CATCOM DYNAMIC E–NEWSLETTER, 2020
Last Final Update: 13 December 2020
LIST OF ARTICLES: (click to go direct)
FOUND CATKILLERS AND FRIENDS: (26 January)
Hi Don,
Glad I found this website, it’s a really excellent database! I’ve been visiting with my grandpa, George Tyner Sr., about his service and noticed a stein on his kitchen shelf and we got to talking about it. A quick search for more info led me here. We found his name and job on a list here (I’ll include a screenshot of that line) but would like to get a photo added to the roster side. I’ve included a couple photos, please let me know if any further info would help make your job easier. Thanks again for your service, and work on this project.
I know he will be honored to be featured amongst his brothers. He is alive and well, enjoying target shooting when he can get out. Carpentry is his main hobby, while being full time caregiver to his wife and best friend, who’s unfortunately fading in the depths of Alzheimer’s. The photo of him with the mug was taken yesterday, and he was thrilled to see the database of fellow soldiers, with a few names ringing a bell!
Sincere thanks,
Tony Westlund [Grandson of George Tyner, Sr.]
I literally stumbled on the Catkiller website about two weeks ago; don’t ask “how” as I haven’t a clue—it just happened!
My name is Jim Todd (Captain, June 1969 to June 1970) and I had the pleasure (and honor) of being the VARSAC attached TDY from HQ, XXIV Corps G2 Air from around July 1969 till the monsoons hit that Fall.
It was a real pleasure to review the pics on this site and see many familiar names and faces from my short assignment to the Catkillers. It would be an honor if I can be added to the alphabetic roster. Would you also recommend that I opt-in for group email? [Editor: Always!]
I found several photos from this time period, and have attached one of myself and also of Paul Brennan, both taken at the time of my initial familiarization flight. As I recall, these photos were taken at the Catkiller location at Phu Bai airport (was it also called Citadel airport?), my guess is July or Aug 1969. To the best of my memory (take this for what it’s worth), the photos were wherever Catkillers staged from at Phu Bai. On the back of the photo I wrote “Citadel Airport.” Dennis has asked for some duties and memories - I'll try to dredge them up in the near future. Also found some slides I took and am having a friend convert them to digital—I do know that there are some of an Arc Light strike that I targeted, my next assignment after VARSAC, which I then talked a pilot (don’t remember who) into going up to watch it. Who knows what are on the other slides?
Jim Todd
DEAR EDITOR: (15 October)
52nd Anniversary of the Death of Terry Bozarth, KIA:
Don,
I was in touch with you and Bob LaFerriere back in 2011 [Editor: see the two bottom additions at the KIA/MIA page at Terry Bozarth’s memorial line]. Today is the 52nd anniversary of Terry Bozarth's death in Hue.
I enlisted with Terry Bozarth in January 1966. We were bunkmates and had both signed up for OCS. When they told all us OCS candidates gathered in the theater at Ft Knox back in February of 1966 that we would only be going to Infantry, Armour or Artillery, 75 percent decided we were no longer interested. Terry was sitting next to me. I told him, “Come on Bozo we’re outta here, you are never going to get to fly.&rdquio; He said he was staying because he’d figure out a way to get to Rucker. The last time I saw him was in the Summer of 1966. He was headed to Ft Dix for Infantry training and I was shipping out to the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. Some how I had escaped being sent to Vietnam twice, failing out of one school, where each graduating class went straight to Vietnam and then 10 of us had our orders changed from the 101st Infantry Division (Airborne) to the 8th.
I still visit Terry’s grave every Memorial Day and think about him often as I watch my grand kids grow. Haven’t been to the Catkillers website for a few years. I see that Bob [LaFerriere] has passed. He sent me a letter he wrote to Terry in 2002 that he said he’d written because it was still so hard to cope with Terry’s death. He told me it was just for me since Terry and I had been buddys. I’d like to pass it along to you along with other stuff he passed along to me.
Take care,
Ted B Wendeln
Dayton, OH
EDITOR: The “other stuff” is now posted as PDF files under Terry Bozarth’s KIA/MIA memorial page line on the Catkiller History Index (first link on the history index).
True Confession, by Don Medley
Hi Don, I was looking at the website and saw in the Purple Heart section my name as having received the Purple Heart. Despite the enemies’ best efforts I was never wounded nor awarded the Purple Heart.
Looking at the bullet holes in the aircraft after some missions, it was only God’s hand that I was never wounded, especially when I and Major Hammel were shot down on June13,1966. The crew chiefs told me there were 37 bullet holes in what parts of the Birddog that didn’t burn.
I was saddened to see that Roger Putnam has passed away. I was hoping to see him at the next Catkiller reunion. Hopefully there will be one before we’re all running around in motorized wheelchairs with drool bibs under our chins. Because of Roger Putnam&rsquop;s trading skills the DaNang platoon never ran out of beer or spark plugs. When any of us were going out to recon around the Thuong Duc special forces camp we’d have have a case of beer in the back seat and the Berets would trade VC weapons and crossbows for the beer. Roger would trade the weapons to the Navy for steaks, RMK for beer (one weapon for a pallet of beer) and the Air Force for spark plugs to keep our planes flying. It’s amazing, l can’t remember what happened two days ago but my year in Vietnam is permanently engrained.
Be well, Don Medley, Catkiller pilot, 1966
Editor: The wounded in action page is now corrected to reflect Don’s revelation:
Wounded In Action List
ROSTER RELATED: (Empty)
DEATH OF CALVIN EUGENE BOYLES, COLONEL, USA, RETIRED, 4 MARCH 2020, LUBBOCK, TEXAS:
Our condolences to the family, comrades and friends of Colonel Calvin Eugene Boyles, who died last Wednesday at Lubbock, Texas. With this message Dennis Currie, Assistant Editor, informed me that Calvin had died:We lost another this past week. There were a few of us that flew with him. We affectionately referred to him as “Dai Wi Snoopy.” I did have an opportunity to meet up with him when I moved to Arizona in 2006. He had retired from Fort Huachuca and continued on in retirement as a consultant for developing military technologies.The funeral will take place Monday, so if any wish to attend, please note their response time is limited.
Dennis
City of Lubbock Cemetery
2011 E 31st Street
Lubbock, TX, 79404
Funeral Service
MAR 09. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
Don Ricks
COMMENTS:
Just received this notification about Cal Boyles death. I had already heard about it from a mutual friend —not a Catkiller. Some info you might find interesting: Cal and I served together at Ft. Carson from 1964 to 1965. He was in A/210th Infantry, and I was in B/2/10th Infantry battalion. We then went to the same FW class at Rucker. I believe our class number was 66-10.
After graduation we both received orders to VN (surprise, surprise). He was assigned to the platoon at Chu Lai [Editor: Da Nang], I believe that was the location. If that isn’t the correct town, it was inland from Chu Lai. Hey, if I got the town wrong, I’m getting old. I was in the DaNang platoon.
Dennis O’Connor and Bobby Germyn were also in the same FW class. After Bobby Germyn got killed at Dong Ha, I swapped with Dennis and went up to Dong Ha. I was only up there for a short time before the powers that be decided that Dong Ha was the worst location in the company and decided to rotate other pilots through Dong Ha. I was there during the dry season, and didn’t have any bad experiences there.
Unlike the guys who flew during the monsoon season, as recorded in Jim Hooper's book, 100 Feet Over Hell. After Vietnam, we were in the same Infantry advanced course, 3-70. Then (surprise, surprise), it was back to Vietnam. Second tour in the 220th; I was the XO for 5 months; Then, I again traded with Dennis and went down to Long Binh and took over as CO of HHC, 1st Avn Bde. I didn’t see Cal again for about 3 years, when we both went through the same RW transition course. What you might find interesting, Cal was either the longest lived heart transfer receipient or the 2nd longest lived. Sorry, I can’t give you the exact date.
Dave Latimer, COL Ret, Catkiller 5.
I went to see Calvin’s family today in Lubbock. His wife Mary was very emotional. When I told her I was with the 220th Catkillers she cried and told me that Calvin loved that company more than any other he had served with. I met his brother, a chopper pilot, and he reacted the same way.
One of the friends there had served with the 21st Black Aces in 1967–68. The family was very proud of his service and Mary said that he never stopped being a soldier.
Keep Mary in your prayers, they had no children, but a nephew and niece were there.
Scott Cummings
PANDEMIC EASE–UP: FRIENDS GET TOGETHER: (23 May)
Just about all of us have stayed at home and out of harm’s way these last few months. Now and then I would receive an email from a Catkiller or Friend, stating they were staying low and in isolation to avoid the virus. So, outside of our family and friend circles, not much has been going on.
I have spent the last few months remodeling a home in North Florida, and today I drove up to Moultrie, Georgia, to pickup a few needed supplies from a major home improvement company. I called Warren Taylor on the way to his hometown, based upon a previous invitation to do so, if I happend to be in his town.
Warren and his wife Gidge thought it a good time for us to get together at their home, rather than at a local resturant, and invited me to stop by for lunch on my way back south. I arrived at their home in Moultrie and we spent half the time, the three of us, just talking non–stop in their kitchen. Obviously, we had been shut in and isolated too long and really enjoyed the chance to catch up since our last get-together at the reunion in Philadelphia.
The food and company were excellent, and our reminiscent military–oriented conversation typically enjoyable, before I finally departed for home, Warren and I stood for a photo to record our graceful maturation. Gidge took several photos as proof that at least two Catkillers are alive and healthy. We hope that is the case for all who view this page and are venturing out into an anxious America, desperately seeking a return to normal life. Here is a then (2010) and now photo.
With appreciation and honor on Memorial Day to the many who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms in service to our country,
Don Ricks
DEATH OF JERRY RALPH CURRY, MAJOR GENERAL, USA, RETIRED, 23 MAY 2020:
JERRY RALPH CURRY Major General, US Army, Retired (September 7, 1932 – May 23, 2020)
Major General Jerry Ralph Curry, U.S. Army Retired; B.A., M.A., D. Min. passed peacefully at home at the age of 87. General Curry had several careers. After graduating high school he went to work as an arc welder in the Pittsburgh Steel Foundry, then enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Private at the end of the Korean War. This led to a 34–year military career, in which he worked his way up through the ranks of the infantry, retiring as a Major General.
General Curry was a decorated combat veteran, Army Aviator, Paratrooper, and Ranger who served his country both in the military and as a Presidential political appointee. He had numerous honors and decorations (including a Combat Infantryman’s Badge) and a strong background in federal regulatory matters, foreign affairs, national defense concerns, corporate planning and automotive safety.
He was known for his forceful leadership skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks well under pressure. Most of Jerry’s time in the military was spent in troop assignments in the United States, Germany, Korea and Vietnam.
During his first tour in Vietnam, he flew reconnaissance planes and helicopters, worked in intelligence and commanded the 220th Aviation Company. His second tour of duty was in the jungle as an Army Advisor, embedded in a South Vietnamese Infantry Regiment.
General Curry later commanded the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (TECOM) headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. TECOM was responsible for performing Engineer Development Testing to determine whether Army equipment was safe to operate, defect free and in compliance with all of the Army’s technical specifications – on all Army equipment—including jeeps, trucks of all types, self–propelled artillery, tanks, electronics, airplanes, helicopters and missiles.
He served as the Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense during President Carter’s Administration and was the Acting Press Secretary to the Secretary of Defense in President Reagan’s Administration. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha; an M.A. in International Relations from Boston University; a D. Min. from Luther Rice Seminary; attended Harvard Kennedy School and was Chairman of the Board of Regents at Oxford Graduate School.
Following his retirement from the Army, General Curry became President and Publisher of a public policy “think tank” and was later a corporate Vice President for Program Development of a computer systems integration company. He served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Washington D.C. Board of Trade, the USO, the American Red Cross, was a Trustee of the Federal City Council, and was an ex–officio member of the National Research Council’s Executive Committee, Transportation Research Board. In 1982, he was named “Washingtonian of the Year” and was a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Nebraska and Boston University.
He was a member of the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine; the society of Automotive Engineers; Delta Phi Alpha, the National Honorary German Society; Phi Alpha Theta, the International Honor Society in History; the National Eagle Scout Association; was decorated by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands with the Order of Orange–Nassau; was a recipient of the United States Secret Service Honor Award; and was a Fellow in the Oxford Society of Scholars.
General Curry stood as a candidate for the U.S. Congress (1988) in southeastern Virginia, and later for President (2008). He spent three years as Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during President H.W. Bush’s Administration. Otherwise, he spent his time writing and working as a consultant to the automotive industry. Before the Korean War, General Curry seriously considered a career as a dramatic operatic baritone and over the years he performed with several choral groups in Europe, the United States, the Far East, and Brazil. His CDs Generally Singing and Live at Strathmore Mansion were well received, as were his books, From Private to General, an African American Rises Through the Ranks and The Dream Continues.
General Curry and his beloved wife of 57 years, Charlene Curry, lived on the southern slope of Bull Run Mountain in Northern Virginia overlooking the Civil War Battlefield. He was preceded in death by Charlene, their infant son Gregory, his parents Jesse and Rev. Mercer Curry, and his siblings Marjorie Perdue, Jesse Curry, Roseanna Dugger and Robert Curry.
He is survived by four children, Charlein Vantramp (Roland), Jerry Curry (Michelle), Toni Burton (Mike) and Natasha Curry Kurfees (John), as well as his brother David Curry, eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, extended family and many dear friends.
General Jerry Curry will rest in peace alongside Charlene and Gregory at Arlington National Cemetery, where he was a former Commanding General of the Military District of Washington. Due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID–19 Pandemic, further information is limited.
Condolences/Comments:
Don:
I am truly sorry to read about General Curry. It wasn’t until the book was published that I saw something you had posted about him. I sent him a copy and received a real compliment when he said, “It’s the book I wish I had written,” and sent me a copy of his own. We communicated regularly until his wife’s condition demanded all his attention. My impression was of a gentleman of the old school, ever insightful and ever courteous, ever talented, the classic Renaissance man — even with someone who finished his four–year enlistment as a Spec 6. It was only after he insisted numerous times that I address him as Jerry that I finally stopped starting emails with “Dear General Curry” (I’ll admit it, I’m a stickler for military courtesy).
Never having had contact with his kids, I hate to interpose when they’re grieving but I’d be grateful if you'd pass on my condolences.
Jim Hooper
DEATH OF ROGER WAYNE PUTNAM, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR, RETIRED, OCALA, FLORIDA, 21 JULY 2020:
I received this forwarded email from Ray Alexander, via Dick Tobiason, today. Additional information will appear in this post as I receive it. Our condolences to the family and many friends of this well–loved and respected soldier:
Here is a message from Shelley:
“This is the call that I did not want to make. Roger died at 1:00 this afternoon.”
She [Shelley] continued that he was surrounded by his family and Shelley’s family. He had been unresponsive since about Saturday afternoon.
Shelley has lots of support in this tough time.
There will be no service in Ocala because they are new to the area. They will make arrangements for burial with full military honors at Arlington. The timing of the services will depend on Arlington's scheduling.
Of course, we will let you all know the arrangements as soon as we know.
Shelley said that this may be an opportunity for a mini–reunion in lieu of the one we had to cancel for Nashville. Just a thought.
Love to you all on this sad day.
Ray and Kittie AlexanderUpdate, 25 July:
Shelley forwarded Roger’>s obituary today and asked that we share it with you.
Arrangements at Arlington are not finalized. Surely there are many funerals to schedule.
We would like to have good representation from the Catikillers at Arlington and at a reception following the services. We will provide you firm information as soon as Shelley knows the details.
Love to you all, Ray and Kittie
OBITUARY: ROGER WAYNE PUTNAM:
Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Roger W. Putnam, 88, passed away on July 21, 2020 surrounded by family and friends at his home in Ocala, Florida. He was born August 9, 1931 in Royal Oak, Michigan to William and Ruth Putnam.
Roger W. Putnam served his country with distinction. He originally entered the Air Force in 1949 and served until his discharge in 1952. He spent his nine-year break in service with the Detroit Police Department, then reenlisted in the Army in 1961, where his career took him through the enlisted ranks to Command Sergeant Major. CSM Putnam retired from the Army in August 1985. He is a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. While in the military he also served in Japan, Ethiopia, and Germany, in addition to several stateside assignments. He was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Numeral 5, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry (Personal Award), and Master Aircraft Crewman Badge. He also proudly wore numerous campaign and unit awards.
After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Putnam served as Vice-President, Fort Rucker National Bank and ultimately retired as President and CEO of the Noncommissioned Officers’ Association. He enjoyed travelling and visiting with friends.
He is survived by his wife Shelley, daughters Pamela (Kirk) Peters, Lee Anne (Patrick) Cook, son William, and stepdaughter Amy, as well as six grandchildren, one great–grandchild, sisters– and brothers–in–law, nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Burial with full honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined, followed by a celebration of his life with friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or any Veterans’ Organization or charity of choice.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Putnam, please visit source page and Tribute Store via this main obituary link
“MY BROTHERS HAVE MY BACK”: INSIDE THE NOVEMBER 1969 BATTLE ON THE VIETNAMESE DMZ: A BOOK BY LOU PEPI:
This book spans my time in Vietnam with the 5th Infantry Division (Mech) but centers around a three–day battle in November of 1969, fought less than two miles from the DMZ. On the second day of this engagement two pilots from the 220 RAC—Captain Robert C. Arrington and 1LT Carl Drechsel—were instrumental in coordinating air assets, eliminating an NVA antiaircraft gun, and aiding in the rescue of a pinned down infantry platoon and two helicopter crews that were shot down attempting to rescue wounded infantrymen. Because of their valiant efforts, there was no further loss of life. Attached you will find the cover photo and the trailer that is on the back cover. I have also included photos of Arrington and Drechsel.
I also want to thank you for aiding in reaching these two men 6 years ago when I found your website.
Regards,
Lou Pepi Web site: mybrothershavemy back.comEDITOR: A copy of this book is available at the most popular online stores, like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, the publisher, mcfarlandbooks.com. Bob Arrington was awarded this DFC in1969
ROGER PUTNAM'S ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY SERVICE:
Decedent: ROGER PUTNAM, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR, US ARMY
Service Date: Thursday, December 10, 2020
Service Time: 3:00 PM EASTERN TIME ZONE
[From Shelley Putnam] Hello, Everyone:
Below is the link for the live-stream of Roger’s funeral. You can click the link now to make sure you can access it, but it will not be live until Thursday, shortly before the ceremony begins. I suggest saving this link to favorites or bookmarking it on your computer or tablet, in case you accidentally delete this email. The time is Eastern, so if you don’t live on the East Coast, you’ll have to do the math.
I will be traveling on Tuesday, so I may or may not be able to call or email you again once I get to DC. We’ve got a lot of moving parts, and a tight schedule. Know that I’ll be thinking of you, and I know you’re with us in spirit.
Love to all of you,
Shelley
Editor: There will be several camera mistakes, as this is not an edited version filmed by Arlington Media Supp[ort Team. Please continue watching with patience.
HAPPY 91ST BIRTHDAY, CATKILLER MESS SERGEANT JESSE MORGAN:
I will be 91 years old in five days [15 December]. I get around pretty good for my age.
Mess Sergeant Jesse Morgan [in the white shirt with camera]
COMMENTS:
Once again, thank you so much for these very welcome updates on Catkillers. Please send my birthday greetings to Sergeant Jesse Morgan!
Dick Sowder,
Catkiller 05, 1970–71.
I believe Jesse may be our oldest living Catkiller. [Charles sent the above photo and birthday notification]
Charles Finch
Editor: Send any comments to me and I will post them.
