RICKENBACKER ERNEST W

CW4 Ernest "Rick" W. Rickenbacker was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 09/13/2008 at the age of 64.0 from Cancer
Greenbrier, AR
Flight Class 71-7
Date of Birth 09/14/1944
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/2/20 ARA 1 CAV in 71, F/79 ARA 1 CAV in 71, 3 BDE 1 CAV in 71-72
Call sign in Vietnam BLUE MAX 22
This information was provided by Son

More detail on this person: Ernest "Rick" "Fast Eddie" Rickenbacker (Blue Max 22), 63, of Greenbrier, son of the late Ernest W. and Thesee (Kantsos) Rickenbacker, passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008.

Ernest W. Rickenbacker September 14, 1944 - September 13, 2008

Ernest "Rick" Rickenbacker, 63, of Greenbrier Arkansas, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2008. In 1971-72 he was an aircraft commander and instructor pilot in F Battery 79th Aerial Rocket Artillery, 3d Bde Sep 1st Cav. His awards were the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak leaf cluster , a rack of Air medals, the Purple Heart and an Army commendation medal with V.

One of his greatest acts did not receive an award, but the lifelong respect of his peers. On October 12th, 1971 he saved the life of his copilot. In Jim MacLachlan, Blue Max 26's, words: "Rick gave me the "gift" of life on Oct.12th of 1971 by dragging me out of a burning Cobra. I have lived every day since with that thought top-of-mind... and I have strived to do it in a manner that would make Rick proud. I am not aware of Rick sharing the details of Oct 12th... he just didn't seem to weigh the risk of leaving his position of safety to return to the burning a/c to pull me out. Later he would recall that he t ought I was dead from the initial "hits", but saw my head move and ran back to the Cobra and into the fire to pull me out of the cockpit. He had to have known the risk he was taking, and if not, the immediate xplosions of rockets, fuel and ammo were a reminder to us both as we huddled behind a large ant hill. He then left me with his 38 cal pistol and headed through the jungle, unarmed, towards the LZ to find help. It had to be a pretty lonely feeling with two NVA Divisions in the area. Rick was the first to visit me in the hospital and, because my eyes were swollen shut, he sat there and held my hand while we talked. For someone so young, he was already a great man and an awesome pilot. I often reflect on that tour and regret that I wasn't able to finish my tour with Blue Max.... but I'll miss most flying those missions with "Fast Eddie"... and I'll always cling to that special "gift" he gave me on Oct. 12th, 1971.

He was a loving husband, father, grand ther, and brother. His son followed his lead flying OH 58Ds During Rick's 23 years in the U.S. Army, he was an accomplished Air Traffic Controller, Paratrooper, Master Parachute Rigger, Combat Aviator , and Flight Instructor. Due to his great skill and knowledge in the field of aviation, the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) presented him with the award of Aviator of the Year in 1979. In addition to his distinguished military career, he was also a retired manager of the Apache Program, Boeing Aerospace Corporation. In his private life, he was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Scottish rite, flew competitive aerobatics, champion archer, gifted artist, musician, professional angler, avid motorcyclist, and participant in the Patriot Guard. He was a true patriot who supported his brothers and sisters in arms until his last breath. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, Arkansas.

My own "Reunion" with Rick after almost 35 yrs. was special. Other than the grey hair and center of gravity "shift" for us both, VN-1971 could have been yesterday. Rick had actually "tracked" me over the yrs. and we just missed connecting at least twice. That's just the way Rick was. So it was really important to me visiting Rick and in a very personal way thank him profusely for the "gift" of life he gave me on Oct.12th of 1971 by dragging me out of that burning Cobra. I have lived every day since with that thought top-of-mind... and I have strived to do it in a manner that would make Rick proud. I am not aware of Rick sharing the details of Oct 12th... he just didn't seem to weigh the risk of leaving his position of safety to return to the burning a/c to pull me out. Later he would recall that he thought I was dead from the initial "hits", but saw my head move and ran back to the Cobra and into the fire to pull me out of the cockpit. He had to have known the risk he was taking, and if not, the immediate explosions of rockets, fuel and ammo were a reminder to us both as we huddled behind a large ant hill. He then left me with his 38 cal pistol and headed through the jungle, unarmed, towards the LZ to find help. It had to be a pretty lonely feeling with two NVA Divisions in the area. Eddie was the first to visit me in the hospital and, because my eyes were swollen shut, he sat there and held my hand while we talked. For someone so young, he was already a great man and an awesome pilot. I often reflect on that tour and regret that I wasn't able to finish my tour with Blue Max.... but I'll miss most flying those missions with "Fast Eddie"... and I'll always cling to that special "gift" he gave me on Oct. 12th, 1971.

From: Jim MacLachlan Blue Max 26

I was mentored by this great American, both in Vietnam and later in flight school. I became a better officer and soldier because of the interest he shown a crewchief. Heaven will be a better place for him. For the family, the darkness of his passing can be well illuminated by the many who loved him and those he touched. Thank you for sharing this patriot. From my family to yours, may God hold you closely during this time... "Pockets"

From: Dean E. Doudna

On October 11, 1971, I awoke in Sandpoint, Idaho, to find that an unseasonably early blizzard had struck. It was an unusual event for an unusual day. It was the day that I was to drive to Spokane, Washington to catch a flight which would take me to Travis AFB, California, my departure point for my second tour in Vietnam.

As I drove to Spokane with my wife, Mary, we heard an hourly network news report. During those days, little was being reported of activities in Vietnam. If there was a report, one could fairly reliably guess that the subject would be negative. Indeed, it was. I had just finished flight school followed by a Cobra transition course, and I was being assigned to Vietnam as a Cobra pilot. The news report informed that an Army Cobra with two on board had been shot down in Tay Ninh Province, near the Cambodian border. Knowing nothing of the people involved, my only reaction was a nervousness about the fact that I would, at the end of my current travels, be in the same environment. It was a report that I'd rather not have heard.

A few days later, I found myself assigned to F Battery, 79th Artillery, 3rd Brigade (Separate), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). When I arrived there, I learned that the crash which I'd heard about while driving to Spokane had occurred in my new unit. The people who told me about what had happened spoke admirably of the pilot of the helicopter.

It has been many years, but I recall that they told me of how "Fast Eddie" Rickenbacker had, after crash landing his helicopter and finding his helicopter on fire, moved to a position where he could remove his co-pilot/gunner, Jim MacLachlan, from the aircraft. This was complicated by the fact that MacLachlan was seriously injured. Upon removing Jim from the aircraft, Fast Eddie was able to move both himself and MacLachlan behind a dirt mound as all the weapons systems "cooked off" in the aircraft fire. Rickenbacker gave MacLachlan his pistol and went looking for help. Jim MacLachlan was rescued by an Infantry patrol that approached from a different path than that taken by Rickenbacker. Rickenbacker was spotted by ground surveillance radar and picked up by a Medivac helicopter. MacLachlan was evacuated to continental U.S.

Fast Eddie quickly returned to flight status and completed his tour. His tour ended after the Blue Max became engaged in a battle at An Loc, one of the most difficult Army Aviation environments of the entire Vietnam War. During his tour, he continued to distinguish himself with skill and courage.

I first met him one day on the flight line. He was in the process of painting a hat in a ring on the fuselage of his aircraft. I didn't understand the significance of this, but I later learned that it was a reference to the "Hat in the Ring Squadron" commanded by Eddie Rickenbacker in World War I. I figured that Fast Eddie, having had his "baptism of fire" had symbolically thrown his "hat in the ring."

Years later, in 1995, in Houston, I met and became friends with a retired Army Aviator by the name of Ron Timberlake. As I became acquainted with Ron, we talked of places we'd been and people we'd known. Ron had a special fondness and respect for a fellow that he'd known both in Germany and at Fort Campbell, "Fast Eddie" Rickenbacker. Those who knew Ron will know that he did not accord his respect and fondness lightly. It was a special compliment for Ron to speak highly of another pilot.

In recent years, I've re-involved myself with my West Point classmates from the Class of 1966. This involvement has been manifest mostly in participation in a class forum on line. When Ron Carpenter, one of my classmates, learned that I'd served with the Blue Max, he immediately asked if I'd known Rick Rickenbacker. When I answered that I had, he related to me his profound respect and friendship that he'd had with Fast Eddie while working at McDonnell Douglas in Mesa, Arizona.

I have had the pleasure of seeing Fast Eddie only twice since we served together in Vietnam. I've been impressed by what he's accomplished, but mostly, I've been moved by what I saw as just a very nice person, one of those rare people with whom, when you meet them, you know that you are safe. You know that you can trust this person. You know that this person will give of himself without your asking. Besides seeing Fast Eddie rarely over the years, I've also had occasional telephone conversations with him. You could tell in the way he talked about others that here was a person who saw the good in everyone. He elevated everyone. He was a good person to spend time with.

My path with Fast Eddie is a long one with many long gaps. It is connected, however, in the knowledge that I've been blessed to know such a person, a good person, a hero in battle, but, more importantly, a hero in life. None of us will ever achieve a higher accolade.

From: Mike Brown Bluemax 36 (1971-1972)

Mike, Thank you for sharing those thoughts. This is a great message to add my deep respect for "Fast Eddie" and his family. He is a true Patriot and Hero. His leadership and professionalism in Vietnam were truly remarkable. One of our last opportunities to visit was at Ft. Bragg where we gathered to thank and visit with the new Blue Max as they readied for the first tour in Afghanistan. The words that "Fast Eddie" shared with this new generation were inspiring. After the unit returned from Afghanistan, they sponsored a little league baseball team and the largest supporter for uniforms was "Fast Eddie". I keep Blue Max and all associated in my prayers and ask that we do the same for each other, especially Jackie and her family. Respectfully, Larry McKay, Blue Max 6

Fire Support Base Pace was located at the junction of highway QL 22 and the Cambodian border. That's where the Ho Chi Minh Trail turned from Cambodia to Vietnam.

Rick Rickenbacker and Jim MacLachlan were shot down across QL 13 from FSB Pace. At that time, we were all flying from Tay Ninh to cover the extraction of FSB Pace. There was tremendous enemy activity in the area - heavy anti-aircraft, some radar controlled anti-aircraft and perhaps two divisions of NVA.

The day before Fast Eddie and Jim were shot down ...

Larry McKay and several of us went for a situation briefing to prepare for the next day extraction. During that briefing, a request for fire support came from FSB Pace. Bill Baskett, Warren Chunn, Bob Knight and I bounced. Pace was taking a great deal of accurate mortar fire. We shot the mortar crew and turned to head back to Tay Ninh. A 23 mm cannon round went through Bill and Warren's engine compartment. Knight and I took a hit in the nose turret, which yanked the helicopter about 30 degrees left. Big flame. As its bright orange tracers passed us, Knight spotted the 23 mm cannon. I dove on the gun but all weapons were inop and the cockpit filled with smoke. Bill Baskett destroyed the 23 mm, and everything in the area, before it could get Knight and me.

At Tay Ninh, Bill's Cobra was red X'd. They fixed my rocket system. Turned out the cockpit smoke was from wire insulation in the armament system catching fire. My helicopter was flyable but the turret weapons remained inop. The next day, Rick and Jim were to escort the battalion Huey as it laid smoke to cover the extraction. I recall Rick said they were behind the smoke ship, at 800 feet and descending when they took about fifteen 51 cal hits. Rick went into the trees, put it down laying to one side and burning. We listened to all this from our radio in Tay Ninh. All other unit Cobras were on this extraction mission. Blue Max Cobras stayed on station as long as possible. Then, we got a call to go replace the Blue Max ships on station. Baskett and Chunn had a B/D helicopter and couldn't go.

When we arrived, the patrol was bringing Jim back from the site. Rick wasn't there. He'd given Jim his pistol and went for help. The ground commander at FSB Pace said they acquired an individual in the elephant grass half a click from the FSB. I intended to pick Rick up with the Cobra. Goldy, one of our Medivac pilots, radioed to say he'd heard all this on the Fox Mike, was les than one minute out and picked Rick out of the elephant grass. This was good because I was flying 68-15147. Hovering was not one of 147's attributes. Later finding some ironic humor in all this, Rick said, "Those trees saved us. Next time this happens, I'm going right for the trees."

From: Art Jetter, Blue Max 12

Filling in a little of Rick and Jim's excellent adventure:

After leaving Jim with his .38, Rick headed for what he hoped was the Fire Base. He grabbed a few hand fulls of dirt and mud, and camouflaged himself. Spotting the Huey, and realizing he was cammied, he unzipped his flight suit and flashed his white belly at the Huey. They saw it.

Bill Baskett, Blue Max 18

I am unable to express the sorrow that I feel right now. The date and events of 10/12/71 brought us together and forever entwined our lives. As I related to you Jim, it was "Fast Eddie" I thought that day was you. Because it was his name I had heard mentioned and the pearl handled pistol he left with you.

Although we never actually met, I was grateful for the phone call you and he made. My prayers are with his family. I may not be a Blue Max, but I feel the loss also. Let Fiddlers Green accept another great man.

From: Paul Marling, Platoon Medic, 1/12 Cav

I have been reading the posts online. I was saddened by the news. I often talk or brag of MAX one most talked about is have the honor of knowing who he was and the man he was. I do remember the last time we were together was a reunion and at the airport, as the train doors were about to close we both reached as to salute as I would an officer. as it turned out we hugged and embraced with great emotions. Jackie as you read this put your right hand on the left shoulder and the left on the right. Now squeezzzz tight. That is from Laurie myself and our LORD. Rick is at peace and in a great place. As time passes WE CAN ONLY IMAGINE what a grand reunion we WILL all have our LORD and others. There is nothing more grand or rewarding as the POWER OF PRAYER AND our LORD

IN HIS Grip Bruce Hendrickson Blue Max crew chief 71 - 72

Pictures of happier times. Fast Eddie came to see us in Florida a year or so ago when he was doing his cross-country motorcycle ride with his son. We were honored to have him stay with us for a day & night. He will be greatly missed.

From: J. T. (Jet) Jackson

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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