Last Known Activity:
Date of Birth August 5, 1949
Caucasian
Protestant
Gardena Elementary School, Gardena, California.
Gardena High School - Graduation 1967.
Single (Never Married)
Regular Army - Enlisted
Vietnam Tour of Duty started May 10, 1968
SP4 Gary Holton died, July 3, 1968, when the UH-1 Huey Helicopter he was on board as a crew member [acting crew chief] was shot down and crashed in the Song Vam Co Dong River 18 mi SW of Saigon in the Long An Province, U.S. Military Region 3, Republic of South Vietnam.
Holton was 18 years old and had been in Vietnam for less than two months when he was killed.
Chico News & Review, May 26, 1988:
Gary Holton was born in Chico and grew up in Southern California.
A friend from the time remembered him as “kind of a loner, quiet.” who nevertheless joined the leadership group and the chess club in high school.
Perhaps because his father lived in town, Holton listed Chico as his home of record when he enlisted in the Army in August 1967, just two months after graduating from Gardena High School.
He was trained as a helicopter repairman and arrived in Vietnam on March 10, 1968, where he took over as a helicopter crew chief in the 240th Assault Helicopter Company.
Holton lasted three-and-a-half months at this hazardous duty. On July 3, 1968, his chopper was hit by hostile fire and crashed into a river. Holton’s cause of death was listed as drowning.
From the book, Vietnam Order of Battle by CPT Shelby L. Stanton, U.S. Army Retired.
Page 109:
1st Aviation Brigade Arrived in Vietnam 25 May 1966 and Departed Vietnam 28 March 1973.
The 1st Aviation Brigade was activated 25 May 1966 in (South) Vietnam using the assets of a provisional unit organized 1 March 1966 and eventually became one of the largest commands in Vietnam. Possessing, at the height of its involvement, some 64d1 fixed-wing aircraft, 441 Cobra AH-1G attack helicopters, 311 CH-47 cargo helicopters, 635 OH-6A observation helicopters and 2,202 UH-1 utility helicopters, the brigade had complete airmobile dominion of the skies. Flying in support of UI.S. and allied forces, the brigade conducted missions as varied as tactical combat assaults, direct fire support, aerial reconnaissance, medical evacuation (medevac), troop lift, cargo hauling and evacuation and relocation of Vietnamese civilians in support of the Rural Development Program. The brigade was headquartered at Tan Son Nhut until December 1967, when it relocated to Long Binh. In December 1972 the brigade was moved to Tan Son Nhut once more, remaining there until it departed Vietnam.
The 214 Aviation Battalion that Gary Holton was assigned to, along with several other Aviation Battalions, served directly under the 1st Aviation Brigade.
On page 117 of this book, the 214th Aviation Battalion (Combat), known as Cougars, was formed 15 January 1967 at Bear Cat RVN partially from assets of the Buffalo Aviation Battalion. The Battalion was initially stationed at Bear Cat, as part of the 12th Aviation Group. On 15 November 1968 the Battalion relocated to Dong Tam to support the 9th Infantry Division.
It would appear from this information that Gary Holton was stationed at Bear Cat during May to July 1968, at the time of his death.
Remembrances From The Internet:
From: E. Ray Hudnall, RM1,USN, Retired:
Gary and I became friends in the fourth grade at Gardena Elementary School, Gardena, California. We seemed to have a lot in common. As seniors at a high school football game we related our plans after graduation (June, 1967). We both talked about joining the service. I told him how I was going in the Navy as my brother was already serving aboard the USS Enterprise. Gary said with a very serious tone of voice, that he would volunteer for the Army, go to Vietnam and that he would not return. I didn't ask him how he knew that but it troubled me. In his youth Gary never had much pride or self-confidence but the Army changed that. He came out of boot camp a proud, confident soldier. Gary didn't seem to have a close family life; his Dad (deceased) was a busy businessman and never seemed to have time for him. Gary deserved a better life and I hope he found one in eternity. I will never forget him or the sacrifice he made for our country.
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