During 1970 the Black Cats of Phu Loi continued to display the professionalism and esprit de corps that has become their trademark. There are many factors involved which have led to the reputation and record of accomplishment that the 213th presently enjoys.
Continued outstanding person-to-person working relationships with the units we support have always been of paramount importance to the efficient and effective accomplishment of our mission. Our sole reason for existence is to support, to the utmost of our ability, the man on the ground. The daily reports of mission accomplishment, professionalism and dedication of our flight crew are truly gratifying to me.
At times, we take for granted the most significant factor in the success of our unit, i.e. outstanding maintenance. Critically short of personnel and faced with the inherent difficulties of converting all aircraft from T55L-11 engines to T55L-7C engines, the maintenance section continued to supply mission aircraft with recommendable aircraft availability rate. These men are to be congratulated for their achievement, for without them our mission could not be accomplished.
The professionalism and esprit displayed by the Black Cats would make any commander proud to be part of such a superb unit and group of men. Consequently, I take great pride in extending my personal congratulations and a hearty "well done" to each Black Cat.
Billy V. SmithAll dates, orders and events indicated in this text were authenticated. All statements including facts, figures and percentages made in this text were verified either from conversation with responsible individuals or extracts from authenticated records.
The author has received all comments with prudence and feels there is no doubt as to their validity and accuracy.
Donald B. SkipperThe 213th Aviation Company was constituted 21 February 1941 in the Regular Army as Company E, 34th Quartermaster Regiment, and was activated 6 March 1941 at Langley Field, Virginia. Company E was redesignated on 10 January 1942 as the 841st Quartermaster Company and again redesignated on 19 Sept 1942 as the 2013th Quartermaster Truck Company, Aviation. During WWII the 2013th participated in the New Guinea, Leyte and Southern Philippines campaigns. The 2013th was inactivated 17 June 1946 in Loyon, Philippine Islands. On 1 August 1946 the 2013th was converted and redesignated as the 2013th Transportation Corps Truck Company. The 2013th was again converted and redesignated 23 March 1966 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
After extensive training in maintenance and operation of the CH-47 Chinook Helicopter, the unit was deployed to Vietnam in January of 1967, with the primary mission of supporting the 1st Infantry Division, and flew their first combat mission on 7 February 1967. Since their arrival in Vietnam, the Black Cats have flown all types of missions, i.e. combat assault, medical evacuation, gas drops, defoliation missions, flame bath drops, aircraft recoveries and normal resupply.
Currently based at Phu Loi, Republic of Vietnam, the 213th has received the Meritorious Unit Citation and two awards of the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm.
The crest of the 213th Aviation Company was derived from the 413th Squadron, a World War II Army Air Corps fighter-bomber squadron. The original crest presented a black cat on a bomb. On the present crest a black cat, back arched in anger, rides a CH-47 Chinook helicopter into battle.
Major Billy V. Smith, present commander of the 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company, enlisted in the Army in 1953 at Des Moines, Iowa. Since that time he has served in Korea, Germany and Vietnam.
Major Smith is a graduate of Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, where he received a Master of Public Administration degree. Major Smith graduated from flight school in May 1961 and is rated in both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. He has attended the Field Artillery Officer's Basic Course, the Army Aviation Safety Officer's Course, the Field Artillery Officer's Career Course and the Aviation Safety Engineering Research Course.
One of the original members of the Black Cats of Phu Loi, Major Smith joined the unit in August of 1966 at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he helped form, train and transport the 213th to Vietnam. One of the Black Cats' first operational aircraft commanders, Major Smith flew combat missions for eight months, logging over 1,000 combat sorties. During his first tour with the 213th Major Smith served as Movement Control Officer, Construction Officer and Operations Officer.
Major Smith holds a Senior Army Aviator's rating. His decorations include the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with "V" and 9 oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with "V" and one oak leaf cluster and the Vietnamese Honor Medal.
The mission of the 213th Aviation Company is to provide tactical airlift of troops and supplies in combat service support and combat support operations. The 213th has been placed in direct habitual support of the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, II Field Forces Artillery, 1st Calvary Division (Airmobile) and the 2nd Brigade 25th Infantry Division.
The first quarter of 1970 was a rather calm one for the Black Cats. There was an increase in the demand for support, but encounters with hostile fire were reduced.
On 1 January the first problem of the year arose for CW2 Roy Davis and CPT Harold Winters, pilots of 814. With a fire in his #1 engine and transmission losing oil on the #2 engine, they made an emergency landing at Lai Khe. It wasn't as bad as it seemed by the cockpit indications, but it certainly deserves a well done.
On 22 January the only hostile fire of the quarter was received by CW2 Steve Tucker and WO1 John Hutchinson while supporting the 199th light Infantry Brigade near Dinh Quan. While hovering over a load taking PAX on through the hole in an area unsuitable for landing, the aircraft came under fire from small automatic weapons. CW2 Tucker, a well seasoned gun pilot from his last tour in Vietnam, was quick to reset and escaped with only minor damage to the aircraft. Several rounds hit the aircraft and one hit the left gunner SP4 Michael Zaciewski who was later treated at Phu Loi.
January 31st was the beginning of some unusual activity at Phu Loi. For the first time in months Phu Loi received incoming rounds. At 1900 hours three rockets landed near the control tower and two fell short of the perimeter. At about 2040 the red alert was over and no more action occurred.
The new "Super" model Chinooks make up the biggest part of our February news. With the coming of 022 and 100, a great deal of work developed for the unit IPs as well as for maintenance. Everyone had to be checked out in the operations with the L11 engines. Classes were given and checkouts by CW2 Jackson, CW2 Smith and CW2 Aiken, the company IPs.
The TET holiday was a cause for some excitement during February. A reasonable amount of changes in guard status and a few practice alerts were conducted to prepare for any offensive which might be launched during this period.
March was indeed a peaceful time at Phu Loi. Daily missions were flown in support of our regular units. Almost all of the 1st Division had moved, and now much of our time goes to II Field Force Artillery.
During March the Black Cats participated in some gas drops while supporting the 199th Light Infantry Brigade West of Xuan Loc. The operation was designed to burn away the dense foliage and expose enemy positions. The overall results were quite good, and we expect more of this type mission in the future.
The second quarter of 1970 was one the Black Cats won't soon forget. Increased action and poor weather has really tested our professionalism.
On 6 April, Black Cat 022, piloted by MAJ Robert L. Braddock and WO1 Mike Davenport, was taken under fire by a .51 Cal. position Northeast of Song Be. Although they were at 4, 000 feet one round found it's target, entering the aircraft just above the left gunner's window. A close investigation revealed no severe damage so the mission was continued.
CW2 James Smith and WO1 Dick Adams found themselves working late on the 8th of April when a recovery mission was passed at 2230. It was 0200 9 April before the area was secure enough for them to attempt to recover the UH-1 which had been shot down in the dense jungle East of Bear Cat. Hovering at treetop level for the hookup men to connect the downed aircraft with only the the light ship they successfully recovered the UH-1.
On 5 May Black Cat 010, piloted by CW2 Bill Jackson and WO1 Bob Eagleton was called off of their regular missions to recover a CH-47 which was down inside Cambodia. After an unsuccessful first attempt they flew around until they had burned enough fuel off to lift the other Chinook.
If Charlie were a better shot he could have scored some hits on the 5th, but fortunately he isn't. While 5 Black Cat aircraft were on the ground at Quan Loi waiting for contact at their LZ to lighten, several rounds of mortar fire came in. Our aircraft received no damage and the missions were continued.
On the 12th of May the 213th Aviation Company had the annual AGI inspection. All sections of the company were inspected and found to be in good shape. Preparations for the AGI were started after the previous one so that there were few deficiencies on this year's inspection.
CW2 Dennis Gavin and CW4 Sable had an engine fire on 022 the 16th of May. Quick action on the part of the pilots extinguished the fire and the aircraft was landed safely at Ham Tan.
During the month of May we have had many days of bad weather. Low ceilings and poor visibility create hazards that hamper our operations as well as making us better targets. So far we have been lucky, and we hope for better weather soon.
The Black Cats celebrated their Unit Day with a company pool party. June 1st is our Unit Day and the food, beer and fun that goes with it makes it a memorable day for all. Noteworthy of the activity were the impromptu dips in the pool that everyone experienced, regardless of intent to do so.
On 1 June an aircraft piloted by WO1 Hutchinson and WO1 Fountain made a medevac of a CH-47 crew near FSB Ready. The aircraft was shot down and three of the crewmembers were wounded. Responding to the beep of the emergency radio Black Cat 546 pulled the crew out and took them to the hospital at Song Be. We're always ready to give assistance to our 1st Cav buddies.
On June 13 a formation of six Black Cat aircraft returned from Quan Loi, making a pass over Phu Loi at 1000 feet. It was an uncommon scene and one no camera bug could miss.
June 15th was an unfortunate day for 022. After approaching a new FSB in Cambodia a lot of trash from the freshly Rome plowed area blew up into the blades causing damage to the forward blades. Fortunately the aircraft was landed safely and there was no other damage.
It would seem that 022 was just prone to bad luck, for it wasn't but a week later, 25 June, until more trouble occurred:
While hovering to pick up an armored personnel carrier at FSB Colorado the #1 engine on 022 blew up. The aircraft came down on the load, rolled on it's side and burned. The aircraft commander CW2 Dave McDowell escaped with only a broken leg. The pilot, after being pulled from the burning wreckage by 11th ACR personnel, was treated for facial lacerations and taken to Cam Ranh Bay for some special therapy. Both are back with us now. All of the EM crew escaped without injury. We are thankful that our entire crew was saved from the wreckage and are extremely grateful for the heroism of the members of the 11th ACR responsible for saving WO Fountain's life.
On 3 July the Black Cats said farewell to MAJ Robert L. Braddock and welcomed CPT Gilbert K. Jenkins during a change of command ceremony in which CPT Jenkins received the company guidon, Black Cat patch and the Black Cat mascot. Cpt Jenkins was a former member of the 205th Geronimos, and his experience has already helped to improve our operations. Under CPT Jenkins' guidance the Black Cats look forward to six months more of productivity in contributing to the overall efforts in Vietnam.
During the third quarter of 1970, with the ending of operations in Cambodia, there was a decrease in contact with the enemy; but the deterioration of weather conditioning more than compensated for this decrease.
In many cases, aircraft came under fire while flying low due to poor weather conditions. Despite these many days of bad weather, the Black Cats continued to complete their assigned missions in a skillful manner. July and August were busy months for the Black Cats, as they worked throughout the III Military Region. September, with the grounding of the "Super C" Chinooks found our work lead cut considerably.
On 20 July, while flying North of Ham Tan, a Black Cat ship piloted by CW2 Hutchinson and WO1 Hesse came under small arms fire. There were no injuries, and damage to the aircraft was limited to one hit on a forward rotor blade.
On 10 August, the Black Cats had two aircraft caught in a mortar attack at Fire Support Base Mace. One aircraft, piloted by 1LT Richardson and WO1 Foist was sitting in POL, while the second ship, piloted by WO1 Frazier and CPT Garfield, was in the process of dropping off a load at the Mace resupply pad. As WO1 Frazier and CPT Garfield were releasing their load, mortar rounds began to hit the area. Quick action on the part of the crews of both aircraft enabled both ships to quickly depart the area undamaged.
While enroute between Song Be and Bu Dop with an external load on 12 August, a ship piloted by CW2 Hutchinson and WO1 Snyder came under heavy small arms fire. Quick reaction on the part of both pilots and the crew enabled the aircraft to be removed from the concentration of enemy fire while suffering only three hits and no major damage.
On 26 August, while running resupply missions to Fire Support Base Crow in bad weather, a Black Cat aircraft piloted by WO1 Fountain and WO1 Faught came under a burst of .51 caliber automatic weapon fire. SP4 Jacob, the gunner, immediately returned the fire, allowing the aircraft to depart the area without receiving a hit. Once clear of the area, WO1 Fountain called in an artillery strike to the area.
On 8 September, a ship piloted by WO1 Fountain and WO1 Howard came under small arms fire while moving heavy equipment from LZ Buzzard to LZ Banger. The aircraft took one round through the bottom right former; there were no injuries to the crew.
September 16th is a date which will long live in the memories of the Black Cats of Phu Loi. In the late morning on the 16th, aircraft number 100, piloted by WO1 Young and WO1 Burns, caught fire and crashed at Tay Ninh. The crew heard an explosion and then saw flames coming from the rear of the aircraft. WO1 Young took complete control of the situation and started an emergency descent. Despite the intense heat and smoke, WO1 Young remained in control of the aircraft until, about ten feet above the ground, the aircraft no longer responded to his control movements. The aircraft hit the ground in a nose high attitude and rolled over. The two pilots and the crew cheif received burns, while the door gunner received a head injury. The flight engineer, SP4 Bodish, was fatally injured. Four men owe their lives to the quick and decisive action taken by WO1 Young. His actions bring credit upon himself and the 213th Aviation Company.
This incident has brought about the grounding of all "Super C" model Chinooks in the world. As can well be imagined, our work load has been greatly cut.
On 5 October 1970, at 2030 hours, CPT Charles Tackett and CPT Robert Boswell were called out on a fire bucket mission. Within minutes they were airborne and enroute to Duc Hoa, where an ammo bunker was burning out of control. When they arrived, they were advised by ground personnel that the expolding ammo had a maximum ordinant of 1500-2000 Ft. and suggested that water drops should be made from no less than 2000 feet. CPT Tackett and CPT Boswell realized that water drops from that altitude would be ineffective, and that they would have to go low level. After making passes for an hour and a half at 50 feet the fire was contained enough so that the ground forces could take over. The crew, SP5 Larry Breckman, SP4 Patrick Halsey and PFC Hugh Parmenter played an important part in the success of the mission by guiding the pilots over the fire and keeping the ship clear of obstacles despite the thick smoke and intense heat.
2LT Walton was on a CH-47 training mission with CW2 Richard Adams on 8 October 1970 when, at 500 feet on final approach to Phu Loi, the number two engine failed, and due to a power surge on the number one engine the bleed band opened, causing complete loss of power. LT Walton autorotated to the airfield and landed with no damage to the aircraft. LT walton was presented the Army Broken Wing Award for his display of extraordinary skill, judgement and technique.
The Black Cats said farewell to CPT Gilbert K. Jenkins on 26 October 1970 and welcomed Major Billy V. Smith during a change of command ceremony in the 213th maintenance area. Major Smith received the company guidon, Black Cat patch and the Black Cat mascot from LTC Kemp, 11th Bn Commander. Major Smith is a former Black Cat and his experience and leadership will help to maintain the Black Cat tradition of professionalism, and a continued drive for improvement.
The Black Cats received another fire bucket mission on 10 November 1970. WO1 Kenneth Howard and CPT Phillip Riester were alerted at 2145 and minutes later were enroute to an American compound ner Ben Luc, where an ammo bunker was burning. After a few passes over the fire the fire bucket malfunctioned. Speedy analysis of the situation by SP5 Harlis Groce, the crew chief, indicated that the problem was a faulty quick disconnect on the hydraulic lines to the buckets. Despite the extremely hot fluid spraying from the high pressure line, SP5 Groce physically held the quick disconnect in place for the duration of the mission.
On 10 December 1970, the 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company was placed under the command of the 269th Aviation Battalion.
On Christmas day 1970 the 213th had the honor of transporting the entire Bob Hope Christmas show from Bien Hoa Air Base to Long Binh. Aboard Black Cat 546, piloted by CPT Randy Richardson and WO1 Charles Foist, were Bob Hope, Les Brown, Gloria Loring, Lola Falana and Miss Bobbie Martin. Black Cat 101, carrying the "Gold Diggers", Johnny Bench, the "Ding-A-Lings" and Les Brown's Band was flown by CPT Charles Tackett and WO1 Edward Faught.
The last night of the year, New Year's Eve, was no holiday for CW2 Richard Adams and WO1 Daniel Leach. They were "Scrambled" on a fire bucket mission at 1930 hours to extinguish a blaze just North of FSB Bandit, and were hovering over a water landing point to fill the buckets when both pilots heard a loud explosion. The crew reported that they were receiving fire and CW2 Adams immediately pulled in power to get clear of the area. His quick action prevented injury to the crew or damage to the aircraft.
The 213th Avn Co continued to provide support to St. Joseph's Leprosarium throughout the year 1970. Regular donation of medical supplies and equipment was made on a monthly basis.
Each newly assigned aviator was given an in-country orientation and individual instruction on aviation techniques peculiar to the combat environment of Vietnam. Every 90 days, each assigned aviator was given a check ride by a unit instructor pilot or the unit standardization pilot to insure that his operator of the aircraft was in accordance with current safety regulations and operating procedures.
A comprehensive check ride was given to an individual before he was designated as an aircraft commander in order to insure that he possessed the knowledge, ability and sound judgment necessary to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities of their important position.
Maintenance is the seldom noticed, most often criticized, and hardest working portion of an aviation company. Despite the hardships encountered daily, Black Cat maintenance provided an average of 80.3% aircraft availability rate for the first quarter of calendar year 1970. With almost all the old aircraft requiring the time consuming 12th P.E., the new " full C" problem and a shortage of personnel, the men of maintenance continued to provide mission ready aircraft.
During the second quarter of calendar year 1970 maintenance was placed under the greatest strain in the history of the 213th. Shortages of manpower, poor working conditions, problems with the new T55-L11 engines and the increased action in Cambodia placed tremendous strain on our maintenance personnel. despite all the handicaps they faced, maintenance kept the Black Cats up when other units were down. The 213th pulled sorties for " Cranes" because they just couldn't keep flying.
All of the maintenance activity during the last half of the year centered around the conversion of the "C" model aircraft with L11 engine to "C" models with L-7C engine. The conversion was completed with a minimum of stress on aircraft availability which remained high. An 11 man team arrived from Boeing Vertol and within 3 weeks time the 9 aircraft requiring the MWO were operational. With the return of these 9 aircraft to operational ready status, our availability rate again rose into the "eighties". This can be directly attributed to the untiring efforts of the flight crews, maintenance sections, allied shops and the quality control section, all of whom worked long tedious hours together to insure the mission readiness of our aircraft.
As the last quarter drew to a close, the scarcity of aircraft parts became our primary concern. With the redeployment of many units to CONUS, the supply channels are unable to supply aircraft parts as readily as in the past. Maintenance was faced with more cancelled requisitions and a growing AIMI item list which made procurement of parts an almost insurmountable obstacle. Through the untiring efforts of the Tech Supply section, however, the needed parts were always procured.
Throughout 1970 maintenance did an outstanding job of providing mission ready aircraft despite the overwhelming problem handicaps and hardships encountered. Through their untiring efforts the men of maintenance have upheld an outstanding aircraft availability rate.
The following is a list of construction projects that have been completed, are in progress, and those proposed during 1970:
An average of 14 quotas were alloted to the 213th during each month of 1970. Based on this figure, an average of 4 officers and 10 enlisted men departed monthly on an out-of-country R& R. A total of 148 men utilized the R& R program during 1970.
The following awards were submitted for the year 1970:
| Submitted | Received | |
|---|---|---|
| Distinguished Flying Cross | 22 | 11 |
| Bronze Star Medal with " V" Device | 0 | 0 |
| Bronze Star Medal | 60 | 39 |
| Air Medal with " V" Device | 4 | 15 |
| Air Medal | 147 | 169 |
| Army Commendation Medal with " V" Device | 2 | 38 |
| Army Commendation Medal | 319 | 234 |
| Purple Heart | 4 | 2 |
| Broken Wing Award | 1 | 1 |
| Totals | 559 | 509 |
| 1LT Curtis Challberg | 22 August 1969 |
| WO1 Barrett Brown | 22 August 1969 |
| SP5 Michael Beat | 22 August 1969 |
| SP5 Aurthur Johnson | 22 August 1969 |
| SP4 Robert Ketelaar | 22 August 1969 |
| SP4 Moses Kuahiwinwi | 22 August 1969 |
| SP4 James R. Bodish | 16 September 1970 |