23 Apr 2002 Remembered by his squadronmates in the 20th Special Operations Squadron the Green Hornets. A memorial initiated by Robert Hall Robert.Hall12@scott.af.mil

 

26 Jan 2004 Ron Zenga, Jim Woodbury and I (Frank Trupiano) were all in helicopter school in Texas together and the three of us shipped out to Viet Nam at the same time in July 1968 to the 20th Helicopter Squadron. We all worked together in maintenance until December 1968 when Ron voluntereed for flight/gunner duty. He was as good a man and friend you could ever have and he is deeply missed. Frank Trupiano 42 New Melle Drive, Wentzville, MO 63385 t4973ft@aol.com

 

The Mission On 03 Jan 1969 a UH-1F Huey (tail no 63-13164) of the 20th Special Operations Squadron was shot down near Duc Lap while attempting to rescue a Special Forces patrol. The aircraft was struck by intense ground fire while coming to a hover to attempt a McGuire Rig extraction. After taking eight hits the aircraft departed the area and supporting gunships suppressed the ground fire. A second approach was made. As they came to a hover above the trees enemy fire struck the fuel cells setting the aircraft on fire. They were able to accelerate the aircraft and attempted a landing in a small jungle clearing less than 500 meters from the enemy forces surrounding the Special Forces patrol. The engine failed just short of the clearing and the helicopter crashed into the trees. Sgt Zenga was pinned under the aircraft and died in the ensuing fire.

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