Helicopter UH-1H 70-15863
Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H tail number 70-15863
The Army purchased this helicopter 0571
Total flight hours at this point: 00000686
Date: 05/02/1972 MIA-POW file reference number: 1839
Incident number: 72050210.TXT
Unit: F/4 CAV
South Vietnam
UTM grid coordinates: YD370428
Original source(s) and document(s) from which the incident was created or updated: Defense Intelligence Agency Reference Notes. Defense Intelligence Agency Helicopter Loss database. Also: 1839 ()
Summary: Destroyed by SA-7 while assisting elements of F/4 rescue two AF pilots and one AF FAC. During the mission, a second Huey was shot down
Loss to Inventory
Crew Members:
CE SP4 MORGAN CHARLES VERNON KIA
G SP4 PORTERFIELD DALE KYETTE KIA
AC CW2 JESSE WILLIAM CLIFTON KIA
P WO1 PETRILLA JOHN JOSEPH JR KIA
Passengers and/or other participants:
CPT BERKSON JOSEPH MIKE, AR, PX, KIA
A Note from The Virtual Wall
As noted above, a UH-1H (tail number 70-15863) was charged with a mission near Quang Tri City, in an area infested with North Vietnamese Army units. When the Huey was shot down, it was in the midst of NVA forces and it was not possible to insert ground units to recover the crewmen, who were classed as Missing in Action.
Seven weeks later, on 20 Jul 1972, friendly forces were able to reach the wreckage and recover the remains. However, it was not until 22 May 1973 that it could be confirmed that all five men aboard 70-15863 had died in the crash:
Aircrew, F Trp, 4th Cav Rgt:
CWO William C. Jesse, Lawton, OK, pilot
WO John J. Petrilla, Philadelphia, PA, copilot
SP4 Charles V. Morgan, Warsaw, KY, crew chief
SP4 Dale K. Porterfield, Los Angeles, CA, gunner
Passenger:
CPT Joseph M. Berkson, Chicago, IL, 3rd Reg Assistance Cmd, MACV
26 Aug 2004
Commenced tour in Vietnam on 2/22/72 (2nd tour).
Listed missing in action on 5/2/72.
Report of Casualty dated 8/10/72.
Burial at Warsaw Cemetery 8/73.
After crossing enemy lines to pick up others trapped there, the helicopter was shot down. Due to hostiles around the site, they could not get in to recover any remains of casualties. It was presumed there were no survivors. Once the area was cleared, the remains were gathered for identification. There were few remains of the crew left for identification, but somehow, all on board were identified and listed killed in action.
A note to my Dad: I was so young when you left this world, and have few memories of you. The most distinctive memory I have is of your funeral. I know from stories told to me that we had a special bond and you referred to me as "your little girl" or "Daddy's girl". I often think of how different life would have been had you been around to see us grow up and share those special milestones. It's been many years now and I still miss you desperately. I often wonder, would you be proud? Have I made you proud? Although your three grandsons will never know you and of the sacrifice you made, I speak of you often with love and pride, and have instilled this pride in them.
Although you are gone - You are definitely not forgotten. I love you with every bit of my heart, and I am so proud to call you my dad.
Your little girl, Cami
Local Man Is Missing In Action
Chales Vernon Morgan, Warsaw, has been reported missing in action in the combat zone of South Vietnam.
Morgan, 26, is a son of Stanley Morgan and was born and reared in Gallatin County.
A courier from the Army informed the father last Friday that the young serviceman's helicopter had been shot down and that the craft had been found but no survivors and no bodies had been found. Hope remained that he and his four companions had escaped the crash and were still alive.
Morgan was recently reassigned to the combat zone, the second tour he had served in Vietnam. Until further information is received he will be listed as "missing in action".
© The Gallatin County (KY) NEWS
11 May 1972
Body of Vietnam Victim Recovered
The body of Charles Vernon Morgan, 28, shot down in Vietnam May 2, 1972, has been recovered and is being transported to Warsaw for burial, according to information received here Monday by the man's father, Stanley Morgan.
Young Morgan's helicopter was shot down on a mission over enemy lines and he had been reported missing in action. Identification was made through routine examination of dog tags found on the body.
He is survived by his father; one son, Charles Dwayne, 7; one daughter, Kammy Lynn, 6; and one brother, Harry Dean of Jonesville.
Funeral arrangements had not been made at press time.
© The Gallatin County (KY) NEWS
09 Aug 1973
Services Held For Vietnam Casualty
Funeral services for Charles Vernon Morgan were held Monday, August 13 at the Carlton Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Morgan, 28, was shot down in Vietnam in May 1972 and his body was recently identified by military officials and flown to Greater Cincinnati Airport.
Rev. Robert Morris, pastor of the Warsaw Baptist Church, was the occiciating minister. Military services were conducted by representatives from Fort Knox.
Interment was in Warsaw Cemetery.
© The Gallatin County (KY) NEWS
16 Aug 1973
Bill Gallenstein
Fellow Kentuckian
Zephyrhills FL
A very proud cold war USAF veteran remembers you on this day. My God bless you and your family always. I salute you, Thank you
May 2, 2008
Mike Willbur
mwillbur@aol.com
Fellow crewmember
Not a day< go's by without thoughts of that day.
Sunday, April 30, 2000
Misty Stewart
Hearing about him through other family members really makes me wish I would have met him. He seems to have been a real exciting person.
Monday, March 07, 2005
Amber Jividen
This hero was my Uncle and I never got to meet him because of this tragedy. He was like a brother to my dad. He still hasn't gotten over it. I would have liked to have met him but fate had other ideas.
Thursday, October 25, 2001
Cami Morgan-Cahill
camicahill@fuse.net
Daughter
3486 Meadowlark Dr
Edgewood, Ky 41018 USA
This hero is my dad. He died when I was just 4 years old. He lives forever in my heart and in the hearts of his 3 grandsons.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Manuel Pino 2/8 Bco 1st Cav-68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
F/4 CAV
OH!. I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLEY BONDS OF EARTH, AND DANCED THE SKIES ON LAUGHTER-SILVERED WINGS. WHERE NEVER LARK OR EAGLE EVER FLEW-AND WHILE WITH SILENT, LIFTING MIND I'VE TROD THE HIGH UNTRESSPASSED SANCTITY OF SPACE, PUT OUT MY HAND AND TOUCHED THE FACE OF GOD.
Friday, April 28, 2006
We Remember
Charles is buried at New Warsaw Cemetery, Warsaw, Gallatin County,KY
Do not stand at my grave and weep
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 sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Mary Frye – 1932
Posted by: Bob Ross
Relationship: Fellow Vietnam Veteran
Monday, May 2, 2005
Not forgotten
Charles, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well and thank you.
Posted by: Dave Kruger, 196th LIB. 66-67
Relationship: Fellow vet
Monday, May 2, 2005
Thank You
Many years after your death in the Vietnam War. Many Americans, myself included, want to show our appreciation for so much hard work that you put into this country to help make the United States what it is today. I thank you for your commitment to this great country, and want to thank you for dedication to a cause that most people in the United States appreciates, Our Freedom. God Bless You
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