Memorials
Scott Alwin
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CPT Scott Alwin
Birth Date:
1944-08-11
Deceased Date:
1976-06-26
Obituary:
CPT Scott Robinson Alwin served in Vietnam for 5 years (‘67-‘72) as a combat helicopter pilot, most of which were flying guns. He served with the 68th AHC continuously from mid 1967 until mid 1970. After taking a short extension leave in 1970, Scott returned to Vietnam in January 1971 to serve one more year with the 119th AHC. He served most of those years as a Warrant Officer.
In 1970 Scott Alwin was given a direct commission to 1st Lieutenant. Scott was awarded 207 air medals, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, a DFC, multiple purple hearts, and several distinguished Vietnam Republic medals. To those in the 68th AHC who flew alongside him, Scott was already a legend long before being recognized by the U. S. Army as one of its greatest war time pilot heroes. Incredibly, CPT Scott Alwin accumulated close to 5,000 flight hours, most of which were logged as combat time. Scott was undoubtedly a Great American Hero in the truest sense of the meaning of an “American Hero.”
Towards the end of his 5 combat tours he married a very cute and sweet South Vietnamese girl (Du Thi Duong, known today as “Tess) who worked in the 68th O’Club for many years. Tess and Scott had two children, both of whom are successful American citizens.
Sadly, and somewhat ironic for someone with such a long and distinguished combat career, Scott was killed by a drunk driver on 26 June 1976 while stationed at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield. Born in August, 1944, Scott was only 31 years old!
We at the 68th AHC were most fortunate to serve alongside this bigger than life U.S. Army Rotary Wing Aviator. Indeed, Scott has become a very important part of our unit’s history. For those who actually flew on gunship missions alongside Scott you must feel especially proud.
One of the photos here is from 68th AHC 2019 Reunion in which we were blessed by Tess’s attendance. Tess is an amazingly strong woman, a loving mother, and a proud American citizen.
CPT Scott Robinson Alwin served in Vietnam for 5 years (‘67-‘72) as a combat helicopter pilot, most of which were flying guns. He served with the 68th AHC continuously from mid 1967 until mid 1970. After taking a short extension leave in 1970, Scott returned to Vietnam in January 1971 to serve one more year with the 119th AHC. He served most of those years as a Warrant Officer.
In 1970 Scott Alwin was given a direct commission to 1st Lieutenant. Scott was awarded 207 air medals, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters, a DFC, multiple purple hearts, and several distinguished Vietnam Republic medals. To those in the 68th AHC who flew alongside him, Scott was already a legend long before being recognized by the U. S. Army as one of its greatest war time pilot heroes. Incredibly, CPT Scott Alwin accumulated close to 5,000 flight hours, most of which were logged as combat time. Scott was undoubtedly a Great American Hero in the truest sense of the meaning of an “American Hero.”
Towards the end of his 5 combat tours he married a very cute and sweet South Vietnamese girl (Du Thi Duong, known today as “Tess) who worked in the 68th O’Club for many years. Tess and Scott had two children, both of whom are successful American citizens.
Sadly, and somewhat ironic for someone with such a long and distinguished combat career, Scott was killed by a drunk driver on 26 June 1976 while stationed at Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield. Born in August, 1944, Scott was only 31 years old!
We at the 68th AHC were most fortunate to serve alongside this bigger than life U.S. Army Rotary Wing Aviator. Indeed, Scott has become a very important part of our unit’s history. For those who actually flew on gunship missions alongside Scott you must feel especially proud.
One of the photos here is from 68th AHC 2019 Reunion in which we were blessed by Tess’s attendance. Tess is an amazingly strong woman, a loving mother, and a proud American citizen.
Penelope J Alwin
- October 23rd, 2021
My tribute is to you for writing this and to all the 68th AHC members we have had the privilege and honor to get to know the past 5 years. I have been humbled by your willingness to share experiences and history with our family. You gave us a gift of knowing our brother in a period of his life we were not able to share much about with him due to his early passing.. I honor and salute you all!
Penny, Scott’s older sister by 15 months.
Edward Burns (H)
Birth Date:
1947-04-16
Deceased Date:
2023-05-10
Obituary:
dward Harmon Burns, III , age 76, of Kennett Square, PA., passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in Christiana Hospital.
Some lives cannot be completely captured by the written word. Ed Burns, whose loss is grieved by so many, lived such a life. As a raconteur, he could fill the room with his stories. He lived a life that was captured in the two biographies he wrote memorializing them.
Ed was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in West Springfield, Massachusetts where he developed a lifelong devotion to its culture and, of course, the Red Sox. His character was further defined through his experience as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam conflict as well as almost 30 years in the National Guard as a pilot, scout and instructor. He served his country valiantly and continued his passion for flight and his country for most of his life. His commitment and compassion for those with whom he served was exemplified by his lifelong connections to his crew and his units. This sense of loyalty and devotion to others endeared him to those who worked, played, and socialized with him.
Ed approached anything he tried with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication. This list includes his dream of rowing in Boston’s Head of the Charles regatta, driving race cars at multiple tracks, pursuing his love of the game of golf (very often with his brother Jim), supporting the Wilmington Rowing Center, actively participating in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the West Springfield Youth Sports Association fundraising golf tournament, becoming an expert on solar power, and much more. His professional life was defined by his engineering degree from U Mass and his many roles as a senior engineer at the DuPont Company.
His life was full of adventure and risk but he would tell anyone who asked that his life was fulfilled the day he met Betsy Rowland, his bride of 38 years and lifelong companion, partner, and reliable compass whenever he needed a course correction. His family, sons Ed and Tom, became part of his and Betsy’s journey that took them across the Atlantic to live and learn in Switzerland and explore the European continent. Their love of travel sustained them through the years with adventures that took them to exotic and romantic venues around the world.
Their family expanded over the years with the addition of their daughter-in-law Lindsay and three grandchildren who added to their joy and commitment to family. Nothing exhibited the commitment more than Ed’s frequent trips to New England to visit his siblings and their families. Ed’s legacy of family, friendship, and compassion will transcend this sad time. His warmth, spirit of adventure, and commitment to his country will endure through all those fortunate enough to have been part of his journey.
Ed’s survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Rowland, his sons, Edward and Thomas, his daughter-in-law Lindsay Fay (Fleming) Burns, his sisters, Katherine (Burns) Dupuis, Lexine (Burns) Detz and Roberta (Burns) MacNaughton, his brother, James Burns, his grandchildren, Elyza, Sylvia and Levi, and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Christine (Lancaster) Burns and his sister, Georgia (Burns) Maloni.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday May 21, 2023 at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington where friends and family may visit from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Interment will be private.0
dward Harmon Burns, III , age 76, of Kennett Square, PA., passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 in Christiana Hospital.
Some lives cannot be completely captured by the written word. Ed Burns, whose loss is grieved by so many, lived such a life. As a raconteur, he could fill the room with his stories. He lived a life that was captured in the two biographies he wrote memorializing them.
Ed was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in West Springfield, Massachusetts where he developed a lifelong devotion to its culture and, of course, the Red Sox. His character was further defined through his experience as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam conflict as well as almost 30 years in the National Guard as a pilot, scout and instructor. He served his country valiantly and continued his passion for flight and his country for most of his life. His commitment and compassion for those with whom he served was exemplified by his lifelong connections to his crew and his units. This sense of loyalty and devotion to others endeared him to those who worked, played, and socialized with him.
Ed approached anything he tried with passion, enthusiasm, and dedication. This list includes his dream of rowing in Boston’s Head of the Charles regatta, driving race cars at multiple tracks, pursuing his love of the game of golf (very often with his brother Jim), supporting the Wilmington Rowing Center, actively participating in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the West Springfield Youth Sports Association fundraising golf tournament, becoming an expert on solar power, and much more. His professional life was defined by his engineering degree from U Mass and his many roles as a senior engineer at the DuPont Company.
His life was full of adventure and risk but he would tell anyone who asked that his life was fulfilled the day he met Betsy Rowland, his bride of 38 years and lifelong companion, partner, and reliable compass whenever he needed a course correction. His family, sons Ed and Tom, became part of his and Betsy’s journey that took them across the Atlantic to live and learn in Switzerland and explore the European continent. Their love of travel sustained them through the years with adventures that took them to exotic and romantic venues around the world.
Their family expanded over the years with the addition of their daughter-in-law Lindsay and three grandchildren who added to their joy and commitment to family. Nothing exhibited the commitment more than Ed’s frequent trips to New England to visit his siblings and their families. Ed’s legacy of family, friendship, and compassion will transcend this sad time. His warmth, spirit of adventure, and commitment to his country will endure through all those fortunate enough to have been part of his journey.
Ed’s survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Rowland, his sons, Edward and Thomas, his daughter-in-law Lindsay Fay (Fleming) Burns, his sisters, Katherine (Burns) Dupuis, Lexine (Burns) Detz and Roberta (Burns) MacNaughton, his brother, James Burns, his grandchildren, Elyza, Sylvia and Levi, and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Christine (Lancaster) Burns and his sister, Georgia (Burns) Maloni.
A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm on Sunday May 21, 2023 at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington where friends and family may visit from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Interment will be private.0
There are currently no tributes.
Stan Christian
Birth Date:
1945-08-17
Deceased Date:
2020-12-02
Obituary:
As we approach our 2021 68th Assault Helicopter Reunion I want to honor one of our fellow Army Aviators giving him the recognition he so soundly deserves. Most of us remember him as Captain Christian, Capt Stan Christian. Stan was Mustang 6 in 1969, following Cpt Lee Daniels command and preceding Cpt Sid King’s command.
Of course he deserves all the honor and respect for his service to his Country and our Company as any value t soldier is due. but he deserves so much more a special recognition for what he contributed to in perpetuating the history and legacy of 68th AHC. Few 68th AHC veterans know that Stan was in fact the original Founder of our Top Tiger and Mustang reunions. He personally organized, managed, and hosted the very first Reunion at his Oklahoma private lakeside residence. It was held in the hot summer of 1998. And believe you me it was a hot one. Just ask those few brave Top Tigers and one Mustang that thought it would be fun to camp out and pitch a tent!
We all sat around outside in lawn chairs under the few shade trees his yard had to offer. And as hot as it still was when the sun went down, the 12 in attendance formed a circle of chairs around around a camp fire and exchanged war stories until the early hours of the morning. The big highlight of the evening was when some of the guys put on a slide show filled with action photos. There laughs too. Some of crew antics were there in their R rated glory. You guessed it. The usual suspects were Mustangs!
As the war story telling heated up, I was amazed at how some could argue with intense passion over what the LZ coordinates were where an assault or combat action occurred. But all disputes were settled peacefully. The resident authority for executing final judgement when disputes arose over places, dates, names and, yes, coordinates was retired LTC George Manly. I swear George had a terabyte of 68th AHC hard memory stored in his brain. How he remembered all that data for all those years astounds me to this day. We miss you George!
We even got some local press. Stan made sure that his townspeople knew that about a dozen of America’s finest were guests’ in his town . The locals were excited to meet some real live U.S. Army Vietnam combat aviators. They humbled us with their admiration and respect for those who served and solemn honor for those who gave it all.
Stan May have left our presence on this Earth but he is certainly going to be us this week in spirit. Stan was one of God’s personalities that seemed bigger than life itself. Big smile. Big enthusiasm. Big laugh. Big compassion. Big in all ways good! Indeed. We will miss you Captain Christian! May God comfort you in your eternal life and bless your loved ones with peace.
As we approach our 2021 68th Assault Helicopter Reunion I want to honor one of our fellow Army Aviators giving him the recognition he so soundly deserves. Most of us remember him as Captain Christian, Capt Stan Christian. Stan was Mustang 6 in 1969, following Cpt Lee Daniels command and preceding Cpt Sid King’s command.
Of course he deserves all the honor and respect for his service to his Country and our Company as any value t soldier is due. but he deserves so much more a special recognition for what he contributed to in perpetuating the history and legacy of 68th AHC. Few 68th AHC veterans know that Stan was in fact the original Founder of our Top Tiger and Mustang reunions. He personally organized, managed, and hosted the very first Reunion at his Oklahoma private lakeside residence. It was held in the hot summer of 1998. And believe you me it was a hot one. Just ask those few brave Top Tigers and one Mustang that thought it would be fun to camp out and pitch a tent!
We all sat around outside in lawn chairs under the few shade trees his yard had to offer. And as hot as it still was when the sun went down, the 12 in attendance formed a circle of chairs around around a camp fire and exchanged war stories until the early hours of the morning. The big highlight of the evening was when some of the guys put on a slide show filled with action photos. There laughs too. Some of crew antics were there in their R rated glory. You guessed it. The usual suspects were Mustangs!
As the war story telling heated up, I was amazed at how some could argue with intense passion over what the LZ coordinates were where an assault or combat action occurred. But all disputes were settled peacefully. The resident authority for executing final judgement when disputes arose over places, dates, names and, yes, coordinates was retired LTC George Manly. I swear George had a terabyte of 68th AHC hard memory stored in his brain. How he remembered all that data for all those years astounds me to this day. We miss you George!
We even got some local press. Stan made sure that his townspeople knew that about a dozen of America’s finest were guests’ in his town . The locals were excited to meet some real live U.S. Army Vietnam combat aviators. They humbled us with their admiration and respect for those who served and solemn honor for those who gave it all.
Stan May have left our presence on this Earth but he is certainly going to be us this week in spirit. Stan was one of God’s personalities that seemed bigger than life itself. Big smile. Big enthusiasm. Big laugh. Big compassion. Big in all ways good! Indeed. We will miss you Captain Christian! May God comfort you in your eternal life and bless your loved ones with peace.
There are currently no tributes.
CWO Glenn Haukeness
Birth Date:
1948-09-09
Deceased Date:
1969-06-19
Obituary:
When a close friendship is born during military service on a foreign battlefield, it takes on an intensity in the relationship not experienced anywhere else in one’s life journey. That is why you see the eyes of your combat Veteran loved one light up with a brightness of joy or quickly dim down with tears of sadness when they reminisce about their best military buddy found during their war. If they were lucky, those close combat friends survived and stayed with them in life as they left the soldiering behind. But, tragically, some were suddenly lost forever in the heat of a firefight on some foreign battlefield. Never again to share a beer or laugh at a stupid joke.
Today, I choose to honor one of my closest Vietnam combat friends, CWO Glenn Haukeness, esteemed Mustang gunship pilot. Although I only knew Glenn for a few months of the many months in my long life, the intensity that came with being a U.S. Army Helicopter pilot during my service in South Vietnam created a fond memory of friendship that has withstood the test of time. Etched in my heart forever. KIA on June 19, 1969, CWO Glenn “The Hawk” and his crew were honored a week after their loss at the Bien Hoa Army Chapel. The Memorial Ceremony was made especially poignant when a missing man flyover of C-125’s trailing purple smoke was conducted by the U.S. Air Force “Ranch Hands” Squadron as members of the 68th AHC stood in formation outside the Chapel. The Ranch Hands honored Glenn because many in their unit had come to know him well. Glenn, The Hawk, would frequent the Bien Hoa USAF Officers Club, drinking his favorite Red Beer (Budweiser and tomato juice) as he playfully entertained the AF pilots with his “No Shit” helicopter gunship pilot war stories. The Hawk often had the Ranch Hand AF pilots sitting there at the bar’s biggest round table on the edge of their seats. There they were, adorned in their perfectly fitted pristine flight suits adorned with their bright purple scarves, hanging onto the Hawk’s every word. And then there he was, the Hawk, the glorious 68th AHC gunship pilot sitting there in his sweaty, faded, worn out jungle fatigues savoring every moment. I know, I was there. Even on the night before Glenn was KIA I was there with him as he held high court with the Ranch Hands one last time.
When Glenn was Killed In Action on June, 19, 1969, he was “Short” with only about 20 days left on his tour of duty in Vietnam. The day he died was supposed to be his day off. But, early that morning, Glenn was scrambled to lead a gun mission. The Hawk was sent out on a mission to aid a small Base Camp in the middle of a nowhere jungle that was being overrun by VC. Glenn and his entire crew were lost as he banked away after a gun run and was struck broadside by a Viet Cong RPG. Lost also on that day was CWO Robert Williams, Sgt Richard Baca, and SP-4 Alan Rouchon. It was a sad, sad day for the 68th Assault Helicopter Company.
So, here’s to you CWO GLENN HAUKENESS: A big “Red Eye” toast to the young and brave UH-1C 68th AHC Mustang Gun Pilot!
CWO GLENN “THE HAWK” YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!
When a close friendship is born during military service on a foreign battlefield, it takes on an intensity in the relationship not experienced anywhere else in one’s life journey. That is why you see the eyes of your combat Veteran loved one light up with a brightness of joy or quickly dim down with tears of sadness when they reminisce about their best military buddy found during their war. If they were lucky, those close combat friends survived and stayed with them in life as they left the soldiering behind. But, tragically, some were suddenly lost forever in the heat of a firefight on some foreign battlefield. Never again to share a beer or laugh at a stupid joke.
Today, I choose to honor one of my closest Vietnam combat friends, CWO Glenn Haukeness, esteemed Mustang gunship pilot. Although I only knew Glenn for a few months of the many months in my long life, the intensity that came with being a U.S. Army Helicopter pilot during my service in South Vietnam created a fond memory of friendship that has withstood the test of time. Etched in my heart forever. KIA on June 19, 1969, CWO Glenn “The Hawk” and his crew were honored a week after their loss at the Bien Hoa Army Chapel. The Memorial Ceremony was made especially poignant when a missing man flyover of C-125’s trailing purple smoke was conducted by the U.S. Air Force “Ranch Hands” Squadron as members of the 68th AHC stood in formation outside the Chapel. The Ranch Hands honored Glenn because many in their unit had come to know him well. Glenn, The Hawk, would frequent the Bien Hoa USAF Officers Club, drinking his favorite Red Beer (Budweiser and tomato juice) as he playfully entertained the AF pilots with his “No Shit” helicopter gunship pilot war stories. The Hawk often had the Ranch Hand AF pilots sitting there at the bar’s biggest round table on the edge of their seats. There they were, adorned in their perfectly fitted pristine flight suits adorned with their bright purple scarves, hanging onto the Hawk’s every word. And then there he was, the Hawk, the glorious 68th AHC gunship pilot sitting there in his sweaty, faded, worn out jungle fatigues savoring every moment. I know, I was there. Even on the night before Glenn was KIA I was there with him as he held high court with the Ranch Hands one last time.
When Glenn was Killed In Action on June, 19, 1969, he was “Short” with only about 20 days left on his tour of duty in Vietnam. The day he died was supposed to be his day off. But, early that morning, Glenn was scrambled to lead a gun mission. The Hawk was sent out on a mission to aid a small Base Camp in the middle of a nowhere jungle that was being overrun by VC. Glenn and his entire crew were lost as he banked away after a gun run and was struck broadside by a Viet Cong RPG. Lost also on that day was CWO Robert Williams, Sgt Richard Baca, and SP-4 Alan Rouchon. It was a sad, sad day for the 68th Assault Helicopter Company.
So, here’s to you CWO GLENN HAUKENESS: A big “Red Eye” toast to the young and brave UH-1C 68th AHC Mustang Gun Pilot!
CWO GLENN “THE HAWK” YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN!!
There are currently no tributes.