Robert Clark Ferris

The database page for Robert Clark Ferris

14 Sep 2001 You made the ultimate sacrifice and it did not go unnoticed. I thank you and salute you. A memorial from one who remembers, Leilah Ash Ward Hollywood, Florida ashtwin2001@yahoo.com

21 Aug 2005 Bob had been my co-pilot until that terrible day in January of 67. No finer man, co-pilot or friend ever existed. I still think of him quite frequently ... and miss him dearly. Sometimes I blame myself for his death as I, as Assistant Operations Officer, had given him the day off. When a spare co-pilot was needed for another aircraft, he was "drafted" without my knowledge. Otherwise, he would have been flying with me as usual. If he had, he would have survived. I had the terrible experience of watching his aircraft crash. From a friend and fellow Army pilot, Matt Gritlefeld-Griffin Houston, Texas mgriffin@residentialleasing.net

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 14 Jan 1967 UH-1D tail number 65-09595 was one of several 173rd Assault Helicopter Company Hueys in a formation flight at 2000 feet. 65-09595's pilot reported an internal explosion and left the flight. Other aircrew watched helplessly as 65-09595's 90 degree gear box and tail rotor blades left the aircraft, which then crashed and burned in a small jungle clearing. Three of the four men aboard the Huey died in the crash; the crew chief died from his injuries the following day: 1LT Arthur R. LeGrow, Revere, MA, pilot; WO Robert C. Ferris, Newton Center, MA, copilot; SP4 Arthur D. Washington, Washington, DC, crew chief; and PFC Joe H. Epps, Marshall, TX, gunner.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is one who remembers, Leilah Ash-Ward Hollywood, Florida ashtwin2001@yahoo.com 14 Sep 2001

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/30/2005