Alan Partridge had only been in Vietnam for three months. He was flying transport helicopters and getting shot at pretty regularly. Vernon LeQuieu was the instructor of the scout pilot unit. Scouts flew the OH-6 “Loach” and were among the Army’s most maneuverable helicopters in Vietnam, they were also among the most vulnerable due to their low flight paths to spot the enemy and draw fire. LeQuieu was constantly trying to backfill his ranks. Partridge came to him on a Monday and said, “I’d like to be a scout pilot, because if I’m going to get shot at, I’d like to be able to shoot back”. LeQuieu was more than happy to take him on. They started flying together right away with LeQuieu as the pilot/instructor and Partridge as the observer. They flew together for five days until, on the fifth day, they were scheduled to fly a last light mission near Camp Eagle just outside of Hue, Vietnam. Partridge told LeQuieu, “I’d like to fly today.” LeQuieu consented. Partridge was in the pilot seat and LeQuieu was the observer. They were flying over a heavily forested hillside and started taking on ground fire. The helicopter was hit several times. As they continued to fly, LeQuieu could see they were headed straight for a tree that was sticking up higher than the rest of the forest canopy, “Partridge, tree ahead!” When he didn’t respond he looked over and saw Partridge had been hit. LeQuieu was not able to get control of the helicopter in time to avoid hitting the tree. The helicopter crashed, fell deep into the canopy of trees, rolled several times, and caught fire (GPS or crash site 16.181690, 107.749481). LeQuieu knew there were explosives onboard, and he had to get out quickly. He had suffered a broken pelvis and had several other injuries from the crash, but was able to crawl on his elbows out of the helicopter and get far enough away from the wreck. LeQuieu was safely extracted before the helicopter went up in a huge fireball. Vernon LeQuieu retired and moved to Idaho. Unbeknownst to him, Alan's daughter lived less than five miles away. Through divine intervention or serendipity, they were able to meet before Vernon passed in 2019. Alan is buried in Simi Valley Public Cemetery. Vernon is buried at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Daddy, you are loved and missed by your family. Until we meet again, I will continue to honor your memory, serve veterans, and try to make you proud. Your daughter, Dana

Dana Partridge, Daughter