A DAY IN AIRPOWER HISTORY - 1/27/1973

Chapter member Mark Tarpley recalls, “On January 27, 1973 the last Enlisted person was killed in the Vietnam War. It was John Rucker and it happened at DaNang AB in South Vietnam. I was there and he was in my squadron. I remember the rocket attack and it hit Gunfighter Village where our barracks were located. From what I learned the 122 mm Rocket struck through the roof of his building and detonated in his room while he was asleep. He was a Crew Chief on the AC-119K, the aircraft I flew during Vietnam. Our AC-119 Gunship Association sent a note out today recalling this happening. This is a reminder that the wounds of war last a long time. This is why our association includes honoring our heritage and it remains a major part of what we do as an association.”