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Died After Tour (DAT)....

A LIST OF INDIVIDUALS WHO COMPLETED A TOUR OF DUTY WITH THE 281st AHC
AND DIED DURING A SUBSEQUENT TOUR OF DUTY OR AFTER RETURNING HOME.

Click a letter here for the alphabetical lists; or scroll down through the listings on this page.
A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H ·  I  · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · R · S · T · U · V · W · Y · Z
Clicking a letter below will call the memorial page for that letter.

"To live in the hearts we leave behind,
    is never to have died."
    (Thomas Campbell, circa 1888 )

aviator_wings


If you have photos or information concerning a former Intruder who has died, or is listed here, please write to the 281st Remembrance Team at "information" or "webmaster" at 281st dot com.

 


Lt.Col. KEVIN E. MURPHY
April 16, 1930 - December 8, 2017
Last Commander of the 145th Aviation Platoon

Kevin Murphy

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin E Murphy, 87, passed away peacefully in his Tenino, WA home on December 8, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. Kevin was born on April 16, 1930 in Olympia, WA to Pius and Margaret Murphy. The youngest of six children, he grew up near Maytown, WA, worked on the family farm and graduated from Tenino High School in 1947. After graduating, he went to work in a logging camp near Toledo, Washington, eventually buying his own logging truck. Striving to make more of himself, he attended St. Martin's College where he met his first wife Loraine, they married in 1954.

Kevin Murphy
Kevin enlisted into the US Army in 1951. He was selected for Officers Candidate School and commissioned in 1954. Following aviation training, he was assigned to the 30th Topo Group surveying Alaska. His military career saw him stationed in Germany, France, Thailand and various US bases with a growing family in tow. Kevin was dual rated and flew multiple military aircraft models during his career. He was a veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam war and was the commanding officer of 145th Helicopter Platoon which was the forerunner unit to 281st Assault Helicopter Company, known as the Intruders. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross and Meritorious Service Medals.

Kevin Murphy
After retiring from the Army in 1973, Kevin started his own land clearing and road building business and bought and sold real estate. He was a hard-working, proud Irishman and a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus. In 1979, Kevin married his second wife, Bernice. They were inseparable until her passing in 2015. Forever dedicated to his family, he never hesitated to provide guidance and support to his children, often reminding them: "You will always have an ace in the hole here at the Ranch". Kevin is survived by his 9 children; Toby (Michael) Finnie, Kathy (Jeff) Charpentier, Patrick (Carla) Murphy, Mark Younie, Kevin (Pacharee) Murphy, Meagan (Peter) Ross, Laura Murphy, Karen (Brian) Fabre, Shawn (Michelle) Murphy, 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Bernice. Funeral services will take place at St. Michael Catholic Church on January 5, 2018 at 12:00 pm followed by burial services at the Murphy Family memorial site on their property near Maytown.

Duane Vincent reports:
The Passing of Kevin E. Murphy, LTC (Ret.) U.S. Army
  On Friday, January 5, 2018, I attended a Memorial Service at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Olympia Washington for Kevin E. Murphy. Murphy was the former Commander of the 145th Airlift Platoon, which was absorbed into the 281st Assault Helicopter Company in 1966. The Mass, which was presided Father Kilian Malvey O.S.B. was a solemn affair assisted by a number of personal anecdotes from those who knew Lt. Col. Murphy, included a personal story from Lou Lerda.
  A reception was held and then the group undertook to 12-mile drive to the Murphy Compound where an internment ceremony was held with a full Honor Guard and Bagpiper.
  On a personal note, and as then Maj. Murphy's Crew Chief, I was personally gratified by the warmth and goodwill exhibited by all of the members of the Murphy family. After I presented the hand-made Flag Presentation Case created by Frank Becker, I spent quite a bit of time explaining the context of the pictures he had brought back from Viet Nam. They were special people.
  In attendance were a number of 281st personnel including Lou Lerda, Fred Phillips, Aaron Rich, and Don Rusakoff (I may have the names wrong since I was not smart enough to write them down).
Duane Vincent
145th Airlift Platoon

Lou Lerda writes:
Kevin Murphy was a one of a kind commander, he not only wanted a serious mission for us, but he also was right there in the thick of it with us. The following is Kevin's account as to how we became the first dedicated Special Operations Assault Helicopter Company in the U.S. Army:

"I took over the 145th Airlift Platoon from Dan Smith in July 1965 in Nha Trang, RVN. The first month we were flying nothing but VIP's for Field Force Victor and after several previous assignments of flying VIP's, I wasn't thrilled at the continuing prospect of doing this sort of flying, especially in a combat zone. This is combat? Apparently Colonel Bill McKeen, the Commanding Officer of the 5th Special Forces Group got tired of my whimpering and complaining about what a great job we could do for the Special Forces if he could get us assigned to the task. In December 1965 we were placed under "Operational Control" (OPCON) of the new top secret Project Delta. This was short lived because I out ranked Charlie Beckwith and before the end of the month we were OPCON to the Headquarters, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Also in December 1965, the 6th Airlift Platoon was placed under my command and both units were assigned to the 10th Aviation Battalion and designated the 2nd Platoon of the 171st Aviation Company. After both units were consolidated, we began supporting Project Delta and the special reconnaissance training school RECONDO, and Special Forces camp support in the outlying districts. I relinquished command and the mission assignment (still OPCON to the CO, 5th SFG Airborne) to Major William P. Griffin, Commander of the newly established 281st Assault Helicopter Company in June 1966."
Kevin E. Murphy,  March 2014

Major Murphy was a pioneer in the new Special Operations Aviation arena and was much like Colonel Robin Olds, USAF, in his aggressiveness and management style. "Murph" never commanded from the rear and often acted as mission commander from the cockpit as pilot in command. The 281st Assault Helicopter Company and today's Special Operations Aviation groups owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to LTC Kevin E. Murphy.
Louis J. Lerda
Colonel, USAR Retired

_____________________________________

Intruders,
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Murphy was the Commander of the 145th Aviation Platoon (slicks), when they took over the initial mission of supporting 5th SF Group Special Operations. They were joined by the 6th Aviation Platoon (guns), who were also under his command until the 281st arrived. We owe Kevin and his team a large debt for the "can do, will do" attitude that they brought to the mission. Thanks to his leadership, the Intruders Inherited a excellent team of experienced individuals who got them off to a great start. We will keep you informed as to his arrangements.
It is a sad day.
Jack Mayhew

With sadness I report the death of my father-in-law, Kevin E. Murphy, on December 8, 2017 at his home near Tenino, Washington. He was born in Olympia, Washington April 16, 1930.
Kevin enlisted into the US Army in late 1951 or early 1952. He was selected for OCS and commissioned in 1954. Following aviation training, among other assignments he was part of the 30th Topo Group surveying Alaska. I believe he also served tours in South Korea, Thailand and France and at various US installations.
He served in Viet Nam 1965 until July 1966. With the rank of Major, he was CO of the 145 ALP which was part of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company; Call Sign Mardi Gras 6. Following service in Viet Nam, he was eventually assigned to Fort Lewis and Camp Murray. Lt Col Murphy retired March 31, 1973.
Awards received by Kevin Murphy include Master Army Aviator Badge, National Defense Medal, Army Reserve Medal, Air Medal (6 OLC) w/V, Viet Nam Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Meritorious Service Medal.
Very best regards
Mike Finnie
USMC 1968-1973 RVN 1970-71



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Hackett

Major (P)  Everdus H. Hackett

Major Hackett, the first commander of the 281st AHC was born on 23 Oct. 1922 and died on 20 Dec. 1997.  His last known address was San Joaquin, CA.  Major Hackett along with 1st SGT J. B. Cooley formed the 281st AHC at Fort Benning, GA and deployed the unit to South Vietnam.  Shortly after arriving in VN Major Hackett and Major Wilson the Executive Officer were promoted to LTC and transferred from the unit.




jb_cooley

First Sergeant JB Cooley


First Sergeant JB Cooley was the first 1SG of the 281st AHC.  He joined the unit at Fort Benning Georgia in January of 1966 and traveled with the company to Vietnam.  He then served with the 281st until May of 1967. JB was born on 9-29-1926 and passed away on May 1, 2006 in Chandler Arizona at the age of 79. He is survived by his widow, MRS.  Betty Cooley of Chandler, AZ. (Note: in this picture JB was an E-7 on the E-8 list and was promoted to 1SG in the 281st.)

A memorium sent to Membership Chairman Gary Stagman...

I'm really sorry hear that about Sgt. Cooley. I really liked him, he was always a fair man and a good man, and he will be missed by everyone. He was always good to me. I remember one time when we were at Ft. Benning that he helped me out with our Sgt. Major and I've never forgotten that.

I wish I had known about this, sooner. I would have sent flowers and a note to the family. If you will, forward this too Betty so she can see how much i thought of her husband and my First Sgt. I will miss him and I regret that I never did get too see him, after we parted in Vietnam. I didn't get too see him but when i talked with other Vietnam vet's, I always brought his name up. If you remember at my first reunion, that was last year, in St. Louis, I asked you if Sgt. Cooley was coming and you told me he couldn't make it and I was really disappointed that I wouldn't get too see him.

Gary, please send this to Betty so she can see how well Sgt. Cooley was thought of, by me and the other men that served under him.

With sorrow and prayers to Sgt. Cooley's family, I send this.

Thanks' again Gary, for letting me know about this.

Sincerely, Donnie Raines




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bob_moberg

MAJOR ROBERT J. "MO" MOBERG

Click on Mo's name to visit the separate page created for him because of the many responses to news of his death.





Tubby in Viet Nam
Wolf Pack 1969 / 1970

DUANE "TUBBY" BRUDVIG

In the mid 1980's Tubby began searching out and locating former Intruders after which through phone calls and letters he compiled a roster with which he, with the help of Wes Schuster, organized a reunion. This reunion was held at Edwardsville, IL in October 1986. Three more reunions were to follow (see Newsletters).

Tubby is regarded as the "Father" of the 281st Assault Helicoper Company Association.





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Fred Mentzer
Wolf Pack 36 in 1967, Association President, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster for many years.

MAJOR FRED MENTZER




Al Junko
Third Commander of the 281st.

LTC AL JUNKO



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Bob Mitchell

Second President of the 281st AHC Association.

COL Bob Mitchell




Zorro

Executive Officer, 1967 - 1968.

MAJ Don "Zorro" Jutz




CSM Donald Joseph "D.J." Taylor, 5th SFG

A great soldier long ago and, recently, a great friend to the 28st AHC Association.
On that page, click remembrance to return here.



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WILLIAM "BILL" ABBOTT
RAMON ACEVEDO, Jr.
ROBERT F. ADAMS
CRAIG S. ALBEE
ROGER J. ALBERT
WILLIAM D. ALLEN III
WILLIAM HOLCOMB "BILL" ALLEN JR.
ALBERT R. ALVARADO, SR.
RAYMOND DALE ANDERSON
RICHARD MAXWELL "DICK" ARANN
JAMES O. "JIM" ATKINS
RAYMOND C. ATWELL
ROBERT C. AUSNESS
ROBERT P. AUSTERBERRY
PERNEL H. AVERY






CARL E. BADERSCHNEIDER
JAMES W. "Beetle" BAILEY
CHARLES E. G. "CHUCK" BAIRD
BILLY J. BAKER
EDWARD W. BAKER
RICHARD BAKER
JIMMY BARRAGAN
RICKLEF E. "RICK" BARRETT
WORLEY G. BAST
ROLAND S. BATO
WILLIAM B."BILL" BAUER
EUGENE H. BAXLEY
JEROME (Jerry) J. "Fred" BECK
GILLES D. BELANGER
JOHN L. BILYEU
DAVID BITLE
KENNETH W. BLACKWELL
JOHN BOLAS
FRANK OWEN BONNARENS
ALAN P. BOTSFORD
BENNY E. "BEN" BOYSEN
ELDON BRACK, Jr.
ROBERT T. BRADFORD
JAMES (JIM) BROWN
JIM BRUCE
DUANE "TUBBY" BRUDVIG
MAHLONE E. BUCKALEW
THOMAS P. "TOM" BUCKLEY
BOBBY D. BUMBALOUGH
DAVID A. BUTCHER
JAMES L. BYERS



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JOHN J. (JACK) CALLAGHAN
WESTON D. CALLENDER
ELMO JOHN CAPO Jr.
ALLEN M. CARTER
THOMAS CARTER
WILLIAM C. CARTER
GERALD A. CAREL
HAROLD e. CARTY, JR
JAMES EMMONS CARY
JOHN V. CASTELLO
JACKIE WAYNE "JACK" CLENDENON
NICHOLAS CLERICUZIO
LYNN F. COLEMAN
WILLIAM D. "BILL" CNOTA
ANTHONY (TONY) COLONNA
JB COOLEY
ROBERT M. COTEGUALA
JOHN M. CRAFT
GEORGE W. CROSSEN



RODDY G. "ROD" DARNELL
RONALD W. DAVIS
DAVID F. DEAN
 HERBERT L. DEGNER
WILLIAM E. DICK, SR.
KENETH E. DICKEY
GEORGE THOMAS DODD
ROBERT G. DOLEN
THEODORE JAMES "TED" DOLLOF
KENNETH LEON "Ken" DONALD
JOHN PAUL DONEY, SR
ARMAND DOSTIE
GARY DOWNEY
JAMES F. DOUGLAS
HARRY W. DOWNS
DONNIE N. DRAWDY
EDWARD W. "ED" DUKE
DALE ALLEN DUNBAR
LOUIS R. DUNCAN



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BOB EDDY
ROBERT K. EDGLEY
LARRY CHESTER ELAM
FRED ELLIS
GERRY ELLIS
LARRY WAYNE ELLIS
KENNETH R. EMBREY
FRANCISCO "Frankie" ESQUILIN-WALKER







MICHAEL T. FELLENZ -- "PACKER-MIKE"
CW4 JOEL DAVID FERGUSON
RAY FELTON
GARY A. FIELDS
DAVID M. FILLMORE
JOE B FOSTER
HARRY C. FOUGHT, Jr.
ROBERT J. "PETE" FRAZIER
WO4 FREDRICK "FRED" G. FUNK
ROBERT L. FUNKHOUSER
CHARLES J. FURCINITE



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RONALD OLIVER DON GADDIS
ARTHUR "ARTIE" GALLAGHER
RICARDO M. GARCIA 
DAVID E. GEHLING
ROBERT L. GEORGE
JAMES M. GHEZZI
JOHN W. GIBSON, III
JAMES A GILLETTE
ROOSEVELT GILLS
JOHNNIE BASKEL GILREATH, Jr.
BENNIE J. GOINS
GEORGE GOMEZ
JAMES G. GOOD
DONAL EUGENE GOODE
PAUL LEROY GRAFFE
DONALD L. GREEN
JOHN W."JACK" GREEN III
MICHAEL F. GREEN
ANDREW I. GREY, SR.
EFTYHIOS P. GRYFAKIS
STEVE GRIMSHAW
MANUEL "CHINIKE" GUTIERREZ, Jr.


DENNIS J. HABBEN
EVERDUS H. HACKETT
ALPHA GLYNN HALSTED
RICHIE HAMLIN
MICHAEL C. HANS
MICHAEL F. (MIKE) HARGIS
HANK HARPSTER
LAWRENCE "Larry" HARRIS, Sr.
WARREN "JAY" HAYS
CHARLES C. "Woody" HECK
ROBERT C. "BOB" HEH
BILL L. HELPINGSTINE
GEORGE P. HEWLETT
DON C. HILDEBRAND
HARVEY L. HINER
JAMES R. "PAPPY" HOLT
WILLIAM G. "BILL" HOLT
NORMAN THEODORE "NT" HOLCOMB
FRANK J. HOOD, Jr.
JOHN B. HOOD
ROBERT T. HOOKER
DAVID L. HOPKINS
GLENN HOSEY
DONALD RAY HOSKIN
HAROLD E. HOWELL
JAMES L. HOWLETT
PAUL HULL
CORBIN EUGENE HUMPHREYS




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FRANK VIC IAMS
RUSSELL G. "Greg" ISAACS
ROGER LADON IVEY


WILLIAM "BILL" JAMES
RONALD "RON" K. JAVINS
ROBERT A. JOHNSON
JODIE M. JOINER
JOHN E. JONES, Jr.
RUDOLPH JONES
ALLEN "AL" JUNKO
DONALD GEORGE "ZORRO" JUTZ



PHILLIP KARJENTA
ROBERT LEE "BOB" KATH
STEVEN F. KAY
JAMES E. "JIM" KERNS
JACKIE HOWARD KEELE
BELTON W. KING
LAWRENCE R. "LARRY" KITTS
JOSEPH THOMAS KOENIG
JOHN KORSBECK
JERRY L. KROECK
TRUBEE A. KROTHE
ALAN PETER "Big Al" KRUCK



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THOMAS CLAIBORNE "TOM" LAND
ALLAN LARSON
THOMAS LAWSON JR
RONALD C. "RON" LEE
PAUL JAMES LEONARD
GEORGE W. LITTLE
NEAL FRANK LOBIN  
EDMUNDO L. LOPEZ



JOE MacCARTNEY
WILLIAM T. "BILL" MacHARG
DANIEL J. MAGIERA
TED D. MAHURIN
STANLEY ARTHUR MARQUETTE
FRANK W . MARTIN
JOHNNY C. MARTIN
DAVID M. MAY
MICHAEL R. "MIKE" McKENZIE
ROBERT A. McMILLAN
WILLIAM (BILL) MEEHAN
THEODORE JAMES MEHL
FRED MENTZER
ANDREW J. MILLER
CARL E. MILLER
KENNETH ELLSWORTH MILLER
JOSEPH B. MILLIGAN
COLONEL ROBERT "BOB" MITCHELL
PAUL E. MITCHELL
ROBERT J. "MO" MOBERG
RAYMOND KENNETH MONCRIEF
VIERON FRANCES MONDRINOS
BILL MONTGOMERY
STANLEY J. (RUDY) MORUD
DONALD D. "DON" MUNDERBACK, Sr.
KEVIN E. MURPHY
RICHARD A. MURRY


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THEODORE J. "TED" NILSSEN
GERALD F. NOREAULT
JAMES NORRIS



NORBERTO RIEL "NORMAN" OBANA
BILLY J. O'BRYAN
GARY D. O'CONNOR
WILLIAM KENNETH "BILL" O'HARE, Jr.
COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR ROBERT (BOB) OHMES
LT. COL REINO O. "RAY" OKSA
GEORGE E. OLSEN
GARY M. OMDAHL
LARRY LEE OUVERSON




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RONALD G. PALASCAK
JOSEPH F. "JOE" PARNELL JR.
DANIEL g. "dANNY" PARR
DAVID E. PEACOCK
JOSEPH PAUL PEDONE
JACK E. PERRELL
WILLIAM A. "BILL" PERREN
TERREL "TERRY" K. PETERMAN
DANIEL PETERSON
PAUL NICHOLAS PETHIA
MICHAEL R. PHIPPS
THOMAS J. PLAGLIARINI
PAUL PODMAJERSKY
DOUGLAS T. POWELL
EARL C. POWELL
ROBERT B. PURVIS



DONALD RAINES
DAVID R. RAGANS
ALBERT G. RAMPONE II
AARON LYNN RICH
THOMAS B. RIDENHOUR
KENNETH G. RIGGS
EARL HARLAND ROARK
LAWRENCE ROBSON
JACK R. ROGERS
ALZONIA ROSEBORO




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JAMES SALADIN
HENRY "JAY" SALZMAN
LARRY R. SALZMAN
VIRGLE LEE SAMPLES
RUDOLF JURGEN SANGL
DAREL L. SCOTT
DOUG SCOTT
LT COL JACK WILLIAM SERIG JR
FRED SHANHART
RICHARD D. SHARP
PATRICK M. SHELEY
ESTESE N. SHIPES
ANDREW M. SIMON
DOUGLAS L. SIMPSON
BOBBY SINCLAIR
DANIEL W. SMITH
DONALD HAROLD SMITH
L.A. SMITH
TIMOTHY W. SOMODY
GARY THOMAS SOUTHWELL
EUGENE "GENE" STAGGS
GARY STAGMAN
BOBBIE LENVILLE STANFILL
JOHN T. STEPHENS
WALTER STOBE
DOUGLAS R. "DOUG" STOWE
THOMAS R. STUNDA
CARSON GLENN SUBER
JOESEPH "JOE" L. SULLIVAN JR
PAUL L. SWOL



THOMAS J. TAGGART
MILTON C. THOMAS
JOE B. THURSTON
JAMES R. "Mom" TORBERT
JOHNNY TURPIN



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LUCIUS THEODORE "TED" UNTALAN



THOMAS STEVE "RED" VANDEVENDER



SAMUEL M. WALL
JAMES A. WARREN
STEVE WATSON
LARRY W. WEBB
JOHN R. WEHR
FRANK WELCH
THOMAS JAMES WEST
KENNETH FRANCIS WILSON
WILLIAM O. WILSON
THOMAS H. WINGFIELD
PETER E. WITTING
JAMES MAYNARD WOLFE
MICHAEL JOSEPH WOLFE
RICHARD P. WOOD
JAMES AUSTIN WRIGHT



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Y

JOSEPH CALDWELL YEATER
RALPH YOUNG
ROGER A. YOUNG
JAMES K. YAMAMOTO


Z

NICKOLAS F. ZARA
LESLIE J. ZARCONE
PEDRO ZUNIGA


AN INTRUDER IS NOT DEAD UNTIL HE IS FORGOTTEN