Ladies and Gentlemen:

I may have lost my mind.

I know that some of you may have suspected that when we were together over 40 years ago, but it now appears that it could actually be true. For those of you who did not know me then, I was CE on Gator 834 for Mike Bonthuis in 1st Flight for several months in early 1969, went home in June 69.

I have decided to write the history of the 119th Assault Helicopter Company (Airmobile Light), to include the 81st Transportation Company (Light Helicopter) and the 25th Infantry Division SHOTGUN door gunner detachments.

My best guess is that it is probably going to take me three to five years, and my approach is going to make that estimate worse. The history of our unit(s) from 1962 through 1970 is really the history of the war in the Highlands, and the Highlands were the key to the whole war in Vietnam. I plan to attempt to make the book about how the history of the 119th parallels the overall war in the Highlands. Also, I intend to insert many individual (first-person) anecdotes as sidebars, funny or sad, as often as possible throughout the book.

I need your help.

I need your memories, but I also need any documents, orders, letters, or anything else you may have that establishes names and dates. I prefer copies, but if you send me original documents, I promise to return them to you.

I will be at the 119th reunion at VHCMA Atlanta in June, and I am looking forward to seeing everybody there. Also, you can call me anytime, email or mail to me. Again, anything you send me, I will guard carefully and return to you. All of my contact information is below.

The history of the 119th is the history of the war in the Highlands. I intend to do the best job possible to put our story on paper while we still can get that done with first-person information. I will appreciate any help you might be able to give me. If you phone, the (C)ellphone number below, 860-256-7527, is the best way to get me.

Bob Kilpatrick
22 West Point Rd
East Hampton CT 06424
860-256-7527 (C)
860-267-8173 (H)
860-267-1753 (Fax)
hosco6@aol.com