Larry K. Blankenship.

My only assignment to helicopters came in May 1968 when I was assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron. I spent about 2 or 3 weeks at Shepperd AFB, TX., learning about the jet engines and the A.P.U.s' on the CH-3s' and on th UH-1s' that I would be working on when I got to Udorn RTAFB, Thailand. I was there from June 1968 til June 1969. I was there when one of the CH-3s' was lost at an LZ and some of the crew was injured and one killed.

My service started at Andrews AFB, Maryland with the 1001st Field Maintenance Squadron in the jet shop. We maintained the TF33s' on AIR FORCE ONE and other related aircraft. In April '68 I asked for a transfer to SEA and got it in May.

After my tour I returned stateside to Norton AFB, CA. There I was assigned to the 63rd Field Maintenance Squadron. Was promoted to Sgt E-4 01 FEB 70.

"FREEDOM ISN'T FREE"

~SOMEONE PAYS FOR YOU AND ME~

"HELICOPTERS" - THE ONLY WAY TO FLY

~NEVER FORGOTTEN~