Tony Pakutinski, Gunner

18th SOS, NKP Thailand, Bien Hoa, Da Nang Vietnam, 1972-73

In 1971, I enlisted in the USAF and was proudly re-born as a Weapons Mechanic (46230). Within three months after getting my first assignment, to Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, I volunteered for the Gunship Program. I was assigned to the last AC-119K Ariel Gunner Class, at Hurlburt Field, FL on July 72. Thank you, Newbold, and Boyd, for your Training! Lt. Col. Dick Ring was my class leader. I completed the stateside survival schools at Homestead and Fairchild then started my journey to NKP. I completed Jungle Survival at Clark AB enroute. As it turns out, most of my class was re-assigned enroute, due to the progressing peace talks and the inevitable end of the war. (Approximately six personnel from my class made the PCS!).

At this point, a lot of the Stinger Gunships and personnel were in Bien Hoa and Da Nang. The 18th SOS still maintained a presence at NKP. I languished for a week before going TDY to Bien Hoa to complete my In-Country Check-Ride!

On 26 November 1972, I was the ‘last in-country qualified gunner’, during a 2.5-hour mission. Thank You Leroy Jackson! On 01 January 73, We were assigned to Da Nang AB. Due to the 18th SOS deactivation on 30 December 1972, we were reassigned to the 6498th Base Defense Division (BDD). We were flying SPs, and proud of it! But, at least, they let us keep wearing the Stinger Hat! There were a few Rocket and Mortar attacks, providing just enough stories to tell the grandchildren.

On January 27, 1973, 11 hours before the cease fire took effect, during a Rocket Attack, Sergeant John “O’Neal” Rucker (18th SOS Maintenance), became the last American who died at Da Nang AB during the Vietnam War, and the war’s last enlisted casualty. In March 1973, I left Da Nang a little older and wiser. Flying the AC-119K Stinger and being part of the 18th SOS has been with me for over 50 years, throughout my military Career! I appreciate every minute, my brothers, and all the memories.