KIA-MIA Files | Died After Tour

SAMUEL M. WALL DOB: 05 May 1948, DOD: March 1983. SSN 248-82-7783, issued in SC

Steve Watson, a former 281st AHC INTRUDER, and member of the Wolf Pack during 1969-70 passed away on 11 Feb. 2002 in Bangkok Thailand. Before his death Steve flew helicopters in Thailand. His death was reported by Bob Moberg who knew him in Thialand. Steve is remembered by many former intruders especially those of the Wolf Pack and the Bandit Platoon with whom he worked closely. Bob Mitchell recalls that " Steve was a great pilot who covered him on numerous insertions and extractions". Steve is remembered by Jim Holt, his platoon leader in the 281st AHC. "As Steve's platoon leader during 69/70, I can affirm that he was one of the most dedicated men I have ever known. He was brave, adventurous, and patriotic. He never hesitated in accepting a mission, and often volunteered for most. Steve and Stobe usually worked as a team, and together they performed their duties with professionalism and courage. Perhaps the most striking thing I remember about Steve was his enthusiasm, smile, and willingness to serve. Our country, and our unit should be proud of this great American soldier, who was my friend and fellow aviator. I know all of Wolf Pack will think of him often, and remember him with love and affection. James R. "Pappy" Holt "WolfPack 36" 4/69-4/70

Warrant Officer Frank Welch served his second tour with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company in the Republic of South Vietnam in 1970 as a UH-1 "slick" pilot. He remained with the 281st until it was deactivated. Frank served his first Vietnam tour as an enlisted specialist with the 5th Special Forces Group. Sometime after his return to the USA, after his second tour, he reverted to his former enlisted status and became a member and then team leader (E-7) of the famous U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team at Ft. Bragg, NC. On the morning of 8 March 1973, SFC Welch lost his life in the crash of the Golden Knights C-47 aircraft. Fred Funk, also a former member of the 281st AHC, recalls that he had been conversing with Frank at the Ft. Bragg Special Operations Hangar at Simmons Army Air Field on the morning the tragedy occurred. Fred relates that there were a total of four teams, 18 parachutists, loaded on the aircraft on their way to a three-day parachute demonstration. The C-47 took off disappearing into rain and fog in minimal flying conditions. Within the hour word was received that the aircraft had crashed near Silar City, NC. There were no survivors. The cause of the crash was that it reportedly exceeded the weight and balance limits due to a heavy metal plating that was installed in the aircraft floor during Vietnam service. The heavy plating's weight was never logged into the weight and balance data for the aircraft. Michael Johnson, another 281st AHC member, also contributed to this memorial.

Thomas James West, Sr., 62 of Port Orchard, Washington died in Bremerton, Washington on April 20, 2007. He was born November 24, 1944 in Tacoma, Washington to Malcolm James & Mable Opal Inez (Smith) West. Tom retired after 30 years with U.S. West Communication. He served in the US Army from 1962 to 1968 and was a member of the 82nd Airborne in German, also serving a tour of duty in South Vietnam. He was a member of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, which supported Special Operations Missions of the 5th Special Forces Group. Tom was a member of Disabled Veterans of American and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He leaves behind his beloved wife Pearl; and beloved sons Thomas, Jr., James, David and wife Kristin. Funeral services at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington with military honors were held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 1:00 pm.

Dear Family and Friends:

This is a very difficult letter that I could ever write and send to you. My Husband Tom West passed away last Friday, April 20, 2007. For those of you who do not know, Tom suffered a very long time with Heart Disease and Diabetes. Tom was a Wonderful Man who had been a very active person, very much a people person, loved humor, camping, fishing, and golf. He loved his trip last summer through Canada and Alaska. Which he had hoped to be able to do again in June. Most of all Tom loved his family, friends and the many people that he met throughout his lifetime. You have All Enriched his life and I Thank You All for Having been a part of His Life. If you know of anyone that knew Tom, would you let them know, as there are many friends that I may have Forgotten on this list. I am not thinking very clearly right now, and would appreciate your help.

Tom was a Disabled Veteran and was buried in the Tahoma National Cemetery. And there were Military Funeral Honors Service for Tom on Wednesday, May 2, at the Tahoma National Cemetery in the Kent/Covington area that is bordering Maple Valley near Highway 18.

Thank you All.

Pearl, Tom JR, Jim, Dave and Kristin (Dave's Wife)

Tom West was a great person who could make you laugh and even thou he knew he had but a little time left on this earth he was determined to make the best of it show his friends he cared and always smile. That and his love of life were his trade Marks. He had a love of life yet had just as many things going on with health and life as the rest of us. His attitude I can only hope to have when told you only have a few months to live. Tom loved the 281st and was a quitet person. I wanted to say good bye to him in this special way as he was special and spent a great deal of time with me at the last reunion. To me he was one of those special brothers who watched after you yet didn’t let you know he was at the time. He loved family and I don't believe I ever seen him without a smile.

LaRie

WILLIAM O. WILSON DAT 2003, 847 W State Road 38
New Castle, IN 47362-9703
Possible telephone # 765-529-7252

CWO-3 Thomas H. Wingfield was from Albuquerque, NM. Tom was an enlisted communication specialist assigned to the 499^th Signal Detachment in Ft. Benning, GA when the 499^th joined the 281^st AHC to proceed to Vietnam. Prior to departing Ft. Benning Tom applied for a Warrant Officer appointment. Tom learned that his appointment to Warrant Officer was approved on November 7, 1966, coincidentally the day he and his wife Mary would celebrate their seventh wedding anniversary miles apart. Tom served a second tour in Vietnam in Vinh Long in 1968. He retired in 1979 as a CWO-3. Tom passed away on August 21, 1992 as a result of lung cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary George Wingfield who contributed to this memorial.