Gary Leroy Holz
Corporal
A CO, 227TH ASLT HELO BN, 11TH AVN GROUP, 1ST CAV DIV, USARV Army of the United States Auburn, Washington May 17, 1945 to October 08, 1967 GARY L HOLZ is on the Wall at Panel 27E, Line 73 |
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I would like those who did not know my big brother, my hero, to know a little bit about him. Gary L. Holz was my big brother and my friend. He always treated me kindly, and looked out for me as we were growing up. I beat him to Vietnam and I think that may have upset him a little as he had to take care of me in his own mind. I was with the 4th Infantry Division as an 11B10, Rifleman, I was based out of the Michelin Rubber Plantation in 1966/67. Gary was a door gunner with the 1st Cav and he was very proud of his unit, as I was, our unit had taken heavy losses and Gary was very concerned about me, I do believe he came to Vietnam, so I could go home. On 05 Oct 67 on approach to the LZ at Phan-Thiet Vietnam his chopper turned onto its side and fell to earth and exploded upon impact. Gary was found leaning up against a bunker burned and in shock, he died on 08 Oct 67. I was told of his death about 5 days later. I was then sent home to be with my parents before his body arrived home, this was very hard on my parents and me as we waited for Gary to come home. Gary left a 2 year old son, Marty Holz, at home - he has grown into a fine man and a father. I know that Gary would have been very proud of him. I miss my Big brother, and I know that he is with his buddies and with God now, but the hurt and the pain will never leave me as I remember Vietnam like it all happened yesterday. I would like to thank the founders of the "The Virtual Wall" for what they are doing, and may all of those who gave all, "May They All Rest in Peace". Thank You.
Ron Holz When we were young, my big brother Gary (right) and me (left)
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Based on e-mails received 19 Aug 2003 from an eye-witness, Tom Johnson, and a researcher, Bruce Swander, the circumstances were as follow:
Pfc Holz was the only survivor, but died of wounds sustained three days later on 8 Oct 1967.
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Gary was in the "Gearlords" car club in his home town of Auburn, Washington. He helped make it a great club, all the club members felt a great loss with Gary's passing. We are very proud to have been Gary's friends. Forever Gearlords
From the founder of the "Gearlords" car club and a fellow Vietnam vet, |
A Note from The Virtual WallOn 05 Oct 1967 a new UH-1H (tail number 66-16803) of Company A, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, was in formation flight on final approach. At approximately 100 feet altitude, the aircraft pitched up to 90 degrees nose high attitude, rolled right, crashed inverted, and burned. Although the aircraft crashed into a troop area, only one person on the ground was injured - but all four crewmen died:
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