Steven Russell Stefanski

The database page for Steven Russell Stefanski

24 Nov 2006 Steve, we served together through some pretty bad times and times of boredom. We laughed, and at times shook in fear. I can still see you on that last day, you were gone by the time my helicopter came in. You are one of those strong memories that have stayed with me all these years. I can only hope that your sacrifice was worth it. I know you are in a peaceful place now, but I still grieve for the loss. Until we meet again, James H. Owens, Jr Former Sergeant, B Co, 1st Bn, 14th Infantry 1969-1970 jhowensjr@rcn.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 05 June 1970 the 119th Assault Helicopter Company was tasked with supporting a combat assault by B Company, 1/14th Infantry along Highway QL19 about 15 kilometers west of An Nonh, Binh Dinh Province. As UH-1H tail number 68-16354 approached the landing zone it was hit by automatic weapons fire which killed both pilots. The aircraft crashed into a stream and burned, killing one of the two remaining crewmen and four infantrymen. The dead were 119th AHC, 52nd Avn Bn, 17th Avn Group: WO Donald J. Lundequam, St Paul, MN WO Ralph S. Roussell, Bogalusa, LA SP4 Scotty R. Broadston, Lake Havasu City, AZ B Co, 1st Bn, 14th Infantry: 1LT Dennis W. Dotson, El Centro, CA SGT Robert M. Goselin, Bourbonnais, IL SGT Steven R. Stefanski, San Diego, CA PFC Robert H. Hill, Grand Rapids, MI The 119th AHC unit history describes the incident: "Today was a sad day for the Gators as they have lost friends as well as fine aviators. Gator 354 was shot down by enemy gunners and along with her she took the lives of WO Rousell, WO Lundequam, SP4 Broadston, and four soldiers from the 1/14 Infantry. The only survivor of the crash was PFC Comes, who was floundering in the water after attempting to help WO Lundequam, who had already perished. PFC Comes was fished out by WO Oliver's (pilot of another HUEY) quick to react crew chief and gunner, SP4 Almon and SP4 Bottom respectively. SP4 Almon attempted to rescue an injured and badly burned victim who was under (Editor's note: next word doesn't make sense) cerntainable, but the effort was in vain as the victim drifted in the blazing wreckage. During his attempt, SP4 Almon lost his footing and went under almost on the verge of drowning. WO Kelly jumped out of the aircraft and retrieved SP Almon. Those injured were medevaced to An Khe and the area was secured."

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 24 Nov 2006
Last updated 08/10/2009