Southern Cross information
for 196 BDE 23 INF
4/31 INF 23 INF
71 AHC
For date 700619
196 BDE 23 INF was a US Army unit
4/31 INF 23 INF was a US Army unit
71 AHC was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Ngai Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, LZ SIBERIA
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled ""POLAR BEARS" UNDER HEAVY FIRE, 71ST AHC LENDS A HELPING HAND' by 16th CAG IO.
CHU LAI - 196th Infantry Brigade troops from Delta Company, 4th Battalion 31st Infantry were under a massive ground attack near LZ Siberia and called for an immediate combat extraction. Minutes later the 71st AHC Rattlers (slicks) and Firebirds (gunships), commanded by MAJ Tommie James, were airborne and headed toward the hot LZ. As the Rattlers and Firebirds began their approach into the area they began receiving small arms and .50 caliber machinegun fire from the surrounding tree line. One of the Firebirds spotted the .50 caliber machinegun's position and immediately showered the area with large volumes of suppressive fire. During the intense action, one Rattler was hit and went down in a small depression surrounded by the enemy. CPT James E. Duke, Ft. Worth, Texas and WO William M. Ellis, Downey, Calif., flew immediately to the wreckage and started a high overhead approach. Unable to land at the crash site due to high trees and bushes, CPT Duke was forced to remain at a hover while the four crew members and three passengers of the downed craft were hoisted aboard. Due to the heavy loaded condition of CPT Duke's helicopter, he was unable to hover high enough to turn his ship and was forced to take an uphill departure and to fly over the known enemy positions. As the rescue team cleared the enemy infested area, they received intense small arms and 50 caliber machinegun fire. The seven soldiers were evacuated to the medical aid station at LZ West and were checked for any injuries. With greater concern for their fellow man than their own personal safety, the crew of Rattler 219 acted courageously in the life saving extraction. With cool heads and professional competence, these brave men of the 71st AHC brought great credit upon themselves and their company.
Comments: MAJ James, Tommie; 71 AHC CO; ;
The source for this information was 7006_322_scr supplied by Les Hines 12/17/2000
Additional information is available on CD-ROM.
Please send additions or corrections to: Gary Roush Email address: webmaster@vhpa.org
Return to panel index
Return to Helicopter Pilot KIA index
Return to VHPA Home Page
Copyright © 1998 - 2023 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association
Last updated
12/24/2000
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023