BALLINGER WILLIAM JOSEPH

Narrative

Dustoff 46, Major Ballinger died along with his Pilot, 1Lt Guy Bernard Ephland, Crew Chief, Spec 4 Alan Lewis Matte, and Medic, Spec 4 Kenneth Ray Rucker, while on a night hoist extraction of a US Army Green Beret Captain. The UH-1D was hovering at tree top level, hoisting the patient who was in a Stokes stretcher. It is my understanding that the aircraft was hit by an RPG. My information is based on my contact with the crew the day of their death. It was my practice to volunteer to fly "patient protector" with crews from 4th Plt 45th Dustoff, during their 3-day rotations to Quan Loi, Vietnam. On this specific mission Major Ballinger refused to allow me to accompany them on this mission. I will never forget the words, "No, you can't go, this ones to dangerous." I often wonder, what if he had said 'Yes'. Had he let me go...........well? With much gratitude and respect, William James Gunner, Quan Loi Tower 2-12/68 (aka WmJPalmer@Yahoo.com)