WO THEODORE VAIL THOMAN

 

26 March 1997 Ted was the most peaceful person I have ever known. He was an experienced newbie helicopter pilot when I was a very green newbie. I learned a great deal from Ted. I learned how to balance dedication to the mission with concern to prevent an accident that could kill someone. Ted was learning the language and culture of the Vietnamese, and he taught me to respect and admire them. He taught me about the "Project Concern" hospital at Dam Pao. In 1993 I had the priviledge and pleasure of meeting Ted's parents and brother who would love to hear from others who knew him. Ted wanted to become a teacher after serving his country. I am sure the world would be a better place today if Ted had not died in Vietnam. Jim Schueckler flewhuey@frontiernet.net The photo of Ted donated by Chris Ness, cness@gloster.vivid.net Visit my 192nd Assault Helicopter Company site

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 31 March 1969 the 192nd AHC was tasked with an administrative support flight from Phan Thiet to the "Whiskey Relay" site 16 nautical miles to the northwest. Located atop Hill 386, a 420 foot high sentinel in an otherwise flat coastal lowland, Whiskey Relay was known for dangerous winds. The flight was made by UH-1H tail number 66-16244, crewed by WO Theodore V. Thoman, pilot; WO J. L. Brusstar, copilot; Sgt J. D. Peterson, crew chief; and SP4 Wayne H. Russell, gunner. Three passengers also were aboard. As the aircraft approached Whiskey Relay on a heading of 360 degrees and an altitude of 1500 feet, the Whiskey Relay landing pad personnel "popped smoke" to give the crew definite wind direction. The Huey, with WO Brusstar at the controls, came to a heading of approximately 090 degrees and proceeded to touch-down. Immediately after touch-down the aircraft apparently was affected by the winds, as its nose started upwards. WO Thoman took the controls and attempted to regain control of the aircraft but failed, with the Huey beginning a rapid spin on the pad. After several uncontrolled revolutions the tail boom struck a tree and separated from the cabin, with both parts of the aircraft rolling in different directions downhill from the pad. Although Whiskey Relay personnel promptly extinguished the post-crash fire, provided medical attention to the injured, and got a medevac aircraft on site within 25 minutes, SP4 Russell died in the crash and WO Thoman died on 03 April 1969 of injuries received. The "Project Concern" hospital mentioned above was located at Dam Pao and was operated by a civilian organization, Project Concern International, which today continues to provide volunteer medical care around the world.

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