Post by tomsfriend on Jan 6, 2016 9:59:58 GMT -6
My friend Thomas R King died piloting a Huey on Dec 16, 1967, hill 1000, on take-off FB6, 5 west of Dak To, Kontum. Two others of the passengers and crew died, the balance injured per the archives. Tom and I were very close. I learned of his death Christmas Day that year. I was devastated. As a widow now, some 49 years later, this holiday I spent in Washington visiting family, connecting to the past (we knew each other since 6th grade) and a poignant last date there. For the first time I went to the wall and found him. Just couldn't do it previously-- I was so moved and grateful for the experience, I set about researching and learning things I never knew about the war, finding his family (I have photographs and letters still they may wish to see) and feeling that, somehow, I connected to Tom again in a new way.
I have been unable to learn the specifics of his crash save the archival shorthand that doesn't help a non-military lady. The local VA Commander, also a pilot, helped me understand what a Short Shaft Failure was. But the complimentary cause was just "weapons"---not sure what that means. He wasn't either. Also primary cause listed as A/C failure. So, I continue to search for an elusive understanding of what really happened that day and how they died. Just a quest of sorts that I can't explain. I just want to know.
I've looked up the 170th AHC, 52nd CAB, 17th CAG-Bikini 25, on the database for virtual wall, pilots association and now found this site. I am grateful for the connection and to find that this network exists. Any suggestions or answers appreciated.
I have been unable to learn the specifics of his crash save the archival shorthand that doesn't help a non-military lady. The local VA Commander, also a pilot, helped me understand what a Short Shaft Failure was. But the complimentary cause was just "weapons"---not sure what that means. He wasn't either. Also primary cause listed as A/C failure. So, I continue to search for an elusive understanding of what really happened that day and how they died. Just a quest of sorts that I can't explain. I just want to know.
I've looked up the 170th AHC, 52nd CAB, 17th CAG-Bikini 25, on the database for virtual wall, pilots association and now found this site. I am grateful for the connection and to find that this network exists. Any suggestions or answers appreciated.