THE WALL OF FACES

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Rest in peace with the warriors.

Crew members included CPT Charles S. Abel (KIA), WO1 Edwin R. Higgins (KIA), SP4 Kenneth R. Bertsch (KIA), and AN Roger D. Childers (KIA). Airman Childers was Navy personnel, training as a gunner with the 68th. The 'Top Tigers' were called upon to supply a platoon and a heavy fire team to support a classified operation. Was 1 of 2 gunships escorting 5 slicks with troops. Landing zone was missed because of weather. The flight attempted return to base when they became separated in heavy rain. Flight 088 seen slowing and entering trees with the aircraft settled thru tree. Conditions of low ceiling, heavy rain, ground fog, and poor visibility contributed to the accident. Aircraft and crew were initially reported as missing in action. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Kenneth is buried at The Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, OH.

Kenneth was a brave American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and the people of the Republic of Vietnam whom he went to help. His service and sacrifice will always be remembered by his family and his fellow unit members.

Kenneth was a member of the 68th Assault Helicopter Company “Top Tigers” who proudly server in the Republic of Vietnam from 1964 to 1972 . To see a dedication to this unit member go to the web site dedicated to the unit at www.68thahc.com and click on the menu area “In Memory” and the member’s name.

If you have any photos of this fallen hero please contact the website webmasters to have those photos listed on the website under their name.

Thank you for your service
We will never forget you and your sacrifice

David Green
Crew Chief 68th AHC