Dobash, John Ernest, SP 5

Casualty Occurrence:  POSTED ON 11.29.2014. POSTED BY: WKILLIAN@SMJUHSD.ORG. FINAL MISSION OF U.S. ARMY HELICOPTER OH-6A TAIL NUMBER 66-14384. On April 25, 1969, this aircraft from D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division “Centaurs” was on a reconnaissance mission when it was brought down while attempting to suppress attacking enemy forces which had surrounded 8 fellow soldiers. The helicopter was hit in the passenger cabin by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG-7). The explosion caused crew chief SP5 John E. Dobash to be thrown from the aircraft where he subsequently suffered fatal injuries in the fall to the ground. Both the pilot and observer survived the crash with injuries and were later rescued. The helicopter was completely destroyed in the attack. [Taken from vhpa.org and centaursinvietnam.org].

POSTED ON 5.27.2013. POSTED BY: JIM WALT. JOHN DOBASH - ALWAYS REMEMBERED. I was in the OH6 that crashed 4-25-69 when John died. John was a good friend. Lt Marty Jenkins was the pilot that day. We commissioned a Warriors Memorial Brick for John at the Schofield Memorial Monument. 'Always Remembered.'

POSTED ON 12.26.2002. POSTED BY: TOM COATS. REMEMBERING JOHN. In 1967 I went through 6 months of intense training in the same platoon with John Dobash. John was wise beyond his years, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was a true friend to his fellow platoon mates. Later, we were both stationed at Ft. Knox, before he shipped out to Vietnam. I have often thought about John, and what he might have become. He deserved better.

 

Brenda  Stowell, bren755@yahoo.com, Sister in-law, 3535 sw 103rd ave Beaverton Oregon 97005 United States, Every Memorial Day I stand in John's honor (& the countless others) at the Vietnam Memorial at Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, the home of his son (not daughter) Paul. I was 13 yrs old just finishing up Jr High and remember the day my sister got the news. It was such a sad day. That summer, I became Paul's babysitter for the summer and beyond, watching him grow. There is something to be said about children left fatherless from the war. There is more to be said how uncanny John lives through is son in so many ways :) Thank you to John's comrades/brothers who have paid tribute to him here on this page. Through your words I can see John's expressions, hear his voice and that infectious laugh. @Mike McDole, when I heard that you had been in touch with Samm to let her know you were placing a plaque with John's name... I can't remember, but just like now as tears stream down my face, I was so touched and would love to go visit there one day. Thank you to you all for your service. May God Bless you. May 27, 2018.

Jim  Luton, jaluton@syr.edu, friend, Syracuse Ny, Pals. I've started to post a few words on this page before but nothing ever sounded right. John and I were childhood friends that had lots of fun together. Being a few years older than me, John taught me numerous things, but none greater than how to enjoy life. If I were to have a perfect older brother, John would have been him. We had limited contact after he left for the service. I myself enlisted a few years later. There never seemed to be a great urgency to get back in touch, as there would be plenty of time for that later in life. I was stationed in Phu Bai when I got the letter stating John had been killed.So much for there being a lot of time. After all these years, I still reminisce about John and his love for life. I wrote finally because I knew I could never put into words my true feelings. It leaves me to say he will always be remembered and never forgotten. Simply put "Pals". Oct 19, 2007