CPT Scott Alwin
1944-08-11 1976-06-26
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.
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.
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.
tribute by Penelope J Alwin