David Walter Wilson

The database page for David Walter Wilson

12 Feb 2002 Hey, Wilson, I just put one of these up for Mitch. As I told him, sorry to have lost him and just as sorry to lose you. To have watched both of you guys die at the same time was a memory I tried to forget - it's hard to lose two friends in the same day. You are missed by me as Mitch is, so I say "thanks" to both you guys for the friendship you two gave me. 7 Jun 2004 I just talked to your brother Tom, he sounds like a good guy. You are still missed very much... Ed Duffey michigan_vietnam_vet@yahoo.com

31 May 2004 To My Brother, I miss you so much. Even after all these years. I wish I could have had the last 35 years to know you and to be your friend. And I wish I had more memories.. but even though the years we had were short, you were a very memorable guy. I still laugh at some of the things you said and did. I Love You! Tom From his brother, Tom Wilson 20560 Weaver Road, Watertown, N. Y. 13601 tkwilson2000@yahoo.com

09 Dec 2005 I never got the chance to meet you but I know you were loved. I think it's great to be able to read what your family and Army buddies thought about you and how they miss you. I can't fully understand the courage it takes to go to war, but I admire you for that decision. I also served in the Army but in peacetime. I have heard a lot of great stories about you from my dad. I hope I can meet you someday... From a nephew. jdubswilson@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 05 October 1968 a CH-47A CHINOOK (hull number 66-19067) of the 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company crashed, killing two and injuring three crewmembers: WO2 C A Riggs, aircraft commander, injured WO2 T E Lawrence, pilot, injured CPL Alex L Mitchell, gunner, killed SP4 S A Smith, crew chief, injured SP4 David W Wilson, flight engineer, killed Witnesses and the Accident Board's findings reconstructed the accident. At 1300 hours the CH-47A started up and taxied out to the active runway 230. The aircraft went through its pre-takeoff and takeoff checks and prepared to depart. The aircraft was told to hold for traffic and then cleared to go. The Chinook started its takeoff getting about 40 to 60 feet of altitude and about 20 knots forward speed, heading 230 degrees, when the nose suddenly swung up and to the left as the tail went down and to the right. Simultaneously the entire aft pylon tore loose, going up, forward, and to the left. The front and aft rotor blades intermeshed, the aft green blade striking into the fuselage just aft of the front pylon, severing that portion of the fuselage from point of impact forward and striking PFC Mitchell, the left door gunner, as it arced through the fuselage. Fuel, oil and electrical lines running to the engines were ruptured causing fire to erupt around the number 2 (left) engine first and then both engines. The aircraft fell tail low striking the active runway and inverting. The aft pylon impacted and came to rest 64 feet from the main mass of the aircraft. The forward section (severed by the aft green blade strike) came to rest 19 feet from the main mass. The main mass of the aircraft (from just aft of the front pylon back, minus the aft pylon) burned. The bodies of SP4 Wilson and PFC Mitchell were thrown out of the aircraft when the forward section severed. The aircraft had flown 2 hrs, 45 min. that morning with no discrepancy noted in flight.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009