Mark,

The crew of Gator 297 were all members of the 2nd Flight Platoon. Both platoons worked together during many operations. During our tours of RON at Dak To the crews all bunked together in the same tent. The lift platoons and the gun crews spent many hours together. The old company area we were housed together in six to eight man hootches. You got even closer to the guys which were in your hootch. Most gunners and crewchiefs shared the same area in the hootch. You became part of different families because of this. Your crew of the A/C, crewchief and gunner were your brothers. The guys in your hooth and platoon were also your family but not as close as your crew. I spent two months as a floating crewchief because my assigned ship was in for it's 1100 hrs PE. During that time I flew with all three platoons which was really helped me get to know most of the guys in all the platoons.

The flight platoon patch was a badge of honor for the guys who were in the platoons. That was the first thing you did after being assigned to the platoon was get your patches sewn on the left pocket of your uniform. That was as important as your flight wings. I think to honor your brother you should use his flight platoon patch.