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Walter Sarratt
Shotgunner
Shotgun VIII
1964/1965
I was assigned to the 25th Avaition group when I first arrived from Fort
Rutker.
A few months after I arrived I volunteered for the Shotgun project. My first
assignment in Vietnam was in SocTrang, in support of the Panther Rangers
(ARVIN Unit). I was there for about 3 months, then volunteered to go to
Pleiku as both a Door Gunner and ground security for Camp Holloway. I
remained in Pleiku for about three months, and was sent to Da Nang, where I
was assigned to a Gun Ship operating out of PhuBi, South of Hue. All toll I
spent about 11 months in Vietnam before I was returned to Hawaii in early
1965. Upon my return I was first transferred to the 25th Division Artillery
in support of their air operations. In mid-65 when the division was
mobilized, I was transferred to the 1st/5th Mech Infantry (Bobcats), as a 50
ca. gunner on an APC.
I will send you a photo if your interested. Awarded three Air Medals, CIB,
and we wounded in July, 1966 while operating in the HOBO Woods. Not too much
else to tell.
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The first picture of the group at Pleiku, I think Carl is the second from the right. If I am wrong I have him confused with someone else. First on the right is Mike O'Connell (still in touch), and the tall guy in the center is me.
Second picture was a series of three taken at PhuBi, and over the city of Hue in early 1965. |
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The guy standing by the water buffalo was a Warrent Officer and co-pilot of my gun ship. Good Avaitor
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EMail Conversation with Walter (Butch)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2005 8:51 AM
Subject: Re: Shotgun Site
The guy standing by the water buffalo was a Warrent Officer and co-pilot of my
gun ship. Good Avaitor. My aircraft pilot was a Capt., but there was little
association between officers and the gunners. Everyone knew we were
temporary, so even the Crew Chiefs seemed to huddle up together without us.
The gunner on my sister gun ship was Dave (Miko) O'Connell. A crazy irishman,
he was a little older then I was, and already a licensed pilot before being
drafted. We have stayed in touch over the years. He lives and owns a
prefabrication operation in Montana. We got together two years ago for a
couple of days in AZ, where he owns shares in a gold mine that he works in the
winter when it gets too cold in Montana. I love the guy like a brother. We
were tight throughout my first tour with Shotgun 8. I also stay in touch with
a few of the Avaition guys who did not participate in the Shotgun
program; Vernon Woods, crew chief, Wilson Eskins, gunner, Jim Horner,
mechanic, and Dave Reager, mechanic. Wilson, Jim and I got together in
Houston a month or so ago. We kept the conversation light, but the connection
was still there. I enjoyed it very much.
Butch
Bill <wmball@direcway.com> wrote:
Who is the guy standing on the Crew chief side
of the huey
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: Shotgun Site
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The first picture of the group at Pleiku, I think Carl is the second
from the right. If I am wrong I have him confused with someone
else. First on the right is Mike O'Connell (still in touch), and
the tall guy in the center is me.
Second picture was a series of three taken at PhuBi, and over the
city of Hue in early 1965.
Butch
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Bill <wmball@direcway.com> wrote:
I pumped a lot of fuel from those
barrels.Only two ships at Hue also at the time. Supported MACV,
Arvins and SF's.
Bill
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 3:01 PM
Subject: Re: Shotgun Site
We sure choked down some of the same dust. Pleiku and Hue. We
flew into Hue to re-arm and re-fuel. Had to pump it ourselves
out of a 55 gal drum. Would drop our spent or blistered
ammunition into the Perfume River as we flew over. As solitary
as Hue might have appeared, I would have preferred it to Pleiku.
At PhuBi, there were just two gun ships. Australian engineers
were cadre to an ARVIN Basic Training unit. We protected the
camp, and flew escort for the old H-34s the Marines were flying,
and protected the resupply of Special Forces camps. There was
also a "free kill" zone inland from PhuBi, I have some vivid if
not pleasant memories of missions in that area.
I may have a picture of Carl, if we are thinking of the same
person. I will see if I can find it. I have a picture of about
eight of us at Camp Holloway. Also have some pictures of the
village if you would like to see them.
Butch
Bill <wmball@direcway.com> wrote:
Butch
It seems we followed a simular
path.
I was with D Brty, 3rd Bn 13th
Artillery, the 8" unit.
I went to Pleiku in Feb. 65 served
as doorgunner on the gunships, some time on the 50 Cal ship.
Also ground security for Camp Holloway.
Went back to Hawaii and returned
with the next Shotgun Platoon. This time I was assigned to I
Corp Avn Later renamed 282nd Black Cats and exiled to Hue
Citadel.
When the 25th deployed I opted to
stay as a doorgunner.
Left in late April 66.
I am interested in all
documentation you might have for the site.
While at Pleiku you might have
known my buddy Carl Williford. I have been trying to find him
for years. He departed with his platoon as my platoon was
arriving in Pleiku, but not before taking me to his favorite
spot downtown.
So what do you do now?
Blill
wmball@direcway.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: Shotgun Site
Bill, when I became a member of Shotgun 8, it did not occur
to me to hang on to my orders. I was assigned to the 25th
Avaition group when I first arrived from Fort Rutker.
A few months after I arrived I volunteered for the Shotgun
project. My first assignment in Vietnam was in SocTrang, in
support of the Panther Rangers (ARVIN Unit). I was there
for about 3 months, then volunteered to go to Pleiku as both
a Door Gunner and ground security for Camp Holloway. I
remained in Pleiku for about three months, and was sent to
Da Nang, where I was assigned to a Gun Ship operating out of
PhuBi, South of Hue. All toll I spent about 11 months in
Vietnam before I was returned to Hawaii in early 1965. Upon
my return I was first transferred to the 25th Division
Artillery in support of their air operations. In mid-65
when the division was mobilized, I was transferred to the
1st/5th Mech Infantry (Bobcats), as a 50 ca. gunner on an
APC.
I will send you a photo if your interested. Awarded three
Air Medals, CIB, and we wounded in July, 1966 while
operating in the HOBO Woods. Not too much else to tell.
Butch
Bill <wmball@direcway.com> wrote:
Butch
Welcome you are now a member
of the Shotgunner Site someday association.
What unit were you in at
Schofield?
What unit were you in in Nam?
Do you have a copy of your
orders, awards or a story?
We need copies of Shotgun
order to find others.
I will post your photos if you
have any.
Thanks
Bill
wmball@direcway.com
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