Robert Wayne Vehling

Captain
162ND AHC, 13TH AVN BN, 164TH AVN GRP, 1 AVN BDE
Army of the United States
15 November 1947 - 11 January 1972
Greenwood, Indiana
Panel 02W Line 096

1 AVN BDE

UH-1 Huey

162ND AHC
Army Aviator

Purple Heart (2 awards), Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Robert Wayne Vehling

07 Sep 2005

I only knew him for three weeks before we were married. But from the first time I saw his smiling face, I knew he was different. He was an honest man who believed in what he was doing in Viet Nam. He loved his country and had decided to dedicate his life to serving in the Army.

He had an indomitable spirit which spread to all around him. After being shot during his first tour of duty and spending many months in the hospital, his physician told him that the wound he had suffered to his leg would probably keep him from walking as he had before. Bob made up his mind that he would walk as before, and he did ... he never used any kind of aid and always displayed his battle scar without reservation.

Although he has been gone for many years, in my mind's eye I can see his smiling face as it was over 34 years ago - Forever Young.

From his wife,
Sylvia A. Espinola
sespin2433@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall

Four men from the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company were killed when their UH-1C (tail number 65-09543) was shot down about 8 miles south of Ca Mau while providing gunship escort for CH-47s on a resupply sortie:
  • CPT Robert W. Vehling, Greenwood, IN
  • WO John D. Eddy, Ann Arbor, MI
  • SGT Leonard H. Mantooth, Louisville, KY
  • SP5 Gary W. Tawney, Charleston, WV




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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 08/10/2009