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On a cloudy and rainy Wednesday (Oct. 4, 2017), approximately
40 people attended a special ceremony to recognize those who flew the
C-7A Caribou during the Southeast Asia War.
A plaque highlighting the mission of the C-7A and commemorating those
who lost their lives during combat missions was unveiled by United States
Air Force Academy graduates Gordon Bredvik ’63 and Tom Smith ’70.
One hundred Academy graduates flew the C-7A in Vietnam — one from
the Class of 1959, four from 1961, two from 1962, 12 from 1963, seven
from 1964, 15 from 1966, 11 from 1967, 28 from 1968, 14 from 1969 and
six from 1970.
A total of 40 C-7 crew members lost their lives in combat missions during
the war, including two USAFA graduates: Capt. Robert Bull II ’61
and 1st Lt. Theron Fehrenbach II ’68.
The C-7A plaque is the 13th unit plaque added to the Unit Wall at the
SEA Pavilion along the Association of Graduate’s Heritage Trail
adjacent to Doolittle Hall. The plaque project was made possible by
27 donors who provided the financial backing to get it accomplished.
According to the plaque dedication emcee, Bruce Buono ’68, the
Air Force used the C-7A in the Vietnam War for about six years, supplying
Army, Marine and other customers with weapons, troops and critical supplies.
“We risked our own safety by supporting our troops on the ground,”
Buono said.
What made the C-7A unique was its ability to land on short and unimproved
runways, Buono explained, and to deliver supplies to troops who were
closest to the enemy front or at isolated outposts.
“We all had a mission to do, and ours was to resupply,” he
said. “I think this plaque is a good addition to this wonderful
pavilion.”
Courtesy
of Ryan Hall | Photography & Video Specialist
Association of Graduates | United States Air Force Academy
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