Rock County, WisconsinBiographies"Nolan Eugene Black" |
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NOLAN EUGENE BLACK Born in September, 1942, CW2 Nolan Black was in the Army Reserves when called to duty. He went to Ft. Bragg and learned how to fly the UH-1B helicopter gunship and was taught how to fire the rockets in preparation for Vietnam. Nolan already had 3 years military service when he arrived in-country in March, 1969, leaving his wife and young daughter behind. Originally with the 101st Airborne, he was quickly reassigned to the 48th Assault Helicopter Command (AHC) in the Central Highlands of South Vietnam. Nicknamed the "Jokers", the 48AHC was a fierce fighting force. The UH-1B's had 4 Machine Guns, and carried 24 rockets. Located out of Ban Me Thout in the Province of Darlac, their missions included support of the infamous 10th Korean Infantry, along with the US 4th Infantry Division and South Vietnamese troops. Activity near the Cambodian border was constant and the helicopter gunship support was needed hourly in this area. In October, 1969, CW2 Black had just turned 27 years old and was half-way through his tour of duty. A quiet, somewhat shy pilot, he took his job seriously and had the maturity and experience to apply the savage attacks on the enemy when required. On October 30th, the call came in that an ARVN infantry unit was in trouble and needed some air support. Tail Number 63-08587, assigned to Michael Miller was assigned to go in and help. But fate would intervene. At the last minute, Nolan was given the assignment along with pilot Maury Hearne. Two other crew members climbed aboard - crew chief Clyde Canada and gunner Douglas Lott - both from the 1st Avn Bde. Their mission was to fly south to an adjoining Province, towards the area of Bu Prang where a Special Forces Camp was located. A sister aviation group, the 155AHC were already there and needed additional backup support as the battle ensued on the ground. Over 500 VC were attacking Firebase Kate, and more firepower was needed immediately. As they approached an old Volcano near the SF Camp, they took a hit in the engine compartment from the ground that started a fire. As they started to land, another rocket propelled grenade hit them and the tail boom broke off causing the aircraft to crash and burn. Sadly, all four men died in the helicopter that day while performing their daily duty of saving other lives. Reference is made of Nolan's actions that day in Shelby Stanton's book: "Green Berets at War." In his honor, the Beloit Chapter of the Purple Heart Organization named their chapter after CW2 Nolan Black. Nolan Black's name is on the Vietnam Wall at Panel 16W, line 3. Courtesy of Bruce Swander |
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