story.

 

 

 

Cobra Saves LOH Crew - October 1969: The story told by Ray Kenneth Clark CPT D Troop Cdr November - December 1969 where Cobra pilots CPT William Malinsky and WO1 Larry Bruce rescue the crew of shot down LOH with CPT Thomas Sinclair, CPT Wayne A. White and SP5 Charles D. Vierra. The story was also reported in the Tropic Lightning New article of 3 November 1969.

 

 

 

 

--- Reunions & Events ---

MARCH 2024:Bruce Powell to be honored along with all Centaurs in a dedication ceremony with the current 3/4 Cav in Hawaii.

The dedication will take place at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii during the last week of March (25th – 29th), which is when 3/4 Cav celebrates what they call “Raider Week.” The Troop is providing funds to have Bruce and Sharon travel to Hawaii for this dedication as well as attending the Raider Military Ball on the evening of the 28th at The Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

They have extended an invitation to all Centaurs to attend the dedication as well as the Military Ball on the 28th. The attire for the Ball is formal, to include a jacket and tie for men and a gown for women. If you are interested in attending any of these festivities, please contact Tom Dooling at tmdooling@gmail.com or 623-878-5715 for additional information. (See flyer on left). Jerry Shelton plans to attend.

The itinerary for Bruce’s visit (as well as any other Centaurs that would like to attend) includes a Conference Room dedication ceremony on 27 March (Wednesday); a visit to the 25th INF DIV Combat Aviation Brigade on 27 March (Wednesday); Raider Day PT competition and the Raider Ball on 28 March (Thursday); and a Vietnam Veterans Ceremony on 29 March (Friday).

The Dakota Troop has resurrected the connection with the Centaurs in a big way and all of us should be honored by this selection.

A little additional information – the 3/4 Cav is no longer aviation oriented. Although their mission has changed since the Vietnam era, they operate on a day-to-day basis with the Troop’s history as their guiding force. Their Soldiers take great pride in being a part of D Troop, and are reminded of the sacrifices and valiant efforts of the Centaurs who have come before them. They have already included some photos of the Vietnam era Centaurs on the wall (and will be including additional photos from our archive), and have included a copy of the book "Centaurs in Vietnam" as well as paintings throughout their footprint done by current Soldiers to honor the rich history of our Troop. 

The Squadron is currently comprised of two mounted scout companies (Troops) (think about the program Rat Patrol from the 60’s – only with HUMVEEs) and one dismounted infantry company (Troop) (like our LRRPs), as well as a forward support element providing all classes of supply and maintenance / recovery efforts to the "Raiders." Their main mission is to support and sustain the fight in peace time and war.

APRIL 2024:Ron Radcliffe's Induction to AAAA Hall of Fame. Not a lot of pilots received the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam. Ron did.
Ron has been approved for induction into the Army Aviation Association of America’s Hall of Fame. This is a high and exclusive honor for which the competition is extremely keen, and selection limited.
His induction will be at a AAAA conference Hall of Fame banquet in Denver 25 April 2024. It would honor Ron as well as his family—and our unit—to have as many Centaur troopers as can make the trip present at the induction. Here are the particulars from Pete Holmberg.

The annual AAAA “Missions Solutions Summit Conference” will be held at the Gaylord of the Rockies Hotel and Conference Center near the Denver International Airport 24-26 April 2024. The fee for the induction banquet is $200. However, after signing up, AAAA members are charged only $60 (one-year membership is reasonable—officers $26, enlisted $15). To register for the conference/banquet, go to the AAAA website (quad-a.org) and click the link for the Summit conference about halfway down the page. Once there, click on the link “REGISTER” near the upper right corner, and then take it from there (likewise, click on “MEMBERSHIP” if you wish to first join AAAA).

During the registration process, you’ll be presented with a choice of hotels including the Gaylord where the conference is. Turns out, the Gaylord is all booked in addition to being expensive. Rex Gooch and Pete Holmberg decided to book at Woolley’s Classic Suites Denver Airport—not quite as expensive and within a few miles of both the airport and the Gaylord which Uber or Lyft can handle. There are, of course, many other options.

Also, during the registration process, you’ll have the option to choose a table for the banquet. Rex and Pete declined choosing a table and instead will be seated with, or adjacent to, the Radcliffe’s and other Centaurs. Please notify Pete (peteholmberg@comcast.net) ASAP if you plan to attend. He needs to let AAAA know to ensure that we are seated together at Centaur table(s).Plan ahead now!

Lastly, my flight out is mid-afternoon 26 April. If anyone has a similar agenda, there is time to get together for breakfast or brunch. Please let Pete know as soon as possible if you are attending to facilitate having our own table(s). Meanwhile, don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions. peteholmberg@comcast.net

Framk Dillon will be attending

SEPTEMBER 2024: Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next Squadron reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel has begun accepting reservations as of the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

David Cox: Provides the NEW groups's booking link for the September 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion.
Dave also notes: Once you click on the link it will take you to our hotel website, then enter your arrival/ departure dates,
and it will automatically populate your group name and discounted group rate.
You may also call our 24-hour reservation phone number at 210-224-2500, option 2.
If you are calling, please remember to reference your group's block code: SQU
I am at your service should you or any of your guest need any assistance booking their rooms.
David Cox <cox.a.34cav@gmail.com>
Just a friendly reminder that the last day to make reservations at your group discount will be on: August 6, 2024

NOVEMBER 2024: Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 -GREAT NEWS!! Jan and Trudy White have agreed to host the 2024 November Centaur Reunion again in Panama City Beach Florida. The reunion they hosted last year was an amazing success! The constantly increasing participation in the Centaur Vet's Day Reunions is so very encouraging. Thirty Centaurs attended the 2022 reunion, not counting wives and guests. Forty attended the 2023 reunion making the total attendance around 90 people! It shows that we are full of spirit and not dead yet!! Estimates for this coming reunion are at least 50 to 60 Centaurs (100 to 120 people). Please, please do not miss this one. Video interviews will be done! We will work on having helicopter rides. However that is tough to do on a Veteran's Day.

Please email Jan White (jancwhite@msn.com) soon so he can get on with planning.
see 2023 Reunion Movie

 

 

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - February 2024 .

INDEX: News -- , Checking In -- , Corections -- , MyPages -- , War Stories -- , Deceased -- , Reunions/Events -- , Shirts & Hats

Note: Past Newsletters: Jan 2024, Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Reminder: How to watch Centaur Videos in the Full Screen Mode

Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 -GREAT NEWS!! Jan and Trudy White have agreed to host the 2024 November Centaur Reunion again in Panama City Beach Florida. Click here.

3/4 Cav "Raiders": Bruce Powell to be honored along with all Centaurs in a dedication ceremony with the current 3/4 Cav in Hawaii this March. You are invited. Let us know if you can make it. You may remember the great treatment of our men by the "Raiders" from the Feb 2023 Centaur Newletter. see picture below

Point of Contact for all concerning this event is Tom Dooling. tmdooling@gmail.com

More details below: Centaur Reunion & Events Section.

Reunion 2023 Movies - See all your Centaur Brothers who attended the Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion in Panama City Beach, Florida last year. Click Here. To see a second movie with just background photos, Click here. Be sure to click the Full Screen button, generally in the lower right corner of the movie window. Use the "Back" button on your Browser to return to the website
If those movies don't play on your browser then download a different version here: Movie 1, Movie 2
Be sure to download it first then open with Quicktime

It was an exhillarating and special experience. What more can we do to inspire you all to spend some time with all of us at the next Centaur Reunion on Veteran's Day November 2024. Jan and Trudy White have graciously decided to host the reunion for us again in beautiful Panama City Beach, FL. Hope you can make it!

Tremendous thanks to Bob Jones for his great reunion photography that has allowed the 2023 Reunion Movie to be made. Many thanks also to Julie Hampton, Sandy Walt, Don Borey and Jim Brothers for submitting their Reunion photos and movies.

Major Updates of the Centaur Reunion Page continue! (and more to come).

Centaur Call Signs War Stories page is updated by our Historian Mike Peake:
CENTAUR 21—Charles L. "Chuck" Rose, A/C UH-1H Cmdr, 1972
CENTAUR 27—James B. "Jim" Starling "Blackbird," 1LT UH-1H Slick Pilot May 1971-Mar 1972
CENTAUR 36—Carl William Burns, CPT UH-1C Pilot/OH-23 Scout Pilot Apr 1966-Apr 1967
CENTAUR 52—Charles "Marty" Sullivan, WO1, Jul 1970-Jul 1971
CENTAUR 52—John P. Davis CW2 Cobra Pilot F Troop 1972 to 1973
CENTAUR 94—

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Dave Cox (3/4 Cav News Ltr Editor)....Pete Holmberg (Radcliffe update)...Dave Sale.....Linda Richardson.....Matt Jackson.....Joe Johnson.....Fred Stuckey.....Phillip John Norton......Marty Jenkins.....Bruce Wyrwitzke....Larry Patterson....Allison Popadyn (Dayton Convention Ctr)....

Fred Stuckey new MyPage with updated info and colorized Nam Photo See below

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Many thanks to those who have sent in bad links that have now been corrected.

Spelling errors corrected in Return to Vietnam 2016 article.

Larry Rudick MyPage Nam photo colorized. Colorized Jim Kreil Nam photo

Spelling of Darrell "Kat" Katovsich corrected on the Centaur Friends Roster and in the Nov 2023 Newsletter

Working on getting couples photos taken at the 2023 Centaur Reunion placed on respective InfoSheets

 

--- MyPages ---

 

Bennis (Ben) "BJ" Jans CW2 Cobra Pilot November 1971 to November 1972 has a revised MyPage and an MP1

 

 

 

Fred Stuckey SGT Scout with LRRPs 1968 to 1970 has an upgraded Centaur Friends MyPage. Be sure to watch the video interview he did with us at the San Antonio Reunion in 2014.

Fred's Tropic Lightning award article 2 April 1970 is now showing that it was an award of the Silver Star. Fred and Phillip Norton add their comments to the article. Article now linked to Phillip's Centaur Friends MyPage.

Fred & Tresina attended the last reunion in Panama City Beach, FL 2023.

 

 

Ed Wolfe CW2 LOH Scout Pilot Nov 70 to May 71 has his MyPage and his InfoSheet updated.

 

 

 

 

 

--- Deceased ---

William P "Woody" Gardner SP5 Heavy Weapons Section Crew Chief from Feb 1967 to Jul 1968, passed away on 26 Jan 2024 - Woody's step daughter notified his close friend Doug Olsen, who told us. More information will follow. We have prepared a Centaur Info/Obituary page for him based on his online Obituary at BlackburnCurry Funeral Home. Please send in your comments and stories about our great Centaur Brother to be included on our Centaur page. Our sincere condolences to Leci and family. powellcentaur@gmail.com

Please take the time to go to Woody's page and review his great input to our Centaur legacy - Woody Video Interview 2010

Thomas Alvin Owen Jr. SGT LRRP and Aerorifles 1967-1968 died 15 November 2023 at his home in Story, Arkansas. See his Info/Obituary page. MOS 11B.

He was wounded along side John Collins at the Battle of the Hobo Woods. Wounded in left arm. Nickname TAO.

Please let us know if you see a photo of him on line or have one in your files. powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

Allen Dwain Dawson SP4 Avionics Mechanic died way back on 9 July 1973 of a brain aneurysm. Frank Dillon, trying to find out more about his Centaur Brother, went to John Moore and John's amazing access to old files, to see what he could do. John located the details which are now shown on Allen's updated Deceased MyPage and a new Info/Obit page. Our many thanks to Frank and John for their many years of relentless research for our lost Centaurs.

Johnny Gray SGT Operations Radio Man and LOH Scout Observer February to July 1969 died on 7 December 2023.

His MyPage has been updated and an InfoSheet Obituary added. After six months he moved on from D Troop and served with A Troop, 3/4 Cav.

He was a SP4 with D Trp and picked up SGT stripes with A Troop.

 

 

 

Daniel C. Roberson SP5 UH-1 Crew Chief and mechanic 1971-72 passed away Thursday, July 19, 2007, after a long battle with diabetes and injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was from Texas and Derosed 9/5/72. He had 14 years in the Army and had a Purple Heart. He was an avid ham radio operator. We have not located any photos of him to do a MyPage. His name is linked to an InfoSheet and listed on the main and deceased Rosters. Thanks to John Moore for the Nam era photo

 

--- War Stories ---

Bruce Karn WO1 LOH Scout Pilot and frequent Cobra Front Seat CoPilot, June 1968 to June 1969 continues with his interview stories at the 2022 Centaur Vet's Reunion Phoenix, AZ.

Top Gun Pilot-Ted Pitcher. Karn in front seat on big time night mission. Pitcher takes the initiative. Hundreds of enemy killed.

Rockets Too Close! Another night mission with Ted Pitcher and no Flare Ship.

All the Guys of Hootch 5: Maxwell, Pitcher, Weseman, St John, Patterson, Peterson, Rice.
These videos are linked to from Bruce's Article page, the War Stories Video page and added to MyPages of the other pilots mentioned.

NEED stories and pics of dropping flares. If I was a pilot or crewmember that was going on a mission to drop flares how would you train me. What Flares were used? How Many? How to they work? What position over battle? Flare cables? Safety precautions? War Stories? Photos? powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Reunions & Events ---

MARCH 2024:Bruce Powell to be honored along with all Centaurs in a dedication ceremony with the current 3/4 Cav in Hawaii. Updated 3Feb2024

In December, we received a request from Dakota Troop of the current 3/4 Cav wanting us to nominate a Vietnam era Centaur to name their Troop Conference Room after. The Centaur Board of Directors decided that since this is a legacy type of thing, we should nominate someone who has done a lot in supporting the Vietnam era Centaurs. It was decided by the BOD that Bruce Powell would be our nominee.

The dedication will take place at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii during the last week of March (25th – 29th), which is when 3/4 Cav celebrates what they call “Raider Week.” The Troop is providing funds to have Bruce and Sharon travel to Hawaii for this dedication as well as attending the Raider Military Ball on the evening of the 28th at The Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.

They have extended an invitation to all Centaurs to attend the dedication as well as the Military Ball on the 28th. The attire for the Ball is formal, to include a jacket and tie for men and a gown for women. If you are interested in attending any of these festivities, please contact Tom Dooling at tmdooling@gmail.com or 623-878-5715 for additional information. (See flyer on left)

The itinerary for Bruce’s visit (as well as any other Centaurs that would like to attend) includes a Conference Room dedication ceremony at 12:30 pm on 27 March (Wednesday); also that day a visit to the 25th INF DIV Combat Aviation Brigade; On 28 March (Thursday) Raider Day PT competition at zero dark thirty and then the Raider Ball at 1800 hrs; On 29 March (Friday) is a Vietnam Veterans Ceremony at 1600 hrs. The Powells will be leaving early that morning.

The Dakota Troop has resurrected the connection with the Centaurs in a big way and all of us should be honored by this selection.

A little additional information – the 3/4 Cav is no longer aviation oriented. Although their mission has changed since the Vietnam era, they operate on a day-to-day basis with the Troop’s history as their guiding force. Their Soldiers take great pride in being a part of D Troop, and are reminded of the sacrifices and valiant efforts of the Centaurs who have come before them. They have already included some photos of the Vietnam era Centaurs on the wall (and will be including additional photos from our archive), and have included a copy of the book "Centaurs in Vietnam" as well as paintings throughout their footprint done by current Soldiers to honor the rich history of our Troop. 

The Squadron is currently comprised of two mounted scout companies (Troops) (think about the program Rat Patrol from the 60’s – only with HUMVEEs) and one dismounted infantry company (Troop) (like our LRRPs), as well as a forward support element providing all classes of supply and maintenance / recovery efforts to the "Raiders." Their main mission is to support and sustain the fight in peace time and war.

APRIL 2024:Ron Radcliffe's Induction to Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Hall of Fame. Not a lot of pilots received the Distinguished Service Cross in Vietnam. Ron did.
Ron has been approved for induction into the Army Aviation Association of America’s Hall of Fame. This is a high and exclusive honor for which the competition is extremely keen, and selection limited.
His induction will be at a AAAA conference Hall of Fame banquet in Denver 25 April 2024. It would honor Ron as well as his family—and our unit—to have as many Centaur troopers as can make the trip present at the induction. Here are the particulars from Pete Holmberg.

The annual AAAA “Missions Solutions Summit Conference” will be held at the Gaylord of the Rockies Hotel and Conference Center near the Denver International Airport 24-26 April 2024. The fee for the induction banquet is $200. However, after signing up, AAAA members are charged only $60 (one-year membership is reasonable—officers $26, enlisted $15). To register for the conference/banquet, go to the AAAA website (quad-a.org) and click the link for the Summit conference about halfway down the page. Once there, click on the link “REGISTER” near the upper right corner, and then take it from there (likewise, click on “MEMBERSHIP” if you wish to first join AAAA).

During the registration process, you’ll be presented with a choice of hotels including the Gaylord where the conference is. Turns out, the Gaylord is all booked in addition to being expensive. Rex Gooch and Pete Holmberg decided to book at Woolley’s Classic Suites Denver Airport—not quite as expensive and within a few miles of both the airport and the Gaylord which Uber or Lyft can handle. There are, of course, many other options.

Also, during the registration process, you’ll have the option to choose a table for the banquet. Rex and Pete declined choosing a table and instead will be seated with, or adjacent to, the Radcliffe’s and other Centaurs. Please notify Pete (peteholmberg@comcast.net) ASAP if you plan to attend. He needs to let AAAA know to ensure that we are seated together at Centaur table(s).Plan ahead now!

Lastly, my flight out is mid-afternoon 26 April. If anyone has a similar agenda, there is time to get together for breakfast or brunch. Please let Pete know as soon as possible if you are attending to facilitate having our own table(s). Meanwhile, don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions. peteholmberg@comcast.net

 

SEPTEMBER 2024: Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next Squadron reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

David Cox: Provides the NEW groups's booking link for the September 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion.
Dave also notes: Once you click on the link it will take you to our hotel website, then enter your arrival/ departure dates,
and it will automatically populate your group name and discounted group rate.
You may also call our 24-hour reservation phone number at 210-224-2500, option 2.
If you are calling, please remember to reference your group's block code: SQU
I am at your service should you or any of your guest need any assistance booking their rooms.
David Cox <cox.a.34cav@gmail.com>
Just a friendly reminder that the last day to make reservations at your group discount will be on: August 6, 2024

NOVEMBER 2024: Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 -GREAT NEWS!! Jan and Trudy White have agreed to host the 2024 November Centaur Reunion again in Panama City Beach Florida. The reunion they hosted last year was an amazing success! The constantly increasing participation in the Centaur Vet's Day Reunions is so very encouraging. Thirty Centaurs attended the 2022 reunion, not counting wives and guests. Forty attended the 2023 reunion making the total attendance around 90 people! It shows that we are full of spirit and not dead yet!! Estimates for this comming reunion are at least 50 to 60 Centaurs (100 to 120 people). Please, please do not miss this one. Video interviews will be done! We will work on having helicopter rides. However that is tough to do on a Veteran's Day. 2023 Reunion movie

 

 

 

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Centaur Website Newsletter - January 2024

INDEX: News -- , Checking In -- , Corections -- , MyPages -- , War Stories -- , Deceased -- , Reunions/Events -- ,

Note: Past Newsletters: Dec 2023, Nov 2023, Oct 2023, Sep 2023, Aug 2023, Jul 2023, Jun 2023, May 2023, Apr 2023, Mar 2023, Feb 2023, Jan 2023, Dec 2022

--- News ---

Great Success! Great Time! 2023 November Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion Panama City Beach, FL.
We should have a slideshow movie of it ready for the February Newsletter. Have you sent your photos and movies into the Webmaster?

Bob Jones took a lot of Couples Photos at the 2023 reunion which will be featured in the upcomming 2023 Reunion SlideShow movie. Many couples photos will be used to update Centaur InfoSheets.

Assistant Centaur Webmaster! Michael Peake has become the Assistant Centaur Webmaster, coding and updating all the Centaur Tail Number pages listed in the War Stories Discussion section and linked to from the Helicopter page. He has completed the OH-23G page (notice the update time is stated at the top). He will be working on all the other Tail Number pages as time permits. Please give Mike a hand by noting any additional info that needs to go up there or possible corrections.

For you History Buffs, Harlan Cooper SSG Maintenance NCOIC 1966 (Deceased Dec 2023), tells how the Centaur era came about from a concept on paper at Schofield Barracks, 25th Inf Div, in Hawaii to an amazing reality in Cu Chi, Vietnam.

Harlan's first video was in 2012 at the Nashville Reunion. He has unfortunately passed on. There are a lot of people who are already greatly missing this special man.
see Deceased section below.

The new Centaur Multimedia HomePage!!
In your browser on your computer, when you roll your cursor (Arrow Pointer) over any button or hidden button, it will turn into a Pointing Finger cursor. That means there is a link there. Just click the mouse at that time and you will be taken to a different screen or page. To get back, just click the Home Page button (which is on every screen) or hit the Back Button of your Browser. For example, if you click on the big Centaur logo in the middle you will go to the screen shown on the left.

There are over 40 buttons, including hidden buttons, making our new Multimedia Home Page the most informative and centralized location for all things Centaur. If you don't click on anything else, be sure to click on the main rotor hub of the Slick.

Major Updates of the Centaur Reunion Page Continue! (and more to come). When you go to the Centaur Website and click on the "Reunion" button on the left side, you will be taken to the updated Reunion Information Page. Make note of a couple of things: Some of the Reunions, both Cav and Centaur, have links to further information (note the black dot next to those). Click on the photo of KC Allcock to see his great movie that explains how the Centaur reunions got started.

The great section for the 2012 3/4 Cav Reunion in Nashville, TN is being revived. You can go their now and see all the Banquet videos. Individual men video interviews will eventually be linked from a master page. Until then you can go to each man's MyPage to find his video link. It is going to take a long time to get all the old Reunion photos, slides and movies straightened out. If you have information or photos of past reunions, please send them in to the Webmaster (powellcentaur@gmail.com) so we can add them.

It is going to take a long time to get all the old Reunion photos, slides and movies straightened out.
If you have information or photos of past reunions, please send them in to the Webmaster (powellcentaur@gmail.com) so we can add them.

 

Seeking info on WP Rockets (FFAR) used by Bird Dog pilots:
"I wonder if some of your members could help? I'm from the UK and work for a company that owns a O1-G Bird Dog that flew during the Vietnam war. I've been tasked with making some replica rockets for it, for display purposes only. My question is where was the yellow band on the WP warhead ? was it immediately adjacent to the fuse, or set back a bit ? I have researched on the internet, and there seems to be different locations (I've attached photos of the 2 options). Whilst I realise the Centaurs flew attack helicopters, are any members able to indicate where the yellow band was on a white phosperous warhead please? "

Respond to Simon Collins  <simon.w.collins@gmail.com>

 

--- Checking In ---
Get your friends to sign up for the Newsletter

Dave Cox (3/4 Cav News Ltr Editor)....Pete Holmberg (Radcliffe update)....Sandy McLeod (story link).....Ron Cooper........Koleta Thompson.....Matt Jackson.....Bill Comeau......Dean Smith.......Chris Burns.....Rick Gorton.....Joe Hoover.....Lin Riniker (cmts on Johnny Trotter & Richard Yeager)......Paul Plante.....John Evans.....Herb Beasley.....Simon Collins (UK)......Jerry Headly......Linda Richardson (sends Reunion pics)....

John Jones UK Patch Collector announces his new update. You can view it if you accept cookies from the BonusPrint website that hosts his slideshow.

Contacts Reference Harlan Cooper's death:
Janis Cooper (Harlan's wife), Grant Manning (3BCT, 25th ID), Josh Suthoff (Trp Cdr, 3 BCT/25th ID), Victoria Manning (82 ABN DIV SUST BDE ), " Maurice Bolduc (25 ID 3 BCT)

Those checking into Harlan Coopers Obituary page: Janice Peed, James Wells, Dwight Byrd.

Bob Tegleman sends photos of Harlan Cooper from several past Reunions. They will be added to Reunion section.

 

--- Website Corrections/Updates---

Link Fixes: Charles Peed Reunion Video 2010 link back to his Deceased MyPage

Sandy McLeod links his audio story to Marty Sullivan's new MyPage.

 

--- MyPages ---

Charlie L."Chuck" Rose CW2 UH-1 Aircraft Commander 1972 Centaur 21 now has a MyPage and an InfoSheet.

Ginny and he attended the 2023 Centaur Reunion.

 

 

 

 

 

Richard A. Yeager SGT 1972 Armament Specialist now has a draft MyPage and InfoSheet thanks to Brian Harrison and Michael Peake.

Do you remember Richard? How about the name of the Crew Chief in the photo?

 

 

Joseph Demayo SP4 Armament Specialist 1972 now has a draft MyPage using a Yearbook photo and a background pic from Lloyd Goldsmith.

John Moore found an obit that might be him showing Born 22 Nov 1951. Died 6 Oct 1974. Needs conformation. Mike Peake remembers Joe was born same as him 1953.

Do you remember Joe? Help us out.

 

 

 

NFN Roberson no first name SP4 Armament Specialist 1971-1972 now has a draft MyPage using a Yearbook photo and a background pic from Dan Keirsey. Also an MP1 colorized from the 1971 Yearbook.

Mike Peake served with him in Nam and later at Fort Campbell in March 1973. He served with B Battery, 4th/77th Aerial Artillery (Cobra), 101st Airborne.

 

 

Daniel Cordell Roberson SP5 Crew Chief 1972 died 19 July 2007. A MyPage has been made for him using a gravestone photo found by Frank Dillon. Also an InfoSheet with his Obituary. Let us know if you can provide more information or photos.

 

 

 

Johnny Trotter SGT Maintenance Platoon (Deceased) has a new MyPage (colorized with LLoyd goldsmith pic in background) and two MP's added from Mike Peake and Frank Dillon. MP5 is also added to Dillon, Hall and Flaharty MyPages.

His photo on the MyPage shows him as a SP4 but he was believed to have been promoted to SGT or Acting Buck SGT.

We have no photo of him from before he died. Mike Peake & Lin Riniker comment on Johnny's Obit page.

 

Thomas G. Sackett SGT Armament Specialist 1972 has an updated MyPage with colorized photo and background pic by Mike Peake.

Mike made some comments about Tom which were posted as a draft InfoSheet for him.

 

 

 

 

Richard Joe "Shorty" Mull SGT Maintenance NCOIC who passed back in November 2021, has his Deceased Mypage upgraded and colorized.

Joe's niece (and also was his care giver) has joined us with our monthly Newsletter Distribution.

If you have some memories of Joe, or Shorty as he was called, please send them in so we can post them.

powellcentaur@gmail.com

 

--- Deceased ---

 

Harlan Cooper Maintenance Platoon Sergeant 1966 to 1967 died 6 December 2023. Harlan was one of the very first men assigned to the newly developing D Troop 3/4 Cav, 25th Inf Div at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Be sure to view his Reunion Videos where he tells those great stories.

His MyPage has been updated as a Deceased page and an InfoSheet/Obit page added.

We posted one of his videos to his Obituary page online

 

 

Johnny Gray SP4 Radioman an LOH Scout Flight Observer with D Troop died 7 Dec 2023. Johnny went on to A Troop where he earned his Sergeants stripes.

See his 2018 Video Interview.

Waiting for his Obit or more info

 

 

 

Steven D. Lentz SGT LOH Scout Mechanic November 1971 to November 1972. His brother Niel informs us that he died 30 December 2023. Steve served two tours in Vietnam, then joined the Navy and retired as a Chief Bosun Mate.

Also notice his Combat Infantry Badge from his first tour.

 

 

Daniel C. Roberson SP5 UH-1 Crew Chief and mechanic 1971-72 passed away Thursday, July 19, 2007, after a long battle with diabetes and injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was from Texas and Derosed 9/5/72. He had 14 years in the Army and had a Purple Heart. He was an avid ham radio operator.
We have not located any photos of him to do a MyPage. His name is linked to an InfoSheet and listed on the main and deceased Rosters.

Thomas Alvin Owen SGT with Centaur Rifles died 15 November 2023. We just found out about his death today (1Jan) and will get more details for the February Newsletter. If you have any photos or info please send to Webmaster.

--- War Stories ---

Donald Borey CPT Cobra Aircraft Commander Centaur 43 March 1971 to January 1972 tells some War Stories.

Oops, The Garbage Dump: about almost landing in a real bad and unusual place.

The Unit Non-Move: We prepared to move to I Corp in Mid 1971, shipped our stuff North, then later cancelled.

Cobra Night Weather Incidents: Flying Cobras down the MSR in night IFR conditions. Being shot at by ARVNS.

These videos are linked to from Don's Article page, the War Stories Video page and added to MyPages of Bob Jones and Skip Petrie.

 

--- Reunions & Events ---

Centaur Veteran's Day Reunion November 2024 - To be announced later.
We are seeking someone to take on this next reunion as Host. Right now, Jan and Trudy White are thinking about doing it again! They will let us know.

If you are interested we can put you intouch with past Hosts to answer questions and give advice. Keep in mind that these Centaur Reunions are a bit different in that whoever takes it on is totally incharge to run it however they see fit. All decisions are theirs. CIVO and past Hosts will jump in and help as might be requested. The CIVO Webmaster is at your disposal. Any funds left over from the past reunions will be sent to you by the last Host to help defray costs and determine fees.

Ron Radcliffe's Induction to AAAA Hall of Fame:
(note the updated MyPage) Ron Radcliffe has been approved for induction into the Army Aviation Association of America’s Hall of Fame. This is a high and exclusive honor for which the competition is extremely keen, and selection limited.
His induction will be at a AAAA conference Hall of Fame banquet in Denver 25 April 2024. It would honor Ron as well as his family—and our unit—to have as many Centaur troopers as can make the trip present at the induction. Here are the particulars from Pete Holmberg.

The annual AAAA “Missions Solutions Summit Conference” will be held at the Gaylord of the Rockies Hotel and Conference Center near the Denver International Airport 24-26 April 2024. The fee for the induction banquet is $200. However, after signing up, AAAA members are charged only $60 (one-year membership is reasonable—officers $26, enlisted $15). To register for the conference/banquet, go to the AAAA website (quad-a.org) and click the link for the Summit conference about halfway down the page. Once there, click on the link “REGISTER” near the upper right corner, and then take it from there (likewise, click on “MEMBERSHIP” if you wish to first join AAAA).

During the registration process, you’ll be presented with a choice of hotels including the Gaylord where the conference is. Turns out, the Gaylord is all booked in addition to being expensive. Rex Gooch and Pete Holmberg decided to book at Woolley’s Classic Suites Denver Airport—not quite as expensive and within a few miles of both the airport and the Gaylord which Uber or Lyft can handle. There are, of course, many other options.

Also, during the registration process, you’ll have the option to choose a table for the banquet. Rex and Pete declined choosing a table and instead will be seated with, or adjacent to, the Radcliffe’s and other Centaurs. Please notify Pete (peteholmberg@comcast.net) ASAP if you plan to attend. He needs to let AAAA know to ensure that we are seated together at Centaur table(s).

Lastly, my flight out is mid-afternoon 26 April. If anyone has a similar agenda, there is time to get together for breakfast or brunch. Please let Pete know as soon as possible if you are attending to facilitate having our own table(s). Meanwhile, don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions. peteholmberg@comcast.net

Next Squadron Reunion: - September 8th to 12th 2024. The next Squadron reunion will be held in San Antonio, TX. This reunion will take place Sunday through Thursday, instead of Wednesday through Sunday as we’ve done in the past, due to the lower room rates available. 2024 Hotel Registration - Our hotel will once again be the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, with the same group of rooms for our meetings and banquet as our last San Antonio reunion.  Our room rate will be $124 per night, plus taxes and is available 3 days prior to and after the above dates, based on availability. The hotel will begin accepting reservations the third week of September 2023.
See last Squadron Newsletter.

David Cox: Provides the NEW groups's booking link for the September 3/4 Cav Squadron Reunion.
Dave also notes: Once you click on the link it will take you to our hotel website, then enter your arrival/ departure dates,
and it will automatically populate your group name and discounted group rate.
You may also call our 24-hour reservation phone number at 210-224-2500, option 2.
If you are calling, please remember to reference your group's block code: SQU
I am at your service should you or any of your guest need any assistance booking their rooms.
David Cox <cox.a.34cav@gmail.com>
Just a friendly reminder that the last day to make reservations at your group discount will be on: August 6, 2024