SKYCHIEF 20 « Jenny La Sala

25 Mar

SKYCHIEF 20

jennysala Uncategorized 0 0

My name is Dale Throneberry, and I am a Vietnam Veteran.

As an Aircraft Commander 8 and helicopter pilot, I was known as “Skychielf 20, with the 195th Assault Helicopter Company.
I made many landings at the Ton Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam in 1969. Tan Son Nhut Air Base was the target of major communist attacks during the 1968 Tet Offensive. The attack began early on 30 January with greater severity than anyone had expected. When the communists attacked, much of the VNAF was on leave to be with their families during the lunar new year.
An immediate recall was issued, and within 72 hours, 90 percent of the VNAF was on duty. The first enemy rounds that hit Tan Son Nhut Air Base struck approximately 02:00 on 30 January. The chapel on the base was one of the early direct hits. The base was under the command of Air Force Colonel Farley Peebles. I am pictured here with my friend, Ray Schrader in 1969. I spent over 1,200 hours in the Huey.

If not for the work of the United States Air Force 377th Security Police Squadron in the early hours of the attack the entire base may have been in danger. Four USAF Security Policemen lost their lives at Bunker 051, those 4 and two other Combat Security Police members received the Silver Star for their valor. The Security Police, despite being outnumbered, with help from the United States Army Helicopter and ground units, killed nearly 1000 enemy combatants. The base was secured by American and ARVN/VNAF forces by 12 Noon on 31 January 1968. Over the next three weeks, the VNAF flew over 1,300 strikes, bombing and strafing communist positions throughout South Vietnam.

The bunker in the group photo is the 0-51 bunker where 4 members of the 377th SPS lost their lives during the TET Offensive.
This photo was taken on March 20, 1968 during a memorial service for the fallen comrades. Major Bender was wounded by a mortar round and evacuated and returned to duty. The photo shows in order of appearance, left to right, Major Carl Bender, LTC Bill Jack Carter, Captain Carl DeNisio and 1LT Gerald Ingalsbe.