Memorial for Clarence "Lucky" B. Brooker
Memorial for Clarence "Lucky" B. Brooker |
|
|
In Honor of Clarence "Lucky" B. Brooker
|
|
Clarence "Lucky" B. Brooker
04/26/1927 - 03/13/2008 Memorial Information From: David Larcomb - email dated: Saturday, February 28, 2009 Henry, Thank you very much for the information on "Lucky Brooker." I didn't realize he was 80. My memories are of youth and vigor, not of old age and infirmities, We were young once and were quite active. Lucky was a good pilot and brought home his aircraft and crew after many a dangerous mission. I remember the first time the enemy fired on us and he flew his lethally armed Huey (armed with rockets and 6 M-60 machine guns) into the face of the enemy. He didn't flinch or turn but went straight ahead. I gave cover and followed him into the face of the enemy. After that mission we were some where south of Pleiku near the Ia Drang Valley when a crew brought in Don Chabot. He was a Major and our first pilot to be killed. He was shot through the chest and was dying as we saw him being carried to a medical tent. Don gave us the thumbs up and then died. That left an impression on us that we were truly in war. One time Lucky brought his aircraft in that had the tail rotor shot up. He went into the death circle of uncontrollability, but somehow got the thing on the ground, albeit, upside down. But there were no causalities on that flight., Lucky was a good man, a good soldier, a good pilot, and a great leader. The only training we had was to see old WW II movies and we sort of imitated what the movie stars would have done in our situations. It is amazing that we came back. Lucky and I went on R and R to Bangkok, Thailand. He was a good friend. I was lucky to have "Lucky" for a boss and a friend. Thanks for sharing, From Henry Winther - February 27, 2009 David, My Inquiry to 170th members about Lucky Brooker found these limited details from VHPA. You might be able to find obituary information with Town, State information located. Checking 2006 VHPA Membership book confirms city and state: Brooker, Clarence "Lucky" 5199 Garaventa Dr Concord, CA 94521 However, My Internet searches only lead me to pay for obituary lookup services since the date is beyond 3 to 6 month range most newspapers keep available. Hope this helps, Henry Crewchief 170th '70-'71, 61st '71 From: Roger Weaver - Friday, February 27, 2009 George, I didn't know Lucky Brooker. Below is what I found on the VHPA website: BROOKER CLARENCE B LTC Clarence "Lucky" B. Brooker was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/13/2008 at the age of 80 Concord, CA Flight Class 54-E Date of Birth 04/26/1927 Served in the U.S. Army Served in Vietnam with 170 AHC in 65-66, 61 AHC in 67-68 Call signs in Vietnam BUC 6, LUCKY STAR 6 This information was provided by SSN search 090108 This information was last updated 01/13/2009 Please send additions or corrections to: The VHPA Webmaster Gary Roush Date posted on this site: 01/22/2009 Bikini 19 / Buc 3, Roger and OUT From: David Larcomb - Monday, February 23, 2009 Hi, I just read that Lucky Brooker passed away last year. Do you have any information on his passing. I was his wingman in 1965-66 at Pleiku in the Buccaneers. Dave 170th Memorial Page - Created from email information provided by David Larcomb |
|
|
