More detail on this person: Maj. Vaughn Roy
West died Sunday, February 7, 2010. He was born
in Hettinger, North Dakota and retired in
Villages, Florida. He served in the Army for 21
years. His service included tours in Korea,
Vietnam and Germany. As a Sergeant he served
with the 2nd Combat Engineers, attached to the
2nd Infantry Division that took heavy casualties
during the withdrawal (advancing to the rear as he
called it) from North Korea along the Yalu River
during the winter of 1950. Hiding during the day
and traveling in groups of 3 to 10 men at night
with little or no rations, he was able to avoid
being captured. He rejoined the 8th Army below the
38th parallel.
In 1956 Vaughn applied for and was accepted for
helicopter school, graduating in Class ACHPC "J"
at Camp Rucker, Alabama. He later became an
instructor in several helicopters, including the
first twin engine helicopters, the Mojave H-37. He
had a tour with the 4th Transportation Company in
Germany, and then in 1965 he went to Nha Trang,
Vn to command the 339th (3 - H-37's) Recovery
Platoon. Landing at Dalat with a blown jug and
forced to stay overnight. "Charlie" came on the
airfield and put a satchel charge in the downed
bird reducing his inventory to 2 antique H-37"s.
Vaughn said "They did us a favor, it had most of
our shortages onboard". In 1968 Vaughn returned to
Vietnam and served in the 605 TC Company as a
dual rated pilot he flew throughout Vietnam.
After retiring, Vaughn was associated with the
John Deere Company in Virginia Beach, VA. He
was a member of the American Legion Post #347,
VHPA, 4th Transportation Co., Korean Vets
Alliance and Old Aviators Association.
Survivors include daughters Holly West, Tricia
Firestone and sons Randall and Michael. Online
condolences may be left at
www.gankspagetheus.com
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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