Four men were killed when their UH-1H Huey (hull number 68-15246) was shot down: 11th Avn Co (General Support), 11th Avn Group, 1st Cav Div, USARV WO Dennis D. Bogle, Oklahoma City, OK CWO Jack D. Knepp, Big Bear City, CA 371st RR Co, 509th ASA Group, Army Sec Agency, USARV SP4 Henry N. Heide, West Palm Beach, FL SP4 James R. Smith, Moore, OK The aircraft was on a LEFT BANK radio direction finding mission near Landing Zone Buttons in Phuoc Long Province (YU 069 124) when it was shot down by ground fire. The crew was killed on impact. After their bodies were recovered the aircraft was destroyed by TACAIR to destroy classified sniffer equipment on board. NOTE: This loss is carried for the 11th GS Aviation Company. However, both Knepp and Bogle were regularly assigned to B Company, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cav Division. From his nephew, Bryan Dennis Bogle b_bogle@yahoo.com 2 Nov 2001

 

03 Sep 2002 Dennis and I shared the same birthday, December 10, 1947. We were regular kids on the Southside of Oklahoma City -- proud of it too. Went all the way through 13 years of school together. We enjoyed being Boy Scouts at the same church. Learned Amateur "Ham" Radio together -- even shared a love of music as we became teens. He played the guitar and I the drums. Went to Youth Fellowship and church camps together. Man, we always had a good time -- a good laugh. We shared a lot... Many years have passed since that day in 1968. I can still remember Dennis' last visit to our home before he left for flight school. He played with our children and talked of being an Army Aviator like his older brother. He drove away in an old Volkswagen, showing that great smile -- and a wave goodbye. I can still see him -- hear him -- what a great guy and good friend. Life isn't fair. I've had a good life. Enjoyed the love of a good wife -- experienced the joy of children and grandchildren. I got to LIVE. Living to be old men -- Old Friends ... that's the only thing we didn't get to share... God bless him. Othel Rhodes Oklahoma City, OK orhodes3@cox.net

 

10 May 2005 I'm an old Southside boy, too ... and I went to the war in May of '67. So I was just barely home when I heard about Dennis. I knew him from Southeast High ... he was a year behind me. Just one of the nicest guys around. That smile in his picture was always there... I'd just re-entered The World, when he died, so I put off my sorrow until that memorial his family put in the newspaper - what was it, 25 years later? It quoted Ecclesiastes... "There is a time...". I was sad all day ... I sat in my chair that evening and wept and wept and wept... Every Memorial Day here in OKC for the past 10 or so years I've gone to the Veterans' Memorial at the Capitol where the war dead from our state are listed and I touch their names... Dennis Bogle is one... I'll be seeing him ... someday. From a friend, Neil Newcomb Oklahoma City slickdadd@juno.com

 

10 Nov 2006 I too grew up with Dennis on the Southside of Oklahoma City. We were direct neighbors to each other and attended Shields Heights and Southeast together. My heart was broken to find that Dennis had died in that terrible war that took so many of our fine young men. I will be eternally grateful for the sacrifice that Dennis and many others made for our Country. On this Veteran's Day I shall have Dennis and others in my prayers and thoughts. To his family I send my sincere regrets for your loss. Dennis was a special guy and always treated others with respect. I remember the whistle for the Bogle boys when it was time for them to come home from our days adventures in the neighborhood. It was nice to see someone was named in Dennis' honor and I know he has to be proud of his heroic uncle. With the fondest memories from a friend and neighbor, Beverly (Waller) Cashen beverly@yellowrosedist.com

 

19 Feb 2007 I bunked with Henry and Smitty. We were all shocked when they were shot down. I don't mean to be insensitive but it was my understanding that they napalmed the chopper before the bodies were recovered. After they were shot down our planes flew over, confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were killed. There were too many Viet Cong in the area to go in after them. Because of the classified material and equipment on board they napalmed the chopper. I believe the bodies were recovered a few days later. I don't know if it really matters now. It doesn't really change anything. They were killed on impact. They were brave good men who died in support of thier country. Ron Badten ronfmsa@satx.rr.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall The gravestone pictured above marks the burial place of Warrant Officer Bogle and SP4 Heide in Site 1410-C, Section 46, of the Arlington National Cemetery.

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