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The Selected Viet Nam War Casualties Name Index
The letter H list of names
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USMC Cpl Randy Alton Harrill; Birth: Sep. 25, 1947 Lincolnton, Lincoln Co., NC Death: Jun. 22, 1967 Quang Nam, Vietnam. USMC Cpl Randy Alton Harrill native of Lincoln Co., NC was 19 years old and was not married. Randy died from artillery fire. His body was recovered.
Randy remained an important part of his family due to all the stories heard from his Mother, Grandma and Grandfather Bob; the family retains a copy of the article that "Popa Bob" would carry to "The Wall" each year when he would go visit. The story most remembered is when Randy came home one afternoon and went running into the kitchen to see his Grandparents. He came out and told them that he was joining the Marines, but first he was going to graduate High School. Randy did as he said and before they knew it he was off.
A good friend of Randy's says that he was a great friend very quiet and once you became his friend he was always there. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and driving fast cars. Randy was considered a loner and quiet. He had a nice Red Chevrolet Impala and he and a friend were trying to see how fast we could get it to go and got to 110 mph which was the fastest either one of had ever gone. That same day driving was the first day they heard the Beatles play. They were singing "I want to hold you hand". Randy was a big guy over 6 feet and always wore a blue jean jacket and jean pants with cuffs turned up out side.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A Harrill of Charlotte, NC. He served with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF. He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
Spec 4 Warren George Haugen, Jr.; Birth: May 5, 1945 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Nov. 21, 1968 Kon Tum Province, Vietnam. United States Army Specialist 4 served with the Fourth Infantry Division. Warren was a passenger aboard a helicopter that crashed after it was shot down on "Sniffer mission" in South Vietnam.
WO1 Martin G. Given, co-pilot; WO Robert L. Storey, aircraft commander, Spec Billie J. Ontis, Gunner Spec Eddy G. Sumpter, Sgt Charles F. Rein, an Army photographer, Department of the Army Photographic Office, were also killed in the crash. Sniffer Missions were Helicopters flown configured with ammonia detection sensors attached to the skids would fly low-level just above the tree tops to detect ammonia given off in urine and perspiration of humans. The strength of the signal allowed one to roughly estimate the number of unseen enemy troops below the jungle canopy.Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., VA Plot: Section 52 Site 1306.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
WO Ralph Milton "R.M.H." Havnaer; Birth: Jun. 15, 1944 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Jun. 25, 1968 Binh Hoa, Vietnam. Warrant Officer Ralph Milton Havnaer native of Charlotte and a graduate of the 1966 Class at UNC was 24 years old and was not married. It was reported that Ralph died when his helicopter crashed. His body was recovered. He attended Primary Helicopter School at Ft. Walters, Texas and Advanced School at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Friends particularly remember Ralph's Austin Healey, his family at Flight School Graduation and the best of all, Ralph's insistence that his initials RMH stood for "Raise Much Hell." A friend and flight school classmate wrote Ralph a letter while in Viet Nam and the letter he had written to Ralph was returned stamped with the message "confirmed deceased."
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph D. Havnaer and Mae Havnaer of Charlotte. They are both deceased now and are interred alongside him at the Cemetery. He served with the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, "Mad Dogs", 214th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. He was awarded Aviator Wings, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, the Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, The Bronze Star Medal and The Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters. Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Plot: Sect.11 C, Lot 107, #1.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
William David "Heg" Hegwood; Birth: Dec. 8, 1950 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Jun. 22, 1969 Quang Nam, Vietnam. USMC LCPL William David Hegwood native of Charlotte, NC was 18 years old and was not married. It was reported that William died from small arms fire or grenade. His body was recovered.
It was reported by his Fire Team Leader that their team was pinned down by machine gun fire. Heg and the Fire Team Leader assaulted the gun Heg went down mortally wounded. He served with Mike Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 3rd MAF. He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
Sgt Terry Alan Hodges; Birth: Sep. 21, 1946 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Aug. 19, 1968 Tay Ninh, Vietnam. Sgt Terry Alan Hodges native of Charlotte, NC was a member of the Army Selective Service and a Draftee, 21 years old and was not married. Terry died from multiple fragmentation wounds from a rocket propelled grenade. His body was recovered. On maneuvers near Tay Ninh, Viet Nam as a blocking force Terry received orders to come through A Troop, 1st platoon. As he approached 3rd platoon he was hit and mortally wounded by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) from the NVA.
His family and friend all remark about his fine personality. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hodges of Charlotte, NC. He served with Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, "Old Reliables". He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Plot: Sect. 3, Grave # 63.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
USMC LCPL Johnny Samuel Holt; Birth: Jan. 18, 1948 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Jan. 22, 1969 Quang Nam, Vietnam. US Marine LCPL Johnny Samuel Holt native of Charlotte, NC was 21 years old and was not married. It was reported that Johnny died from small arms fire or grenade. On 22 Jan 1969 an engineer team from C Company, 1st Engineer Battalion was conducting mine sweeping operations along Highway 540 about 8 kilometers south-southwest of Da Nang, Viet Nam. H&S Company, 1/7 Marines provided the engineers with an infantry security force. An ambush on the sweep team developed into a short but vicious firefight which resulted in the deaths of five Marines and one Navy Corpsman: LCpl Johnny S. Holt was one of those killed.
A fellow Marine recruit reported that he joined the Marines in January 1968 and went to Paris Island in platoon 304 with 80 other recruits. One night, our last week on the island, the Drill Instructor called a "SCHOOL CIRCLE" where gathered around to listen to a lecture. This lecture was different from the ones we usually hear. He said "I want all you to look around and remember the faces of your fellow Marines, because some of you are not going to make it home from Vietnam". Johnny Holt was one of five listening to the lecture who died for their country.
He was the Son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Alexander Jr., of Charlotte, NC. He served with Charlie Company, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 3rd MAF. He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: York Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
Edward Lee "Chuckie" Hoover; Birth: Apr. 29, 1948 Huntersville, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Mar. 7, 1968 Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. USMC PFC Edward Lee Hoover native of Huntersville, NC was 19 years old and was not married. Edward died from artillery fire. His body was recovered.
He was the son of Mr. Van B. Hoover (1929 - 1996) of Charlotte, NC. He served with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd MAF. He was awarded The Combat Action Ribbon, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: North Pinewood Cemetery Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Plot: Sec A, Row 4, Grave 1.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
Richard S. Howie; Birth: Nov. 12, 1943 Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Death: Jul. 15, 1966, Vietnam. PFC Richard S Howie native of Charlotte, NC was 22 years old and was not married. It was reported that Richard died when his vehicle crashed. His body was recovered. His Commanding Officer, 70th Engineer Battalion reports that Richard was killed trying to keep his bulldozer from running into a unit next to his worksite. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus S. Howie of Charlotte, NC. He served with Bravo Company, 70th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade, Engineer Command.
He was awarded The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: Sharon Memorial Park Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
US Air Force Major Charles Jerome Huneycutt, Jr.; Birth: Jun. 20, 1943 Morehead City,
Carteret Co., NC Death: Nov. 11, 1967 Quang Tri, Vietnam. US Air Force Major Charles Jerome Huneycutt Jr., born in Morehead City before becoming a native of Charlotte, NC was 24 years old when he was shot down and was not married. Charles died when his plane crashed. His body was recovered years later. He was reportedly shot down in North Vietnam on 10 November 1967, declared Missing in action, and then Killed in Action after the remains were returned 10 November 1988. The remains were officially identified 25 September 1989. He's remains were identified by the family through dental records.
On November 10, 1967, 1st Lt. Charles J. Huneycutt, navigator, and his Pilot were the crew of one F4C in a flight of two which departed Da Nang Airbase, South Vietnam on an operational mission to Dong Hoa in North Vietnam, but because of inclement weather, both were directed to an alternate target nearby. Positive radar and radio contact was maintained with the aircrafts until the point when their bombing dives were to begin. All contact was then lost. Ground search was not conducted since the incident occurred over heavily defended. All four men aboard the two aircraft were classified as Missing in Action.
A North Vietnamese general was quoted in an article saying a women's militia shot down two F4C recon planes that same day and captured "both bandits" alive. As four, not two, individuals are concerned in this incident, it is unclear which of the four the article could relate to. However, according to a POW organization 1974, the Defense Department acknowledged at one time that one crew member was indeed, a prisoner of war. According to a 1974 list published by the National League of Families, Charles J. Huneycutt survived his loss incident. In 1988, the Vietnamese discovered and returned to U.S. control the remains of 1st Lt. Charles J. Huneycutt Jr. The other three pilots lost on November 10, 1967 remain missing, and the Vietnamese deny knowledge of their fates. For 21 years, Major Huneycutt was a Prisoner of War, whether he was alive or dead.
Jerry was a Graduate of James A. Gray High School in Winston-Salem, Class of 1961. At Gray, he played Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball, All Conference Most Valuable Back and Sporting News High School All-American Team. He was inducted into the Winston-Salem sports Hall of Fame while he was MIA. Jerry had only been in Viet Nam for a month when he was shot down. He was in ROTC at Duke and had just graduated from flight school and parachute. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity at Duke attending on a football scholarship and played in the 1965 Tangerine Bowl.
He served with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, Da Nang Airbase. He was awarded The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, The Good Conduct Medal and The Air Medal with Multiple Oak Leaf Clusters. Burial: Arlington National Cemetery Arlington, Arlington Co., VA.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates)
SP4 Billy Charles Hunter; Birth: Apr. 9, 1944 Monroe, Union Co., NC Death: Nov. 27, 1968 Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam. SP4 Billy Charles Hunter native of Monroe, NC was a member of the Army Selective Service and a Draftee, 24 years old and was not married. His body was recovered.
Written by: Victoria Mackey, Correspondent
Indian Trail Newspaper
He remembered when he woke up on November 27, 1968, that it was Thanksgiving Day at his parent's house. He could smell the roasting turkey, the sage laced dressing, the sweet potatoes and the green bean casseroles bubbling in the oven. He could see his mother busy in the kitchen along with his sister Mary Frances helping her. He knew his four brothers were probably watching football on the television. Then his mind drifted back to where he was, the hot steamy jungle of Vietnam, waiting with the other members of his company for the Huey's to pick them up and take them to the Black Virgin Mountain. It would be the last Thanksgiving the Specialist Four Billy Charles Hunter would remember.
Specialist Four Hunter was drafted into the Army and he told his sister if he died for his country; that was what he was meant to do. He was born in Monroe, North Carolina, the son of Erastus and Jennie Lee Odessa Hunter. He grew up in Monroe, Charlotte, and Dillon, South Carolina. He had one sister, Mary Frances and four brothers, Ralph, RC, Grady, and Frank. His niece stated that the military told his family that he was killed when the enemy shot motor rounds at their helicopter when they were landing for Thanksgiving dinner. When he got to Vietnam, Specialist Fourth Class Hunter was immediately assigned to the "Manchus". The men of the 4th Battalion of the 9 Infantry were called the Manchus after the fierce Manchu warriors of China.
The Manchus were assigned as a Battalion to Vietnam on April 29, 1966 and they quickly established a base at Cu Chi along with the rest of the 9th Infantry, known as the "Tropic Lightning" combat division. The 9th Infantry was assigned to the 25th Division in Vietnam that was operating near the Cambodian border. Platoon size groups of the Manchu soldiers were deployed in "snatch teams" to find the hiding places of the Viet Cong identified by intelligence sources. The snatch teams traveled in helicopters, which would land them right in the middle of the Viet Cong strong hold.
This deployment of highly mobile platoons that could react on a moments notice proved so successful that many Viet Cong were captured in the Duc Hoa district by the Manchus. In the early afternoon of November 27, 1968, three companies of Manchus at different locations near Tay Ninh, were being airlifted by UH-1 Huey helicopters for an assault into an area near the Cambodian border known as the Black Virgin Mountain. Five UH-1 Huey helicopters based at Dau Tieng were each loaded with six 25th infantry division troops or "electric strawberries" as the other troops called them. The five choppers were rendezvousing with other choppers at a landing zone three miles southeast of Tay Ninh to pick up other members of the Manchus. Unknown to the helicopter pilots, the Viet Cong had been gathering near the landing zone for a mass attack on Tay Ninh. The company of Manchus knew that there were Viet Cong very close to their position however they did not realize that they were right beside a well fortified base camp of the Viet Cong D14 regiment. The Viet Cong had 250 bunkers, trenches, and spider holes that had been prepared for defensive fighting. They were well armed with .51 caliber heavy machine guns, RPG-7 rockets, B-40 rockets, mortars, mines, and AK-47 assault rifles.
As the five Huey's got near the landing zone, they were peppered with Viet Cong automatic gun fire, heavy caliber machine gun fire, and rocket propelled grenades. As the choppers were shot down, some of the Manchus were able to jump off, before they crashed. The Manchus quickly formed into squads of long lines on the ground. Intense fire suddenly erupted from the Viet Cong, killing all of the officers in Alpha Company, many of the soldiers, and the company's radios were knocked out. The few surviving Manchus were wounded and pinned down in tall grass, unable to move for the next eighteen hours. They were rescued the following day when tanks and the Manchus from Company B, which included Specialist Fourth Class Hunter, moved into their area. As Company B slowly moved through the area, a sudden barrage of fire power killed many of them. When the firing stopped, the surviving members of Company B found Private Malcolm Lomax, Lieutenant Marcus, and Specialist Four Billy Hunter dead. Lieutenant Marcus' foot had been shattered and the bodies of Private Lomax and Specialist Four Hunter lay on either side of him. It appeared that Lomax and Hunter had attempted to take the incoming fire to protect the life of Lieutenant Marcus. Fourteen Manchus from Alpha Company, three from Bravo Company, and six men of the 187th AHC Crusaders died.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Hunter (1907 - 1981) of Charlotte, NC. He served with Bravo Company, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, "Manchus", 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning". He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge, The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal. Burial: Evergreen Cemetery Charlotte, Mecklenburg Co., NC Plot: Sect. 2, Lot # 18, Space #12.
(Source: Posted with permission of Tom & Jim Reece, #46857744; finding NC Vietnam KIA/MIA's gravesites ; Reconfigured and submitted by: Ron Yates) |
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