Charles Vernon Morgan

Specialist Four
F TROOP, 4TH CAV RGT, 1 AVN BDE
Army of the United States
08 November 1944 - 02 May 1972
Warsaw, Kentucky
Panel 01W Line 011

1 AVN BDE UH-1 Huey 4TH CAV RGT
Army Aircrew

Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign
Charles V Morgan

The database page for Charles Vernon Morgan

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
ccahill0001@kctcs.edu

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 youg 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
Reproduced under 17 USC �107

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
Reproduced under 17 USC �107

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
Reproduced under 17 USC �107

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




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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