DAVID ANTOL
DAVID ANTOL
32E/29
REMEMBRANCES
Remembering An American Hero
As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.
May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.
With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir
Curt Carter
Crash Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H tail number 66-16154
On December 20, 1967, a UH-1H from the 168th Assault Helicopter Company was being used to deliver LZ cutting equipment. At 120 foot hover while the tools were being lowered by rope, the aircraft’s tail rotor struck a tree, causing the helicopter to crash and burn. One crewman, crew chief PFC David Antol, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. Three of the other four crewmen were injured. Two passengers also lost their lives in the crash: LTC Glen D. Belnap and SMAJ Herbert Roberts Jr. The LTC on board was from 3rd Bde 4th Inf. He had taken PFC Antol's helmet to talk with the aircraft commander while they were landing, leaving no way to clear the tail rotor on the left. As a result of this incident, rules were changed regarding letting anyone use crew helmets during flight. [Taken from vhpa.org]
