Cobra 327 Dedication Booklet
This booklet contains information regarding the history, restoration and dedication ceremony for Bell Cobra-Rotary Wing Attack Helicopter, AH-1-66-F-15327, which has been placed on permanent display at the Martin County Veterans Memorial in Fairmont, MN.
This booklet contains information regarding the history, restoration and dedication ceremony for Bell Cobra-Rotary Wing Attack Helicopter, AH-1-66-F-15327, which has been placed on permanent display at the Martin County Veterans Memorial in Fairmont, MN.
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Cobra Helicopter
Dedication
AUGUST 1, 2020 | FAIRMONT, MN
Greetings
F R O M T H E
MARTIN COUNTY VETERANS MEMORIAL
COMMITTEE
It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun, and
that’s just what our team has been doing. At this writing,
it will be four years ago when we started this project.
The obstacles were many and large, but one by one, we
overcame each and every one.
We had some seed money but not much to start with. We
had to produce a mission statement, incorporate into a
501c, find a sponsor to help hold and bookkeep our funds.
Region Nine to the rescue. They handled all our fiduciary
responsibilities, helped us with the organization, and
getting our feet on the ground. Our hats off to Michelle
and her people for overseeing and helping us.
We next received funding from a Fairmont group, and it all
went uphill from there. People approached us with funds,
when we needed something, it just appeared and was taken
care of by so many folks behind the scene.
What you see at the Memorial is exactly what was designed
and approved by the team. Our first phase was building the
wall, flag, and sign. The back side needs to be finished, then
we will have completed that phase. Our second phase is the
statues throughout the wooded area with the Cobra gunship
included. We had planned to do the statues first, but a great
opportunity came about one meeting in particular, and
the race was on to get the Cobra and complete it within 12
months from the date of purchase. It had to be hauled from
Los Angeles, California.
When the Cobra arrived, it was a beaten-down old warrior,
still capable of doing its job, with burn marks all over, dented,
cracked, no rear rotor, and other parts missing. We needed to
get the Cobra to a safe place to work on it. We found that place
at the Harsco facility, in which they opened up their plant,
which was absolutely perfect for what we needed. Deeply
grateful to Harsco leaders and workers who went out of their
way to help us. The work was intense and thorough, the crew
did such a fine job refurbishing it into a new looking Cobra.
Our MCVM team is really proud of them.
Our main project now is the second phase and getting the
statues created and set in place. There will be a combat patrol
made up of a WW1, WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and present-day
soldiers in their proper uniforms and weapons, to represent
the men and women who sacrificed their lives for this great
country. We will be working hard to raise another $600,000 to
$700,000 to create the statues and a security system and other
things needed.
Most importantly, we want to thank all the businesses and
individuals who gave, or worked or just gave us moral support
and prayers. Out veterans, and this community, are richer and
stronger for the love shown.
– Terry Anderson, MCVM Chair
MCVM COMMITTEE
Terry Anderson: Chairman / Design Committee
Chuck Maday: Sr. Vice Chairman
Tom Childs: Jr. Vice Chairman
Verlus Burkhart: Treasurer
John McDonald: Secretary
Jim Miller: Past Chairman
Gary Reutzel: Past Sr. Vice Chairman (Deceased)
Steve Fosness: Past Treasurer
Chuck Mixson: Design Committee Chair/Memorial Site Director
Robert Meschke: Past Design Committee (Deceased)
Benjamin Landsteiner: Tech Support
Steve Chase: GSA & Government Liaison
Thomas Westcott: Helicopter Restoration Chairman
Douglas C Landsteiner: County Veteran Service Officer
Members of the Martin County Board of Commissioners
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 3
State of MN
& FEDERAL GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Martin County Veteran Memorial Committee requested
Steve Chase to acquire military acquisitions for the
Memorial Site in Fairmont, Minnesota. Many venues were
explored: military, museum circuit, Vietnam friends and
bone yards. A federal agency in Washington D. C. gave
the contact information of the Minnesota Department
of Administration’s Federal Surplus Property Program
Administrator, Mr. Joseph Grove, to Steve Chase. Once
all the appropriate paperwork was completed and sent to
the United States General Services Administration (GSA)
Regional office, the request for the Cobra was approved.
There were five (5) other states that had requested the
same Cobra helicopter, these are in high demand across
the country.
When advised we were the successor, the necessary shipping
was arranged through Baartz and Myle Trucking firms. A
Recovery Team ascended in the California desert to pack
Cobra-327 for the long ride to Fairmont, Minnesota.
A local Restoration team was established and you can
read about that. The Minnesota Vietnamese Community
was contacted as they were our Allies and we shared
like American Values. On this date of August 01, 2020,
Cobra-327 will be dedicated to Martin County, Minnesota.
We thank all that have helped make this happen. For many
of the Vietnam Veterans, including the US Army 7/17
Groups, this will be a welcome home event. We wish to
share in this joy with everyone and God Bless America.
-Joseph Grove, Federal Surplus Property - State of Minnesota
JAMES C. McCONVILLE, US ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF
Thank you, the Martin County Board of Commissioners,
and the Martin County Veterans Memorial Committee for
the invitation to the dedication of the Bell Cobra Helicopter
327. Although I cannot attend the ceremony in person,
I know a lot of hard work went into memorializing this
historic aircraft in dedication of its service in Vietnam and
Laos. Our Veterans will never forget the deadly capabilities
of “The Snake” and the many lives saved. Thank you for
your service and dedicated contributions to maintaining
our proud Army history. This memorial will serve to honor
our Veterans, and also inspire our future generations to
serve with pride against all odds.
LARRY HERKE, COMMISSIONER, SPEAKER
As Commissioner, Herke is charged with assisting the state’s
308,000 Veterans and their families. He also represents the
Department at hearings before the Minnesota Legislature
and United States Congress, and maintains close working
relationships with the Veterans’ Service Organizations of
Minnesota.
Commissioner Herke grew up in Mankato, attending
Mankato East High School and Minnesota State at
Mankato. After serving four years on active duty with his
wife Debbie, also a Veteran, they returned to Minnesota.
For over 30 years, Commissioner Herke had the
opportunity to serve the nation and state as a member of
the U.S. Army and Minnesota National Guard. During
his military career he has met thousands of diverse and
talented Service Members from the Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines and Coast Guard and was constantly humbled by
their selfless service and dedication to duty. Since retiring
from the National Guard in 2016, Commissioner Herke
was previously employed by the State of Minnesota as the
Director of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability, assisting
all 24 Cabinet Level agencies to develop sustainability
plans to save money while reducing the impact of their
operations on the environment and society.
James C. McConville, General, United States Army
4 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
Victor Nguyen, Joseph Grove, Steve Chase, Thomas Cao
COL CHAD H. SMITH,
CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS OFFICER, G3, SPEAKER
Commissioned as an Aviation Officer, COL Smith held
positions as an Attack Platoon Leader and Maintenance
Troop Executive Officer, 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored
Cavalry Regiment; G3 Deep Operations Coordination’s
Officer 8th Army; Assistant Squadron Officer Operations
and Air Cavalry Troop Commander, 1‐10th Cavalry, 4ID;
Battalion Operations Officer 1‐291st Training Support
Battalion, 75th Division; Brigade Operations Officer
Western Army Aviation Training Site (WAATS); Battalion
Commander 1‐285th Attack Aviation Regiment; Brigade
Executive Officer 98th Aviation Troop Command; Brigade
Operations Officer WAATS; Arizona Army National
Guard State Army Aviation Officer; INSCOM CLIPSO
Senior Army Contracting Officer; JTF J5 AZARNG.
THOMAS CAO,
PRESIDENT, VIETNAMESE COMMUNITY OF MN
It’s a great honor and privilege for the Vietnamese
Community of Minnesota to be part of this special
event. It’s also an opportunity for us to thank Vietnam
veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice
in Vietnam to help us South Vietnamese fight against
communist aggression from the North. Words alone can
not fully describe the amount of gratitude the Vietnamese
Americans truly feel about the Vietnam Veterans and
their families. From the bottoms of our hearts, we will
remember you, your sacrifices until our last breath. God
Bless America.
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 5
Our Mission
Martin County Government is to provide efficient and quality service to taxpayers
and customers, utilizing partnerships, communication, and cooperation.
Arrival of Cobra-327 in Fairmont – June 24, 2019
The Martin County Board of Commissioners are
proud to support the veterans of Martin County.
Commissioner Steve Flohrs, Chair | Commissioner Kathy Smith
Commissioner Thomas Mahoney (Desceased) | Julie Walters, Administrative Assistant
Commissioner Richard Koons | Commissioner Elliot Belgard, Vice Chair
Scott Higgins, County Coordinator
On behalf of the Martin County Board of Commissioners,
I wish to recognize and thank the members of the Martin
County Veterans Memorial Committee, County staff, and
all of the volunteers that have dedicated countless hours
of time and effort to the refurbishing and dedication of
the COBRA attack helicopter, and also those who have
contributed financially to the project.
Tam Plumhoff | Doug Landsteiner
Martin County Board of Commissioners want to
recognize the staff of the Martin County Veteran
Service Office (Director Doug Landsteiner and Veteran
Service Specialist Tam Plumhoff) for serving Martin
County veterans and their families as well as providing
support and resources for the Martin County Veterans
Memorial Committee since its inception.
– Chairman Steve Flohrs
6 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
Photo: David A Parker
I am pleased to welcome you to Fairmont, the City of Lakes. We are excited that you have come to share in the
celebration of the Martin County Veterans Memorial Site and the dedication of the Bell Cobra Attack Helicopter
327. The City extends a warm welcome to all veterans, their families, and distinguished guests.
The City would like to thank the Martin County Veterans Memorial Committee for their dedication and hard work
in being awarded the Bell Cobra Attack Helicopter 327. The Memorial Wall and Helicopter is truly an asset to the
City of Fairmont and a wonderful place to reflect and remember.
Thank you to every brave man and woman who has ever fought for our country. Thank you to those who saw
combat, as well as those who trained and stood prepared to defend us. Thank you to the families and friends of
veterans for the sacrifice of their time away from their loved ones. Thank you for the freedom and safety we enjoy
every day. May your sacrifices never be forgotten.
While you are in Fairmont we invite you to enjoy our five lakes, our many beautiful parks, dining establishments
and lodging accommodations. Enjoy your time in Fairmont and come back and visit us soon.
Mayor Deborah J. Foster
The MCVM Committee would like to
thank the local
fire departments
for their support of their fellow fire fighters in the
helicopter service. They will be attending the dedication
parade. Some of their equipment will also be available
afterward at the Martin County Fairgrounds.
August 1, 1, 2020 -- Fairmont, Minnesota | 7
Honoring
Women Veterans in the Military
MARTIN COUNTY HONORS ALL FEMALE VETERANS WHO SERVE AND HAVE SERVED IN THE US ARMED FORCES
Women in the United States military during the
Vietnam War held diverse and important roles
supporting the war mission. Many servicewomen
stationed in the combat zone served with
distinction. Women line officers, staff officers, and
enlisted personnel performed a range of military
occupational specialties in the Army, Navy, Air
Force, and Marine Corps.
KAY BAUER, 2018 MN FEMALE VETERAN OF THE YEAR
Minnesotans from around the state nominated nine
service women for outstanding lifetime contributions to
their communities, and it is with great pleasure that we
announce Catherine “Kay” Bauer the 2018 Minnesota
Woman Veteran of the Year as our honored guest for the
Cobra-327 dedication parade and ceremony.
Kay Bauer is a retired nurse who served a total of thirtyfive
years in the United States Navy, on active duty and
in the Navy Reserve.
Kay’s active duty service took her to duty stations all
over the world, where her selfless service made a positive
impact on both the military and local communities.
Kay served with a Forward Surgical Team in Vietnam,
wartime service chronicled in the book Sisterhood of
War: Minnesota Women in Vietnam by Kim Heikkila.
In Japan, she partnered with the Tokyo University
medical staff to provide medical care for local children.
During her time in both Guam and Vietnam, she
worked with the local Catholic nuns to care for the poor
with outpatient medical services and vaccinations.
Following her service overseas, Kay played an important
role in the effort to recognize and care for those suffering
from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at a time
when few acknowledged, let alone treated PTSD. She
was a critical catalyst in creating the Vietnam Veteran
nurses’ PTSD support group in the Twin Cities.
Kay’s contributions as a military care provider span
numerous other areas, including the development of
the Tri-Service Nursing Program, assisting with the
establishment of the Vietnam Women’s Memorial in
Washington, D.C., and substantial involvement in the
efforts to establish the Women in Military Service to
America Memorial.
We also honor those Vietnam War Veteran nurses who
accompany Kay today:
• Mary Breed
• Pamela Barrows
• Mary Brunner
• Julie Elliott
Read more on Kay at: womenveteransinitiative.com
8 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
RECOVERY
& RESTORATION
On June 24, 2019, we received a Bell AH-1F Cobra helicopter,
serial #66-15327 that came into Fairmont on a flatbed semi
from California and was delivered to our local airport by Baarts
Trucking. Later that week, I received a phone call from the Martin
County Veteran’s Memorial chairman who asked me to be the
team leader for the restoration project. I accepted the position
with great honor, and felt it was a good fit from my military
training in airframe repair.
In our first meeting with the Martin County Memorial
Committee, I introduced myself and briefed them about my past
experience with aircraft. With that, I told them that I was hoping
for volunteers to express their interest in being on the team. An
hour and a half after the meeting, I had my team put together.
I spent many hours making phone calls to get the refurbishment
started. Then I selected my team leader who was an AP&E license
holder (Airframe, Power Plant and Electrical), and a pilot. We
then got the Cobra moved from the local airport to the building
where work would begin. Once it was there, Mitch Jenkins and I
made our first trip to survey the damaged Cobra. We discovered
that it was used to fight fires in California and it had a lot of
blistering, so I got on the phone and got bids for sandblasting
and painting. Mike’s Sandblasting and Professional Painting was
the successful bidder from New Ulm, MN.
Needless to say, it was a highly collaborative effort. My team
consisted of engine, rotor, and airframe specialists, along with
many volunteers, including Chuck Mixon, which had a huge
part in everything. We proceeded to drain all the fluids from the
engine, repair holes with patches, and found it necessary to make
a new nose-piece out of fiberglass with the help of Dave Harner.
The refurbishing has now been completed and the Cobra was
mounted on a 10’ pole at the Martin County Veterans Memorial
Park on the 18th of June. The August 1st dedication will
commemorate the new display.
-Tom Westcott
RESTORATION TEAM TOM WESTCOTT: Team Leader
Bob Altman
Tim Koehle
Derek Bartz
Jon Landquist
Elliot Belgard
Barry Maday
Lee Bremer
Chuck Maday
Bill Bergstrom
Cheri McAdams
Ruban Cruz
James McAdams
Borton Flitter
Gregory Mitchel
Dwight Flitter
Jim Miller
Jack Garbers
Chuck Mixson
Dave Hanson
Bob Neusch
Lee Hanson
Jim Thate
Dave Harner
Dan Rudolph
Mitch Jenkins
Danny Rynearson
Tim Knaak
Richard Zehms
RECOVERY TEAM
Parker Newman: Kern County Fire
Charlie Cass: Helicopter Expert
Larry Baarts: Trucking
Gerry Myli: Trucker
Harry Schmiedel: Disassemble
Joe Grove: MN Admin
Jerry Schultz: Team Lead
Garrett Frankland: RST Crane Co.
Steve Chase, GSA/Government Liaison
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 9
Cobra-327
DOG TAG PLACEMENT CEREMONY
The Cobra-327 Dedication Event will include a Military
Dog Tag Placement in which attending Veterans will
be invited to hang their dog tags from the helicopter
display pedestal. All US Military Veterans in attendance
are encouraged to have ceremonial dog tags produced
and to participate in the placement ceremony. Two rings
have been installed on the helicopter display pedestal
from which the dog tags will be hung. The upper ring
is reserved for the tags of Veterans who have served
as helicopter pilots, gunners, crew chiefs or helicopter
crew members in the US military. The lower ring is
designated for the tags of all other US Military Veterans.
In addition, souvenir dog tags will be available for
purchase the day of the Dedication ceremony for $10
each. These limited number of tags will be stamped:
MCVM
AH1 Cobra-327
c 7/17 AIR CAV (Unit who flew the Cobra during Vietnam)
1963 – 1971 (Years of Service in Vietnam)
1 AUG 2020 (Dedication Ceremony Date)
A dog tag production station will be set up at the Martin
County Veterans Memorial site during the event.
Ceremonial dog tags will be available to be purchased
and struck on-site by the Martin County Veterans
Memorial Committee.
Individual dog tags can be purchased for $10 each
or $20 per set. Dog tag sets will include one tag to be
hung from the display pedestal and one tag on a long
ball chain to be kept by the Veteran or their family as a
keepsake or souvenir.
After the event, dog tags can be purchased online at:
www.MCVM.org/dog-tag-orders
10 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
Story of a veteran:
Martin County
The following Martin County Veterans were involved
with helicopters during their military tour of duty. Their
military occupations included being pilots, door gunners,
crew chiefs, maintenance, and more. Their experiences
have been documented by Lenny Tvedten and published
in the Fairmont Sentinel, Photo Press, Truman Tribune,
and Martin County Star. Those Veterans providing their
experiences include the following:
Terry Anderson
Randy Benck by, and including, Dale Tauer
Dale Harbitz
Doug Kahler
Neil Lee
Mike Wolter
Bob Neusch
Lauren Tesdahl
Tom Westcott
Mike Wolter
Richard Zehms
Richard Zehms
Dale Tauer
Doug Kahler
Randy Benck
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 11
1966 BELL AH-1F COBRA ROTARY WING ATTACK HELICOPTER
SERIAL #6615327
THE HISTORY OF COBRA-327
Bell’s AH-1 Cobra helicopter needs little introduction. It
fulfilled the US Army’s requirement for a weapons platform
to protect troop transport helicopters during the Vietnam
War, since the Bell UH-1C Iroquois ‘Huey’ gunship was
unable to escort the faster transport helicopters. The
sleek and lethal AH-1G Cobra satisfied the Army’s urgent
requirement for a pure gunship in the intensifying war.
Shortly after its arrival in Vietnam during mid-1967,
the Cobra quickly earned the respect of its fixed wing
contemporaries. Its combat rolls were expanded to include
anti-armor missions using the Hughes BGM-71 TOW antiarmor
missile. This foreshadowed the conversion of half
the Army’s Cobras to anti-armor platforms during the mid-
1970s to counter the Warsaw Pact armor threat in Europe.
The Army continually upgraded its Cobras before they were
replaced in favor of McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) AH-
64 Apaches during the late 1980s.
U.S. Army records reflect this very helicopter is nationally
famous for serving the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Laos, and
Cambodia from 1968-1971. Many veterans remember how
the Cobra saved their lives when they were outnumbered
by the enemy. Our local veterans have lived the story. In
Vietnam on various dates, Cobra-327 was hit by enemy fire
at least 12 times. Bell’s armor plating saved the flight crew
from mortal infliction. Missions accomplished: Armed
Escort, Recon Missions, and Battle Support.
In 1971, Cobra-327 saw service in Laos at the Battle of
Lam Son 719, one of the deadliest battles of the war. Flying
this helicopter were several members of the U.S. Army-7th
Squad-17th Calvary-C Troop. On one mission Cobra-327
was mortally shot, and was a ride one of the pilots will
never forget. The Pilot-1LT C. David Stinson and Gunner-
WO1 Stephen H. Wilton survived. Unfortunately, after the
war, Stephen H. Wilton died at age 37 from Agent Orange.
When the U.S. Army received new helicopters; Cobra-327
was retired to public service. Kern County, California, with
its multitude of wildfires each year at different points across
its 8,000 square miles, invested in helicopters capable of
night flight. Through grants, it picked up two retired Army
helicopters (one being our Cobra-327). The helicopters
were upgraded with newer engines, transmissions and
tail boom, and had been reinforced to handle the weight
and stress that comes with carrying 360 gallons of water.
These helicopters travel at about 120 mph and can go about
90 minutes without refueling. The Cobra helicopter was
chosen to fight night fires because of the affixed military
infrared scanners that can locate people through heavy
smoke. The Cobra has the nickname the “Snake”, because
of its maneuverability. Before restoration, burn marks
were still visible from the fires where it landed, which
shows how close to the fires the Cobra could maneuver.
12 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
OPERATION LAM SON 719
Operation Lam Son 719 or 9th Route - Southern Laos
Campaign was a limited-objective offensive campaign
conducted in the southeastern portion of the Kingdom of
Laos. The campaign was carried out by the armed forces of the
Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) between 8 February
and 25 March, 1971, during the Vietnam War. The United
States provided logistical, aerial, and artillery support to the
operation, but its ground forces were prohibited by law from
entering Laotian territory. The objective of the campaign was
the disruption of a possible future offensive by the People’s
Army of Vietnam (PAVN), whose logistical system within
Laos was known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail (the Truong Son
Road to North Vietnam).
By launching such a spoiling attack against PAVN’s longestablished
logistical system, the American and South
Vietnamese high commands hoped to resolve several
pressing issues. A quick victory in Laos would bolster
the morale and confidence of the Army of the Republic of
Vietnam (ARVN), which was already high in the wake of the
successful Cambodian Campaign of 1970. It would also serve
as proof positive that South Vietnamese forces could defend
their nation in the face of the continuing withdrawal of U.S.
ground combat forces from the theater. The operation would
be, therefore, a test of that policy and ARVN’s capability to
operate effectively by itself.
Because of the South Vietnamese need for security which
precluded thorough planning, an inability by the political
and military leaders of the U.S. and South Vietnam to face
military realities, and poor execution, Operation Lam Son
719 collapsed when faced by the determined resistance of
a skillful foe. The campaign was a disaster for the ARVN,
demonstrating deficiencies in ARVN military leaders and
that the best units of the ARVN could be defeated by PAVN
and destroying the confidence that had been built up over the
previous three years.
Background
Between 1959 and 1970, the Ho Chi Minh Trail had become
the key logistical artery for PAVN and the Viet Cong (VC), in
their effort to conduct military operations to topple the U.S.-
supported government of South Vietnam and create a unified
nation. Running from the southwestern corner of North
Vietnam through southeastern Laos and into the western
portions of South Vietnam, the trail system had been the
target of continuous U.S. aerial interdiction efforts that had
begun in 1966. Only small-scale covert operations in support
of the air campaigns had, however, been conducted on the
ground inside Laos to halt the flow of men and supplies on
the trail.
With the partial destruction of the North Vietnamese
logistical system in Cambodia, the U.S. headquarters in Saigon
determined that the time was propitious for a similar campaign
in Laos. If such an operation were to be carried out, the U.S.
command believed, it would be best to do it quickly, while
American military assets were still available in South Vietnam.
Such an operation would create supply shortages that would
be felt by PAVN/VC forces 12–18 months later, as the last U.S.
troops were leaving South Vietnam and thereby give the U.S.
and its ally a respite from a possible communist offensive in the
northern provinces for one year, possibly even two.
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 13
7/17
War Stories
THE LAST COMBAT MISSION
OF COBRA 66-15327
DAVID STINSON, COBRA-327 PILOT
Our unit was C Troop, 7th Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry. In late
January, 1971, we were suddenly redeployed from our home
base at Lane Army Airfield, just west of the city of Qui Nhon
in the northern part of the II Corps area of South Vietnam, to
Quang Tri Province in the very northernmost section of the
country bordering the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating
North and South Vietnam. We had no idea why we were being
sent north to Quang Tri or why, upon arrival, we were paired
up for orientation flights in the area with elements of the 2nd
Squadron, 17th Air Cavalry, the air cav squadron that served
the 101st Airborne Division, but we settled in and waited for
orders, knowing that something special was coming.
After spending a miserable, cold and rainy week in Quang Tri,
on February 7 all of the forward elements of the Troop, along
with several other aviation units, engineer units, mechanized
infantry and other units, were moved west to occupy Khe
Sanh, the former Marine Corps combat base located just a
few kilometers east of the Laotian border and south of the
DMZ. Late that afternoon we learned for the first time that
C Troop was to take part in a massive and highly secret
operation designated as Lam Son 719, the South Vietnamese
Army (ARVN) incursion into Laos. The operation was
intended to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail along a 40 kilometer
swath from the South Vietnam border all the way west to the
small Laotian town of Tchepone, and thereby deny Viet Cong
forces in the South the benefit of weapons, ammunition, aid
and supplies theretofore routinely provided by the communist
controlled North. The planned axis of the operation was the
east/west single lane dirt track running directly west from the
border to Tchepone, designated as Highway 9.
Lam Son 719 kicked off on the morning of February 8, 1971,
when the ARVN 3rd Armor Brigade crossed into Laos on
Highway 9 just southwest of Khe Sanh. C Troop aircraft led
the way across the border with one OH-6A light observation
helicopter (LOH) and one AH-1G Cobra gunship overhead
to screen ahead of the column. At the same time, C Troop
LOHs and Cobras reconned and prepped landing zones (LZs)
at select spots across the border and C Troop UH-1H Hueys,
along with aircraft from several other U.S. Army aviation
units, airlifted ARVN Ranger, airborne and infantry troop
into LZs north and south of the Highway 9 axis of advance.
After one week into the operation the ARVN, operating
without U.S. advisors alongside, due to a Congressional
prohibition resulting from President Nixon’s surprise
incursion into Cambodia the previous spring, were stuck
on the pre-planned LZs north and south of Highway 9 and
in two firebase strongpoints astride Highway 9 defended
by armor assets. It appeared that the ARVN had lost the
initiative and intended to hunker in place after advancing less
than halfway to the objective. Despite the lull in the ground
offensive, U.S. Army helicopter units and Air Force air-toground
assets continued to fly mission after mission providing
much needed supplies to the ARVN, medical evacuation
of ARVN wounded, attacking and suppressing the wellentrenched
North Vietnamese Army (NVA) positions and
conducting recon operations for future ARVN landing zones
that would be necessary to launch an assault on Tchepone.
By that time in the operation, any aircraft flying at normal
tactical altitude over Laos was at risk of being engaged by
14 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
the well positioned and extremely effective NVA anti-aircraft
weaponry including, particularly with respect to helicopters,
the much feared Russian-manufactured .51 caliber antiaircraft
machine guns. Aircraft and crew losses among U.S.
aviation units that week were bad and getting worse each
day. It was an environment none of us had ever experienced
while flying our normal missions throughout South Vietnam.
In the South we were for the most part fighting against Viet
Cong guerrillas who operated on a hit-and-run basis. While
the VC were a tough, tenacious and a formidable enemy,
they didn’t have the capability of mounting the determined
resistance and routinely employing the heavy weapons we’d
encountered those first few days of flying across the border.
In Laos the NVA were standing their ground and fighting
to defend their turf, and they had the capability of making
every mission flown into their territory one of potential life
or death.
On Saturday morning, February 13, 1971, a flight of five C
Troop helicopters took off from Khe Sanh and headed west
for the border. The flight consisted of a single Huey, the
Command and Control aircraft (C&C), flying at several
thousand feet to avoid the .51s and other ground fire, and
one Cobra gunship flying high cover along with the C&C
aircraft. Down low was one LOH as lead bird in the low level
reconnaissance team and two Cobra gunships in close trail
for fire support. The mission, crazy as it seemed to those of
us flying it, was to make a mad dash the 40 kilometers out to
Tchepone, take a look around and, as explained to us, “see
what was out there.” But we all knew what was out there – all
the bad guys in the world with all the small arms and antiaircraft
weapons anyone could ever imagine. Our strategy
for flying the mission, which we cooked-up ourselves in
the interest of staying alive, was for the LOH and the two
Cobras to fly generally along the course of the road – our only
navigation reference at low level - at 80 to 100 knots and 20
feet above the trees in an effort to avoid the devastating small
arms and anti-aircraft fire we knew we’d encounter between
the border and Tchepone. If we got to Tchepone, the plan was
to take a very quick look around and then hightail it back to
Khe Sanh with a report.
I was flying the low level trail Cobra in our mission to
Tchepone that morning; the tail number of our aircraft was
15327. I was a 24-year old first lieutenant with seven months
in country, much of that time flying Cobras for Charlie Troop.
My call sign was “White 3.” My copilot/gunner in the front
seat of 327 that day was a young warrant officer (WO1) named
Steve Wilton. Steve was fairly new in the country but had a
great attitude and an unusual calmness under fire, which he
had shown on a previous mission with me across the border.
Our flight crossed the invisible international boundary and
flew west out Highway 9 just above the tops of the scrubby
trees that bordered the dirt track on both sides. The pilot of
the lead LOH was keeping his speed up to somewhere between
80 and 100 knots as planned, and as the trail ship in the loose
formation I kept my eyes outside the cockpit and glued to the
Cobra just ahead. It occurred to me that this was the fifth day
I’d flown down this road and on more than one occasion it had
been just like this – low, fast and close to the trees.
About 20 kilometers into Laos we reached Firebase Aloui, the
last ARVN stronghold on the road to Tchepone and the last
navigational checkpoint for low level missions in the area.
We flew over the base at high speed, receiving enthusiastic
waves from the ARVN soldiers below. Aloui was the halfway
point. We had another 20 kilometers to go before reaching
Tchepone. At this speed it would take us about eight very
long minutes to get to the objective.
But approximately five kilometers or so west of Aloui the NVA
had a surprise waiting for us: .51s on the north side of the
road. The sound was unmistakable - BOOM-BOOM-BOOM.
The resonant noise and deliberate rate of fire of the .51s was
hauntingly familiar to me after the close encounter I’d had
with a couple of those hated weapons the day before. It was
noticeably slower than the rapid chatter of an AK-47 and much
louder, deeper and richer. And it was instantly terrifying,
especially when you were right down there with them.
One of the big guns was just off the right side of the road and
close in. The first few shots from that one seemed to rock
our aircraft. Before anyone could break or call, “takin’ fire,”
something slammed into the right side of our Cobra that
felt like we’d been hit with a brick shot out of a cannon. In
the space of about one second the flight controls went stiff
and I felt like I was going to lose control of the bird. I had
no hydraulics. The cyclic was bucking and shaking in my
hand and the aircraft was not responding to normal control
movements. The pedals felt like they were stuck. We were
still traveling at nearly 100 knots and the trees lining the road
seemed to close in as the aircraft wobbled just above them.
The LOH had broken hard left, away from where the fire
appeared to be coming from, and the lead Cobra had
followed. I couldn’t horse the aircraft around that fast
with no hydraulics but I was trying, while at the same time
working on maintaining control. The good news was that we
were still flying and the .51s had stopped firing. We must
have passed through the kill zone. After no more than two
or three seconds, I finally had time to come up on the radio
and call the flight, “THIS IS THREE – WE’RE HIT. MY
HYDRAULICS ARE GONE.” I didn’t intend to shout on the
radio, it just came out that way.
The pilot of the lead Cobra came back, “OKAY THREE,
STICK WITH IT. WHERE ARE YOU?”
Gathering myself I said more calmly, “I’m behind you and
trying to get turned back toward Aloui.”
I had the cyclic pulled hard to the left and the aircraft was
responding sluggishly. I realized I was going to have difficulty
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 15
staying out of the trees unless I got a little more altitude, so I
added some collective pitch as I pulled back on the cyclic to
keep the nose up. The aircraft bucked and fought the turn.
Then I thought about Steve Wilton in my front seat; he hadn’t
said a word since the firing started.
I clicked the intercom: “Steve, are you hit?”
“No. I’m okay.”
That was a relief. I continued turning until we were over the
south side of the road. While we were headed in the right
direction, I was sure that in just a second or two we’d be
back in the kill zone, but I couldn’t do anything about that
now. I could hear AK fire to my left, but with my hands full
I didn’t know if they were shooting at me, the other ships or
somebody else. Even so, that seemed like a minor issue at the
time; I just didn’t want to hear those .51s again. Why they
weren’t shooting at us I’ll never know.
When I got established east bound, I made a decision. I wasn’t
sure how badly we were hit, whether we had flight control
damage or just hydraulic failure, and whether or not we’d lose
collective control before we made it back to Khe Sanh, but
I did know that the aircraft was barely responding and then
only after I fought every control movement. There were just
too many unknowns for me to keep flying.
I keyed the intercom once more: “Steve, I’m going to try to get
this thing on the ground right now.”
“Okay,” was all he said.
The lead Cobra pilot called, “How are you doing Three?”
“It’s rough, but so far, so good. I’m going to try to run it in
on the road.”
“Roger. We’ll come back around for you.”
I started looking for a smooth spot on the primitive dirt track
where I could put the Cobra’s narrow landing gear on the
ground. Just ahead I saw an opening between some tall trees
with a clean, straight stretch of road.
“Lock your harness Steve; I’m going for the stretch between
the trees.”
I got lined up and pulled the cyclic back, at the same time
lowering the collective. The control movements must have
been too severe as the aircraft slipped sideways. I recovered,
then put the nose down and worked it slower, now between
the trees on both sides of the road. In the background I heard
the steady rattle of AK fire, the distinctive clack clack barely
registering in my consciousness; still, I couldn’t tell whether
or not they were shooting at us.
I flared the bird slightly and bled off some airspeed before
nosing over to level the skids. We hit the road straight on
and the dust provided a slippery surface, enabling us to slide
forward instead of flipping. I continued to fight the cyclic and
the pedals until we got stopped, about 30 meters from where
the skids first hit the road. It was the second miracle of the
day. We’d survived the point blank .51 fire and now we were
down and in one piece.
The relief of being on the ground and upright was short lived.
I knew we were west of Aloui, but I didn’t know how far. As
the blades started to wind down I killed all the switches and
punched off the secure setting on the FM radio scrambler, then
popped the canopy; Steve’s was already open. I was out of my
harness and getting ready to jump out of the bird when I saw
some movement to the right front of the aircraft. My heart sank.
I was fairly certain the ARVN weren’t out this far so they must be
NVA. I looked up and saw several soldiers with weapons coming
through the brush near the side of the road. I considered our
situation. Steve and I were both still in the aircraft, no way we
could get to cover before they were right on top of us. We were
sitting ducks with nothing but a couple of nearly useless .38
caliber revolvers – standard pilot issue. If they wanted to shoot us
we were done. I reconciled myself to the fact that within the next
thirty seconds we were either going to be killed or captured. But
just then it finally registered with both of us that our visitors were
wearing green uniforms, not khaki, and that they were carrying
M-16s. Our unbelievable luck had continued; we’d crashed right
16 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
in front of an ARVN patrol out of Aloui. They hadn’t ventured
far down the road but just far enough.
Steve and I jumped out of the aircraft and hurried over to
the ARVNs. I knew that the NVA were in the vicinity and
probably were aware of our position and I wondered if they
might be coming after us. Since they probably didn’t know
about the patrol, we could be in the middle of a firefight pretty
quick; even so, we couldn’t be too far from Aloui. Just then
I heard the distinctive sound of a LOH coming our way. I
needed to let him know we were okay and with friendlies, so
I ran out into the road and waved. Some of the ARVNs came
out with me. I hoped the LOH pilot would get the picture. We
were down, in one piece and had been secured by a friendly
patrol. He waved and gave me a “thumbs up,” then zipped
away to the east.
That was a relief. Our guys knew where we were, and when
they could they’d be in to pick us up. I double-timed back to
the ARVNs near the tree line, stumbled backwards and sat
down hard on a low berm, my back against the underbrush.
None of the ARVNs spoke English, but they smiled and
patted Steve and me on the back and shoulders, speaking
excitedly in their language. I pulled out an almost full pack of
Marlboros, took one for myself, offered the pack to the ARVN
soldier sitting next to me and made a circling motion with
my fingers. He smiled, took the pack and handed it around
to the others. I lit up and leaned back against the berm. The
smoke in my lungs seemed to have a narcotic effect and things
started to calm down.
After a while Steve got up and jogged over to the aircraft.
He climbed into the front and grabbed his camera, and with
several of the ARVNs standing around watching, he started
taking pictures of the bird. I walked out to join him, convinced
now that the NVA weren’t coming. I looked at the right side
of the aircraft where I’d felt the stunning impact. I could see
only one hole that clearly had been made by a .51 round. It
was behind the cockpit and just above the fuel cap and was
large enough for me to put a finger in. As I touched the
aircraft, I noticed the dirty pink fluid all over the side of the
ship, running out from underneath the compartment that
housed the hydraulic reservoirs. I popped the latches and
opened the door. The extent of the damage was surprising.
One of the cast aluminum reservoirs had been completely
shattered. Only the top of the reservoir housing and small
pieces of the aluminum shell were visible on the deck. The
other was damaged but still in one piece, although all of the
lines not ripped apart by the explosion were cut and leaking.
I walked around to the left side of the aircraft, seeing it for
the first time. The access door to the hydraulic compartment
on that side was still latched, but a 10-inch long piece of the
panel had been ripped away, its jagged edges sticking out in all
directions from the ugly exit wound. The .51 round had gone
in one side of the aircraft, through the hydraulic reservoir and
its heavy liquid contents, then evidently expanding its energy
front, ripped out through the other side of the aircraft making
a hole twenty times bigger than the original projectile, all with
the same ease as if the bird had been made of rice paper. It
was an awesome and frightening sight. One thing became
clear to me as I looked at the damage: even our body armor
chest protector, which we called a “chicken plate,” wasn’t
going to stop a .51.
I went back over to the berm, sat down and lit another
cigarette. I looked all around, west down the dirt track toward
Tchepone, at the ARVNs gathered around us and into the first
cut of jungle on both sides of the road. I shook my head in
resignation of all that had just happened.
A few minutes later our LOH flew back across the crash site.
Not long after that I heard the distinctive whomp-whomp of
a Huey and then saw the C&C bird come over the trees from
the east, circle around and land on the road just in front of our
downed Cobra. Steve and I stood up, grabbed our gear and
said our goodbyes to the ARVNs. They bobbed their heads,
smiled and waved.
We ran out, threw in our gear and hopped into the cargo bay
of the Huey. The crew chief helped us in and, shouting over
the noise, asked if we were okay. The Old Man had turned
around and was facing us, probably trying to ascertain the
same thing. I shouted, “WE’RE OKAY,” to the crew chief and
gave the Major a “thumbs-up.” He nodded, turned around
and picked the bird up to a hover, then took off quickly to the
east. I sat on my chicken plate as we low-leveled out toward
the border. I laid my head back against the back wall of the
cargo bay, closed my eyes and thanked God that we were on
our way out of Laos.
Although I was unaware of it at the time, evidently the
ARVNs secured the crash site and the aircraft long enough for
a recovery team, probably a Chinook, to come in sometime
later that afternoon or the following day and sling load the
damaged bird back to Quang Tri. Actually, right up to the
time I was contacted about the impending MCVM project
I still believed that 327 had been left in Laos. It came as
quite a surprise to me to learn that it subsequently had been
recovered and had had another life after Vietnam. I was glad
to see that it too had made it back home.
-David Stinson, June, 2020
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 17
WO STEPHEN H. WILTON, GUNNER OF COBRA-327
Steve returned from his service in Vietnam to a society in
rapid change. He, like many others, worked to find a way to
navigate this new reality out of structured Army regimens and
in a world that did not value that service, did not have many
jobs available, and with a feeling that his peers had passed
him by in life. Friends had established jobs, had completed
training or college, had time for relationships or marriage and
family. He started a small resale shop and then worked for
a friend and learned auto body repair. He enjoyed restoring
Corvettes.
After we met and married in 1978, Steve returned to
Lansing Community College and then Central Michigan
University. While at CMU, he had the opportunity to work
in the Veterans Affairs office with others who had military
service in common. One of the things the guys did together
was to answer the phone lines during the airing of a PBS
documentary about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD
had not been talked about before this, and certainly not as
a common response to the war or as an explanation of some
of the ongoing issues veterans were experiencing. Steve was
thankful for that knowledge. It helped him understand what
he had been through as well as how much more difficult it
could be for others. He mentioned seeing the reflection of the
sun off an enemy’s watch as he flew in to provide cover for US
troops and realizing it was a real person, not just an enemy.
He knew the ‘ground pounders’ and a friend from home who
was a ‘tunnel rat’ had much closer encounters and relatively
more trauma.
Steve graduated with a BA in Elementary Education. We
moved to Hinesville Georgia ( Fort Stewart) where he taught
3rd and 4th grades for Liberty County Schools. He was an
excellent teacher and well respected by the community.
At the end of his first year of teaching, Steve was experiencing
a constant cough and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of
Hodgkin’s disease was considered good news as it had a high
cure rate. He continued to teach during treatments of both
chemotherapy and radiation. We had wonderful support
from friends, students and educators in Hinesville and
Michigan. There were two brief remissions but by late 1987
the only option left was a bone marrow transplant which was
performed at Emory University Hospital. He died March 14 ,
1988 in Grand Rapids, Michigan where we had returned to be
closer to both our families.
Hodgkin’s Disease was not recognized at the time as being
caused by, or related to, exposure to Agent Orange.
Steve had an impact on so many people during a short (39
years) life. He was a caring, smart, and fun man. I am thankful
for the time we had together.
-Mary Martiny Wilton Buys, wife of Stephen Wilton
CW2 MIKE COCHRAN, C TROOP 7/17 AIR CAVALRY
July 1970-July 1971
June 1969
I have been fascinated by things that fly all my life. Some of
my earliest memories as a child were looking up to see what
was flying overhead. I knew I wanted to be a pilot and when I
found out I might/could be an Army helicopter pilot I signed
up. The Air Force and Navy required four years of college, and
I was too impatient for that.
July 1970
Having survived the Army’s version of a combination of OCS
and flight school I arrived in Vietnam as a WO1 helicopter
pilot in July, 1970. Most Nam vets I know said the first things
they noticed when they stepped off the plane was the heat and
the smell.
I was assigned to C Troop which led to a year of experiences
that have never been equaled. Excitement, fun, fear, fatigue,
humor, terror, grief, mental stress to the edge, and a calm relief
when it ended were just some of the emotions experienced.
My training resulted in my being qualified as a Huey pilot.
However, the unit was short Cobra pilots. I agreed to switch
to the Cobra platoon and became a front seater which was a
combination of copilot, gunner and aerial observer.
The AH-1 G was a bad machine. The name Snake was used
interchangeably with Cobra. When someone referred to
a Snake or Cobra you were talking about the same aircraft.
Imagine if you can, the first time you fired the mini gun.
Below your feet was a six barrel Gatling gun spewing out 6,000
rounds per minute of 7.62 ammo with a very loud BRRRRRR!
There was nothing between you and the target but a stream
of red tracers. The first pair of rockets departed their tubes
18 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
with an unmistakable whoosh. You could literally follow
the rockets with your eyes from ignition to impact. And
then there was the chunker. The automatic 40mm grenade
launcher had a much slower rate of fire but you just knew
you didn’t want to be on the receiving end of anything the
Snake could throw at you.
Flying the Cobra was fun. It was fast and maneuverable for a
helicopter. Taking off with a full load of fuel and armament
on a hot, humid day using the front seat controls was a
challenge. Max gross weight takeoffs became routine. Both
pilots had to be able to fly the aircraft at anytime.
Operation Lam Son 719 proved to be a challenge for every
member of the unit but especially the flight crews. Each
mission across the border into Laos exposed the aircraft
and crews to the possibility of encountering intense anti
aircraft fire. On one mission, the Cobra I was flying in took
a .51 caliber hit in the leading edge of one of the main rotor
blades. This type of damage could have caused the blade to
fail resulting in a catastrophic, fatal situation. The Cobra
returned its crew to Khe Sanh to fly another day.
The unit got an infusion of Cobra pilots and I returned
to flying Hueys for the remainder of my tour. Through
the years I’ve thought about my Nam flying days and the
months I spent in the Cobra. A little smile crosses my lips
as I think “Damn, what an aircraft!” Having flown at least
eight missions in 66-15327 it’s good to be able to say again
“hello Old Friend.”
-Mike Cochran, LTC (Ret), June 10, 2020
JON RACKLEY, NAVY TOP DIVER, 1968
One fine day in 1968 Danny McDaniel and I decided we
had had enough of loitering around Groton, Connecticut,
waiting to be assigned to a class at the Navy’s Submarine
School. We got a wild hair and filled out “Request chits” to be
sent to Vietnam. Ahhh, that youthful exuberance. We were
promptly, very promptly, granted our request. Fast forward
through the PBR engine maintenance school and others and
there I was, at Service Craft Squadron in Danang. Chief
Peters pointed out in the bay and said, “Rackley, there’s your
boat.” It was the YG-51. A garbage barge! In Vietnam?
Fast forward again past the wretched stench, flies and constant
sea sickness. One day there was a request out to anyone who
thought they could be a U.S. Navy Deep Sea Diver. Heck yes!
Pick me! Please! And off to Subic Bay I went.
A few months later, as a diver in I-Corps, we had myriad
duties that would crop up. The boss (LPO) would ask you, “Ya
want a job?” which meant diving. He would not tell you what
it was. It could be demoing a river obstruction at Dong Ha or
Cua Viet with C-4 and Bangalores or retrieving the body of
some poor little kid that fell into the river.
One day my LPO, Mr. Morton, asked if I wanted a job. I, of
course, said yes because if you said no, he would find some
dirty, filthy project to keep you busy. He told me to get a scuba
rig and a helo would be landing in the water next to the diving
barge soon. An HH-3 Jolly Green soon set down at hover
in the water and my dive partner and I swam out to it and
climbed aboard. We were tasked with getting in the water in a
“package”, a Model 147 Lightning Bug drone floating about 5
miles offshore in the South China Sea. It looked like a winged
missile and was surrounded by other helos. A green dye
marker was in the water and parachutes were attached to the
“package”. As we hovered about twenty feet over our objective
the crew chief motioned for me to “GO!”. Go? Whaddaya
mean go? I was not trained to leap out of helicopters and was
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 19
very unsure of a good procedure. So out I went. Head first.
Very bad idea. I hit the water and my regulator flew out of
my mouth. My mask went down to my neck and one flipper
went somewhere else. I had made a fool of myself and was
about to drown. If you have not tried to tread water under
a helo, it is nearly impossible. The downwash pressure on
you is tremendous. We got the “package” hooked up as an
external load and all ended well. But “Boss, I need a new set
of fins”, didn’t set well.
During the same year, my older brother, 1st Lt. N.H. Rackley
USMC, was stationed a few miles down the road at Marble
Mountain Marine Helicopter Base. He was an H-53 driver for
HMH-463. Occasionally, I would sneak away from my duties
and hitch a ride down for a visit. On several occasions he was
able to direct me to the fuel pit as he prepared for his missions.
I would climb aboard the helo and was never questioned by
ground personnel. Of course not. I was in Navy camo and all
these Marines assumed I was a revered Corpsman so not to be
trifled with. I’d get to spend the day watching ROK troops get
on and off, watch external loads swinging beneath us, landing
at firebases, and blowing the roofs off of everything close by.
At one firebase I exited the helo to relieve myself. To my
distress, brother Harrison had poured on the collective and
left me behind. There I was, a weaponless Navy squid at an
Army firebase. Only trouble could follow for both Rackleys.
Fortunately the crew chief made him aware and he returned
to pick me up. And no, he was not happy as I recall.
I, as a REMF, have unlimited respect for the guys who did the
work over there. Over 58,000 young men, and women as well
never got to see their loved ones again. My words fail me as I
try to say what an honor it is to be amongst the ranks, albeit
at the rear of the men and women who served in the Vietnam
Theater of war. I feel honored to be counted among those
who fought communism in the paddies and jungles of The
Republic of Vietnam.
-Jon Rackley, 2020
Upper Midwest Chapter
VIETNAM HELICOPTER PILOTS ASSOCIATION
Our chapter is a Veterans Organization for Vietnam
Helicopter Pilots living in the Minnesota, Wisconsin,
and Iowa area of the upper midwest. We currently have
approximately fifty members and we meet every other
month in the Twin Cities area.
The purpose of our organization:
1. To enhance the comradeship, esprit de corps
and friendship of pilots who flew helicopters in
southeast Asia during the Vietnam era and residing
in the upper midwest region of the United States.
2. To seek out and encourage those qualified to become
members.
3. To provide speakers for suitable memorial and
national celebrations in our geographical region.
Our facebook page can be found by typing @UMCVHPA
in your internet search engine. Any prospective members
may contact us there.
Last August we were part of the China Beach event
sponsorship by Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans of America
held in Trimbelle, Wisconsin. We arranged for the towed
UH-1 “Huey” to be on hand. The photo shows our
members that attended.
On Veterans’ Day we took part in the New Richmond,
Wisconsin Middle School’s patriotic event. The towed
Huey was on hand for the students to tour and we had
a couple representatives there to explain the role of the
helicopter in Vietnam.
20 | Martin County Veterans Memorial - Cobra Helicopter Dedication
May we always remember their sacrifice.
The Martin County Veterans’ Memorial Committee had a vision of memorializing the names of those veterans that
had spent a part of their lives in Martin County. Members of the Lee C. Prentice American Legion Post 36 began
pursuing that goal in 2015 with their first meeting taking place in February of 2016. Original funding for this project
was derived from American Legion Post #36 and the Martin County Area Foundation. From that initial vision,
through the help of many volunteers, many donors, coupled with donated land, the project has come to fruition. The
memorial site includes the wall inscribed with the names of Martin County veterans, the Bell Cobra Rotary Wing
Attack Helicopter, benches for quiet contemplation, culminating in a serene location forever memorializing those
veterans that have served our country, ensuring and preserving our freedom. A Dedicated Section of the memorial
wall remembers those killed in action. They gave their life for freedom and the American way. From inception to
completion, the Martin County Veterans’ Memorial reflects the patriotism exhibited by those that served.
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 21
MEMORIAL DESIGN
A design committee was created over three years ago to develop a veterans
memorial concept. The following outline describes the concept and the
implementation of this design. This process is ongoing.
1. A red granite stone saying “Martin County Veterans Memorial.” This
large stone was done in red granite to symbolize the blood shed for our
country.
2. A granite wall was done in black to display veteran’s names, honor KIA’s,
POW’s, and MIA’s and thank our sponsors. The front wall is an inverted
V, symbolizing valor, is 80’ long and has our challenge coin engraved on
it. The west wall has our mission statement, branches of service, and all
donors over $200.
3. A 75’ American flag pole was erected in line with the center of the wall
and our red granite sign to honor our country. A semicircle of flags in
front of it represent our state, the five branches of service, and MIA’s and
POW’s. The flags and wall are all lighted at night.
4. A handicap ramp wall was installed, steps were made by the west wall and
the area sidewalks were poured.
5. The next phase to finish the front will be a granite bench, sitting on the
bench will be a middle age woman and standing next to her will be a small
child. In her lap she will be holding a trifold American flag. The flag will
be presented by American Legion and VFW figures. This completes the
front of the memorial and represents what we see at home.
The second part of the memorial is behind the granite wall and still needs to
be done.
1. Behind the memorial wall, we will build a four foot retaining wall. On the
east side of this wall, built in cement, there will be the outline of a ship’s
bow. Next to the ship outline will be a small patio with a statue of a Navy
seaman with a sea bag waiting to board a ship. At this patio, we will install
a ship’s bell so if any Navy veteran’s family decides to do a funeral service
here, they can ring the veteran out.
2. The helicopter was installed in the rear of the memorial, as to not distract
from the wall and to utilize the entire grounds. Emanating from the
helicopter will be five statues. A patrol, if you will. Each statue in period
gear will represent WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and present day Iraq
and Afghanistan. The patrol will be spread throughout the woods, heading
toward the wall. If, in the future, we are involved in other conflicts, more
statues can be added to the memorial.
3. A winding sidewalk will go through the patrol area and five benches will
be installed in various positions and each bench will represent a branch
of service. Each bench on the sidewalk, going from the helicopter to the
back of the wall, will give a different perspective of the grounds and an
opportunity to rest and reflect.
DESIGN COMMITTEE
Chuck Mixon, chair | Terry Anderson, mcvm chair
Bob Meschke, deceased | Ben Landsteiner, tech support
22 | Cobra Helicopter Dedication
AFTER EVENTS
MARTIN COUNTY ARENA
12PM TO 4PM
Veteran Resource Event - Many Vendors
TRUMAN FIRE DEPT. BEER GARDEN
1PM TO CLOSE
Entertainment By The Switch Road Band
7pm to 11pm
AREA FIRE DEPARTMENTS
12PM TO CLOSE
Equipment Demonstrations and Static Displays
ANTIQUE MILITARY VEHICLES
12PM TO CLOSE
Static Displays
FREE BOUNCE HOUSE
1PM TO 5PM
MARTIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
1300 N BIXBY ROAD, FAIRMONT, MN 56031
AREA FOOD VENDORS
12PM TO CLOSE
HELICOPTER RIDES (HUMMING BIRD)
11AM TO 4PM
STOCK CAR RACES
7PM TO CLOSE
All Veterans Get in Free
PARADE COMMITTEE
American Legion Lee C Prentice Post 36
Steve Fosness | Jim Miller | Jim Hardt | Ken Ringeisen
Corey Walter | Bob Altman | Cory Germain
Doug Landsteiner | Devin & Hannah Haegeman
Ernie Nuss | Bob Katzenberger | Dave Alm
PARADE: 9:00 AM | CEREMONY: 10:30 AM
August 1, 2020 - Fairmont, Minnesota | 23
I Only Have Dog Tags
by a veteran
We went straight from high school to the war, young adult we would never be.
To leave family, home and friend to take up the fight.
To go where nobody wanted to go desert, jungle, river or sea.
To fight for the American Way & God and Country, for people who care less than you or me.
To be shipped to a foreign land; with spider, snake, lizard or sand.
To hold a gun both day and night and be ready to take a life to end that plight.
To see the piles of twisted metal that was once a plane, chopper, truck or boat and know your friend was in the fight.
To hear the sounds in the darkness of bug, lizard and the screams in the night.
To wonder where the sound of mortar, gun and grenade from the darkness did come.
To wait for mail or news from home or to be able to write free in hopes of a future found.
To see the tears of a friend’s family, when he took his life, from the Dear John Letter to his end.
To watch and see a teenager friend get his arm and legs blown off and know his future to depart.
To endure the rip of flesh from iron, fire and blast.
To return home to jeers, distrust and loneliness without loved one, friend or care at last.
To go to the class reunion to find you are alone as your classmate friends died for the cause and were forgotten by most all.
Were you the one who sent that Christmas package with dry socks and sweets?
To awake at night in sweat from the fight, that seemed realer than life?
To return a wounded Veteran who has lost loved one, family and friend
and all he has is his dog-tags in hand.
FAIRMONT
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