Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class Elliott had been living in Oakland, CA when he entered the service and was a member of Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.
On June 9, 1970, he was the pilot of a Hughes Loach Observation Helicopter (OH-6A) enroute to a fire support base at Katum, South Vietnam. Bad weather caused him to crash.
His remains were never recovered.
His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
The 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, provided ground reconnaissance for the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Troop D was its air cavalry troop, serving mostly with the division's 25th Aviation Battalion. In 1970, after having seen combat in the Saigon area during the Tet offensive of 1968, the Division continued its primary operations around Cu Chi, South Vietnam, and in the spring of 1970 sent elements into Cambodia seeking North Vietnamese Army sanctuaries. Andrew Elliott was a pilot assigned to Troop D, and on June 9th, 1970, was assigned to a fire support base at Katum, South Vietnam. Aboard the OH-6A "Loach" with Elliott were SP5 Stephen L. Dobry (observer) and SP4 Jerry W. McGlothen (gunner), both of the 25th Avn Bn. When the aircraft was about half-way between Fire Support Base Santa Barbara and Katum, Elliott radioed that he could not see the road nor Katum. He was instructed by the command and control aircraft to go to Tay Ninh and shut down, that everyone would be called to Koropey as soon as the weather cleared. Elliott acknowledged and said "I'm going to Tay Ninh at this time." That was the last communication with Elliott.
After it was determined that Elliott's aircraft was missing, a full scale search effort was initiated and continued for 5 days. On June 24th, the wreckage was found and recovery teams were inserted into the crash site. The bodies of Dobry and McGlothlen were recovered and positively identified. About 50 meters from the crash site, near the body of McGlothen, a helmet and chest protector belonging to Elliott were found. It appeared that the body had been dragged to this position from the crash site. A search team remained on the ground 4 days, but were never able to find any trace of Elliott. He was listed Missing in Action. Whether Elliot survived the crash to be captured was never learned for certain.
In 1973, when 591 Americans were released from POW camps in Vietnam, each time the news reported on this and read the names I would sit and listen until each name had been read. That sinking feeling that I got when his name did not appear on the lists is still with me today.
A memorial from one who remembers,
Missy Long
15 Feb 2001
I cleared them for takeoff that day. I was good friends with both McGloghlin and Dobry although I did not know Elliott. They were in J. C. Carnathan's Loach. I am in frequent touch with J. C. Carnathan and Eric Bretheren of the Centaurs.
Billy Blackmon
Amarillo, Texas
E-mail address is not available
25 Feb 2002
My name is John Thomas Jr. I was a pilot with Delta Troop 3/4 Cav in Chu Chi Vietnam. Andrew John Elliott and I flew many missions together. When I first met Andy, as I believe we called him, he was a Warrant Officer pilot assigned to the slick platoon. I was an old-timer as I had been in country for about six months and thought I was an ace pilot. I was a new aircraft commander and Elliott flew as my co-pilot on several missions. I really liked Elliott, he was a rather quiet spoken fellow with a sense of humor.
As Elliott was new to country, I as his aircraft commander would let him fly a whole lot. Sometimes I let him go a bit further than I should have, letting him take the ship into areas where I as the more experienced pilot should have been flying. At the time I believe I was the slick platoon leader and assigned missions for the troop. I always picked Andy to fly with me as we had become good friends, he was becoming a good pilot, and best of all he was cool as an ice cube in the heat of battle.
We flew a lot of Night Hawk missions together. This was a Huey with a huge search light and a mini gun mounted on the left side. We would fly around at night looking for bad guys with that search light and then try and shoot them with the mini gun. Once we were flying along a river near Tay Ninh, when we kept getting shot at with RPG rounds. We called in and asked for permission to return fire. Those fellows kept shooting at us all the while. Anyway after about 15 to 20 minutes we were given permission to return fire. Our gunners opened up with the mini gun and a fellow took off on a motorcycle going like 60. Our mini gun jammed and the fellow got plumb away, but we did get the motorcycle.
On another occasion Elliott and I were flying a Night Hawk mission in the same area when we spotted a fellow on a bike loaded with baskets. We thought that he was hauling supplies to the VC and we called in and requested permission to kill him. After about 30 minutes we hadn't heard any thing so we decided to land and capture the dude. We landed out there in the middle of the night and snatched that fellow and his bike. We checked out the baskets and all they contained was fish. We had bagged ourselves a fisherman. We pulled pitch and got out of that area quite quickly. We hadn't been in the air more than five minutes when we got a radio call giving us permission to shoot the fellow. Anyway Andy and I took that fellow to the main command post and turned him over to the brass. The brass was very shook up because we didn't have that fellow tied up and blindfolded. The poor old fellow was shaking like a leaf so one of the crew gave him a cigarette to smoke. Later it turned out that our captive was just a fisherman. I was glad we didn't shoot him.
Another time Andy and I almost bought the farm we were flying another Night Hawk mission and a storm blew in. We couldn't see anything. In flight school they taught us to turn off our beacon if we were in thick clouds because it would induce vertigo, which is a concept where one becomes very disoriented. Well, we didn't do that and we both became disoriented. We called in and got on radar and requested assistance getting back to Chu Chi. It took both of us to fly the helicopter back to the Chu Chi area. We only had about ten minutes of fuel left when we got a call to pick up wounded personnel from a fire support base about ten miles east of Chu Chi. Those wounded fellows were critical so we stopped, unloaded flares from out of our Night Hawk ship, loaded up two wounded troops and headed for the hospital at Chu Chi. On the way in we stopped at the POL and loaded up a little bit of fuel and proceeded on to the hospital. We were prepared to crash land that Huey but we made it work. All's well that ends well.
Shortly after that, I transferred to the light scouts. As the senior officer I became the platoon leader. About a month later Elliot transferred into the light scouts. I was giving Elliot a orientation ride on a hunter killer mission, when I spotted a fellow ducking into a hole. We called in the aerorifles and they began a search of the area. A firefight erupted, and one would have thought we were in the middle of a revolution. Anyway we charged into the middle of that mess an jumped a VC running like 60 away from the fight. My right door gunner tried to kill him but his machine gun jammed. That dude got away clean as a whistle. That is the last time that I recollect flying with Andy. Soon after that he got his own ship and we flew different missions. We lost so many LOH's that the army only put one pilot and two enlisted men in them.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Andy. Andy was a great person, a good friend, a good pilot, and I will always hold a place in my heart for him.
John Thomas
Centaur 17
125 Square Deal Road, Belen New Mexico 87002
04 Oct 2002
Mr. Elliott, this is SP/4 Tom Fluharty. It was an honor to fly with such a good man and friend as you were. You kept me alive so I could come home. My wife of 32 years and my 2 sons and daughter thank you also. I've often thought of you a lot because you were one of the best friends I ever had. I came home in April of 1970 and left you alone there. For that I am so so sorry. But, man, we were the best hunter-killer team the 25th ever had ... me and you and Terry Dildy. We did kick some ass. Man, I do miss you so much. Goodbye for now, friend...
Tom Fluharty
02 Jun 2006
Elliott's crew chief Sp5 Steve Dobry could have gone home when the Big Red One went home, but he extended to fly LOH's .. I had the honor to serve with Steve in the Big Red One. He was my crew chief on several birds but most of all on Night Hawks. Steve was the best crew chief a young WO1 could have had. He kept a tight, clean ship. He and I both went to the 25th when the Big Red One went home, I to fly slicks and Night Hawks, he to be a scout. Three days before Elliot flew into the ground I saw Steve at Tay Ninh refueling his Loch. I had scrounged a case of ammo for the Russian light machine gun he carried and gave it to him. Dobe was a good man, a good crew chief, the best minigun gunner I ever knew. Steve's sister Robin was 17 when Dobe died. She named her first-born son after him.
I have hated Elliott for 36 years for leaving Dobe to die. I know now that Elliott was probably dazed and confused and is probably resting not far from where he crashed. What the offical records don't say is that the first aid kit was missing, and as far as the bird burning I saw no evidence of that, Hell, I was there. Also the M16 was gone and Dobe had been pinned under the right skid. God Bless You, Dobe, we will meet again at Fiddler's Green ... and God bless all who died in that damm war.
Vulture 18
Galen R Nelson
4300 E Nicholson Hollow Road, Salem, Ind 47167
25 May 2007
Ten years ago a friend sent me an MIA bracelet as a gift. The name inscribed on it is that of Andrew J. Elliot from California. I have worn that bracelet ever since, not knowing the man or his story other than he is my brother in arms. Today I found this memorial and am pleased to now know a little more about the man whose name I wear on my wrist. It was also interesting to learn that he wore the same unit crest that I did at one point, that of D Troop 4th CAV. Thank you to CWO Elliot for your sacrifice, though I wish you didn't have to make it. You are not forgotten.
SFC David N. Caldwell
manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence, to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Sep 19, 2010
J Mosley
SOMEONE, WHO CARES
They did what, they were, trained for
I hate, to see, 'Presumptive Finding, of Death.' So many that went down in Laos, or Cambodia could have been, taken prisoner. We did, not ask for our POW's., from those areas, at the end, of the war. It does, not matter how he died, God wrapped, his arms, around him and said, 'It is time to go.' The men, who tried to find him, are hero's, taking care, of their bro.
Jun 2, 2010
Jack Craig
jecraig129@hotmail.com
Friend, in same unit
4301, E., Union Hills Dr., Phoenix, AZ., 85050, USA
Andy, sorry, that I could not find, you, when you, went down. Your friend and fellow pilot, Centaur, 55, D, Troop, 3rd, Squadron, 4th, US., Cavalry, 25th, ID., Cu chi, Vietnam. Jack
Nov 7, 2008
Suzanne Whitton
SCgirlsonice@aol.com
fellow, loving American
615, Ascot Ridge Drive, Rock Hill, SC., 29730, USA
Andy - you were a here and may you rest in peace
My father was the exact same age as you and his helicopter was shot down in Vietnam on May 1, 1967, when he gave the ultimate sacrifice. He, too, was in the army ( a Lieutenant Colonel) and like you, did love his country. His birthday was 3, days ago, on Nov., 27th, but time has stood still and his face is frozen, in my mind, at age 36. Being an avid admirer, of Billy Graham, he says you both are in a better place, but the circumstances and young age at which you were taken from us, make it a bitter and difficult pill, to swallow. Rest in peace, my fellow American, and I won't say good-bye, but see you later. I will be very proud, to meet fallen heros, like yourself. Godspeed.
Nov 30, 2007
morris youing
whist;le38find@sbcglobal.net
war veteran
416, Tulip Dr., mooresville, Ind., 46158, USA
a part of the Band, of Brothers
once and then long ago, many of us, wore The Patch, of the United, States Army, with significant pride. When my tour was done, I returned home, as many, to a nation, torn by conflict, over this war. We were not, exactly welcomed home, with grateful hearts. I remembered well, those who served, with me. Some, I didn't know well, but they wore The Patch..... mine said, 25th, Inf., Div..... one, of several I wore, during my military service...... when the conflict, was, at it's worst, or it seemed to me, but shortly, after the Tet Offensive, I bought, a memorial bracelet and happened, to receive CWO., Andrew Elliott, with the 6-9-70, date on it..... I wore it, for years.... Went, to the Vietnam Memorial, a few years, ago, thinking about Andrew, as I do, almost every day.... looked up, his name and prayed, over the engraved name, as well, as for his family. I have a son, who is Chief, Mst., Sgt., in the U.S., Air Force... has been, in the Iraq wars, four times now.... and I hope, people pray for him, as I have for Andrew, for these many years.... I don't wear, the bracelet anymore, as I have, about worn it, out and I want, to keep it and tell his story, to my grandchildren, in honor, of so many like him, who depend on those of us, who understand The Patch and what it means, to represent the United States, of America and her people..... I remember you, well, Elliott..... I trust you, rest in Peace and know, that you, are not forgotten.... Gene Young, US., ARMY, Veteran....
Jun 24, 2007
Nancy Briggs
nantom2@msn.com
I wore his POW braclett
11220, La Serna Dr., Whittier, Ca., 90604, USA
While talking to my brother, who also served in Viet Nam, he told me about this web site. I wore Andrew Elliott's, POW braclett, for about five, years. All of these years, I have often, thought about him. While looking for his name, I was hoping it would not be, on any list here, but it was. I'am deeply moved to learn, about what happened to him and even this many years later, I feel a sense of great loss. My thoughts and prayers, go out to his family. Rest in Peace, my brave soldier. Nancy Briggs
8/6/2006
Jim Brothers
I was, in the aero-rifle platoon, attached, to our helicopter unit. Mr. Elliott was one, of our loach pilots. He was lost, while we were, in Cambodia. I didnt, know him well, but remember him, as a very nice guy. Rest in peace, Mr. Elliott, you, are not forgotten. D, Troop, 3/4, Cav., 25th, Infantry Div., Centaurs.
Wednesday, March 20, 2002
Grateful American
Fellow Californian
American Hero
Thank you, CWO., Elliott, for your ultimate, sacrifice. Rest well, brave soldier, for you, Sir, are not forgotten.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Sakkara Fox
manders2@aisd.net
Mr. Anderson's History Student
Sam Houston, High School, 2000, Sam Houston Dr., Arlington, TX., 76014, USA
My adopted MIA.
CWO., Andrew J. Ellliott, My Name is Sakkara R. Fox. I'm a 2002-2003, junior, @ Sam Houston, High School, in Arlington, Tx.. As part of a class assignment, on Vietnam's MIA's., I learned, your story and shared it, with my classmates. I learned, of youe sacrifice and will, remember you.
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Pam Ferrell
pferrell@cocentral.com
I have your bracelet
When I was in high school, everybody was getting POW., bracelets, to honor those brave soldiers, in the Vietnam War. My bracelet had the name, of CWO., Andrew Elliott, missing 6-9-70. I wore it so much, that it broke in half, but I still, kept it. I'm now 44, years, old and have, two teenagers. I found, the bracelet in a box, of old keepsakes. My children, asked me, about the soldier. I explained, that we didn't know, them, just different names were printed, on different bracelets. We talked, about what may have happened, to Andrew Elliott, so I began, my search. I never knew, if he made it out, alive. Now I, know and my heart, breaks. I will, keep my bracelet and pass it, on, to my children, as a reminder, of our brave and never forgotten, heros, in the Vietnam War. Pam
Sunday, June 01, 2003
david atkinson
flew with him
andy elliott, was my friend. i have grieved for him, for 30, odd years. he and two of my best friends, replaced me and my crew, on a mission, because of mechanical problem. they never returned. i was there, when we recovered the 2, gunners, but couldnt find andy. he was the best. i feel like it should, have been me. i think of him and the other 2, everyday, of my life. i lost 3, good friends. i always thought, it was my fault, but i had no control. i'am going to dc., this nov., and will see my old friend. sgt., atkinson, lightscouts
Friday, October 07, 2005
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THIS YOUNG UNITED STATES ARMY FLIGHT OFFICER WHOSE NAME SHALL LIVE FOREVER MORE
IN REMEMBRANCE OF THESE MOST HEROIC YOUNG
UNITED STATES ARMY SERVICEMEN
WHOSE NAMES SHALL LIVE FOREVER MORE
SPECIALIST 5
STEVEN LOUIS DOBRY
and
SPECIALIST 4
JERRY WAYNE McGLOTHLEN
WHO WAS A POSTHUMOUS RECIPIENT OF THE
SILVER STAR
BRONZE STAR MEDAL
NATIONAL DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL
VIETNAM SERVICE MEDAL
REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM CAMPAIGN SERVICE MEDAL
AND WAS ENTITLED TO WEAR THE
COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE
and
CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER
ANDREW JOHN ELLIOTT
WHO REMAINS TO THIS DAY AS BEING
MISSING IN ACTION
ALL SERVED WITH
D TROOP
3rd SQUADRON
4th CAVALRY REGIMENT
25th INFANTRY DIVISION
" TROPIC LIGHTNING "
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE
WENT THE DAY WELL ?
" Went the day well ? We died, and never knew.
But, well or ill, Freedom, we died for you."
21 JANUARY 1999
==============
VIETNAM WAR
HISTORY OF THE
4th CAVALRY REGIMENT
Elements of the 4th Cavalry Regiment saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War.
The 1st Squadron 4th Cavalry was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division as the division reconnaissance squadron based at Di An.
The 1st Squadron participated in eleven campaigns of the Vietnam War from 20 October 1965 to 5 February 1970.
The 1st Squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its heroism in Binh Long Province as well as a Valorous Unit Award for Binh Doung Province.
Troop A, 1st Squadron received a Valorous Unit Award for its actions at the battle of Ap Bau Bang.
The 3rd Squadron 4th Cavalry served as the reconnaissance squadron for the 25th Infantry Division and was based at Cu Chi near Saigon.
Troop C, was the first 3rd Squadron element to arrive in Vietnam in December 1965 with the 3rd Brigade, 25th Division.
Initially operating in the Vietnamese Central Highlands against North Vietnamese forces, Troop C later saw action against Viet Cong main force units in Quang Tri Province receiving a Valorous Unit Award.
On 1 August 1967 Troop C rejoined the 3rd Squadron in Cu Chi.
The 3rd Squadron participated in twelve campaigns from 24 March 1966 to 8 December 1970.
The 3rd Squadron received the Presidential Unit Citation for its magnificent defense of Tan Son Nhut air base outside of Saigon during the 1968 Tet counteroffensive and two Valorous Unit Awards for battles along the Cambodian border and in Binh Doung Province.
In addition, Troop D, 3rd Squadron received a Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry in Tay Ninh Province and Troop A, 3rd Squadron received a Valorous Unit Award for the Cu Chi District.
Troop F, 4th Cavalry was activated on 10 February 1971 in Vietnam and assigned to the 25th Division as a separate air cavalry troop.
After the 25th Division left Vietnam, Troop F remained assigned to the 25th while serving with the 11th and 12 Aviation Groups.
It was one of the last Army units to leave Vietnam on 26 February 1973.
Posted by: CLAY MARSTON
Email: CMARSTON@INTERLOG.COM
Relationship: BIOGRAPHICAL RESEARCHER - ARMY
Monday, July 30, 2007
NATIVE AMERICAN PRAYER
It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die
Posted by: Chris Spencer
Email: cws71354@bellsouth.net
Relationship: fellow veteran,USMC 1972-76
Sunday, October 31, 2004
In Remembrance
I wore this soldier's POW/MIA bracelet.
I still have it...
If someone wouLd like it, please contact MOONSHADOW41@ AOL.COM
GOD BLESS
not forgotten-still remembered
March 3, 2003 I have had Andrews MIA bracelet for 30 years....have always wondered how to find out about his status.....was just introduced to this wonderful site and now know more about this fine (always) young man...now can check to see when he is returned.....thank you
Posted by: carla hafferkamp
Relationship: I wore his/her MIA bracelet
Monday, March 3, 2003
Not Forgotten
I have not forgotten you. I chair the Adoption Committee for The National League of Families of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action in Southeast Asia. We will always remember the 1,889 Americans still unaccounted for in Southeast Asia and the thousands of others that lost their lives. We will not stop our efforts until all of you are home where you belong.
We need to reach the next generation so that they will carry on when our generation is no longer able. To do so, we are attempting to locate photographs of all the missing. If you are reading this remembrance and have a photo and/or memory of this missing American that you would like to share for our project, please contact me at
Candace Lokey
PO Box 206
Freeport, PA 16229
mlokey@aol.com
If you are not familiar with our organization, please visit our web site at :
www.pow-miafamilies.org
Posted by: Candace Lokey
Friday, February 14, 2003
To my adoptee
Andrew John Elliott,
I adopted you and vow to help bring you home somehow.
You have become a part of my life and are prayed for daily.
So is your family who I'd love to know.I'd love to interview your friends too. You are honored,thought of,admired,and loved.
Thank You for all you did for this country now let's all return the favor!!!Andrea
Posted by: Andrea Padilla:
Relationship: Other:
Monday, July 9, 2001
"Old Friend"
Its July 4, 2001. I was there the day you went down. Didn't find your ship for 30 days. Went to the crash site and looked for you. Found Dobry and McGlothlin, brought them out, looked everywhere for you. Have wondered for years what happened. You and time are the only people who know. You were a true "Light Scout". Think about you every day. Your friend, SP5 David Atkinson, DTrp, 3rd Sqd., 4th Cav., 25th Inf. Div., a fellow "Light Scout"
Posted by: David Atkinson
Relationship: We served together
Wednesday, July 4, 2001
None
I have been wearing your MIA bracelet until today, 3/12/99 when I learned through this Web Site of your passing so long ago...next time I'm in the capitol I'll drop it off at the wall. Rest in peace.Larry W. Columbus,Oh USA 1965-71
Posted by: Larry Wittkugle
Relationship: None
Friday, March 12, 1999 |
