More detail on this person: Robert L. (Bob) Thompson wrote this bio for the 57th AHC some years ago. I was born 8 Sep 1942 in Dallas, Texas. I graduated from Grapevine High School in a class of 81 and Texas Christian University. I married my wife of 52 years Sandra Keller in 1963. I was working for Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies in Dallas when the notice from Uncle Sam came to appear for my physical. I passed the physical with flying colors, but decided to join and go to flight school rather than be drafted. I entered the service in March, 1966. Completed Basic Training at Ft. Polk, LA and was assigned to Primary Flight School at Ft. Wolters, TX. Completed Primary training in November, 1966 and moved on to Ft. Rucker, AL. I graduated from Flight School with WOC Class 67-3 in March and was assigned to an Aviation Company in Ft. Bragg, NC which was later designated the 57th AHC. Our unit deployed to Southeast Asia (Vietnam) in October of 1967. We were attached to the 52nd Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade and based in Kontum, Vietnam. I was a member of the Gun Platoon (Cougars) for my entire tour in Vietnam. My call sign was "Cougar 23". I returned to the States in October of 1968 where I was assigned to the Aviation Bn., 2nd Armored Division, Ft. Hood, TX. I was the 2nd Armored Division Commander's Pilot, an Instructor Pilot in UH 1's and OH 13's and the Aviation Bn's Training Officer. I was released from active duty December 31, 1969, a memorable New Year's Eve, I might add. When I got out of the service, I briefly toyed with the idea of trying to fly for one of the airlines, but since they were laying off instead of hiring, I let discretion overcome the better part of valor and went back to work for Fireman's Fund Insurance Companies. I progressed through the company in different positions with transfers to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and back to San Francisco, our home office. After 35 years, I retired on December 31, 1997, another memorable New Year's Eve. After retiring, my wife and I have traveled, and I play a lot of golf. Not good golf, but a lot of golf. We have two children, a daughter who was born about midway through my tour in Vietnam and a son, who was born in Hollywood, CA while we were living in Southern California. We have no grand kids. We live in a small town, Petaluma, approximately 40 miles north of San Francisco. Some of you may remember it from the old Peanuts Cartoon. Snoopy used to fly his old Sop with Camel and buzz Petaluma while practicing to fight the Red Barron. WORWAC 67-1/3. Joined 57th in April 1967. Assigned to First Platoon. After check rides, I was the first to fly with Cpt. Rogers and Lt. Koshinsky. Became 822 Commander for a couple of months until W.O. Baker arrived. Assigned to the Gun Platoon. On last 57th flight out of Pope AFB to RVN.. Arrived in country 21 Oct. 67. Flew with Cougars until returning to states on 14 Oct. 68. Slept in same bunk in same hooch (tent) entire tour. Could never beat Lucas in "Hearts"!
Burial information: Sacramento Valley National Cemetery
This information was last updated 05/29/2022
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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