Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-kind. Major Kenneth L. Ketzler was a pilot on the 117th Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam war and was in country from October 25th, 1966 to August 1st, 1967.
Included in this named set are the following items:
- This is a United States Helicopter Flight Helmet type SPH-4 made by Gentex. The helmet is in overall good condition with headset, visor, microphone, and tinted visor. The helmet is maker marked by Gentex 8415-00 and is a size Medium. Tag on back of the helmet reads LTC KETZLER. Comes complete with Flyer's Helmet Bag in very good condition.
- MA-1 Flight Jacket named on front to Kenneth L. Ketzlerwith pilot wings, Lt. Colonel Oak Leafs on each epaulet and a 1st Aviation Brigade patch. Jacket is in excellent condition.
- Gloves, Knee board, CPU-26A/P Computer Air Navigation Instrument, Pamphlets and more.
- Wood engraved desk name plate that reads Maj. K. N. KETZLER
Overall a fantastic named pilot set from a known officer on an Attack Helicopter Company that saw combat during the Vietnam War!
History of the 117 AHC from 1966-1967
66-67 1 JUL66 the unit name changed to 117th AHC. Supported the 101st, 4th Inf Div, 25th Div, SF, Koreans and the ARVN's. Doing everything from direct combat support, CAs re-supplies, medevac, psyops, VIP flights all over the II Corps area. Sidewinders flew gun cover for the Air Force Green Hornets. Flew support missions to Bong Son and Tuy Hoa north and had guns ships go to Dong Ha to support the Marines in that area. Had several missions to Phan Rang and Phan Thiet in support of the 101st. Were supporting SF out of Ban Me Thout, Bong Son and Pleiku, participated in Operation Attleboro [near Tay Ninh]. We participated in the largest CA ever conducted in the Kontum area late 66.
67-68 In 67, Lt. Col Harrison nicknamed The Phantom, was 10th CAB commander. In 1967 there was a mission to Lane AA located at An Son. Kept a Plt there for several months, rotating between 1st and 2nd Flt Plt. While at Lane, supported MACV out of Qui Nhon. Did a little support out of Dak Tho, Pleiku, Bong Son. Also went to Bao Loc in support of the 101st. Also supported 101st when they moved to Phan Thiet. We had some single ship missions that went to Dalat that were rotated among other 1st Plt ships. During this time, we also had a couple of ships assigned to LRRP detachments in Pleiku. There was a company wide mission in Phan Rang in 67. Jan 68 the company was reassigned to the 145th CAB and was moved to Bien Hoa. At Bien Hoa enlisted men stayed in tents on the NE corner of the airfield. The officers stayed in a 3 story villa in Bien Hoa at what was called the Honor Smith/Cong Li Compound and it faced Cong Li Street. The pilots were ferried back and forth to the flight line by helicopter or 3/4 ton truck. We were at Bien Hoa for TET of 68 which began Jan 30. The company lost 7 people between Jan 25-Feb 26, 68. We were only with the 145th for a short period and were reassigned to the 308th CAB, then 21MAR68, we were reassigned to 214th CAB HQ at Bearcat. During the first 6 mo of 68 we also supported 101st Airborne, 1st Inf Div, 25th Inf Div, Navy SEAL's and of course the Vietnamese. Had 3 COs in one month, did not have many flyable aircraft and were not allowed to have personal weapons. When assigned to 214th, we were moved to Plantation Airfield at Long Binh. Sister company there was 195th AHC and the 240th AHC was there from Bearcat. The 117ths mission at that time was to support the 9th Inf Div and the SF Mike Force mission.
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