I didn't know Phil well as he too was a transfer student. In 1964 or 1965 a gang of us were at a pool party at the Officer's Club on Scott Air Force Base. Phil was there and we all visited and had a great time. He was to ship out shortly and we all wished him well and assured him we would have a great welcome home party. It didn't happen but perhaps someday he will welcome me Home.
Phil was a really great guy. I didn't know him very well but it was always a pleasure to talk to him. He died too young defending our freedom. Thank you, Phil. You will not be forgotten.
Phil Smith Handsome, quiet, Wherever he was Dan Bretz was there also. They were like brothers. I etched Phil's name from the Viet Nam wall when it was in Hecker...June 1, 1944 to March 29, 1966 Like many of our '63 classmates he was taken from us too soon but will be remembered forever for his sacrifice in keeping our country FREE!
My friend Charlie Dixon met up with Phil in Nam, Phil was a helo pilot and as I heard they were shot down and one of his door gunners was hit pretty hard so Phil being uninjured climbed out of his door and went arround to see if he could help his crewman and steped on a mine. He could of just sat there until the rescue helo got to them but he wasn't that sort of man. God bless and Gary Owen Phil.
Randee Marshall (Rittmeyer)
I didn't know Phil well as he too was a transfer student. In 1964 or 1965 a gang of us were at a pool party at the Officer's Club on Scott Air Force Base. Phil was there and we all visited and had a great time. He was to ship out shortly and we all wished him well and assured him we would have a great welcome home party. It didn't happen but perhaps someday he will welcome me Home.
Terry Yocks
Phil was a really great guy. I didn't know him very well but it was always a pleasure to talk to him. He died too young defending our freedom. Thank you, Phil. You will not be forgotten.
Paula Hopper (Hoag)
Phil Smith Handsome, quiet, Wherever he was Dan Bretz was there also. They were like brothers. I etched Phil's name from the Viet Nam wall when it was in Hecker...June 1, 1944 to March 29, 1966 Like many of our '63 classmates he was taken from us too soon but will be remembered forever for his sacrifice in keeping our country FREE!
Gerald Nieman
My friend Charlie Dixon met up with Phil in Nam, Phil was a helo pilot and as I heard they were shot down and one of his door gunners was hit pretty hard so Phil being uninjured climbed out of his door and went arround to see if he could help his crewman and steped on a mine. He could of just sat there until the rescue helo got to them but he wasn't that sort of man. God bless and Gary Owen Phil.
Michael Hornacek
Thanks for serving, I salute and RIP Phil!
David Buckley
Thomas Frank
Some gave some for our beloved country, you gave all; you're forever young.