In 1970 I was a 20 year old helicopter pilot in Vietnam. On one mission to extract some “Charlie Rangers” C Company, 75th Rangers, I heard a Ranger make a radio call as we were leaving the PZ. He said “Hot Damn, My Pilot is from KY”. Since I was the only pilot from KY on that mission and had my name and “Cecilia, KY” painted on the back of my helmet, I knew this radio call was coming from the back of the Huey I was flying. I turned around to see a handsome young ranger with his face all covered with dirt and camouflage. This would be the beginning of a lifelong friendship between Dan Adams and me. We would be together on several combat missions with my unit inserting, supporting and extracting the best Ranger Company in Vietnam. I can remember extracting Dan and the members of his team in some very hostile situations and once when I made an unplanned landing, it was Dan and the Rangers who dropped in to help secure the aircraft. When the book “Charlie Ranger” was published, I received one in the mail. Written inside the front page was a heart touching message from my friend, Dan. Dan moved to Radcliff, KY and we stayed in touch often over the years. This photo is one that Dan kept in his office and I displayed as well. It was taken in the back of the UH-1 that I was flying and that is Dan on the right side of the photo as he and another Charlie Ranger loaded a wounded NVA Lieutenant onto the aircraft. This morning Dan’s son Eric called to tell me that Dan had just died. It was a short conversation, since neither of us could talk. I was with another Vietnam Veteran when I got the call and he knew by the stunned look and the tears that something terrible had happened. I will miss this good friend and great patriot and always cherish the friendship we enjoyed. Visitation will be this next Sunday, April 6 at Owens Funeral on Dixie Highway in Louisville. The time will probably be from 1 to 7 PM, but that hasn’t been decided just yet. Please keep Dan’s family in your prayers.
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:25:56 +0000
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