Silver Spurs Missing Man Table
Those Spurs reported to have passed away since the 2024 Spur reunion:
Peter Dempsey
Passed away on December 14, 2024 from complications from heart surgery.
John Marcy
"The July-August-September 2024 issue of the VHPA Aviator Newsletter lists John Marcy in the Taps section. VHPA says he was born 2/11/1942 in Lackawanna, NY and passed away on 4/30/2024, and was living in South Pasadena, Florida since 2020. He had retired as a Colonel. John was Nate Pulliam's pilot in the command ship in 1967-68." - Spur 3, Chuck Oualline
Edward Ryan
June 15, 1947 - November 22, 2024 - Silver Spur 35
Obituary provided by Denny Caldwell
Those Spurs reported to have passed away since the 2023 Spur reunion:
Robert Bretschneider
Lift Platoon Crew Chief, 1969 - 1970
He passed away in December, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Charles M. Foster
Silver Spur 8 with A Troop and 575 TC in 1969-70
Passed on September 9, 2023 from Parkinson's
Reported by VHPA
Tom Marlock
Original Spur Gunship Pilot, Silver Spur 33
Passed on February 14th, 2024
Obituary
Jim Metcalf
Jan 1970 - Dec 1970, Silver Spur Armorer
Jim passed on March 15, 2018
Obituary provided by his son, Craig Metcalf
Charles Stutzman
Silver Spur 13
Passed away on May 20, 2024 as reported by his family on our Spur blog
Those Spurs reported to have passed away since the 2022 Spur reunion:
Lester R. Bell
Silver Spur XO in 1969
He passed on January 14, 2022 at Bainbridge Island, Washington
As reported by VHPA in July/August 2022
Paul Clergy
Silver Spur 13
Paul passed away on his 80th birthday on November 12, 2022 as reported by his family on Facebook
In Memory of Paul H. Clergy - Hamilton's Funeral Home
John Roger Dostal
Gun Platoon Crew Chief
August 17, 1948 - April 7, 2022
Obit: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/richmond-va/john-dostal-10701752
Please see: John Dostal Presents... - Silver Spur Blog - February 10, 2017
Bill Fox
Silver Spur 13
Bill passed on October 3, 2022 as reported by his wife, Sherrie
Charles Helms
Silver Spur 17
Passed away on August 19, 2023 reported by his daughter
Jack Irvine
As reported by VHPA in 2022
1967-1968 Silver Spur Gun Platoon
Date: Unknown, sometime in 2021
Robert Raoul
Early Lift Section Leader
Robert passed away on June 13, 2023
Obituary
Stanley H. Smith
As reported by VHPA in January/February 2023
1968-1969 Silver Spur
Stanley paased on August 13, 2022
Barry Tronstad
Silver Spur 19
Died on April 14, 2023
Obituary
Ralph White
Silver Spur 29
As reported by VHPA
Passed away on September 2, 2022
Those Spurs reported to have passed away since the 2021 Spur reunion:
[To be honored at the 2022 reunion]
Lou "Ratso" Chodera
Scout pilot 1970-71
Date: Unknown
Robbie Hodge
Cobra pilot 1970-71
Date: Unknown
Steven Douglas Johnson
Sp/5, Cobra Armament
June 22nd, 2021
Dave Krichbaum
Scout pilot 1967-68
Date: Unknown
Robert "Bobby" William Murphy
Lift Door Gunner
Passed away on December 28, 2020
Obit
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the 2018 Spur reunion:
[To be honored at the 2021 reunion]
Howard A. "Buddy" Cannon
Passed away on Nov 24, 2017
Ray M. Fish
Passed away on May 16, 2019
Spur 30 1969
David R. Freeman
Passed away on Oct 29, 2018
Obituary
Ron Holloman (Original Spur), Spur 24
Ron's Obit courtesy of VHPA
Passed away on March 5, 2021
General Kenneally writes: "CWO Ron Holloman passed away suddenly in his sleep on 5/6 March at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. He was an original member of the Silver Spurs joining 'A' Troop at Fort Knox in March/April of 1967. He was a member of the Gun Platoon and received a DFC among other decorations."
Frank Irvin II
Passed away on May 9, 2019
Lift Platoon Door Gunner
Frank's favorite YouTube video, crank it up for Frank!
Richard C. Keehn
Passed away on December 20, 2019
His wife, Karen writes:
"Rich died December 20, 2019; after a 20 year battle with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. I am thankful we were able to hold a private service for immediate family and friends with military honors in Ukiah on 3/13/20 just as the COVID pandemic was shutting down California and the rest of the country.
"Rich was a helicopter pilot with the 3rd/17th during 1967-68, his second combat tour in Vietnam. Among his many military medals, his record shows he was awarded the following during that tour:
"Rich retired as Captain from active duty at 6th Army Headquarters in San Francisco in January 1972, and the reserves in 1974. He became deeply involved in the California Wine Grape industry and was elected the founding chairman of the California Association of Winegrapes Growers (CAWG), in 1974, a strong producer's organization now in its 46th year. He left behind his wife (me) of 48 years, a combined family of 8 children, 20 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He had quite a life with many accomplishments of which we are all proud.
Karen Keehn"
Darrell Morgan
Passed away on December 28th 2019
Rifle Platoon
Bill Reynolds
Passed away on December 28, 2019
Spur 16 1969-1970
Silver Spur Tribute for Bill Reynolds
Thomas Steve Richardson
Passed away on February 10, 2019
Spur 19 1970-1971
Obit provided by fellow Spur, Paul Clergy:
Ret. CW4 Thomas Steve Richardson, passed away peacefully in his Savannah, GA home this past Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the age of 70. Thomas was born on December 8th, 1948, in Newberry County, to Thomas Leon Richardson and Margaret Alene Dowd Richardson. He was married to Susan Cousins Richardson of Chapin. They were blessed with many years together, and celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary on December 27th, 2018. Thomas is survived by his wife along with his only daughter, Laurie Ann( Nick ) Sterguis and his two grand-daughters, Annie Lee (Stephen) Smith, and Lauren Savannah Richardson, his son-in-law Nicholas Sterguis and Grandson-in-law Stephen Smith. He is pre-ceded by his parents along with his Fraternal Grand parents, Veta Lenora Kibler Richardson and James Leo Richardson, and his Maternal Grandparents Eva Shealy Dowd and Wilbur Dowd. In 1967 Thomas graduated from Mid Carolina High School after which he attended Georgia Military College, Richland Tech, and Fayetteville Tech In June of 1969 he voluntarily joined the Army and graduated from Flight School in June of 1970 at Fort Rucker in Alabama. In August of the same year he was deployed to Vietnam where he was eventually awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for using his helicopter to shield an incoming Medivac and giving them enough time to retrieve the injured soldiers on the ground. During his time in the military he was stationed at multiple locations including Fort Bragg, Korea (twice), Fort Jackson, Finthen Army Airfield and Hunter Army Air Field. During his life he was also a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Savannah Georgia, the Grand Lodge AFM of South Carolina and the Alee Temple. A Celebration of Life service will be held this Saturday, February 16th, at Mt. Horeb Lutheran Church in Chapin, SC at 1:00 pm. Thomas wanted to be remembered for the joy he had while on earth and asked that his friends and family gather in celebration instead of mourning after his passing. His family has also asked that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the ALS Foundation of your choice, for those who feel called to do so.
Susan Cousins Richardson
Dennis Rouse
Passed away on Feb 4th 2019 - 69 years old
Spur Scout Crew Chief 1970-1971
I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis Rouse. He and I both served as crew chiefs with the Silver Spurs. Denny served from 1970-1971 with the Spurs (not the 575th). He was an excellent OH-58A crew chief and a great friend. He was married to his wife 'Mike' prior to his arrival with the Spurs and they have remained together all these many years. My wife and I had the honor of meeting them both in 1971 when I was stationed at Hunter Army Airfield and we have stayed in touch over these many years. The next time we personally met was at the 2006 Silver Spur Reunion at Ft. Rucker and we had a GREAT time picking up like our time together in Nam was yesterday. We've stayed in touch since by phone but I was concerned when we couldn't make contact this Christmas. Dennis was a SP/4 while we were serving together with the Silver Spurs. He loved his wife, his family, and absolutely adored their grandchildren and was a God-fearing man who loved his country, his family & his friends. I will miss Denny beyond words...
My prayers go out to 'Mike' and their entire family. We've lost a very good man who I was honored to be his friend... Slow hand salute for my fellow Cavalry Trooper and great Friend...
Dennis will now be reunited with Jerry "Moose"Gillett (observer) & William T. Wallace, Jr. (Scout pilot) who perished in his bird, 68-16945 on 4 Jun 1970 inside Cambodia. Thankfully Dennis was not part of the crew that fateful day.
Sincerely,
Roger "Bear" Young - Silver Spur Scout crew chief, line chief & Silver Spur webmaster.
Honorary Spur, Chris Taylor, brother of Silver Spur KIA Sgt. Phil Taylor
Passed away on Dec 16, 2018
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the April 2016 Spur reunion:
[To be honored at the 2018 reunion]
Michael D. Coleman
LTC Retired
DAT December 10, 2016
James D. Davis
Passed away on April 24, 2016
Rifle Platoon
Guy Musice
Passed away on November 28, 2016
Rifle Platoon
Lester Nash
Passed away on August 22, 2016
Scout Crew Chief
Obituary
Rick Normand
Spur Cobra Pilot
Passed away in early March 2018
Burnett R. Sanders II
COL Retired
DAT December 9, 2016
Paul Sybolski
Passed away on or about January 3, 2017
Steve Tedder
Passed from our ranks on May 7, 2016
Spur Sgt. Rifle platoon and Scout Observer
1970 & 1971
TEDDER, Steven Gerald, 64, of Chesterfield, entered eternal rest on Saturday, May 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Zelda Tedder; his infant son, Steven; and is survived by his wife, Margie; children, Donna Gallion, Stephanie Tedder, Jennifer Tedder Rauch (Karl), Katie Tedder, Emerson Tedder; five grandchildren; siblings, Mae Ferrell, Pete Capps (Sandy), Sue Lester (Sidney), Durwood Tedder (Bonnie); his faithful companion, Oliver; and many loving extended family and friends. Steve was a U.S. Army vet serving in Vietnam and was a proud member of V.F.W. Post 118, Silver Spurs Association, Alpha Troop Association, and the Mighty Pen Project on Facebook. A memorial service will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at Bethia United Methodist Church, 10700 Winterpock Rd., Chesterfield, Va. 23832. Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the April 2014 Spur reunion:
[Were honored at our 2016 reunion]
Larry "Tank" Carson
Passed away on February 2, 2016
Spur Armorer
Obituary
Larry Chase
Passed away on January 26, 1999 at age 50
Notified by his wife, Karlene on June 26, 2015
Scott Evans
Passed on May 1, 2014, buried at Arlington Cemetery
Spur 17, '70 - '71
Scott Evans Slideshow
Obituary
Bill Farmer
Passed away on January 1, 2015
Gun Platoon - 19 Jun 69 to 3 Sep 69
Joe Gibson
Passed away on January 25, 2014
Rifles & Scout Observer
Jimmy Goines
Passed away in June 2015
'67-'68 Rifles
John Hays
Passed away on April 23, 2015
1969 Lift Crew Chief
Craig Johnson
Passed away on March 17, 2015
Spur 33, 1970-1971
Alvin R. Kitt
Passed away on January 5, 2016
James LeDuc
Passed away on June 2, 2015
Pilot, '68 - '69
Bob Manley
Passed away on Feb 6, 2015
Cpt. Paul S. Renschen (LTC, ret - class of 1965 West Point)
Passed away on April 26, 2015
1971 Gun Platoon Leader
Obituary
Daniel K. Ringling
Passed away on January 10, 2014
Spur crew chief
Alfred Seidel
Passed away on October 6, 2014
Spur 36 Gun Platoon - Sept 70 - Sept 71
Obituary
John Sinclair
Passed away on March 19th 2016
Silver Spur Aero Scout Observer 1969-1970
SFC JOHN ALLEN SINCLAIR RETIRED
OCTOBER 22,1947 - MARCH 19, 2016
SFC John Allen Sinclair Retired, 68 years old, of Fort White, FL, passed away on March 19, 2016 in Lake City, FL after his battle with cancer.
John was born in Morgantown, WV on October 22, 1947 and went to school at Morgantown High. John married JoAn Lee (Bennett) Sinclair on November 15, 1968 in Morgantown, WV.
John joined the Army in May of 1965 and was a veteran of the Viet Nam War. He retired after serving 20 years for his country. His retirement ceremony was performed by the U. S. Continental Army Band, at Fort Monroe, VA in August 1986. John served two tours in Viet Nam, with the 101st Infantry 1966-1967and the 3/17th Air Calvary 1969-1970. John was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with/V, Device, Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Silver & 1 Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/bronze star, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/palm. He would reply when being "Thanked" for his service "I would proudly do it again." He lived by his favorite saying of "Duty, Honor, and Country."
John is preceded in death by his parents John Milford (Pete) Sinclair and Maude Rose (Strader) Sinclair, Sister Shirley Marie (Sinclair) Nethken, daughter-in-law Mercy Castaneda Sinclair and brother-in-law Robert Hayhurst.
John Sinclair is survived by his wife of 47 years JoAn Lee (Bennett) Sinclair. Their children John Allen Sinclair II, FL, Jared Lee Sinclair, VA, and Joelene Rose Sinclair WV. His loving and devoted sister Dorothy (Lazzell) Holley (Jack) WV. He was blessed with four grandchildren that fill his life with joy, Janelle Lynn Sinclair, WV, Alex P Monroe, WV, Aidan Rose Monroe, WV, John Allen (Pete) Sinclair, FL. Loving nieces and nephews- Ronald Nuce, FL, Kelly (Lazzell) Kirby(Keith) , WV, Charles Thomas(Chaz) Lazzell, WV, John Keith Church, FL, Jason Barlow Bennett, NC, Victory Lee(Hayhurst) Pfister (Steven), Mackenzie, Katelyn, and Cole Bennett, WV.
John often shared his fond childhood memories of his Aunt Florence (Strader) Cesaro, OH and his Uncle Vance Kelly Sinclair, CA. Especially family gatherings in Newburg, WV. He enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting and fishing with the family. He enjoyed the time he spent with his adoptive family Chuck and Pat Bennett, Chuck and Judy Bennett and Deborah (Bennett) Hayhurst. Last but not least his loving PTSD dog and friend 'TRIXIE'.
A Life Memorial services will be held in Grafton, WV at a later date. Burial will follow at Grafton National Cemetery, Grafton, WV.
Memorials may be given to HAVEN HOSPICE, 6037 W US Hwy 90, and Lake City, FL 32055.
The family of SFC John Allen Sinclair Retired wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Patel, Mary Goddeyne ARNP, Kathy Newman ARNP, Dr. Iyer, Dr Richardson, Dr. Khan, Shands Lake Shore Hospital, and Dr Seck and staff of HAVEN HOSPICE.
Please send our love to all.
JoAn Sinclair
Ken Thurlow
Passed away in October 2014
1971 Scout Observer
Obituary
Phil Turnis
Passed away on April 10, 2014
Lift CE 1970
Robert "Bob" Wilson
Passed away on December 19, 2015
Rifle Platoon Squad Leader 1968
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the April 2012 Spur reunion:
[Honored at the 2014 reunion]
Harold R. "Hal" DeGraw
Passed away July 2, 2012
76 years old - Obituary
Sgt. Joseph Eugene Smith
Rifle Platoon Sergeant, Ft. Knox
Passed away January 1, 2013
Col. Jerry M. Theils
Gun Platoon, Spur 36
Passed away on June 17, 2013
Donald Bates
Aero Rifle Platoon '70 - '71
Passed away June 28, 2013
Tom Runkle
Lift Platoon Crew Chief '69 - '70
Passed away July 9, 2013
Sgt. Elmer Bob "Bobby" Boughton
Aero Rifle Platoon '67 - '68?
(December 20, 1944 - February 11, 2014)
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the April 2010 Spur reunion:
[Honored at the 2012 reunion]
CW2 Dean Nichols
'68 Gun Platoon Pilot
Passed away on June 6th 2010
[Not known until 1 Dec 10]
Spur President & Spur 18, William L. Smith
Oct '69 to Aug '70 Scout Platoon
Passed away on January 8th, 2011, age 62
Michael D. Pierce
Died on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010, age 74
Major Pierce served as Executive Officer of A Troop, 3/17 Air Cavalry, the Silver Spurs, in Vietnam in 1968.
James R. Dostal
Spur Lift Crew Chief '68-'69 & served a 2nd tour with the 57TH Med Detachment, the original Dust-Off unit.
Jim passed away on 9 Jun 2011.
1Lt. Dimitri A. Del Castillo
KIA 25 Jun 11 in Kunar province, Afghanistan
Grandson-In-Law of Spur 6, Nathan Pulliam.
Charles L Gilkison
Spur 5 1968.
He died 11/26/2010.
23 Mar 2012:
Just learned today that WO1 Timothy Wiltrout passed away at the age of 38 (Exact date not known.) from Bell 205 crash while logging Hurrigan "HUGO" Wood in North Carolina for Helijet of Eugene, OR in 1990. This information courtesy of VHPA. Wiltrout was the Spur Scout pilot that was rescued in 1971 inside Cambodia in the same incident that claimed the lives of Randall Dalton and Gregory Antunano. - Bear
Those Spurs known to have passed away since the April 2008 Spur reunion:
[Honored at the 2010 reunion]
Ronald "Ronnie" Bates
Aero-Rifle Platoon, 1970-1971
Passed away on 22 Jan 10
Calvin G. George
Spur 37 1967-1968
Passed away on 28 Jan 07
[Not known until 27 Oct 08, not honored at last reunion]
Peter Koeppen
Gun Platoon
Passed away on 5 Jan 10
Jim Longworth
Spur 39
Passed away on 12 Oct 08
Joseph L. Pike
Passed away Sep 14, 2005. (Not known until Sep 2009)
Jim Preston
Spur Charlie-model crew chief - Ft. Knox - May 68
Passed away 26 Feb 2010
LTC David E. Russell
August 31st, 1940 - January 11th, 2009
Spur Commander (Spur 6), 26 Dec 70 - 17 Jun 71
CW3 Glenn William Summers
Lift Pilot
Passed away on January 31, 2009
William (Bill) Thompson
Lift Door Gunner & Crew Chief 1969-1970
Passed away on Oct. 25, 2009
Richard Whelan
Spur Scout 1968-1969
Passed away on 17 Sep 08
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