AO2 CLAYBORN W. ASHBY

   Crew-5 Gunner - Clay was a well liked member of the Crew-5 Road Runners. He told his Mother that he wanted to go to Vietnam and fight and he did. Clay was the senior gunner on the Road Runner crew and he constantly trained the less experienced gunners. He could take apart and assemble just about any weapon VO-67 used blind folded. I true professional and all around good guy. Lost with his crew in combat February 17, 1968 in Savannaket Province, Laos while implanting sensors at very low level. Clay was repatriated in 1994 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

A02 DARRELL BERG

   Berg served as an aft M-60 gunner on the skippers Crew-1 during VO-67's deployment in South East Asia in 1967-68. He flew numerous combat missions and received both his gold and silver combat aircrew wings with VO-67. It was quite an honor to be chosen to serve on Captain Sharps crew. Darrell also serviced and maintained the forward mounted SUU-11 7.62mm mini guns mounted on each wing. Firepower from these guns was around 6000 rounds per minute. Darrell kept these guns in tip top shape on MR-1.

ADJ2 KERRY BIGNALL

   Kerry Bignall, VO-67 Crew 6, was officially inducted into the Enlisted Combat Air Crew Roll of Honor on 12 November, 1999, aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-10). The Yorktown has been designated as part of the Naval and Maritime Museum at Patriots Point in Charleston, SC.

On Thursday evening, 11 November, a get acquainted dinner reception was held for all inductees and officials. AT 10:00 a.m. on Friday morning, some 450 people gathered in Hanger Bay 2 of the Yorktown for the induction ceremony.

RADM James H Flatley III USN (RET), CEO of Patriots Point, was the Master of Ceremony for the event. VADM Richard C. Allen USN (RET) awarded the plaques as each of the inductees was called up to the podium. Forty Six of the 82 inductees participated in the ceremony. Some of the inductees were unable to attend and others were awarded posthumously.

Kerry Bignall was the first Navy Vietnam War air crewman to be inducted into the Roll of Honor. Two Marines from the Vietnam War were also inducted this year with Kerry.

   Pictured in the photo below left to right: Alexander McCormick MSGT USAF (Ret), Melvin R Schultz CAPT USNR (Ret) & Kerry Bignall

At the beginning of the ceremony, RADM Flatley gave a short speech about the history of the Roll of Honor. He noted that at this ceremony they were inducting the first Navy air crewman from the Vietnam War into the Roll of Honor. He did not mention in his remarks who the air crewman was or his squadron.

Kerry was the second inductee to be called up to the podium. RADM Flatley introduced Kerry and stated that he was from VO-67 which was a top-secret squadron implanting electronic sensors during 1967-1968.

Kerry related the following conversation after the induction:

Both RADM Flatley and VADM Allen approached me after the ceremony and asked about VO-67. RADM Flatley stated that he had spent three tours in Vietnam and had never heard of the squadron. I told him that few in the Navy or anywhere else for that matter ever had knowledge of the existence of VO-67.

I went on to tell the admiral that the squadron needed help finding lost shipmates and families and that we would provide him with the official history of VO-67 along with a copy of Wings of Gold Over The Ho Chi Minh Trail, the story of VO-67 written by our VO-67 Operations Officer, CDR Gire.

   Pictured in the photo below left to right: Vadm Allen, Tony Bissell, Kerry Bignall, & Radm Flatley

I made a copy of Wings of Gold� available for the admiral and told him the official history would be sent. RADM Flatley said that he would review our history and see what he could do to promote a course of action for the enlisted crewmen to be inducted into the Roll of Honor and to bring recognition to VO-67.

VADM Allen, who is the President of the ANA magazine, also said he would be willing to help us through the magazine. A copy of Wings of Gold� and the history were also sent to him. Everyone, from the admirals to the inductees and their families, were very respectful and said they were honored to be introduced to someone from such an elite squadron that they never knew existed.

AX1 RAY BRALEY

   AX1 Raymond Braley is seen standing second from left with his crew in 1968. Ray was handpicked by the VO-67 Skipper , Captain Sharp, for his leadership and electronic skills. He spent a lot of time on the rear guns on the many low level missions in the Mud River area of Laos. Ray completed many missions in support of the Marine fire base at Khe Sanh during the 1968 Tet Offensive. He was officially inducted into the ROH on November 5, 2010.

TOM CLARK and ANDREW ZDEBSKI

On 14/15 November at Patriots Point, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Two VO-67 Enlisted Air Crewmen. Petty Officer TOM CLARK (Crew Six) and Petty Officer ANDREW ZDEBSKI (Crew 7) attended the evening social on the 14th and at 10 AM on the 15th both were Honored with their induction into the Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor for serving with Distinction while flying as Crew members with Observation Squadron 67. Many family members were in attendance to see them Inducted.

After the Induction Ceremonies, Both Inductees were invited to attend and be included in an Annual Memorial ceremony held on the grounds by the Seawolves of Helicopter Attack (Light) Sqd Three, Navy Helicopter Gunships who flew in Vietnam from 1966 to 1972.

Prior to Petty Officer Clark, who read the names of the VO-67 Warriors Killed In Action and Petty Officer Zdebski tolling the Bell. Senior Chief Rutledge a Door Gunner from the Seawolves read the following.

Today we are joined by the two VO-67 Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor Inductees to Honor their fallen Brothers. Petty Officers Tom Clark and Andrew Zdebski. VO-67 as we, were not known due to the Covert nature of their operations and only in recent years were declassified. These brave Warriors flew in OP2E Neptunes, a reconfigured and armed Navy Subchaser out of Thailand over the dreaded Ho Chi Minh Trail. Using their weapons and Sensors they helped stopped the flow of supplies, weapons and enemy troops into South Vietnam. These brave flight crews helped in saving friendly lives and possibly many of our own.

At the siege of Khe Sanh it is written if not for the Heroism of the crews of VO-67, twice as many US Marines would have been killed or wounded. The Squadron lost three aircraft and 20 men Killed in a little over one month. (At this time Petty Officers Clark and Zdebski were called forward to read the KIA names and tolling of the bell).

   AE2 Tom Clark crew 6 reading the names of VO-67 KIAs at Memorial in Patriots Point SC.

   Petty Officer Andrew Zdebski Tolling the bell As Clark Reads the Names.

ADJ3 GILBERT CASTANEDA

   Gilbert served on Crew-4 earning his Silver "Combat Air Crew Wings" while with VO-67. He earned his Gold aircrew wings prior to joining the Ghost Squadron. Inducted on to the ROH in 2018. An accomplished gunner, Gil served in other Navy squadrons during the Vietnam War. He received several more Air Medals during his Naval career.

A02 ROBERT CONDON, JR.

   Robert Condon Jr., was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown in 2018 during a special induction ceremony. Bob, a member of VO-67's famous Crew-9, " The Green Garuds", flew many missions into Laos , Vietnam and in support of the KHE SANH Marine fire base. Bob served as a maintainer of all weapons used by the crew and a M-60 gunner on the many combat missions that his crew completed during the squadron's deployment in South East Asia in 1967-68. It was rumored that Petty Officer Condon melted several M-60 barrels laying down suppression fire on the enemy during their close in missions. Highly praised by his Crew 9 OPC and fellow crewmen, Bob received both his Gold and Silver combat aircrew wings while serving in VO-67. Sadly Petty Officer Condon passed away before the induction ceremony aboard the USS Yorktown took place. His son, Robbie, proudly stood in and received his Dad's award plaque.

ADJ2 CHESTER L. COONS

   Crew-5 Road Runner Enlisted Plane Captain - Chester was a great leader to the enlisted and officers of his crew alike. Always meticulous in the preparation of his aircraft he was a true professional. Chester, known as "Jets" to his shipmates, was lost in combat with Crew-5 on February 17, 1968 in the Savannakhet province of Laos. Repatriated in 1994 he is listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Panel 39E Row 69 and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery with eight members of his crew.

ATN3 WILLIAM J. CONRAD

   Known as "Billy Joe" by his shipmates, William served with the famous and crazy "Albers Animals" bunch. He flew many missions into Laos and Vietnam as a rear gunner and second technician aboard gunship MR-8. He received his Gold and Silver wings as well as an Air Medal while serving with VO-67. Bill was appointed to the ROH in 2021.

PH1 BILL "Wile Bill" COTE

   Bill received his Gold and Silver Combat Aircrew Wings while serving with the Lizards as a gunner on Crew-10. He flew many missions along the Ho Chi Ming trail in Laos and Vietnam. A skilled aft M-60 gunner Bill earned much respect from his fellow crew members. He received the Air Medal for his courage under fire. Bill was appointed to the ROH in 2021.

AX2 THOMAS CRAVEN

   Tom served as a rear window gunner and electronic specialist on Crew one. He received numerous combat Air Medals while serving on Captain Sharps aircraft, MR-1. He was able to finesse his M-60 to perform well during the many low-level missions to suppress the small arms fire from below. MR-1 was hit many times by small arms fire but Tom and his crew managed to get her home mostly in one piece. Tom received his Gold and Silver aircrew wings during his tour with VO-67. Petty Officer Craven was inducted on to the "Enlisted Combat Roll Of Honor" in 2018 aboard the USS Yorktown.

ADJAN FRANK A. DAWSON

   Frank served as a gunner on Crew-5. He was perhaps the youngest member on the Road Runner crew. He was lost in combat in Laos during a low level mission while he and his crew were implanting sensors in the heavily defended area of Muang Phin. He was repatriated in 1993 and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Frank has no known family and was originally from Fairfield , California.

ATN3 RICHARD DECUIR

   ATN3 Richard DeCuir is pictured standing top row left with Combat Aircrew-2, VO-67 in 1968 at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force base. Rich was handpicked by the XO to serve on his crew. He received numerous awards and both Gold and Silver aircrew wings while serving in VO-67. Rich was inducted into the ROH on November 5, 2010 aboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston, SC.

ADR1 HERBERT DEMONEY

   Herb served as a gunner on Crew-9, "The Green Garud's", early in the deployment of VO-67. He and another crewman assisted the pilot in getting control of the gunship MR-9 after one of its engines had been hit by small arms fire during a low level mission in South Vietnam. The round caused the engine prop to go into an overspeed situation having the potential to throw the propeller into the cockpit and bring the aircraft down. The pilot was able to get the bird back to base and land safely with the help of these two crewmembers. Herb was promoted to enlisted Plane Captain of Crew-7 not long after that. He received both Gold and Silver aircrew wings while serving in VO-67 and was inducted into the Roll of Honor in 2018. I entrust my fate.

ATN1 PAUL N. DONATO

   Paul joined the VO-67 squadron at a time when it was well known that being an aircrewman in this brave assembly of men in attempting a never before mission was as dangerous as it gets. He could have been a ground pounder repairing the specialized electronic equipment on base but choose to pull a little rank and get a aircrew billet with Crew-5. He wanted to fight and make a difference. Paul was quickly welcomed onto the crew for his professional skills and dedication to the mission. He was lost with his crew in combat while implanting sensors on February 17, 1968 in Laos. His name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Wall Panel 39 E Row 70.

AE2 KEN DWELLE

   Ken Dwelle is pictured with his Crew-8 , third from right kneeling. He was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor on November 5, 2010 aboard the USS Yorktown. Ken took great pride in his aircraft and crew. Known for his outstanding sense of humor Ken always kept his crew loose, relaxed and ready for action aft of the wing beam. He received both gold and silver aircrew wings while serving with VO-67. Ken and his crew flew many missions in defense of the Marine fire base at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

AE2 EARL ERICKSON

   AE-2 Earl Erickson flew with Crew-7 as an ECM and rear gunner. He received both his Gold and Silver Aircrew wings while serving with VO-67. Inducted onto the ROH in 2022.

AMH2 DONALD FLAIG

   Don, one of four designated gunners on Crew-9, served with the famous " Green Garudas ". He received numerous combat awards including his Gold and Silver aircrew wings while with VO-67. Don always said, "We get lots of praise from the other Crew-9 members for saving their butts, and we sure did! Commander Nordhill stated that he could always count on Petty Officer Flaig when the flak got heavy. Don was inducted on to the "Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor" in 2018 aboard the USS Yorktown.

ATR2 DENNIS GANDOLFO

   Petty Officer Gandolfo and another crewman were instrumental in saving their aircraft and crew during a low level combat mission in Laos when their aircraft was hit by small arms fire. One of the rounds penetrated the aircraft and severed a hydraulic line spraying hydraulic fluid all over the crew and aircraft instruments. Dennis and the other crewman used a piece of surgical tubing to direct the high pressure fluid back out the bullet hole to the outside of the aircraft. As a member of the Skippers Crew-1, Petty Officer Gandolfo served as radioman and often rear gunner in the OP-2E gunship. He received his Gold and Silver wings while serving with VO-67. Dennis was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor in 2018 aboard the USS Yorktown.

AOC WILLIAM GRAYSON

   Chief Bill Grayson was handpicked by his OPC Commander Bruce Brown. Bill and Bruce had served together prior to VO-67 being commissioned. Serving as aft M-60 gunner on Crew-4 Bill's other duty was to make sure that the sensors departed the aircraft at the precise time. Crew-4 never had a sensor hang-up during its many combat missions into Laos and Vietnam. AOC Grayson was inducted into the "Enlisted Roll of Honor" aboard the USS Yorktown on November 5, 2010, forty two years after the squadron was decommissioned.

ATN2 JOHN F. HARTZHEIM

   Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Panel 41 E Row 49 - In a squadron of 300 men John was known to everyone. A truly super guy who always had a smile on his face and a contagious laugh. Eager to be involved in every mission his VO-67 Crew-7 was assigned. He served as gunner and electronic tech. John's brave deeds will never be forgotten by those who had the honor to fly and fight with him.

ADJ3 ROBERT JACOBS (Jake)

   Jake is pictured with his crew , front row left. Jake served as second mech / gunner on Crew-10 known as the "Back Stabbing Lizards". Jake and his crew entered the HARD AIR countless times in Laos and Vietnam implanting sensors at very low levels along the Ho Chi Minh trail and in support of the Marine base at Khe Sanh during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Jake was inducted into the " Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll Of Honor" aboard the USS Yorktown on November 5, 2010.

ADR2 PARNELLE JONES

   Serving as Enlisted Plane Captain of Crew-9, The Green Garudas, Parnell was a true leader. Instrumental in aiding his pilot and co-pilot save the aircraft and crew during a runaway, uncontrollable prop emergency midway through a combat mission over Laos. Quote from Commander Nordhill, "I can't praise Parnell's brave actions enough for what he did that day at the risk of his own well being". A great example of the Roll of Honor proclamation, "I Entrust My Fate".

AO2 PETER KAULS

   Peter served on Crew-12 as ordnance specialist and rear window gunner during the many low altitude missions his crew flew in Laos, and Vietnam. Peter was proudest most of all, of his missions at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam knowing that what his crew did implanting sensors around the base while under siege saved a lot of servicemen's lives. Peter received his Gold and Sliver combat aircrew wings while serving in VO-67. Peter was inducted onto the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown in 2018.

AE2 RICHARD M. MANCINI

   As a crew-2 EMC/ Gunner, Richard proved to be one of the most accurate when putting the aft mounted M-60 machine gun through its paces. Handpicked by the squadron XO, CDR Olson, for his knowledge of all the electrical systems on the OP-2E aircraft, Richard was a double asset to the crew. He served ten years in the Navy before joining the volunteer unit, VO-67. All around nice guy and dedicated to the men he faced combat with.

AEAN JAMES E. MARTIN

   Gunner Crew-5 Road Runner - James was an accomplished gunner aboard the OP-2E gunship. He flew many missions before he was lost with his crew in combat near Muang Phin, Laos. His name appears on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall panel 39E row 74. James home of record is Salt Lake City, Utah.

ADJ3 VANCE A. NIELSEN

   ADJ3 Vance Nielsen was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown in 2018 during a special induction ceremony. Vance, a member of VO-67's Crew-12, "The Dirty Dozen ", flew many missions into Laos and Vietnam. Serving as a jet mechanic for VO-67 when on the ground and a rear M-60 gunner on the many combat missions that his crew completed during the squadrons deployment in South East Asia 1967-68. Vance received both his Gold and Silver combat aircrew wings while serving in VO-67.

ATN3 ROBERT E. REYNOLDS (Dusty)

   Bob served as electronic tech/ gunner onboard the OP-2E gunship with the Crew-5 Road Runners. He was officially inducted into the "Navy Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor" aboard the carrier USS Yorktown, November 5, 2010 in Charleston South Carolina. He received his gold aircrew wings while serving with VO-67 and along with other qualified members of VO-67, the "Silver Combat Aircrew Wings" for missions in support of the Khe Sanh Marine fire base during the 1968 Tet offense.

AX2 ROGER RINGGENBERG

   Roger Ringgenberg was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown in 2018 during a special induction ceremony. Roger is shown above with the VO-67 Association President, Richard Decuir during the presentation. Roger, a member of VO-67's Crew 4, flew many missions into Laos and Vietnam. Serving as an electronics technician for VO-67 when on the ground and a rear M-60 gunner on the many combat missions that his crew completed during the squadron's deployment in South East Asia 1967-68. Vance received both his Gold and Silver combat aircrew wings while serving in VO-67. He was often heard saying, "What the hell is a boy from Iowa doing here"? He served 24 years in the Navy and said VO-67 was his most exciting and rewarding tour of duty.

AE2 JOHN ROACH

   John served on VO-67's Crew-5 as a rear window gunner and electrical specialist aboard the OP-2E gunship. He flew many missions into the "Hard Air "with the Road Runners before they were lost in combat on February 17, 1968 while implanting sensors at very low levels on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He was not aboard that day. John continued to fly combat missions until the squadron was decommissioned in July of 1968. AE-2 Roach received his Gold and Silver Combat aircrew wings and numerous combat awards while serving with VO-67. John was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor in 2018 aboard the USS Yorktown.

AO2 MICHAEL LAND ROBERTS

   Ordnance/Gunner Crew-2 - Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall - Panel 34E Row31 - Lost in combat while serving his country January 11, 1968. A highly skilled ordanceman Michael volunteered for transfer to VO-67 while serving in VP-2.

ATN3 GALE R. SIOW

   Vietnam Veterans Memorial - 34E Row31 - A Native American from the Hopi/Laguna people. Know as " Little Beaver" to his shipmates, Gale was a gentle warrior. Killed in action with Crew-2 during service to his country he is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Caretaker of Airman "Snoopy Seagrams", crew mascot puppy who was lost with the crew.

ATR2 DAVE STEFFY

   Dave Steffy was officially inducted into the "Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honor aboard the USS YORKTOWN (CV 10) Museum at Patriots Point, South Carolina on November 5, 2010. This recognition came 42 years after Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven (VO-67) was disestablished. Dave served as a combat aircrew member of Crew-9, "The Green Garudas ". He served as radioman and rear window gunner flying many low level missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos and Vietnam.

   Craig was inducted on to the ROH 2018. He received his Gold and Silver Combat Aircrew while serving with Crew-3 in VO-67. He flew numerous missions into Khe Sanh during the 1968 Tet offencive. He is well liked by his fellow crew mates.

AX2 JOSEPH TEODORCZYK

   Joe served on both the Crew-5 "The Road Runners" and later Crew-12, " The Dirty Dozen". He held crew positions as Radioman, Second Tech and Gunner during his tour with VO-67. Joe was a very skilled aircrewman. He also flew many patrols in Vietnam with VP-2 during the Market Time coastal surveillance missions in Vietnam. Joe received both gold and silver aircrew wings while serving with VO-67. He was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown November 5, 2010.

ADJ2 DONALD N. THORESEN

   Handpicked by the VO-67 XO for his knowledge of the P-2 Neptune, Don was always ready to fly into danger to complete a mission. While serving in Patrol Squadron 9 (VP-9) he volunteered for the newly formed ultra secret squadron VO-67. Leader of the enlisted men on Crew-2 he commanded respect from the entire crew by leading by example. He and his crew were lost in combat January 11, 1968 while implanting sensors in Laos along the Ho Chi Minh trail. He is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

AMCS MELVIN UNDERWOOD

   Mel served as rear gunner on Crew six, "The Golden Eagles "during his first tour in South East Asia. He received numerous combat awards including a Bronze Star w/ Valor, the Air Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation to name a few. He also received his Gold and Silver combat aircrew wings while with VO-67. Mel continued to fly combat missions while serving his second tour in Vietnam after VO-67 was decommissioned in 1968. AMCS Underwood was inducted into "The Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor" during a special ceremony aboard the Naval Carrier USS Yorktown in April 2018.

AO1 RONALD R. VELHO

   AO-1 Ronald R. Velho was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown in 2018 during a special induction ceremony. Ron, a member of VO-67's Crew-1, flew many low - level combat missions into Laos and Vietnam. Serving as one of the ordnance specialists for VO-67 when on the ground and as a rear M-60 gunner on gunship MR-1 during missions. Ron took a lot of pride being on the skipper's crew. He received both his Gold and Silver combat aircrew wings, while serving in VO-67. Petty officer Velho also earned the Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Navy Unit Commendation while serving with the "Ghost Squadron".

AE MICHAEL WALKER

   Mike Walker was the designated leader aft of the wing beam in the famous Crew-9 " Green Garudas". His commander could always count on Mike to keep the troops in the back calm during the most hectic of times. He remained cool under fire and had complete control and knowledge of is M-60. Mike was inducted into the Roll of Honor aboard the USS Yorktown November 5, 2010 in Charleston , South Carolina.

PH2 KENNETH H. WIDON

   Vietnam Veterans Memorial - Panel 34E Row 33 - Ken loved to play the violin, ukulele and fire the M-60 machine gun. As a Photographer's mate Ken fought his way into a window gunner position with Crew-2. Ken and his crew were lost in combat January 11, 1968 in eastern Laos. Ken was repatriated and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in 2004.