Thirty Eight years ago today 119th AHC Helicopter 66-00596 went down on a mission. Abord were AC W01 James Allen Bullington (KIA), P W01 Timothy William Kearney (KIA), G SP4 Richard Charles Gupton (KIA), CE SP4 Michael R. Ebert(WIA).

This was part of operation OMEGA which ran concurrent with operation PRAIRIE FIRE. Several 119th Slick and Gun ship crews were assigned to Special Forces Team A-244 Dakto for an operation called BUCKNER. While en route at tree top level to pick up a Special Forces Team in trouble Croc 596 went into a nose down attitude and crashed into the jungle. Gator 851 was flying with Croc 596 and witnessed the crash. Mike Ebert was the only survivor and was extracted using McGuire rigs.

We all have many days that will remain with us in our minds, this is one of mine. Normally I would be at THE WALL in Washington DC to give the guys a SALUTE but distance now makes that difficult. These 3 men will still get a SALUTE and PRAYER from me today. I will also be calling Mike today as I have each year just to let him know I am thinking about him.

GOD BLESS THEIR SOLES

Tom Gator 851.