THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Dear WO John Whittington, Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 6th Day of Christmas, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

On October 28, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C (tail number 66-15129) from the 57th Assault Helicopter Company crashed after takeoff from Dak To Base Camp in Kontum Province, RVN. One crewman and four passengers were killed in the incident. The aircraft reportedly commenced flight in a standard-type traffic pattern but did not climb due to artillery being fired from the base. Near the eastern end of the airstrip, the pilot made a 180-degree right-hand turn for the purpose of low-level flight parallel and north of the airstrip. While traveling at 60-70 knots of airspeed, the helicopter fell to the ground, its skids making contact for about 100 feet. The pilot abruptly pulled up, causing the main rotors to flex and shear off the tail boom. The aircraft then spun three complete revolutions in the air before impacted with the ground where it immediately burst into flames. The four lost passengers were the crew of a gun truck called Mighty Minny from the 64th Transportation Company. They included SP5 Gary A. Best, SP4 Charles F. Gamble Jr., SP5 Donald L. Neeley, and SP5 Barrent O. Torgerson. The aircraft commander, WO1 John H. Whittington, was critically burned and medically evacuated to the U.S. Army’s burn center at the 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan, where he died four weeks later on November 24, 1969. Two other crewmen, the pilot and gunner, survived with injuries. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

i remember mr Whittington very well. I was the crew chief on his aircraft the day the accident happened. he was one of the greatest pilots I ever flew with. we were good friends and had a lot of fun together. even after all these years I still miss him very much. he will always be in my mimories and my thoughts. to his family , im very sorry for your loss. he was a good man and officer and also a friend. god bless his soul.