PlaytexHome

“PLAYTEX”

C/159th ASHB

Unit History

Company C was originally the 293rd Aviation Medium Helicopter Company which was to form at Fort Sill, Oklahoma on May 14, 1968. 293rd Aviation Company deactivated at midnight on 232400 July 1968 and reactivated as C company on 240001 July 1968.

Constituted 1 July 1968 in the Regular Army as the 159th Aviation Battalion, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, and activated (less company C) in Vietnam, Company C activated 24 July 1968 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma with call sign “Playtex”; it was inactivated 15 September 1980 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.) The unit is now part of 5th battalion 101st Airmobile Division. Company C is known as “outlaws”.

327th Maintenance Detachment was also constituted as direct support Detachment for C Company at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and moved with C company to Phu Bai Vietnam. Major Frank Shaver was the first commanding officer.

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT:

Vietnam

Counteroffensive, phase V Winter - Spring 1970

Counteroffensive, phase VI Sanctuary Counteroffensive

Tet 69 / Counteroffensive Consolidation I

Summer - Fall 1969 Consolidation II

DECORATIONS:

Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered THUA THIEN province ( 159th Aviation Battalion cited; DA GO 50, 1971

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968 - 1969 (159th Aviation Battalion cited: DA GO 43, 1970)

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1971 (159th Aviation Battalion cited; DA GO 6 1974)

Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal with aviation, embroidered VIETNAM 1968 - 1970 (159th aviation battalion DA GO 48, 1971)

Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 (159th Aviation Battalion cited; DA GO 11, 1973)

May 14, 1967 ( 293rd Aviation company, Medium Helicopter) Unknown location and status of unit history.

July 1967 - October 1968. - Unit history, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Unit activated from personnel and equipment of the 293rd Aviation Company. I don’t have a copy of these months. Anyone?????

Aircraft Lost 1967 - 1972

Aircraft Tail Number Date Cause of loss Crew Loss

1. Playtex 501 February 1969 Engine Beep failure 0

2. Playtex 513 July 1969 Mid Air with AF FAC 5 & AF FAC Pilot

3. Playtex 542 February 1970 Ramp - Speed Trims 0

4. Playtex 506 February 1970 Shot Down Lam Son 5

5. Playtex 502 March 1971 Shot down 0

6. Playtex 866 November 1971 IFR / Crash / Sea 5 / 29 pass.

OCTOBER 1968

At Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Playtex was going into her third month as a company in the 159th Assault Support Helicopter Battalion. Preparation for the impending move to the Republic of Vietnam were well under way. The sixteen CH-47C(-) Chinooks were undergoing a Preparation for Overseas Movement inspection (POMI), in readiness for their shipment by aircraft carrier. The company was busy packing unit equipment and storing it in the 84 steel conxes allotted them.

A Command Maintenance Management Inspection (CMMI) was held on the 15th of the month. Playtex company received the highest score of any unit enroute to Vietnam, ever tested at Fort Sill. This high score certified the unit’s readiness for its tasks ahead.

NOVEMBER 1968

Packing of equipment and the preparation for overseas movement inspections, a seemingly endless tasks, were completed. The pilots of Playtex were now turning their attention to planning the upcoming ferry flight of the Chinooks from Ft. Sill to Sharpe Army Depot on the west coast. The route was decided and announced. Preparations were made for sleeping accommodations for the flight crews. The flight was to be flown over a four day period beginning the 8th of November 1968. The first day of flying was planned to reach El Paso, TX. The second day would reach Phoenix, AZ. The third day would reach Bakersfield, CA., and finally the fourth day would be arrival at Sharpe Army Depot, California.

On the 7th of November, one Chinook was flown by Colonel Silvers, the CH-47 aircraft project manager, to the west coast. On the 8th of November, Playtex gave a farewell to Fort Sill, her home for nine months. Using fifteen aircraft in flights of three, the pilots from Playtex gave an impressive fly-by cris-crossing the post before heading west. The flight, led by Major Adamcik, our commanding officer, made El Paso that night, after a brief weather delay at Childress. Two aircraft requiring maintenance were forced to remain two extra nights at El Paso assisted by a third maintenance aircraft before joining the unit at Sharpe.

On the 9th of November, twelve Chinooks departed for Phoenix, AZ. On the 10th, the twelve Chinooks departed for Bakersfield, CA., while the three Chinooks at El Paso departed for Bakersfield, by-passing Phoenix. The last three Chinooks reached Bakersfield only a few hours behind the other twelve aircraft having one more day of flying to reach the objective and back on schedule.

During the morning of the 11th of November 1968, 15 crews were standing by at Bakersfield, CA., for the last leg of the flight. Haze and fog had prevented Playtex from departing early, but at 1330 hours the whine of turbines and the beating of rotor blades broke the stillness of the airfield.

In marginal weather, Playtex, “PRESSED ON”, and at 1600 hours the final flight of three landed safety at Sharpe Army Depot. Two officers, four non-commissioned officers, and eighteen enlisted crewmembers remained with the aircraft at Sharpe to make the final preparations for shipment. The remaining pilots and crewmembers, tired from he strenuous day, boarded a bus which took them to San Francisco International Airport for the flight back to Lawton and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

On the 15th and 16th of November, all of the units equipment was packed, sealed and shipped in conxes from Fort Sill. Two enlisted personnel accompanied the cargo as escorts. They sailed on the 23rd of November on the “Elizabeth Lykes”.

With Aircraft and equipment gone, the officers and men from Playtex were granted leaves.

DECEMBER 1968

During December the personnel remaining at Sharpe Army Depot, California, flew the aircraft to Oakland, California to be loaded on the US Navy aircraft carrier, “USS Core”. On the 13th unit aircraft departed the west coast of the US for Vietnam.

On the 18th of December, the advance party left Fort Sill for Vietnam. Two officers and eight enlisted men made up the party. Their job was to make preparations for the arrival of the unit’s main body in Vietnam later in the month of December. They arrived at Cam Rahn Bay and were transported to Hue, Phu Bai by CH-47s of sister units already established in Vietnam.

Back at Fort Sill, all leaves terminated on the 26th of December. At midnight on the 28th of December, General Charles P. Brown, Commanding General of Fort Sill, gave a farewell address to the men of Playtex and wished them well in their future assignment in Vietnam. After being transported by buss to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, the men waited for the first C-141 flight to depart for Vietnam.

Two separate flights were scheduled. The first carrying 89 passengers and the second carrying 80 passengers. Two other C-141 flights were scheduled to carry the unit’s red TAT equipment (Immediate need equipment for the unit personnel when they arrived in country). The flights by C-141 stopped at Elmendorf, Alaska: Yokota, Japan, and finally Da Nang, RVN. The first flight arrived at Da Nang, Vietnam at 0200 hours 31 December 1968. The second at 2000 hours 31 December. The two cargo flights followed shortly thereafter. Both flights were met by Pachyderm and Varsity aircraft (A and B companies 159th ) and flown to Phu Bai, the new home of Playtex.

The Red TAT equipment was flown by airforce C-130 to the airstrip at Phu Bai and transported by truck across the compound to the new company area.

JANUARY 1969

On 4 January 1969, Playtex was officially welcomed into the 101st Airborne Division by Major General Melvin Zais. In a ceremony held on Liftmaster pad, General Zais and dignitaries address the Playtex company personnel about their future mission in RVN. The ceremony was highlighted at the end from Playtex when, with one loud rip, the men from Playtex removed the green tape from their left shoulders, uncovering the 101st airborne patch. The Screaming Eagle.

Colonel Crozier then held a meeting of all Playtex personnel in the Non-Commissioned Officers Club. He too welcomed Playtex personnel and explained the mission they would have.

On 10 january 1969, Playtex pilots, and aircraft commanders from “A” and “B” companies began ferrying aircraft from the USS Core. The aircraft carrier had docked in Da Nang Bay, and one by one, as the aircraft were readied for flight, pilots flew them to their new home.

The pilots were also receiving area operation orientation flights from her sister companies. Each pilot was given an average of 20 hours working with other company pilots. On 27 January, Playtex was fully operational.

On arrival in Phu Bai, many of the buildings had already been built by the sesbees. Members of the unit carried on where the Seabees left off, building more sleeping quartes and finishing the interiors of the previously built quarters. The slow and tedious tasks of building bunkers was also begun. A sure sign Playtex was adjusting to the needs of the combat zone.

The maintenance section was fully operational and maintained an 87% availability rate for January. Playtex pilots, in addition to the flight time logged in other company’s Chinooks, tallied up 318 hours for Playtex aircraft for the 1st month in country.

FEBRUARY 1969

On 1 February 1969, Playtex went through her first incountry infusion of personnel. Three commissioned officers, 12 warrant officers, 5 non-commissioned officers, and 59 enlisted men were infused to either “A” or “B” company, 159th ASHB. In return, 3 commissioned officcers, 8 warrant officers, 4 non-commissioned officers and 89 enlisted personnel were infused into “C” Company.

On the 5th of the month, Playtex was called upon to give support to the 3d and 9th Marines, stationed north, near the Demilitarized Zone. Six aircraft remained TDY at Fire Support Base Vandergrift, approximately twenty miles west of Dong Ha, RVN. ( Also approximately 20 miles east of Ky Shan). Here they reained for six days, suppporting marine fire bases located on the area’s hillsides.

On February 2, 1969, Playtex lost her first aircraft (CPT Kelly PIC, and WO Maloy PI). On the last resupply misison of the day, Playtex 501, encountered a loss of power on final approach to Fire Base Erskine. The crew was unable to release the sling load in time and the aircrat crashed and burned fifty meters from the fire base. Both pilots and the flight engineer were medivaced to the United States, the crew chief was evacuated to Japan and the door gunner spent a week in the in-country hospital.

On 15 February 1969, the 327th Detachment Commander, Major Frank Shaver, left for a new assignment in Vietnam. Major Lawrence Karjala took over the command.

Buildings and area improvement continued in the company area. As materials were made available, Playtex bent to the task of making a permanent home, in Phu Bai, Vietnam.

Playtex pilots logged 739 hours in February, carrying 3,511 tons and 8,582 passengers. Maintenance gave its full support, with an aircraft availability of 85% during the month.

MARCH 1969

In March 1969, the requirement for Playtex to have two aircraft TDY at Camp Evans, just west of Phu Bai. This was in support ofthe 3rd Brigade FSSE. Playtex manned these two aircraft and flew to Camp Evans. They remained there almost four weeks, flying resupply missions into fire bases southwest and west of Camp Evans, RVN.

On the 22d of March, at 0630 hours Playtex encountered her first enemy rocket attack on the compound. With rockets impacting in and around the company area, people sought the shelter of their newly built bunkers. One 122MM rocket hit directly on an old 1st Cav. bunker in the company area where four Playtex men were seeking shelter. Only one injury ( WO Van Opstal) evolved from the incident, but all four men praised the workmanship of the old bunker for withstanding the major force of the impact. (122mm rockets weighted 150lbs and carried a warhead of 40 lbs of high explosive charg (HE).

Playtex pilots logged an impressive 1,074 hours this month, carrying 8,209 tons and 11,668 passengers. The Playtex maintenance section held an 83% availability for the month.

APRIL 1969

An in-country infusion with the 158th AHB was held in the early part of the month. Seven enlisted men left Playtex for their new assignment in the 158th AHB.

On the 5th of the month, Playtex received a new First Sargeant. First Seargeant Frederick was infused to the 478th Aviation Company, and in return First Seargeant Padgett came to Playtex from the 158th AHB. On the 9th of April Major Samuel E. Kaiser, the Executive Officer from Playtex left for a new assignment with the 159th battalion staff. Major Kaiser had helped form the Playtex unit in May of 1968 and had served in the Executive Officer slot during his stay with Playtex. Captain Charles Lee and Captain Howard VanDine left Playtex to serve with the battalion staff as S-2 and HHC commander respectively. Captain Lee had been an original member of the unit from April 1968 and Captain VanDine had been an early infusion once Playtex arrived in country.

On 26 April 1969, two interior guards were injured on Liftmaster pad during an enemy rocket attack. Both individuals required hospitalization and one was evacuated to the United States because of his wounds.

A new operation by the 101st Airborne Division expanded the area of operation west to the fringe of the Ashau Valley and extended southwest to within a few kilometers of the Laotian border. Due to the need of the Chinook in setting up the new fire bases, and daily resupply to them, Playtex responded fully to the call. At this time Playtex was left with only nineteen operational pilots. Due to this shortage and the demand for aircraft, Playtex pilots averaged one hundred and fourty flight

hours each (140) during the 30 day period.

With 1,410 hours of flight time logged during this month, Playtex set an Army wide record for the number of hours flown by a Chinook unit in a thirty day period. 7,089 tons of cargo were hauled and 6,641 passengers were carried in the AO. The maintenance section did a tremendous job in keeping the pilots supplied with the needed aircraft. Maintenance available averaged 84% throughout the month.

MAY1969

The month of May was to be a month of testing and a month of profit for Playtex. The flight operations was to be responsible for moving and supporting the 101st Division into the Ashau Valley for the first time. This move was to be marked by many unforseen and costly incidents. Flying proved hazardous for we were flying over unknown and unsecured territory. The loss of Playtex 509 on 10 May 1969 was an example. The aircraft commander of 509 was CW2 Eric A VanOpstal, and his pilot was LTC Billy L. Odneal, the battalion commander. To cover the assault into the Ashau Valley by the 101st Division, it was necessary to establish LZ Tiger Mountain to provide artillery fire support. Playtex 509’s mission along with her sister ship was to establish this artillery FSB. The two ships preceding 509 received enemy fire but took no rounds. Playtex 509, with the knowledge the area was hot, wet up what was to be her final approach. With fifty yards to go to touchdown she received .51 caliber fire. Taking a round through the number one engine, she immediately lost power and the pilots were forced to initiate a controlled crash onto the fire base. As she impacted on the LZ,. The 105 howitzer she was carrying, rammed into the aircraft belly. Due to the stability caused by the howitzer and the calmness of the pilots keeping control of the aircraft, 509 was saved from folling off the one-thousand foot cliff she teetered upon. Two days of work by maintenance personnel from the 327th repaired the aircraft, changing an engine and getting 509 flyable.

Playtex had her first casualty to hostile fire this month when SP4 Collic, while serving on 511 was hit by automatic weapons fire. Injuries required he be medivaced to the United States for recuperation.

The pilots of Playtex were averaging one hundred and fourty hours of flight time a month (140) and accumulated a total of 1298 hours for May. In these hours they caried 8,285 tons of supplies, 6,318 passengers in support of the 101st Airborne Division operations. Making all this possible was the aircraft maintenance section maintained a constant 80% availability. On 31 May 1969, Playtex was faced with an Annual General Inspection which she passed with flying colors. Also on the 9th of May, we flew 96 hours in a single day - Unit flying time.

JUNE 1969

On 21 June 1969, Playtex was again to be tested. On this date a Command Maintenance Management Inspection team entered the area and began its inspection. At the end of two days of inspections, Playtex was informed she had passed the inspection wth a record score of 97.1%.

For the first time in three months a decrease in the amount of work needed to be done by Chinooks in the 101st Divison AO was felt by the company. Playtex pilots logged 891 flight hours for the month carrying 4,622 tons of cargo and 6,466 passengers within the AO. This enabled the maintenance section to increase its available to an average of 82% for the month.

Two old Playtex personnel departed the company in June. CW2 Bryan Reese was assigned to the battalion staff to fulfill the duties of Battalion Aviation Safety Officer. Cw2 Reese had been with the Company since it formed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma in May of 1968. The second person to depart was the Commanding Officer, Major Merril T. Adamcik. In a ceremony held on 27 June, 1969, Major Samuel E. Kaiser, the previous Executive Officer of Playtex returned as its Commanding Officer from duties as Executive Officer of the battalion. The ceremony was held on Liftmaster pad and was attended by Colonel Crozier the Group Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Odneal, the battalion commander and the officers and men of Playtex. After the ceremony, Playtex was granted a sand-down, and the whold company enjoyed their time off at a picnic on Eagle Beach, the 101st Airborne in-country R & R enter. Under clear sunny skies, white beaches, and the warm south china sea, men of Playtex enjoyed refreshments and a cookout. A short, but well earned rest form their duties.

JULY 1969

While in support of the 1st Brigade at Chu Lai, Playtex 513 was one of three 101st aircraft assigned TDY. In July 513 was involved with a mid air collision with an Air Force FAC with the loss of two pilots, three enlisted crewmen and the FAC pilot.

AUGUST 1969

The first Combat Assualt using Ch-47s took place in the 101st. Playtex aircraft TDY at Chu Lai were used to airlift combat troops into hot AO. Previous policy had been no combat assaults with Ch-47s.

Playtex aircraft returned from TDY at Chu Lai during the month of August.

SEPTEMBER 1969

The 101st initiated a new concept in airmobile tactics. Designated “Artillery Raids”, Chinooks moved artillery batteries to prepared landing zones in the AM. When the artillery units had completed the fire mission at the end of the day, the Chinooks would retrieve the tubes and return them to their base camps .

During September, the 3d Bde was moved north to cover the Marine withdrawal from parts of the I corps area near the DMZ. Playtex assisted in withdrawal of the Marine division and movement of the 3d Bde of the 101st into the northern portion of the I corps AO.

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 1969

October - November 1969 was flown in general support of the 101st Airborne Division throughout the I corps area. The 101st had gradually expanded to cover the area the 1st and 3d Marines were occupying between Dong Ha and Khe San. The 3d Bde of the 101st now occupied this area with the 1st and 2d Bde of the 101st covering south to the bottem of the I corps AO.

A change in weather brought the Moonsoons to SE Asia and marked a drastic reduction in the ability of the units to fly every day.

During this time frame, the first of the Super “C” Chinooks were picked up and flown to Phu Bai for “C” Company. The Super C’s were equipted with L-11 engines. The C- models Playtex had brought from the states were manufactured to need only the new engines to become full C model aircraft.

With the advent of the Moonsoons, the first 10 days of October set a rain fall record for Phu Bai. In the first 10 days of October over 80 inches of rain fell. Before the year ended, a total of 230 inches of rain fell in and on Phu Bai, making it one of, if not the wettest rainy seasons. More rain than any of the Playtex members had every seen in the US.

DECEMBER 1969

December 24, 1969 say Major Samuel Kaiser relinquish command to Major Thomas K. Phifer, who had previously served as the 159th Battalion S-3.

JANUARY 1970 - MARCH 1970

Operation Randolph Glen, which had begun on the 7 December 1969, as it continued into 1970, became Playtex’s first major concern of the new year. From January to March as the weather permitted, battery raids and re-supply were the primary operations as “C” company “ Pressed on”. On March 13, 1970, Operation Ball Point took place. This operation was the movement of troops from outlying firebases and defensive positions to Camp Eagle for Easter services and then their return. Playtex carried a total of 1452 passengers in support of this operation.

APRIL 1970

The first of April 1970, the 101st Airborne Division began Operation Texas Star. During this operation, C company continued its role of support in resupply and inserting permant firebases. In this time period Major John D. Jones became C. Company’s fourth commanding officer. The change of command took place on the twelfth of April. Highlights of Operation Texas Star, involving Playtes were operations in connection with firebases Henderson, Granite, Tun Tavern, Fuller and above all, Ripcord. C company distinguished itself by recovering two downed Varsity aircraft from firebase Ripcord on the second of July along with its participation in the firebase’s extraction under fire.

SEPTEMBER 1970 - DECEMBER 1970

September 1970 found the Super “ C” Chinook grounded due to problems with its L-11 Engines. A semi-standdown period ensued with “C-” CH-47’s being utilized as much as possible until the other aircraft had been converted to the less powerful version. In addition, a number of “A” model CH-47’s of the 196th Aviation Company, “Flippers”, along with the crews, assisted C company in its operation during this period.

September 13, 1970, marked the end of Operation Texas Star and October 1, 1970, saw the beginning of Operation Jefferson Glen. C company’s main involvement during this operation was the transfer of equipment and personnel from the foward firebases to firebases located closer to the lowlands area in preparation for the coming monsoon season. In addition, as the weather situation allowed, battery raids were continued. In the month of October, Typhoon Kate hit the I Corps military region, causing continual heavy rain and consequent widespread flooding. In a humanitarian manner, men and aircraft of Playtex, under extreme, adverse weather conditions, rescued stranded villagers, flew food and supplies to villages cut off by the floods. December 5, 1970 saw a change of command with Major Thomas L. Berta assuming command. High points of the year were the battery raids into firebase Pistol and Maureen in which Playtex took a key part.

JANUARY 1971 -

13 Jan 1971 marked the beginning of a major operation that would eventually become one of the most important campaigns to ever take place in South Vietnam, and would remain in the minds of those who participated for many years to come. C Company played a key part in the initial phase of this operation by moving load after load of men and supplies to the northern confines of South Vietnam.

FEBRUARY 1971

In February, the mysterious operation was dubbed Lam Son 719, and its magnitude became increasingly aapparent to the men of C company. February seventh found many of the aircraft of C company at firebase Vandergrift, setting up for the night in preparation for the Laotion invasion scheduled to take place the following morning. Minutes after the aircraft had been secured, enemy forces began shelling the firebase with a deadly barrage of mortar and rocket fire. After initially taking cover, the Playtex crews returned to their aircraft and safely evacuated them.

Beginning on 8 February, and throughout the Laotion operation, C company did its part, carrying sortie after sortie of artillery tubes, munitions, and supplies to the newly established firebases to support the ARVN’s advance into Laos. On liftmaster pad, aircraft 542 was taxied into a revetment while being parked for the night. The speed trims were extended to gain traction on the wet PSP, the pilots failed to retract them. The result was a total los of 542 and one crewmember injured.

15 February 1971 is recorded as another one of the darkest days in the history of C company. Aircraft 506 was shot down while on a combat resupply mission well inside the Laotian border. The aircraft was destroyed in midair, resulting in the loss of 3 aviators and 3 crewmembers.

MARCH 1971

During March 1971, an ever increasing number of Playtex personnel and aircraft were exposed to anti-aircraft fire. Aircraft 820 and 990 were both disabled by enemy fire and through the courage and maintenance expertise of Playtex maintenance personnel (327th) both aircraft were repaired and flown back to Liftmaster. Aircraft 502 was not so fortunate. After being shot down while on a mission to resupply fire support base Delta, and after the crew had been safely picked up, the aircraft was hit and completely destroyed by enemy mortar fire.

25th March 1971, saw Chinook operations cease in Laos. During this campaign the men of C company time and time again proved their courage and professionalism in the face of a determined enemy.

APRIL 1971

April 1971 found Playtex aircraft supporting Operation Jefferson Glen and assisting in the withdrawal of two brigades of ARVN Marines from the area of Khe Sahn. The unit was given a standdown day, a well deserved rest. Unit spirit was the call that resulted in a unit basketball court constructed with available engineer assistance and in use in a matter of just a few days.

A memorial service for the crewmembers killed on aircraft 506 was held on April 17, 1971. The entire company attended and paid respects to their fallen friends and comrades.

April also marked the inactivation of the 327th Transportation Detachment. The detachment became an integral part of the Playtex organization.

MAY 1971

May 1971 highlights include continued support of Operation Jefferson Gen and Lam Son 720. Another unit standdown day was had with particular attention paid to relaxation, eating, and consumption of beverages. May was also a good month for the motor maintenance personnel, as the unit vehicles received high ratings on road side inspections. The 159th ASHB had a change of command ceremony on the 9th of May, as LTC Davis replaced LTC Newton. Charlie company welcomed LTC Davis to the best assault support helicopter battalion in the army.

Notification that the annual IG would be in early June resulted in extensive preparation and as was to be expected, Charlie company came through with excellent marks in all areas.

JUNE 1971

The departure of Major Berta saw the assumption of command by the executive officer, Captain Melvin A. Utley on 24 June 1971. Major Berta departed for a new assignment in Washington D.C.. Captain Magaw arrived to assume the duties of executive officer.

JULY 1971

In July 1971, Playtex set the example for the rest of the battalion by flying 896 hours and hauling 3,857 tons of supplies. Normal resupply missions were continued, with some hostile action for Playtex aircraft near coastal area firebases Sarge and Fuller. The majority of the month found us conducting the normal day to day resupply operations of the vital firebases scattered throughout our area of operations.

In addition, Firebases Talon, Spear, and Blitz were put in during a well coordinated operation that found C company working hand in hand with “A” and “B” companies.

During the month some of our pilots and crewmembers again experienced the drama of flying resupply missions under hostile fire. Due to the continuos pressure applied by the enemy to firebases Sarge and Fuller, our crews more than once carried vital supplies into these positions in spite of the constant threat of enemy fire.

AUGUST 1971

During August, 1971, C company once again set the example for the rest of the battalion by flying 963 hours and hauling 3,118 tons of supplies and carrying 4,847 passengers. The primary missions during the month was the continued resupply of firebases in the area. A considerable amount of supplies were delivered to Mai Loc for the support of nearby Sarge and Fuller.

Playtex softball team turned in a spectacular performance in winning the Phu Bai Softball Tournament. A few days later the team traveled to Camp Eagle to participate in the 101st Airborne Divison wide tournament. Outstanding play resulted in the Playtex team sweeping the tournament with what turned out to be a perfect game pitched by SFC Justice. Once again, C company can boast of being the best and can back up its reputation by accomplishments.

SEPTEMBER 1971

During September 1971, the majority of our flight time was in conjunction with a new operation, Lam Son 810. The operation started on the 8th of September and continued until the eighteenth. During this period the men of Playtex found themselves once again flying in the area around Khe Sahn in support of ARVN troops. The operation went smoothly for C company until the final day. SP4 Kenneth Jones and SP5 Gerald Van Winkle were killed at Mai Loc, when the accidentally detonated a mechanical ambush. A memorial service was held in the company area on 20 September 1971. Their friends and fellow soldiers paid their last respects through prayers and eulogies.

OCTOBER 1971

During the month of October, C company conducted business as usual inspire of almost daily monsoon rains and occasional tropical storms. Although the heavy rains limited our flying time to a total of 609 hours, well below our normal average, the overall results pointed once again to Playtex’s ability to get the job done.

Instrument training was intensified this month. The aviators of C company used the many days of marginal weather to increase their IFR proficiency.

It was suggested we devise some method of enclosing the basketball court, so that it could be used for sports and movies, a sort of all-weather amphitheater. A maintenance tent frame was moved from the motor pool to the court and completely covered with canvas to make a waterproof dome. The frame was moved by approximately fifty men with a man on top to lift electrical wires. Many hours of dry recreation were enjoyed by the members of Playtex.

NOVEMBER 1971

During November, the bad weather and monsoon rains counted in an unrelenting manner. This held the flight time normally used for resupply to a minimum. When we were able to fly, it was to carry troops between Da Nang and Phu Bai in support of the initial phases of the 101st Airborne Divisions standdown. November also saw the beginning of the IFR combat bus run. This was the first time army helicopters were to carry passengers on a daily scheduled basis during IFR weather. Because of the great amount of planning and coordination into development of the program, it became a huge success, testifying to the professionalism of the aviators of the 159th ASHB.

Word was received that the initial phase of the 159th ASHB’s standdown would begin in November. C and A companies would each give B company 5 of their low time aircraft, which would be replaced by the last unit to standdown, thereby having the best aircraft. Emotions ran high, as the flight engineers stood by and watched their aircraft depart Liftmaster pad.

November 28, 1971 marked the date of the worst air disaster in the history of the unit. While on a flight from Da Nang to Phu Bai, with 29 passengers and a crew of 5, an emergency radio call was transmitted from Playtex 866. Seconds later all radio contact was lost. A massive air and sea search was initiated, but because of bad weather it was several days before the wreckage was sighted in the coastal mountains. Everyone aboard the aircraft was killed. At this time the reasons for the crash are under investigation.

DECEMBER 1971

December 1971 began with the knowledge that it was to be the last month of Playtex’s existence. Captain Utley turned his command over to Captain Charles W. Magaw, the seventh and last commander of Charlie Company in the Republic of Vietnam.

Missions were curtailed and completely stopped by 7 December 1971. On the eleventh, a memorial service was held for crewmembers of aircraft 866.

The second half of December found Charlie Company gathering and preparing all its materials for turn-in. The aircraft were reassigned within RVN. (12 to the 68th Avn Co, Pleiku, 2 within the battalion and 1 to the 178th Aviation Company at Marble Mountain - Da Nang).

Personnel began to depart the unit on 24 December 1971, and were all reassigned by 3 January 1972. Everyone departed with many fond memories of the best Chinook company in Vietnam and probably in the US Army. The last aircraft departed Liftmaster pad on 1 January 1972 flown by the Company Commander, Captain Magaw, Instructor Pilot Captain Love, Flight Engineer Boeing Technical Representative, Bryan Schofield.

On 12 January 1972, an informal ceremony was held at the battalion headquarters, where the following momentos were presented to LTC Davis, the commanding officer of the 159th ASHB:

“Charlie” Company Guidon Memorial Plaque for members

Playtex Photo Album of the unit that lost their lives

Boeing Achievement Plaques - in RVN

(30,000 combat flight hours - 3,375 not

represented by plaques) Playtex Bubble

SoftBall Trophies

This simple ceremony marked a historical event of a fine unit operating within a fine battalion. All members of Playtex can be justifiably proud of their accomplishments and the accomplishments of “CHARLIE” Company, 159th ASHB, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), APO SF 96383.

On the fifth of August 1972 (5 Aug 72), “ Charlie” Company was reactivated at Fort Campbell, Ky., with Captain Thomas A. McMillen assuming command as the eight commander of C company and the first in their new home. The unit call sign was changed from “Playtex” to “Outlaws”.

Pilot training began in early 1973 with the few pilots we had utilizing the aircraft of A and B companies. On the first of April 1973, “Charlie” company received their first two aircraft, turnovers from A and B companies. Also at this time we began sending crews to New Cumberland Army Depot, Pa., to pick up aircraft. By the early part of May, we had increased our aircraft to seven, and our training was in full swing.

Continuation of the Unit History may be obtained from the S-3 section, or the unit, assigned to Ft. Campbell, Ky. Do not be surprised to find the original history from 1968 - 1973 re-written two or three times and condensed each time until it is almost unrecognizable. “Re Writting” history seems to be the modern thing to do.

Other history - not official, however, very true. To be lost with the membership.........

1. Scavenage missions throughout Oklahoma and Texas for anything prior to going to RVN. Washing machines, freezers, Airconditioners, Dryers, hot water heaters. A Chinook will provide movement, and a demonstrantion for the home town of any unit member that can arrange old parts to be donated. - Great Success.....

2. Commo officer, one young Paul Cuda. Raiding the Commo supply at Ft. Sill. As a later Battalion Commander, wonder how he would react to the same thing from a Command Point of View.... Paul was first battalion commander for Reserve Chinook unit out of Ft. Lee Va. Units now at Va., KS., Washington. - only reserve aviation left in the army. Other aviation went to NG of each state.

3. Air Force Aircraft Tug that found its way on board a Chinook enroute to Ft. Sill. Later, repainted, new log book, shipped to RVN as unit property. ??????

4. Eagle from Ft. Sill Officer club that tried to fly to the flight line and become company property.

5. Soldier who shot himself in the stomach to avoid Southeast Asia. - Medical discharge. Mental.

6. The crew chief who almost missed the flight from El Paso, after getting caught and held up at the local entertainment south of the border... Speaking of.....

7. What group of young WOs was asked to leave a house of ill repute because of the group request and volumn.......

8. Who was the young WO1 who told the young 2 LT at the field ration mess to make an appointment and he would salute him....

9. Who cranked a brand new Ch-47 at the VIP circle at Post field with a tail wind and immediately burned two engines. Said officer then proceeded to avoid the company area for two weeks so the CO would cool off.. No damage to the engines, but that was unknown at the time. Vs. Today’s cost of 1 million plus, those were cheap at 100,000.00 each... What a buy.