1SGT STEPHEN MATTHEW PERSON (Passed 05/03/2020)
​
Stephen “Steve” Matthew Person, 71, of Tipton, died suddenly on Sunday May 3, 2020, while at his home. Funeral services will be determined at a later date and all updated service information will be posted on this website where you are also invited to share online condolences.

I lieu of flowers and in Steve’s memory, the family has set up memorial funds for the Bennett American Legion Post 104 and the Tipton VFW. The family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed in c/o Cheryl Person to 1402 Jackson Ave. Tipton, IA 52772.
Steve, son of Kenneth Osborne Person and Elizabeth Ann (Kaping) Person was born on Sunday, August 22, 1948 in Oakland, CA. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1967. Steve retired as a First Sergeant after a total of 22 years’ service in the U.S. Army. He was active duty from February 9, 1968 - February 8, 1971 and was in the Army Reserves for three years from 1971 – 1974 and another 16 years after 1982. On August 4, 1984, Steve was united in marriage to Cheryl Beth Kleinhesselink, in Orange City, Iowa. Steve was a pipefitter at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Hospital for 30 years until his retirement in 2011. He was also known for his dedication to mastering his natural woodworking and mechanical talents. During his time as trustee for the First United Methodist Church, in Tipton, he used his woodworking talent to refurbish the church pews and helped with several aspects of the church’s remodeling project. For years, Steve spent many hours in his woodshed building furniture, to include: tables, chairs, cribs and cedar chests for his home, his family members and numerous friends. In his younger years, he used his mechanical talents in the pits of car races while in California and later in life, he used that same talent to restore and fix classic cars and trucks. He was a member of the Bennett American Legion Post 104, the Tipton VFW and the NRA. During his spare time, Steve enjoyed traveling, attending classic car shows, researching ancestry, hunting, camping and spending time tending to his chickens and dogs, but above all else, he enjoyed spending time with his family. 

Steve is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Tipton, IA; four children, Diane Berwald (Cory) of Iowa City, IA, Julie Young (Tony) of Iowa City, IA, Jill McCormick of Iowa City, IA, and Travis Person of Tipton, IA; and eight grandchildren, Kaitlynn Berwald, Isabelle Berwald, Meghan Ripperton, Alyssa Ripperton, Kailee Stanfield, Brilee Lenoch, Averie McCormick, and Kingston Person. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Osborne and Elizabeth Ann Person; one sister, Susan Barlow of Tucson, AZ and one granddaughter, Haley McCormick;

On October 26, 2020, William Steven Silva, dear brother and beloved uncle and great-uncle, died at the age of 74, from tonsillar cancer. Bill was born on May 31, 1946 in Oakland, CA. He spent his early years in Northern California, then moved to Southern California, where he graduated from high school. Later, he received his bachelor’s degree in Cinema from the University of Southern California Film School. Bill began his active military duty in the U.S.Army in 1967. After completing basic training, he attended and graduated from Officer Candidate School as a 2ndLieutenant. In December of 1967, Bill joined his class at USAAVNS (United States Army Aviation School –Fixed-Wing). His flight training, over eight months, took him from Ft. Stewart, GA to Ft. Rucker, AL. After completing his flight training, Bill was ordered to serve a combat tour with the 1stAviation Brigade, in South Vietnam. Bill’s in-country orders assigned him to the 219thReconnaissance (Recon) Airplane Company headquartered at Camp Holloway, Pleiku in the Central Highlands. Aviators of the 219th, which was known as the “Headhunters” and later named the 219th Aviation Company, flew single-engine, fixed-wing, O-1 “Bird Dog” observation airplanes.


Bill earned several decorations during his combat tour and was next assigned to a post near Washington D.C. where he completed his active duty in the Army. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain on July 4, 1971.After Bill’s military service, he had a varied and diverse sales career; employed by Sears, Johnson & Johnson, Frito Lay, and Pitney Bowes. He became an elite runner, competing in numerous marathons, including finishing in the top 10% of the Boston Marathon. He loved, lived, and ran at the beach for many years, inspired by the sun, sand, and the beautiful views. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy, and could cook a mean red sauce, and create a Caesar salad dressing from scratch. He was a King’s hockey and USC football fanatic and could often be heard shouting at the TV during games. His true loves—the many Labradors: his ‘family’—that had been part of his later life: Morgan, Molly, Daisy, Lola, Bob, England, Murphy, Tracker, Henry, and Buddy, to name a few. He was a master wordsmith, an impressive orator, could mesmerize a room with his story telling and impersonations, and keep a crowd in stitches with his sarcastic and irreverent humor. Straightforward, a straightshooter, and no gray areas—you always knew where you stood with Bill.


Bill is survived by his two sisters: Lorie and LouAnn (husband: Joseph), two nephews: Jeremy (wife: Meski and one great-niece: Joy); and Sean; two nieces: Chelsea (husband: Alex) and Hannah (husband: James, and two great-nephews: Rowan and Callan). He is survived also, by ‘lifelong brothers’: Paul, Greg, Dave, Lorenzo, Jim, and Mike, whose heartfelt memories shared with us, have broadened our admiration for our multi-faceted brother. Arrangements for the scattering of his ashes in Venice, Italy, will be made at a later date. n celebration of Bill’s life, watch an old classic, toast to him with a Negroni, enjoy a dish of pasta and a panna cotta for dessert. He would’ve loved that. In lieu of flowers or donations: call someone you haven’t spoken to in years, tell someone you love them, practice gratitude and forgiveness, pay someone a compliment, mend fences with family –leave nothing unsaid.
Remembrances are appreciated and welcomed:13loriecj@gmail.com  and/or  louannsilva99@gmail.com

CPT KEN PORTER (Passed Dec 5, 2019) 

Ken served as Pilot in Kontum, 8/67-8/68.

From Ken's wife Kris..."Ken enjoyed getting the updates on the 219th.  Unfortunately he no longer reads them.  Ken died suddenly Dec 5, 2019 of pulmonary emboli (clots in lungs)-very quick and didn't suffer".

They lived in Centre Hall, PA

Kenneth E. "Ken" Porter March 21, 1941 - December 5, 2019 Kenneth E. "Ken" Porter, 78, of Centre Hall passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born on March 21, 1941 in Conestoga, PA, he was the son of the late Edgar S. and Ruth (Karr) Porter. On September 26, 1964 in State College, he married Janet Kristin "Kris" Carlson, who survives at home. Ken was a 1959 graduate of Penn Manor High School and earned his bachelor's degree in Agronomy from Penn State University in 1963. He enlisted in the United States Army and served during Vietnam. He retired from the military with the earned rank of Major. During enlistment, he obtained his pilot's license for both fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters. Ken worked as a farmer. He loved to farm and enjoyed hunting. He could be found solving crossword and sudoku puzzles in his spare time. He was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in Boalsburg. He would watch PSU football on television, but he loved watching and attending Penn State Nittany Lions women's volleyball matches. Along with his wife, Kris, Ken is survived by three sons; Bruce E. Porter and his wife, Erin, of Pine Grove Mills, Jeffrey R. Porter and his wife, Sheila, of Castle Rock, CO, and John K. Porter and his wife, Carrie, of Centre Hall and 11 grandchildren; Kenna, Izzie, Emmie, Joe, Hannah, Sophia, Isaiah, Claire, Lillie, Edyn, and Violet. Also surviving Ken are his two brothers; Glenn Porter and his wife, Sandy, of Waxhaw, NC, Gary Porter and his wife, Sylvia, of Newport News, VA and one sister, Linda Nissley and her husband, Tom, of Reading. Visitation was held on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 6-8pm at the Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Centre Hall and on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 4-5pm at the State College CMA Church. Funeral services were on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 5pm at the State College CMA Church with Rev. Thomas Titus officiating. Military honors were presented by the Pennsylvania Military Forces Honor Guard following the service. Burial will be private at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ken's honor to Penns Valley Youth Center, PO Box 175 Spring Mills, PA 16875 or to the HOPE Fund of Penns Valley, PO Box 472 Centre Hall, PA 16828. Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guestbook can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.

​COL FLETCHER MAFFETT (Passed June 30, 2018) 

Fletch was the 219th Company Commander from 24 Sep 67 to 29 Feb 68. Fletch was a very popular Headhunter and a fixture at most of our 219th reunions. 

Colonel Fletcher (“Fletch”) Haynsworth Maffett, Sr (U.S. Army, Retired), Age 85.

     “Fletch” Maffett was born in Florence, SC on 17 January 1933, the eldest son of Robert F. and Ouida M. Maffett. After high school, he married his sweetheart, Ruth S. Maffett (also of Florence).  

     Fletch joined the U.S. Army National Guard as a Private First Class during the time of the Korean Conflict and would soon thereafter enlist into active duty where he was soon promoted to Sergeant and was selected for Officer Candidate School. Upon completion of OCS, he was commissioned into the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant. As a young Captain, Fletch switched from Artillery to the Signal Corps and became an observation pilot flying Cessna O1 Birddogs, which would become his passion. 

     During the Vietnam War, Fletch was promoted to Major and was a Flight Company Commander where he would receive the Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and nine Air Medals for gallantry in action, among other citations.  

     While in the Army, Fletch would receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Omaha, and his Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. Fletch would also become a Communications Battalion Commander in Fort Richardson, AK and later working at the Pentagon for various assignments to include the Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Army and the early developer of C3 Communications for the entire U.S. Armed Forces, which would later become the gold standard for all communications systems for the private sector today. 

     Fletch retired from the U.S. Army 1984 as a Colonel and continued to work with various government contractors with the Department of Defense until deciding to become a Son of Beaufort in 2006. In Beaufort, he would become a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, the Honor Flight team representing Savannah, GA (and surrounding communities), Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and was highly active on the Alzheimer’s Board of Beaufort. 

     Fletch is survived by his son, Fletcher (age 61); daughter, Sharon (age 58); granddaughter, Marjorie (age 34), and great-granddaughter, Zora Mae (age 4). 

     A memorial service will be held to honor Fletch at the First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort on Thursday, 5 July 2018 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation toward your choice of Alzheimer’s prevention charity organizations would be greatly appreciated.

 

​MAJOR VINCE PRINCIPE (Passed April 13, 2017 at age 71) 

​Vince served with the 219th 5/70 - 2/72. He flew out of Bam Me Thout, LZ English,& Pleiku.

​(1971)

CWO DALE BENNETT (Passed March 29, 2017)

 Dale served with the 219th 03/71-10/71

​MAJ (RET) FRANK PIERCE JR. (Passed September 17, 2017)

Frank was an early Headhunter '66'-'67

Pierce was born July 2, 1938 in Somerville, MD and was preceded in death by his parents, Francis D. Pierce Sr. and Mary McGuire Pierce; and his son, William Allen Pierce.

He was retired Major of the U.S. Army; a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Clarksville Civitan, Knights of Columbus, Twin State Athletic Assoc., Kentucky High School Athletic Officials, Pennyrile Umpire Assoc., TN Secondary School Athletic Assoc., North Middle TN Football Officials Assoc.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Campbell Pierce; sons, Francis (Janet) Pierce III, Gary M. (Denise) Pierce, COL (Ret) Brian C. (Jennifer) Pierce; brothers, John Pierce, Charles Pierce; sister, Linda Descheneaux; grandchildren, Alec Pierce, Francesca Pierce, Jordan Pierce and Charlie Pierce.

Military will serve as pallbearers with Knights of Columbus serving as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

LTC DONALD RAY SHIPP (September 28, 1941 - February 28, 2017)

Don served with the 219th as company XO in Pleiku 10/69-10/70

Donald Ray Shipp, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and decorated military veteran was called home February 28, 2017 to be reunited with the love of his life, Ruth; to share eternal life. Don was born in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Donald and Ada Faye on September 28, 1941.
Don graduated from Azle High School in 1959 and graduated from UTA Arlington with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering. Upon graduation from college, Don entered into his Country's service in the US Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 23 years of honorable service of which he survived two long tours in Vietnam to protect our country. In lieu of plants or flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ in the name of Donald Shipp.  He is survived by his children, Callie Bletsch and husband, Michael, J.R Shipp and wife, Grace; grandchildren, Deven Shipp and Allisen Shipp; brother Gary Shipp and wife, Dana; sister, Karen Sue Johnson and husband, Lloyd; and many nieces and nephews.

MAJ DAVID CHARLES NAUMANN (May 12, 1931- March 25, 2015)

Naumann, David Charles Posted: Wednesday, March 25, 2015 10:05 am Mr. David Charles Naumann of Enterprise passed away Friday, March 20, 2015 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was 83. Memorialization will be by cremation. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Mr. Naumann was born on May 12, 1931 in Lancaster, WI to the late Ernest Henry and Lynette Lindley Naumann. In addition to his parents, one brother, Ernest Henry Naumann Jr. preceded him in death. David was a graduate of University of Wisconsin as well as Troy University. He also served his country in the United States Army and retired as a Major after 20 years of service and two tours in Vietnam. After retirement he served as a flight instructor at Fort Rucker. In addition to his love for the Army, Mr. Naumann also enjoyed a passion for golf. He was a member of the Enterprise Country Club as well as the Lions Club and former president of the local EAA chapter. One of David's biggest achievements in life was building his own airplane and later flying it. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Kirsten Naumann, Enterprise; two sons, Kevin Charles Naumann (Carrie), Decatur, AL, Erik Lindley Naumann (Katherine), Lynn Haven, FL; one brother, Robert Naumann (Jean), Lake Oswego, Oregon; four grandchildren: Taylor, Hayden, Madeline, and Grant Naumann; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Sorrells Funeral Home and Crematory 334­347­9598 is in charge of arrangements. To sign a guest register visit www.sorrellsfuneralhomes.com. Sign the guest book at www.dothaneagle.com.

​MAJ WILLIAM "BILL" GEORGE BALLARD (March 10, 1930- February 7, 2014)

"HH 36" - Bill served with the 219th from July 1966-July 1967 in Pleiku & Qui Nhon

BEAUFORT - William (Bill) George Ballard, Sr., 83, of Beaufort, South Carolina died at home on February 7, 2014. Bill is the son of the late James Hervie and Willie Vivian Ballard. He was born on March 10, 1930 in Meridian, MS. His beloved wife of 55 years, Suzanne, passed in 2011. He is survived by one son, William G. Ballard, Jr. of Beaufort, SC; three daughters, Frances Peters of Gilbert, SC; Laura Pruett (KW) of Beaufort, SC; Elizabeth Mackey (Kelly) of Watkinsville, GA; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

Bill was a long-time active member of the First Baptist Church of Walterboro, and more recently of The Baptist Church of Beaufort. While in Walterboro, he served as a deacon and was the long-time secretary of the church's Sunday School. He also taught adult Sunday School at a local halfway house. Bill was very active in volunteer work. He served as a volunteer for the Cancer Society and Colleton County Hospital; he served on the Board for the Colleton County Red Cross and on the county's Commission on Aging. Bill was the coordinator of Walterboro's Good Samaritan organization, working with local church leaders to provide gas, lodging, and food to people in need who were transiting the Low Country along the I-95 corridor. Bill was a member of Unity Lodge #55 in Walterboro. His interests also included gardening and the Atlanta Braves. 

Bill graduated from Meridian High School, Meridian, MS, in 1948 before joining the Mississippi Air National Guard. He graduated from pilot and officer training at the Air Force Pilot School in 1955. In 1960, Bill transitioned to the Alabama Army National Guard. He was activated for the Korean Conflict and again in 1961 for the Cuban missile crisis, remaining on active duty until 1973. While on active duty, Bill earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and did post-graduate work at the University of Southern California. 

Major Ballard served three combat tours in Southeast Asia as a fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviator. His military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Star Medals, multiple awards of the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and numerous campaign and service medals.

CPT JAY THOMAS LEONARD (February 12, 1941 - October 9, 2014)

Jay Thomas "Tom/JT" Leonard, 73, of Barefoot Beach, Florida, passed away on October 9th 2014.  

Tom was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on February 12th, 1941 to Arthur Jaquette Leonard and Lee Elmo Smith Leonard. He graduated from Las Lomas High School in 1959 and received his B.S. in Biology from University of California Davis where he was captain of the football and wrestling teams, president of his college class, a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and an ROTC officer. 

​He is survived by his first wife Kathryn Hanson Leonard, daughters Laure Leonard Bolla (Michael Wade Bolla) and Julianne Leonard Ward (Don Allen Ward) and his grandchildren Michael Thomas Bolla, Erica Taylor Bolla, Emilee Morgan Ward, Grace Kathryn Ward, Hannah Louise Ward, his wife Linda P. Leonard and her children Richard Evans (Chelsea) and Kristin Rodil (José), and their children, Ashlee Evans, Kelsee Tucker (Jordan), Keiler Rodil, Kadyn and Drake Washington. He is also survived by his older brother Donald Leonard (Barbara) and their children; Scott, Marc, Meghan, and Jeff Leonard as well as their families.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/naples-fl/jay-leonard-6153859

​LTC JAMES DURBIN (September 28, 1943 - February 21, 2013)

Jimmy Durbin served as a pilot with the 219th in the 1st Plt in Pleiku '67-'68

Durbin, James P. LTC-US Army Retired, age 69 of Rosemount passed away on 2/21/13 after a 5 year battle from  military service connected lung cancer. Survived by wife Marie; children Beth (Steve) Gotwalt, Robert (Amy)  Durbin and Captain William Durbin. 7 grandchildren. Funeral Service 11AM Friday, March 1, 2013 at Woodcrest  Church, 525 Cliff Rd. Eagan, MN. Visitation 5-8pm Thursday at White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave. Apple Valley, MN. and also one hour prior to service at church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery.  (Picture is from HS Yearbook)

CPT CHARLES O. RYAN (August 19, 1939 - November 11, 2013)

Charlie Ryan served with the 219th from 10/69-9/70 as a Platoon Leader.

Major Charles O. Ryan, US Army, retired, of Manchester, passed away at his home on Monday November 11, 2013, Veteran's Day. Born in Tipton, MO, Charles resided in Manchester for the past 35 years. He was the owner and operator of Sugar Pine Kennels for 30 years. Charles proudly served for the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Veterans of Underage Military Service and a Mason. Charles is survived by his wife Shirley A. Ryan, his sons Daniel Ryan and his wife Rachael of NC and Christopher Fenton and his wife Natalie of Hamilton, NJ, his ten grandchildren and two sisters, as well as many other extended family members. Visitation will be held at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral, 3010 Ridgeway Rd, Manchester, NJ 08759, on Sunday November. 17, from 6-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Monday November 18, 2013 at 9:30 am at the Christ Lutheran Church, 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759, with interment and Military Honors to follow at the Brig. Doyle Veteran Memorial Cemetery, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Charles's memory to the American Cancer Society .

From Bob Kroman - Charles was my platoon leader 3rd platoon 203rd Hawkeyes and we were both transferred to the 219th April 15th 1970. He was awarded the Dist. Flying Cross for his actions April 5th 1970. you can read about his actions and see photo's of him at 203rdhawkeyes.net. He was one of the best.

​​SP5 EDWARD L. MCCARTY (October 6, 1943-September 18, 2013)

Ed served with the 219th in Pleiku 11/65-10/66

McCARTY - Edward L. September 18, 2013, devoted father of Brian (Heather) McCarty and the late Laurie Ann (Mark) Wiatrowski; dearest brother of Charles (Patricia) McCarty and Karen (Edward) Fuller; also survived by four grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will gather for a Celebration of Edward's Life on Sunday 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William St. (near Harlem). Relatives and friends are invited to assemble on Monday at 10 AM for a Funeral Service at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 3487 North Boston Rd. Eden, NY 14057

At age of 69, Edward was aTruck Driver for Dave's Express Delivery and US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. The devoted father of Brian (Heather) McCarty and the late Laurie Ann (Mark) Watrowski and dearest brother of Charles (Patricia) McCarty and Karen (Edward) Fuller. He was also survived by 4 grandchildren, a great granddaughter, nieces, nephews and cousins.

​John G. Pappas passed away  October 9, 2012. Obituary was published in the Star Ledger Newspaper, Tenafly, N.J.

Arlie Deaton passed away  November 19, 2011. Obituary as published in the  Augusta Chronicle, Augusta, Georgia 
Click Here for special Arlie Deaton Memorial Page

​LT Michael Neal McCloy (February 18, 1943- April 12, 2010)

Served with the 219th in Pleiku '67-'68

Lt Colonel Michael N. McCloy, United States Army, Retired, 67, passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at Wuesthoff Medical Center in Rockledge, FL. Mike was a member of the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Carole; children, Gerald McCloy of Melbourne, Lisa McCloy of Orlando, Korissa (Dave) Williams of Satellite Beach; 5 brothers; 1 sister and 3 grandchildren, Katelynn, Carmen and Aiden.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00Noon, Saturday, April 17, 2010 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera. The interment will be 1:00P.M., Monday, April 19, 2010 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl with full military honor. In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to Juvenile Diabetes, 1101 North Lake Destiny Road, Suite 415, Maitland, FL 32751

Comments from Charley Barnes -

"The obituary is on a guy I have tried to find for years.  Didn’t even remember his name and neither did anyone else I asked.  Found it when a Google search turned up a home movie belonging to Michael N. McCloy of the Headhunters in Pleiku, 1967 – 1968.  It was transferred to DVD and offered for sale by Vintage Film Arsenal in 2013, after his death.  It is over an hour long and costs $20 plus shipping.  There is a short, 3-minute excerpt available on the internet at YouTube and Vintage Film Arsenal.  Includes footage of parties, hootches, flight line, orderly room, Spencer-Maffett change of command, etc.  I think Michael left in early 1968, so his videos cover mostly 1967. Pretty sure he flew for 1st Platoon.  He died in Rockledge, right in your back yard.  Following is obituary.  I found a photo at Pennsylvania Military College (Class of 1965) that I believe to be him. It is attached." 

Here is an obituary for Joseph Steadman “Stead” Davis II from the files of the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home in Carlisle, PA.  When I arrived in the 219th in May 1967, the 4th Platoon Leader was Vic Weber.  He was succeeded by Stead Davis, exactly when, I don’t know.  I, along with Cam Sutherland, were Section Leaders under Stead.  When Stead left, Cam became 4th Plt Leader and I became Plt Leader of the newly formed 3rd Plt, supporting the 52nd Arty Grp.  I have augmented this obituary a little with facts known to me.  (Notice the home address of “219” and funeral home address of “219”)  Wish I had a photo, but I don’t.  Maybe Cam or somebody else might come up with one.

Charley Barnes
HH 40 and 36
67 - 68

​Retired Col. Joseph Steadman “Stead” Davis II, 53, 219 Cavalry Rd., Carlisle died Tuesday, August 3, 1993, in the Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.

Born on May 24, 1940 in Bryan, Texas, he was the son of the late Marie Byrnes Davis and Joe Eugene Davis, Stephenville, Texas.  He was a retired Colonel of the U. S. Army, having served 25 years as an infantry aviator, including two tours in Vietnam.  One of these tours was with the 219th Recon Airplane Company in Pleiku in 1967 where he served as 4th Platoon Leader, supporting the 4th Infantry Division.  He also served two tours with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and was a graduate of the Army War College in 1982, Texas A&M University, and received a master’s degree from Shippensburg University.  He received numerous medals and ribbons including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal (2 OLC), Air Medal (25 OLC) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Surviving in addition to his father are his wife, Marsha Nesbitt Davis, Carlisle; two daughters, Tina K. Morrow, Dawn K. Morton, both Carlisle; and two grandchildren.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday in the Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home, 219 North Hanover St. with full military honors.  Chaplain Col. Anthony M. Imberi will officiate.  Burial will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, W. Pennsboro Twp.  There will be no viewing, however family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 Noon until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Cumberland County Unit, 117 North Hanover St., Carlisle, PA 17013.

Cpt Kell was killed in a  mid air crash at Donnelly {SP} Field in Montgomery, Al on Dec7th 1966.  I understood he was transitioning to helicopter for a return trip to Viet Nam.  As I remember they were on an instrument approach and collided with an F-84 jet.
 
Capt Kell "Wally Kelo"  HH36,  was our 3rd Plt  Ldr at Qui Nhon.  We were all charter members of the 219th,  organizing at Gray Army Airfield in May and June of 1965.  We said our goodbyes around midnight on about June 9th 1966 at Ton Son Nutt bound for home on different flights.  He was quite a man, leader and friend whom I will never forget.
 
He is buried at Arlington Cemetery.  I have visited the grave site.  He was from Copper Hill, TN and went to Middle Tennessee State Univ.  I know he had two children, and I often wonder where and how they are doing.  If anyone reads this and knows anything about them, I'd like to hear from you.
 
I wish we had more info and contact on the original group from 1965-66. 
 
                                                                                                                                                    - Robert L Taylor, 1st Lt  {later Capt in Mississippi Guard}

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   HH 34

This is not recent, but the 219th lost a tremendous platoon commander when CPT Wally Kell was killed in a helicopter training accident at the civilian airfield in Montgomery, AL in 1967 (I think).  Wally was our platoon commander in Qhi Nhon from the time I got there in Oct 65, till he DEROSed in the summer of 1966.  A hellava good commander and a great guy.  The only Army aviator I have ever seen wear issue sun glasses and a tinted flight helmet shied at the same time – Wally was red headed an apparently his eyes were very sensitive to the sun.
                                         
​                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    - Michael Robertson

​CAPTAIN JAMES SCOTT

Major Russ Blanchard served in the same platoon at Quin Nhon in my section, where we were also attached to the 101st Airborne at Tuy Hoa where Cpt James Scott was the Plt Ldr. Russ also served with the 220th RAC while I was assigned to the 123rd Avn Bn (Americal Div) flying slicks and guns Feb 68 to Feb 69. Russ was killed in a horrific car crash in Oneida, NY a few years after his retirement from the US Army.  Jim, Army Aviator of the Year(?yr) has also passed on. Their obituaries should be in their local newspapers. Russ and his wife were dear friends and attended my wedding in Darmstadt, Germany on Jan 13, 1968, shortly before I had to return to Vietnam. I also visited with them in NY after his retirement. I still well up when I think about their passings and only hope they are in a better place now.

                                                                                                                                                                                                 - Tim Flynn, Lt Col, US Army Retired

​Troy Rollis Gainous, 25, was killed on April 11, 1974, when he was accidentally electrocuted when his hand came in contact with a 7,200 volt power line while working on a power line pole. Gainous was an employee of the Grady County Electric Membership Corporation. 

Troy was born July 17, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Coy Gainous of Pelham, Georgia. He was married to Patricia Bulloch of Mitchell County and is survived by a son, Matthew Troy Gainous, of Metter, Georgia; two grandchildren, Mary Emma Gainous and Carter Troy Gainous, also of Metter; and a sister, Linda Barfield, of Cairo, Georgia.

Spec 4 Gainous was with the 219th stationed in Kontum VN '68-'69 and served as a crew chief.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in February 1974.  In 2011, his son Matthew attended the 219th Headhunter reunion in Beaufort, SC, in his honor.