Charles Allen LevisColonel42ND TEWS, 388TH TFW (KORAT), 7TH AF United States Air Force 07 November 1932 - 11 September 1978 Fort Worth, Texas Panel 02W Line 128 |
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The database page for Charles Allen Levis
We survived our association with SAC's Lisa Ann/Rivet Amber aircraft which broke apart in flight near Shemya; I survived my EB-66 tour in Vietnam; most regrettably you did not. The conventional wisdom for our military lifetime was that "Old Crows" (AFSC 1575, Electronic Warfare Officer) never return as survivors from an enemy shootdown because of our substantial intelligence value to the enemy. My prayer is that you did not die as a POW, alone and known only to God. Sleep well, my friend, your fellow "Crows" still carry the flag for you. You brought honor to our profession and we salute you for your ultimate sacrifice.
From a friend, same Career Field (1575), flew same aircraft, |
Col. Levis was one of the original EWOs selected for Lisa Ann/Rivet Amber (Hughes Project #863). In 1971 Colonel Levis volunteered for a combat tour in Vietnam saying "... I just wanted to pull my oar before the War was over." He was assigned to the 42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron, 388th TFW, at Korat RTAFB, Thailand. As the HQ 388th TFW Wing Electronic Warfare Officer for Reconnaissance I got to welcome Colonel Levis aboard and introduce him to the EB-66. Six months after I rotated back to the states he was shot down by an SA-2 SAM on Easter Sunday (April 2, 1972) just south of the DMZ. Colonel Levis was flying a combat support mission (B-52 Pathfinder Escort) in an EB-66C with the call sign "Bat-21" . The only known survivor recovered was the Navigator, Lt Col Iceal Hambleton. Colonel Levis was more than an outstanding EWO and gentleman. He was a friend. He was also one of the nicest men I ever had the privilege of knowing and working with. He will be missed by all that knew him.
From a friend and fellow SAC/TAC EWO, |
My brothers and I were children in the neighborhood where Colonel Levis lived. I recall he was a father who would play with all the kids in the neighborhood. No one was left out. He would buy ice cream from the ice cream man for all the kids. He was not only a brave warrior but a kind man. I'm 42 now but have thought of him often through the years...
From a friend, |
Charles Levis was a crew member of my dad's B-52 crew at Loring AFB, Maine during the early 60s. I remember him as a smart, kind man who loved his family and his country. Every year I teach the novel The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien, and I ask my students to find and honor one fallen American from this website. I choose Charlie every year. We remember him with love and respect for his service to his country and for the sacrifice he made.
Nancy Wooten Rice |
I never knew this man, but wear his red Vietnam MIA bracelet often. When I requested the bracelet many years ago, I wanted something to remember the war by, and I thought sponsoring someone who was there was a good way to do it. I often think about Charles, but he was never real to me. He was someone who was there and did his part. Today I decided to do a little research on the net to see what I could find out about this man, and found this site. Charles is now very real to me, thanks to the kind words left by friends. To anyone who knew this man, my most sincere regret for your loss. The words you all have placed here make him seem the type of man any person would be honored to know, myself now included. His memory and all others lost with him will never be forgotten.
Andi Brodsky |
I have Charles Levis' silver bracelet. We share the remembering.
Jim Denning |
A Note from The Virtual WallOn 02 Apr 1972 two EB-66 electronic warfare aircraft departed Korat RTAFB in Thailand to provide EW support to B-52 bombers operating south of the DMZ. BAT 21 was lead with BAT 22 as number two. The "Easter Offensive" had just begun and very large North Vietnamese forces were moving south through the DMZ.Although numerous SA-2 missiles were fired at the B-52s, there were no hits ... until BAT 21 was hit while turning south to vacate the target area. The stricken EB-66 broke up at about 18,000 feet, but only one crewman - navigator Lt Col Iceal Hambleton - was able to parachute to safety on the ground. The safety was illusory, though, since Hambleton landed in the midst of the south-bound NVA forces. SAR and strike aircraft supported Hambleton as he moved south toward a pick-up point, but it soon became apparent that the area was simply too "hot" for SAR helicopter operations. After 11 days of travel by night, Hambleton was able to join up with a South Vietnamese SEAL team led by US Navy Lieutenant Tom Norris and was successfully rescued. The downing of BAT 21 and the subsequent SAR efforts were costly in terms of aircraft and aircrews:
Note: Lt Col Levis had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts on the RC-135E (Special Order GB-33 dated 30 Jan 68 from the Department of the Air Force). |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 14 Nov 2002
Last updated 08/10/2009