Vietnam Helicopter Hero

Army Veteran Frank Walker was one of four panelists featured in a Vietnam War symposium held aboard the USS Yorktown on Nov. 17. Panelists shared their stories of service and sacrifice during the war.

By JW Huckfeldt, Public Affairs Specialist Trainee

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Frank Walker accepted a commission in the U.S. Army after graduating from Clemson University ROTC program. Not long joining the Army’s ranks, 1^st. Lt. Walker was stationed in Vietnam flying the OH-6A Loach helicopter with F Troop, 4^th Air Calvary.

One night during Walker’s tour, a Marine helicopter was shot down behind enemy lines and his unit was called to support a rescue operation. Walker volunteered and began flight to the downed Marines who were deep in enemy territory. Escorted by a pair of Cobra gunships, Walker flew nap of the earth (at a very low altitude) to avoid machine gun fire and missiles fired from enemy troops on the ground.

After locating the Marines, Walker realized his new passengers exceeded the Loach’s maximum payload. His mission was further complicated by the extreme humidity that hindered lift. Walker ordered a purge of the aircraft’s nonessential items, including excess ammunition, grenades and other items. Walker’s helicopter finally gained the required lift and he was able to fly the Marines to safety.

Walker received the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroics that evening. However, his true heroism emerged when he was asked whether he felt guilt at the Vietnam War at symposium. Walker’s response was humbling—he felt guilty for leaving his troop in Vietnam when he felt he had so much more to contribute.

Lt. Col. Walker retired in 1991 after 26 years of honorable service and is truly a hero among us.

Lt. Col. Walker shared his memories of Vietnam at our recent symposium, “Heroes Among Us,” and in this video posted by ABC News 4.

The FULL one-hour broadcast of the symposium is available here.

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Heroes Among Us: W. Frank Walker

- See more at: http://www.charleston.va.gov/CHARLESTON/features/Heroes_Among_Us_W_Frank_Walker.asp#sthash.mEzCHxuJ.dpuf

REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR!

I interviewed a Pearl Harbor survivor, and he was in a smaller boat like that rescuing as many as he could. He does not want to look at photos like this. This sweet 97 yo teared up when he reminisced about "his buddies still under the sea."

DogTags and Body Bags - A Tribute to CWO Barry Alexander

My Brother was standing by his helicopter looking devastated in the photo

Years later, doing research for this work, I looked closely at photo, and noticed it was full of body bags, I asked Dr. doing research on PTSD and asked him - could this be ASTD? Acute Stress Traumatic Disorder. He agreed, hopefully leading to new diagnosis that can be used to get soldiers suffering from this disorder off the battlefield. Barry should have not been flying, especially with only two weeks left!

So tragically true for so many veterans! A graphic reminder of why I do the work I do...

So true for so many veterans!

I wish my head could forget the things my eyes have seen - PTSD in First Responders.

The Gods were not happy with me.  I had handed in my notice with my previous Fire Department after going through a nasty divorce and becoming a single father of my…

JAMESGEERING.COM

New Clips for HACKSAW RIDGE - Mel Gibson's WWII drama movie

The veteran I still work with, Pfc Finney was a medic in Okinawa almost for same reason, however he carried a gun and was willing to use it to protect his comrades. He received Purple Heart for wound that still bothers him at age 90 and also received a Bronze Star. He stated he was too busy to use his gun however.

VF-33 Squadron The Fighting 33rd

 

 

I know we agree that WW2 was inevitable as Japan and Germany attacked us first and declared war on us first, even though the Jap diplomats delivered the ultimatum a day too late due to communication problems. You can imagined the chilly reception they got after visiting the White House a day after Pearl Harbor, which they were not informed of...funny youtube showing their stunned confused faces leaving there)

MUSTANGS over TOKYO

I saw your youtube on the Mustangs over Tokyo, who flew out of Iwo Jima. And I commented on an interview of a soldier who guarded the Seabees while they were rebuilding that vital airport there. He had a rough time of it, as there were a lot of Japs still there in that extensive network of deep caves built on that island. There was a lot of controversy about capturing that island, but the Mustangs did not have the fuel capacity to get back to the Marianas (where the B29 bombers flew out of)There were a lot of crashes at that airport, from Mustangs that gave out of fuel just before getting there and because of the initial bad shape of the airport with all the bomb craters etc.